Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community
Colorado Springs Locals, Carly Ries and Lauren Ferrara
Welcome to Springs and Things, the podcast where two close friends spill the tea on all things Colorado Springs! From culture and community to hidden gems and neighborhood lore, we’ve got it covered. Join us as we sip our coffee (or maybe something stronger) and dive into the stories and secrets that make this city so unique. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our fun, light-hearted, and always entertaining take on the quirks, hot topics, and insider tips will keep you coming back for more. Discover what’s really happening in the Springs—beyond the mountains and parks!
Episodes
The Colorado Springs Airport Upgrades That Have Locals Doing Happy Dances
The newly renovated Colorado Springs Airport is here, and it’s seriously impressive. We toured the updated concourse and got the inside scoop on how to fly smarter from COS this holiday season.Carly and Lauren head to Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to talk with Aidan Ryan and Bud Geng about the Elevate COS renovation. They cover what changed, how it all happened while the airport stayed open, and why flying from home beats the drive to Denver.In this episode:The before and after of the renovated COS concourseHow you renovate a working airport without shutting it downHidden accessibility upgrades: hearing loops, adult changing rooms, and moreThe real math of COS vs. DIA: gas, parking, time, and stressWhy COS doesn’t mean connecting through DenverHoliday travel tips: when to book and the best-value days to flyMilitary homecomings, a baggage-claim flash mob and a Pikes Peak momentCarry-on must-haves (and the great tomato juice debate)Picks of the week: Josh & John’s, Switchbacks at Weidner Field and CC HockeySearch flights and deals: flycos.comSee the renovation reel on our Instagram!Enjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend who’s planning holiday travel. Subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.We Love Our Sponsors!!Colorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsRocky Mountain Women's Film FestivalCore Collective
11 Fall Things We Can't Wait to Do in Colorado Springs
Looking for things to do in Colorado Springs this October? Carly and Lauren share their favorite fall events, Halloween activities, and date night ideas around the Pikes Peak region, recorded live from Pizzeria Leopold. Whether you want family-friendly fun, a spooky night out, or a new fall tradition, this episode has you covered.In this episode:Venetucci Farm themed weekends: Great Pumpkin Weekend (Oct 10–11), Scarecrows & Flannel (Oct 17–18), Witches & Wizards (Oct 24–25), Costume Party & Pupkin Fest (Oct 30–31)Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival: 16 days of mostly free STEAM events for all ages, including a bats and cave tour at Cave of the WindsFolk & Flannel Festival: Chili cook-off, line dancing, brews and inflatable archery, supporting outdoor access for all (Oct 17)Bristol Beer Choir: No auditions, all voices welcome; rehearsals are Sunday nights through Nov 15, ending with a Greatest Showman performanceColorado Wolf and Wildlife Center: Wolves get meat-filled pumpkins, followed by a bonfire (Oct 25, reservations required)CC Tigers hockey: Come for the energy, stay for the ice creamEdward Scissorhands with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic: Live score at the Pikes Peak Center (Oct 30–31)Manitou Springs Ghost Tours: Historic legends and lore, family-friendly; Fridays and Saturdays in OctoberExperience FVS at Fountain Valley School: Be a student for a day (Oct 30, pre-registration required)Breakfast of Champions: Signature annual fundraising event hosted by Peak Vista Community Health Centers in Colorado Springs.Pick of the week: Pizzeria Leopold (try the beet salad and eggplant pizza) and the fall drink menu at Frankly Coffee down the streetWe Love Our SponsorsColorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsRocky Mountain Women's Film FestivalCore CollectiveLove the show? We just hit 100 episodes! The best birthday present is a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, since it helps other Colorado Springs locals find us. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this one with a friend you'd want to bring to one of these events.
Arts Month 2026 in Colorado Springs & the Pikes Peak Region Is Going To Be Epic!
It's our 100th episode, and we're celebrating by kicking off Arts Month live from Yobel in downtown Colorado Springs! We sit down with Angela Seals and Luke Harper Prince from COPPR (the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region), which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.Arts Month brings more than 200 events across 31 days to the entire Pikes Peak Region, not just Colorado Springs. We talk about why the Springs was founded as a cultural home, how the local arts scene bridges political divides, why this year's theme is "Made for the Moment," and how to find your way into the arts even if you don't consider yourself an "arts person."In this episode:Why Colorado Springs was once the largest U.S. city without a local arts agencyGeneral William Palmer's vision of Colorado Springs as a home, not an industry townHow the arts bring together faith communities, activists, and everyone in betweenWhat would amaze someone from 2006 about today's arts sceneThe 2026 Arts Month theme: "Made for the Moment"Why investing in the arts matters for the local economyTips for first-timers: you don't need an invitationArts Month picks mentioned:Colorado Springs Philharmonic's 100th (centennial) seasonRocky Mountain Women's Film Festival (mid-October)First Friday in Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou SpringsStronger Together exhibit: 21 artists honoring 34 arts organizationsStronger Together open house at the Cultural Office, Saturday, Oct. 4, 1–4 p.m. (yes, there's an ice cream truck)PeakRadar.com for the full Arts Month event calendarWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.Love the show? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a friend who needs to get out to Arts Month, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things!
