Beyond the Bars in Cañon City, Colorado

The Royal Gorge Bridge spans the cliffs of the Royal Gorge. For several decades it was the world's highest bridge. Courtesy of the Royal Gorge Region

Quite a few out-of-towners spend time in Cañon City, but not for the right reasons.

While this smallish city in south-central Colorado is within driving distance of fast-growing Colorado Springs and the former steel city of Pueblo, it is hardly a bedroom community for commuters.