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Archive for the 'Attractions & Activities' Category
Visit Colorado Springs
55 ways to enjoy visiting Colorado Springs
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Related Articles:
- 21 Hidden Gems of Colorado Springs, #1 The Gardens at Monument Valley Park
- 21 Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs, #2 Monument Valley Park
- Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs Parks, #3 North Cheyenne Canon Park
- Garden of the Gods Park, the crown jewel of Colorado Springs
- Check out some Colorado Springs Hiking Trails
Since I used to be in tourism and hospitality before I got into real estate, I always keep a pulse on what’s going on with different tourist attractions in the city and continue to be a member of the Colorado Springs Convention and Tourism Bureau. Since I’ve lived in the area for over 30 years, I still enjoy visiting some of the attractions and usually have family come visit 3 or 4 times year; hence the new attractions list they published was a good reminder for me of the many things to do in the area.
There were even some things on the list that I didn’t know about, like the Wind Walker Challenger Course at the Cave of the Winds and the Olive Tap store in Manitou Springs.
They’ve put together a fun promotion called 55 attractions in 5 days. Sounds like an amazingly crazy schedule, but as I looked through options it did look like it was doable.
Here’s the link to 55 attractions in 55 days in Colorado Springs
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To find out more information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, call ….
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Let the Festivals Begin
Wondering what to do this Memorial weekend in Colorado Springs area?
Here’s a quick recap of my favorite festivals
Downtown Denver Arts Festival – The Downtown Denver Arts Festival is dedicated to supporting and showcasing Colorado artists. Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual![images[6]](http://coloradospringsvintagehomes.com/files/2011/05/images6.jpg)
premier event each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Pavilions. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features over 130 of Colorado’s best artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.
Friday, May 27th to Monday, May 30th.
Web Site: : http://www.downtowndenverartfestival.com
Territory Days - Territory Days began in 1975 and celebreates Old Colorado City as the first capitol of the Colorado Territory in 1861. It has continued to grow from a small neighborhood craft fair into a three-day street festival which now hosts over 180 craft, commercial and food booths. Between 80,000 and 150,000 guests, (depending on the weather), enjoy this event every Memorial weekend
Saturday May 28th to Monday, May 30, 2011
Web Site: http://www.shopoldcoloradocity.com/content.php?id=97
Boulder Creek Festival - The Festival is free to the public and features something for everyone: 10 separate event areas with 500 vendors showcase everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology while five performance stages feature a spectrum of music and dance.
Saturday May 28th to Monday, May 30, 2011
Web Site: http://www.bceproductions.com/boulder-creek-festival/
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Acacia Park, part of the landscape of downtown
Acacia was the first Colorado Springs Park, dedicated in 1871
Nothing makes a downtown area more special than a park, and Acacia Park in Colorado Springs is part of the character of downtown Colorado Springs
Related Articles:
- 21 Hidden Gems of Colorado Springs, #1 The Gardens at Monument Valley Park
- 21 Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs, #2 Monument Valley Park
- Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs Parks, #3 North Cheyenne Canon Park
- Garden of the Gods Park, the crown jewel of Colorado Springs
- Check out some Colorado Springs Hiking Trails
Acacia Park (115 E. Platte Ave.) is located in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs. The park currently includes a band shell, horseshoe court, picnicking, playground, public phone, restrooms, shuffleboard, and the famous Uncle Wilbur Fountain.
According to the information on the Colorado Springs Government web site: “When Colorado Springs filed the original town plat in 1871, it included one city block as the first city-owned park. The park, known as North Park or Acacia Square is the site of the present-day Acacia Park.”. I absolutely love the idea that the founding fathers of Colorado Springs dedicated some of our parks back in the late 1800’s.
During the summer time, the park is the site for the Monday farmers market and Uncle Wilbur’s Fountain, a fountain with over 200 water jets, 52 of which are part of a play area where kids run and try to top the streams. Uncle Wilbur’s Fountain opened in 2001 and is owned by the City of Colorado Springs. It cost over $1 millon to build and was financed a local non-profit organization. Private donors funded the plaza and benches around the fountain, while the fountain’s upkeep is maintained by “Friends of the Fountain,” a non-profit group formed by the Smokebrush Foundation. If you would like information on how to donate time or money to the Fountain, the web site will give you the details.
There is currently a movement by HB & A Architects to gather ideas and concepts on how to continue to revitalize the park. If you have an interest in some of the concepts for the future of the park, here’s a link to Acacia Park Concepts.
