Fall Flavor: Colorado Springs

From sipping on locally crafted brews and wines to making your own goat cheese, Colorado Springs is the perfect fall destination. Discover fresh produce from local farmers and visit historic landmarks. Apple picking and pumpkin hunting are among the hands-on tours and experiences to choose from.

The Goat Cheese Lady opens up her acreage to visiting guests. Whether you're learning the basics of making goat, soft and mozzarella cheese, baking bread or even crafting goat's milk soap and lotion, the hands-on experience is often followed by a farm-fresh brunch. Farm-to-table dinners are offered on-site, throughout autumn months.

Become a Locavore at Venetucci Family Farm. Located on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs, Venetucci Farm is 190 acres of historic urban land known as the "Pumpkin Farm." Take free self-guided tours Tuesday through Saturday. Volunteer opportunities are available April through October.

The spirited history of the West comes to life at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Here you can explore the lifestyles and homes of the Pikes Peak Region's early inhabitants. Knowledgeable interpreters will assist on your journey. Special events include sheep shearing, meat processing and onsite festivals.

Colon Orchards is a fourth-generation farm located in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Produce includes heritage apples, a large selection of pumpkins, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and more. The farm stand is open July through December. Group tours are available.

Take a brew tour at Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. or Triple S Brewing. Enjoy a tasting at Distillery 291 or The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey.

There are a number of ways to savor the region's local flavors. Find more tours, group activities and must-see attractions at VisitCOS.com/Tour.

Photo courtesy of Gaylon Wampler Photography.