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Archive for the 'Attractions & Activities' Category

Celebrate a time of love and friendship

Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs
Since it’s now officially February, it must mean Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.   Here some of my favorite specials being offered by restaurants in the Colorado Springs area as well as some of my favorite restaurants you may want to check out.   Valentine’s is a wonderful time to celebrate the many blessings and love of family and friends.
Broadmoor
1 Lake Avenue in Colorado Springs
719.577.5733 
How do you choose which of their award winning restaurants to go to?  Charles Court?  Penrose Room?  The Summit?  The Golden Bee?  BriargateAlso, 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!

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Are you ready to toss that fruit cake you got for Christmas?

#33 Unique Things to do #8 – Annual Fruitcake Toss

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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.Fruitcake1

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 »

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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 balloons-over-mountain-10-percent.jpgof 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 »

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150 year Anniversary Celebration of Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush

 1859 Gold Rush
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This Saturday, June 27th, is the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush at Helen cheyenne-canon-view-15-percentHunt 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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Birding season, mark your calendar

Looking for something unique to do?   Love watching wildlife?
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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 garden-of-the-gods-icey-editedthe 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 »

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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.giraffes 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 »

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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,                                                     irish-hat
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 »

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Honoring Colorado Springs founder on the 100th anniversary of his death

General William Jackson Palmer

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For other information on the General check out these articles:palmer-statue

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 »

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33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4 Air Force Academy Chapel

Air Force Academy
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
 
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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 air-force-academy-chapelNational 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 »

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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

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 »

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Fun stuff for Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs

Valentine’s Day
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

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.valentines

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 »

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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 »

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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 »

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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 »

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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 1/5/2009Pioneers Museum is continuing the  exhibit:  Pikes Peak Or Bust which runs through September 5, 2009.  As always its freeRead the rest of this entry »

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Manitou Springs celebrates annual Fruitcake Toss to benefit Food Bank and end of holiday season

Fruitcake Toss

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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 »

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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 »

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5 Unique Colorado New Year’s Eve Events

New Years Eve Events – 2008/2009

As Christmas has now passed, it’s time to start making your plans for Celebrating New Year’s Eve. I wrote a blog post earlier in the week about some of my favorites restaurants in the Colorado Springs Area to celebrate New Years Eve; but there are also some great things to do within an short drive from Colorado Springs.  

(1) Royal Gorge Railway

Description:  Train Departs at 9:30 pm and returns at 12:30 am, train ride, dinner, entertainment, and champagne toast.

(2) Hot Springs Pool

Read the rest of this entry »

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8 great restaurants to celebrate New Years Eve in Colorado Springs

New Year’s Eve Celebrations – 2008/2009

 

For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

As the holidays are quickly approaching, it’s time to start making your plans for Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Colorado Springs.  I’ve listed some of my favorites restaurants here.   Also, make sure and read the information at the end of the post about FREE cab Fares available on New Years Eve.

Melting Pot

  • Interactive Dining Experience with Fondue
  • 30 A E. Pikes Peak
  • Phone:  719-385-0300
  • New Year’s Eve Dinner:  $130.00 per couple, menu on web site
  • www.meltingpot.com

Walters Bistro

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Some free or inexpensive things to do this week in Colorado Springs

With just nine days left till Christmas, you may be wanting to find some fun things to do without spending much.  Here’s a list of some of them that might interest you.

December 15 (and 16):  Air Force Academy Band will be performing at the Pikes Peak Center.  It starts at 7 pm and best of all, its free!  Go to The World Arena, Pikes Peak Center or any of the ENT Federal Credit Unions for tickets.  Its fun for the whole family.

December 17:  Want to learn to dance?  The downtown YMCA is hosting 4 weeks of ballroom dance lessons from 7:30-8:30.  $85 per couple.  You too, can be a magnificent dancer by New Years!  Call 329-7242 for more info.

December 18:  Sacklunch Serenade at The City AuditoriumRead the rest of this entry »

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VanBriggle Pottery set to move

Van Briggle

Newsflash!  Van Briggle Pottery Company has sold the old Midland Roundhouse which they’ve occupied since leaving the downtown area last century has sold the building and hopes to let the public know in the next two weeks where they’ll be relocating.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, the old Midland Roundhouse , which is on the National Registry of Historic Places will be home to a very tough gym aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts.  They also hope to put in some retail shops and will build some new entrances as well as some extensive renovations, including a new roof.  Look for it to open sometime in 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

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Colorado Springs Christmas Holiday Activities, mark your calendar

Colorado Springs Holiday Activities

Celebrate the Holiday Spirit

 Colorado Springs Festival of Lights 
  • When:  December 6th at 5:50pm
  • Where:  Downtown Colorado Springs, at the corner of Tejon and St Vrain Street and will go south on Tejon to Vermijo Avenue, turn west to Cascade Avenue and go north to Kiowa Street

Annually bringing together some 80 entries and attracting crowds reaching over 100,000 individuals.  Features many bands and floats, many of which are lighted.   This year’s theme is “through the Eyes of a Child”.   This traditional holiday event is now in it’s 24th years and delights thousands of children of all ages who line the streets to view the spectacular floats, bands, horse units and of course, Santa Claus.

