Springs rates as state's top overnight pleasure destination

Colorado Springs continues to be a huge draw for in-state tourism, according to a survey of the Centennial State's most popular attractions developed by Longwoods International. The Springs was No. 1 on the list of overnight pleasure trips -- just ahead of Boulder and Estes Park -- with Pikes Peak fourth, Garden of the Gods tied for eighth and Manitou Springs 17th. The Denver metro area's top three attractions all have more to do with shopping than any real sightseeing with the Lodo Historic District followed by the 16th Street Mall, Outlets at Castle Rock, Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Colorado Mills Shopping Mall. The Denver Zoo is sixth in the metro area.