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Celebrate a time of love and friendship
Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs
Also, make sure to check out one of their Romantic packages.Briarhurst Manor Estate
404 Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs
719-685-1864
Don’t just celebrate Valentine’s for a day this year – celebrate it for a whole week at Briarhurst Manor. They will be featuring a menu that incorporates a fare of “Love and Passion” with a pre fixe six course menu. (If you don’t make it for Valentine’s Day, maybe you’ll want to come for one of their Murder Mystery Dinners.)
Melting Pot
30-A Pikes Peak Ave. in Colorado Springs
719-385-0300
Looking for a special way to spend the most romantic night of the year? Then The Melting Pot is the place for you. You and your date can dip into four courses including a spinach artichoke cheese fondue, lobster, filet mignon, bananas foster, plus much more!
Are you ready to toss that fruit cake you got for Christmas?
#33 Unique Things to do #8 – Annual Fruitcake Toss
Search for Homes in Manitou Springs
Looking for something unique to do this weekend? Plan on coming to the 15th Annual Fruitcake Toss held in Manitou Springs. The launch is set to begin at 9:30 am on January 9, 2010 at the Manitou Spring High School. The event used to beld at the Park but it has been moved back to the the High School to allow even more room to fling the fruitcakes.
It’s the dessert that gets no respect
“The worst gift is fruitcake,” Johnny Carson once suggested. “There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.” When I was a kid growing up in Kansas, but dad used to get fruitcakes from his customers and suppliers during Christmas. I truly think we threw most of them away, at least I hope we did.
What are the rules for the toss?
The rules of the Fruitcake Toss are pretty entertaining to read, and here are some of my favorites ……….the cakes cannot contain anything inedible, they’ll be inspected by the fruitcake Toss Technical inspector, if you don’t have a Fruitcake you can rent one $1.00, there are weight classes for 2 lb. and 4lb. cakes; and the launch device can’t be powered by fuel.
Read the rest of this entry »
Labor Day Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, mark your calendars.
Colorado Springs Labor Day
Mark your Calendars!
Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
The Colorado Balloon Classic is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Ave. and Union Blvd near the shores 
of Prospect Lake. It has grown to be the largest and the longest continuously running hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain Region as well as the State of Colorado. Over 100 balloons are scheduled for accession on Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. 
The Colorado Balloon Classic was originally created in 1977 alongside the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Because of its success and large tourism attraction, it moved downtown into Memorial Park in 1978 for the Labor Day Weekend at the request of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. Best of all, the entire event is free.
Unique Facts
** The event is considered one of the top 100 events in the North America by the American Bus Association.
** Most balloons fly between 500 and 1000 feet above ground. Read the rest of this entry »
150 year Anniversary Celebration of Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush
1859 Gold Rush
This Saturday, June 27th, is the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush at Helen 
Hunt Falls Visitor Center in Cheyenne Canon from 10:00 am to 4;00 pm. Enjoy some local gold mining history in the area and at the same time learn from the prospectors who will be on hand to help teach gold panning techniques; participation will be encouraged!
A little slice of Pikes Peak area history
The Pikes Peak Gold Rush began in 1858 and lasted until 1861. It was considered to be THE largest gold rush in American history. An estimated 100,000 gold seekers participated in the gold rush, and they were often known as the fifty-niners. They used the motto Pike’s Peak or Bust. The phrase was painted on wagons by prospectors to show they were on their way across the prairie to find gold in Colorado.
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Related Articles:
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
- Winifred Scott Stratton…why Colorado Springs loves him
- Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
- Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
To find out more information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, call ….
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Birding season, mark your calendar
Looking for something unique to do? Love watching wildlife?
I’ve never been an avid bird watcher, but I certainly enjoying watching any type of wildlife; including birds. I was doing some research this weekend on local birds, including the hummingbirds that come by and visit us every year and I came across these unique activities in Colorado Springs, and thought I’d share it with our readers …………
Plan now to take advantage of the monthly bird walks at the Garden of 
the Gods Park. The park staff is partnering with the American Birding Association (ABA) and is offering monthly bird walks from May to November.
According to some information I found during my research for this blog, there have been over 170 species of birds seen in the park. Some of the local birds found are the Spotted Towhee, Virginia’s Warbler, White-throated Swift, Prairie Falcon, and the Rock Wren.
Schedule: Read the rest of this entry »
33 Unique things to do- #7 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mt. Zoo
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits above The Broadmoor Hotel at 6,800 feet up Cheyenne Mountain.
Spencer Penrose was originally given a bear and then other exotic animals became part of his collection. After a child was bitten, he decided he needed a place to house his menagerie and so he built and incorporated it in 1926. Over the years its delighted young and old alike. Want to feed giraffes? You can certainly do that here.