Snowflakes and Smiles Parade in Manitou Springs
  • When:  December 13th, 12 noon to 1:30pm
  • Where:  Downtown Manitou Springs

It’s the annual “Snowflakes & Smiles” Christmas Parade. This is a real old fashioned parade with support from all of the area. The parade includes Read the rest of this entry »

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Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history

Old Colorado City during the early years

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picture courtesy of Old Colorado City Historical SocietyThe commercial district of Old Colorado City, located on W. Pikes Peak Ave., dates to the turn of the century (20th that is) when it was quite productive and prosperous.  Due to the closeness of the railroad yards and ore mills it became a transportation and gold processing center.  The railroads brought lots of tourists as well, creating a thriving hospitality business.

The business district reflected this economy.  You could buy dry goods, furniture groceries.  There were also drugstores and meat markets.  Many of these building’s brick facades were provided by The Stucco, Brick and Cement Company located in Old Colorado City.  Many of the buildings also housed meeting rooms, business offices, dentists, doctors and lawyers in the upper floors.

There were no shortage of saloons asmore than a dozen were in operation to provide refreshments and recreation for the populace, tourists and Colorado Springs residents trying to escape the city’s liquor free atmosphere.  Places like Hoffman House, Oxford Club, Arcade, Colorado City  Beer Hall and Bucket of Blood where many of them had second floor dance halls and gambling dens.  The Cucharras Street Red Light District was on the adjacent street where you could indulge in more racier recreation if desired.  Liquor, gambling and prostitution was banned in 1913 though you could still indulge in the town of Ramona which was founded by the bar owners for only those purposes.  These buildings were later razed and Thorndale Park now occupies part of that scarlet town site.

Colorado City was annexed to Colorado Springs during World War I and became a bedroom community , which is now known as the westside.  Due to the waning of Cripple Creek an economic decline started in the 1910’s and lasted until the mid 1900’s.  Several of the original buildings were updated to unflattering modern renovations and several  burned to the ground. Traffic declined even further when Highway 24 opened in the 1960’s.

Finally in the 1970’s, the district underwent a revival, supported by the City of Colorado Springs.  Many properties were restored to the turn of the century looks and even some compatible new buildings were constructed on the vacant lots.  Today the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  As in yesteryear, today “Old Town’s” ambiance attracts Colorado Springs residents and tourists.  There are lots of shops, restaurants and interesting storefronts.  Wide sidewalks, shade trees and park benches allow folks to stop, shop, eat and stay awhile.  Notice the cornices, patterned brickwork and other wonderful architectural features of these historic commercial buildings.

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33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum

Van Briggle

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

Located in the old Colorado Midland Roundhouse at 600 S. 21st. St. in Old Colorado City, the Van Briggle Showroom and Kilns are still producing this unique pottery, know the world over during the early 20th century.     

Van Briggle Pottery was a leading style of art pottery in the art and crafts movement of the early 20th century and was especially popular with Art Nouveau collectors.

Artus Van Briggle was born in Ohio in 1869.  He studied art and worked at the Avon Pottery Company.  He later went to Paris to study art.  While there, he became interested in ancient Chinese glazes and when he returned to Ohio, started experimenting with similar glazes.

In 1899, he moved to Colorado Springs as he had contracted Tuberculosis while in Paris.  He spent the rest of his life trying to perfect his Chinese Ming Matte glaze.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Are streetcars going to become a reality in Colorado Springs?

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

I recently wrote a post on the Trolley Museum and how the volunteers are working so hard to bring back the trolley system that once ran in downtown Colorado Springs.

A coalition the includes the Downtown Partnership, Downtown Development Authority, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (our bus system) and Colorado College are looking for bids  to study the feasibility of a streetcar line. This study will be done with Read the rest of this entry »

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Manitou Springs celebrates Emma Crawford with annual coffin races and wake

Coffin Races are one of a kind

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Come one, come all!!!  Manitou Springs is celebrating one of its most famous residents, Emma Crawford! She came to Manitou around the 1880’s suffering from tuberculosis then know as consumption.  She was a lovely young woman and was accompanied by her Mother and fiancee.  Low and behold, she started to improve in the crisp mountain air and loved to hike on Red Mountain.  She was busy with planning her wedding when she took a turn for the worst.  Her fiancee promised to bury her atop her favorite mountain and so when she died (1891) he did indeed bury her up there.  Over the years, with all the rains, her coffin came to the top of the land and she slid down her mountain. She was then buried in an unmarked grave in the local cemetery, but the townspeople refused to forget about her. 