With its 172 species of wild animals, engaging exhibits and irresistible attractions, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo serves the citizens and visitors of Colorado Springs Read the rest of this entry »
Some Irish fun on St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado Springs
St. Patrick’s day celebrations
Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day, 
May the luck of the Irish
shine bright on your way.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all! I’m thinking we’re all a little Irish today. Want to know of some places to hang your hat tonight and have a little bite and some great beer? Here’s a few suggestions that will bring out the Irish in all.
No Irishman will ever turn down a request to head to Jack Quinn’s, a nationally recognised pub and alehouse in downtown Colorado Springs. The restaurant offers a full menu of Irish fare along with all your favorite brews. Better get there early as they are full up most of the day.
In the mood for something a little more upscale? How about Mackensie’s Chop House located in the historic Alamo building. You can find some of the finest and freshest steaks and seafood Read the rest of this entry »
Honoring Colorado Springs founder on the 100th anniversary of his death
General William Jackson Palmer
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
For other information on the General check out these articles:
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
- The Young Years of Colorado Springs
- Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
- The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
Today marks the 100th anniversary of General William Jackson Palmer’s death. He died on March 13, 1909. He fell off a horse in 1906 and was paralyzed from then until his death. He wanted no fuss made about his death and his family had him cremated. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but the town would not forget their favorite founder. They had a parade that went from Pikes Peak Ave. to the cemetery. Today, we still value his foresight on designing this beautiful city that we call home.
To honor his life, there are many activities being planned from now into next week. I hope you’ll take a look through and maybe plan on attending one or two of them. Read the rest of this entry »
33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4 Air Force Academy Chapel
Air Force Academy
- After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
- An early history of Ft. Carson
- History of Ft. Carson part II
Located on the grounds of The United States Air Force Academy, sits Colorado’s top man-made tourist attraction. It’s the cadet chapel and along with the Academy itself was designated a 
National Historic Landmark in 2004.
It has 17 silvery spires, which are three dimensional, elongated triangles that sweep upward from the building. Stained glass bathes the interior in natural light. Some people complained in the 1960’s when it was completed that it “looked like upended fighter wings and that worshiping there was like going to church in a B-52″. The architect, Walter Netch, wanted the effect to convey the appearance of the great cathedrals of Europe, although done in the modern elements of Read the rest of this entry »
USDA has money to lend for home buyers in rural areas of Colorado!
Are you searching for a home in Colorado that’s perhaps a little out of the way? Perhaps an area like Peyton or Rush (even parts of the Springs may qualify). Do you have a good credit rating but lack a big down payment? (only requirement is $100 down). Perhaps you only make a small amount of the median income in the area, which might prevent you for qualifying for a conventional
USDA has MONEY to lend for home loans
loan. There’s help out there for you in the form of a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) home loan! That’s right, the USDA has a home loan program geared to help people with a low to moderate income purchase homes in rural areas (you may also be surprised at what rural means). These loans are backed by the US government and unlike FHA loans, USDA loans do not require the borrower to qualify for monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
To see if you qualify based on the income limits, visit Colorado USDA office adjusted income limits which can provide you the limits based on the county that you want to purchase your home in.
USDA loans offer competitive rates and also allow seller concessions to be used towards closing costs. There’s no Read the rest of this entry »
Fun stuff for Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs
Valentine’s Day
With Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought you might like to know of some fun things to do or buy for the special someone in your life.
Want to have a special dinner and maybe a stay overnight? How about a night at The Broadmoor and then stay for one of their wonderful Sunday Brunches the next morning. What could be better than that? They even add chocolate and champagne at bedtime. Yummy!
Want a romantic dinner? How about trying the Briarhurst Manor where they are offering romantic dinners all week with a six course prix fix meal. They definitely spoil you there, so give them a call.
If dinner isn’t in your plans, don’t forget the flowers! We have one of the best floral shops around Read the rest of this entry »
Are you starting to get Spring Fever?
Looking for something unique to do?
Plan to attend the Colorado Garden and Home Show
Feb 7 -15 at the 50th annual event held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Are you already thinking about Spring? Planning some new home improvement projects? Thinking about 
how to plant your garden? Wondering how to do xeriscaping? Plan on making the short trip to downtown Denver and enjoy the Colorado Garden and Home Show; it’s an amazing show with over 600 exhibitors in the 400,000 square feet Convention Center. The Theater schedule consists of 52 different offerings including Feng Shui Basics, Xeriscaping 101, Wine and Food Pairings, Pet Friendly Landscaping; and Vegetable and Herbs for Colorado. It’s really a great resource for Colorado and Colorado Springs home owners; and all of the seminars are FREE.