Every year the folks in Manitou Springs hold a festival in her honor.  Its held close to Halloween Read the rest of this entry »

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33 Unique things to do #6 Colorado College Hockey

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
 

Tonight the new season starts for CC Hockey and I was given tickets!  Yahoo!!  I love CC hockey and if you want something fun to do, attend a game and support our TIGERS!!!  CC Hockey is actually a Division 1 sport so its a joy to watch with lots of excitement.

The Tigers, who open the season tonight with an exhibition contest at the World Arena against the University of Alberta, climbed from fifth to third in the second USA Today/USA Hockey  Magazine rankings of the season.

Colorado College Hockey got its start in Read the rest of this entry »

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Hiking and Biking Delight

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

In the mood to enjoy this beautiful fall weather?  How about a hike, walk or bike tour through one of our wonderful trails in Colorado Springs.  We have 105 miles of urban trails and 160 miles of park trails.  To see them all would take a long time so you can pick a different one every day or just go to your favorite one to check out the differences during the seasonal changes.  Some are easy day hikes while others are for the hearty campers.

It’s sometimes nice to know the difference in the trails so you can pick the ones that fit into your needs.  Colorado Springs breaks their urban trails into three tiers. Urban trails are not only used for recreational purposes, but also provide residents Read the rest of this entry »

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Colorado Springs celebrates Fallen Firefighters in Memorial Park

Firefighters Memorial

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

Yearly ceremony to be held Saturday at The International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.  The memorial located in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs contains names of firefighters killed in the line of duty.  This year 137 names will be added.  The ceremony starts at 1:00pm Saturday with bagpipes and a procession of fire vehicles and motorcycles from far and wide culminating in the dedication of the new names added to the wall.  Family members as well as their fellow firefighters will be in attendance.  If you see one of these brave firefighters, please take a moment and thank them for their service;  don’t forget to thank the families as well.  Remember, they gave up their most precious loved one so others could live.

The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation was founded in

Read the rest of this entry »

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33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4

Au Soleil Statue

It’s the 10th Anniversary of Art on the Street
in Downtown Colorado Springs

 For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

Art on the Street is sponsored by U.S. Bank, and it’s main supporters also include Nor’Wood Development Group and G.E. Johnson in conjunction with Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs.    It’s an outdoor art competition and a Read the rest of this entry »

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32nd Balloon Classic comes to Colorado Springs Labor Day Weekend 2008

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

Not sure what to do over Labor Day weekend?  Well, come over to Memorial Park and help the city celebrate its 32nd annual Balloon Classic.  For three days these colorful balloons will be lifting off, giving the city a very colorful sky-scrape as they dot the Pikes Peak sky.  During the evening come on down and watch the night come to light during Colorado Springs Balloon Festivalthe Balloon Glo and while you’re there, wander into downtown Colorado Springs and enjoy one of the fine local restaurants or come to one of the free concerts that will be offered on Saturday and Sunday evening.

The Colorado Balloon Classic (a division of Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, Inc.) was organized in 1977 and 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. The Colorado Balloon Classic is an annual family event – admission is free.

The event is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Ave. and Union Blvd near the shores of Prospect Lake.  Mass ascensions with over 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Read the rest of this entry »

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33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #2

Could this be the new light rail in Colorado Springs? 
Come to the Roswell Trolley Museum

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The Light Rail is a sign of the future so say proponents of the system.  With the rising price of fuel, greenhouse emissions and Trolley Museum Colorado Springsrush hour gridlock, many people are trying to find a better way.  But is it new?  One only has to take a trip to The Roswell Trolley Museum to realize history really does repeat itself. 

Owned by The Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation, The Roswell Trolley Museum is like stepping back in time.  Volunteers work on restoring these electric streetcars and have opened the site as a museum with the idea of one Read the rest of this entry »

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33 Unique things to do in Colorado Springs…#3

        The Olympic Training Center  in Colorado Springs 

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With the Beijing Summer Olympics in full force, now might be a great time to discuss one of Colorado SpringsOlympic Training Center Colorado Springs gems.  The city is home to The Olympic Training Center.  You can take a tour and visit the site where many of our athletes live and train.  Its had quite a history.  Here’s a few highlights:

  • 1976-President Gerald Ford’s commission on Olympic Sports allows the USOC to find a new home

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33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #1

  Patsy’s Candies in Colorado Springs 

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Wanting something to do in Colorado Springs when the weather won’t cooperate with other activities?  How about a visit to Patsy’s Candies with its intoxicating chocolate aromas?  It’s located at 1540 S. 21st, Colorado Springs, CO patsys-candy-5-percent.jpg 80904.  They even offer tours of the factory and what a glorious place it is.

It all started in 1903 when Patsy Mahenney of Terre Haute, IN decided to bring his confectionery business to Manitou Springs after supposedly losing one of his recipes in a poker game. The winners named their company Cracker Jack and started mass producing this recipe and adding peanuts.

He started his business in front of Read the rest of this entry »

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