It is also benefits many different horticultural and related activities, and non-profit organizations throughout Colorado. There is a Cake decorating contest with Read the rest of this entry »
Make a difference in Colorado Springs on January 19,2009! King Day of Service
Make A Difference
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
A wonderful characteristic of the people of Colorado Springs is their willingness to serve others. Tomorrow, people of all ages and backgrounds will be donating their time and talent to benefit a great many churches, 
schools and other community nonprofit causes. These actions are critically important because volunteering today is a necessary aspect of meeting the many needs facing us and our country.
On Monday, January 19,2009; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day thousands of Americans across the country will commemorate his legacy through service, instead of just another Monday holiday. Will you help in Colorado Springs? You may ask yourself, how can I help? Check out this site to make a difference here in Colorado Springs. Read the rest of this entry »
Have fun and help out these Colorado Springs community organizations in February
Don’t want to be stuck indoors with nothing to do in the magical month of February. Well, mark your calendars now and you too, can have a ball (or at least attend one)!
On February 21, 2009, you can attend the 26th annual Heart Ball to assist The American Heart Association held at The Cheyenne Mountain Resort which promises to be an exciting evening of dining, dancing and a silent auction to help protect our loved ones against heart disease and stroke, through research and education. Be sure to mark your calendars and put on your best black-tie and gowns which will help make a difference in the lives of those touched by heart disease and stroke. For more information call Tonya McKenzie 719-244-9587.
Still wanting to do something else that weekend? How about attending Read the rest of this entry »
Holidays are over, but there’s still plenty of events in Colorado Springs this week
Post Holiday events
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
The Christmas tree is dead and buried, the relatives are gone and you’re feeling a little blue thinking you’ll be stuck in your home until the weather warms. However, there’s still plenty to entertain you even if you don’t ski. Here’s a look at some interesting events to entertain you during our coldest month of the year.
Sunday 1/4/2009: “On All Fours” benefits one of Colorado Springs more interesting sports teams, The 
Pikes Peak Derby Dames which is a roller derby league (yes, the derby still exists). These 60 women are unpaid and have to raise funds to continue their hitting and skating. The benefit is at Phantom Canyon Brewery Co. from 6-10 pm and will feature the dames in a fashion show along with an art show of the Derby Dames during their games. Two comedians will also keep you laughing. All of this for only $25 which goes to support their traveling teams, costumes (yes, fishnet stockings are still worn), and the rental fees for City Auditorium where they play. Call 719-387-7212 for more info.
Monday 1/5/2009: Pioneers Museum is continuing the exhibit: Pikes Peak Or Bust which runs through September 5, 2009. As always its free. Read the rest of this entry »
Manitou Springs celebrates annual Fruitcake Toss to benefit Food Bank and end of holiday season
Fruitcake Toss
Search for Homes in Manitou Springs
Come one, come all to the 14th annual fruitcake toss held in Manitou Springs. The launch is set to begin at 9:30 am on January 3, 2009. So, come to Manitou Springs Memorial Park with your canned food entry fee (to be donated to the local food bank) and you too, can participate in getting rid of your unwanted fruitcakes.
Fruitcakes can be hurled, tossed or launched by a pneumatic device, the winner of each category actually wins a trophy. Who wouldn’t want one of these on the mantle? There are age classes as well, so do check out the rules. If you don’t have a fruitcake, you can rent one there. All fruitcakes must be edible (do you know anyone that REALLY eats them?). They must be visible to the Toss Tech Inspectors, though no one will actually taste test it (ugh!).
There are two weight categories, 2lb and the heavy division at 4 lbs. If your cake is underweight, it will be disqualified and if its too heavy it must be cut to the proper weight. Read the rest of this entry »
AdAmAn Club set to light off fireworks on Pikes Peak to celebrate 2009
AdAmAns Club
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
One of our areas most unique events is The AdAmAns Club annual trek up Pikes Peak to ring in the New Year. This year is no exception.
It all started in 1922. In December of that year, five Colorado Springs men decided that they didn’t want to attend anymore boring parties or dances to ring in the new year. They decided to do something never done before…climb Pikes Peak in the dead of winter!
The group consisted of five men, Fred and Ed Morath, Fred Barr, Willis Magee and Harry Standley. Fred and Ed were brothers who came up with this hare-brained idea. Fred Barr had just completed his trail from Manitou to the summit of the peak. He worked in the coal mines in the winter to gather the funds needed to build his trail. Harry Standley Was the photographer in the group who took many pictures of Cripple Creek during its heyday and also photographed all of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks. He not only photographed them, but climbed them as well. Willis was a banker but he was one that loved to take risks.
The weather was terrible that New Years Eve, but they were a determined bunch of friends. There really wasn’t much in the way of cold-weather gear back then. Read the rest of this entry »