We Talked Manitou Ghost Tours In A Haunted Museum...
We sat down at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum with museum president Manitou Mike Maio and Sam Driscoll of Theatre D'Art, the two people behind the Manitou Springs Ghost Tours. Mike tells the full Emma Crawford story (that you likely haven't heard), and Sam makes the case for Soapy Smith, the con man who sold bars of soap, and talks about playing Robert "Rattlesnake" James, the hairdresser who married and murdered five or six wives.And that's just scratching the surface of the stories they have! Also in here: the museum's own ghost, the tall, thin man who appears only in window reflections, and the gunshots that ring out on the west end of town at one in the morning. What?!Want to hear more? Don't miss the ghost tours! Tours run Friday and Saturday nights, October 2nd through 30th. Kids under 11 get in free. Tickets at manitouspringsheritagecenter.org.Timestamps02:19 Meet Manitou Mike Maio and Sam Driscoll04:43 Soapy Smith, the soap-selling con artist05:53 Why the tours use actors instead of guides08:19 The museum's own ghost10:42 The legend of Emma Crawford, told in full15:33 The arcade reflection and the 1 a.m. gunshots20:21 The homicidal hairdresser25:04 Tickets, timing and accessibilityLinksTickets: manitouspringsheritagecenter.orgFacebook: Manitou Springs Heritage MuseumPicks of the week: Poor Richard's, Armadillo Ranch, Kinfolks, TownhouseShare this with the friend you want to bring on the tour with you, and leave us a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more locals find the show!We Love Our Sponsors!Vanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.
Pulled From the Vault: Unpacking the Colorado Springs Lore of Spencer and Julie Penrose
Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after Will Rogers instead of the man who built it?In this episode of Springs and Things, host Carly Ries sits down with Sarah Woods, Vice President of Collections for El Pomar Foundation, to dig into the archives and separate Colorado Springs legend from fact. As the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary, Sarah pulls back the curtain on some of the wildest, most fascinating stories in our city's history and reveals what the primary source records actually say.This is one of our most information-packed episodes to date, covering everything from a mysterious box of 1940s newspaper-wrapped clothing to a crash car sitting in a museum exactly how it landed on Pikes Peak.In this episode, you'll learn:→ The real reason Spencer Penrose's exotic animals were moved off the Broadmoor Golf Course, and yes, the monkey bite was real→ How a 21-year-old Spencer Penrose wrote a Harvard thesis that still guides El Pomar Foundation's mission today→ The story behind the Heritage Gallery's never-before-seen photographs, hats, and personal artifacts of Spencer and Julie Penrose→ How Michèle Mouton became the only woman to earn the title King of the Mountain, and why she insists on keeping that title→ The harrowing 2012 crash on Pikes Peak and what the wreckage reveals about safety, thin air, and the psychological demands of the race→ Why Julie Penrose created the original El Pomar Carriage Museum in 1941, and how a newspaper clipping from the 1920s changed everything we thought we knew about its origins→ The connection between Spencer Penrose's cancer diagnosis and the founding of the Penrose Cancer Center at Glockner Hospital→ Why the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun bears that name, and how Spencer Penrose's promotional genius may have played a role→ What Penrose Heritage Museum has planned for families, accessibility, and community programmingResources Mentioned:- Penrose Heritage Museum- El Pomar Foundation- United States Olympic and Paralympic MuseumWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you loved this one, leave a five-star review and share it with a friend who loves Colorado Springs history and lore.
Feeling Isolated in Colorado Springs? We Just Might Have Your Fix...
This week, Carly and Lauren welcome Kelly Bull, Executive Director of Hey Neighbor (formerly CONO, the Council of Neighbors & Organizations), for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Kelly moved to Colorado Springs five years ago and experienced total isolation, until a scary morning made her realize how unsafe it is to not know your neighbors. What she did next turned zero phone numbers into a 30-person text chain, five neighborhood planting parties, and a block that now does dinners, cornhole tournaments, and driveway hot chocolate nights.In this episode:Three very different experiences of "neighboring" in Colorado SpringsThe morning a SWAT team changed how Kelly saw community foreverThe one simple trick to overcome shyness and meet your neighbors (hold something in your hand!)Free coffee through the Neighborhood Café program with Kangaroo Coffee150 Tables Across Colorado Springs and the Nominate a Neighbor programNeighborhood University (the free 12-week civic education program)How gardening brought out the Mayor, Governor Polis, and a whole lot of neighborsKelly's Pick of the Week: morning hikes up Cheyenne Cañon & Red RocksWhether you're brand new to your street or you've lived there an "awkward amount of time," this episode will inspire you to knock on that door.Learn more & register a table: heyneighbors.orgLoving Springs and Things? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a neighbor, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. New episodes every week.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.
Your September Guide to Colorado Springs Is Finally Here
This week, we're recording from the couch at Treehouse Cafe, kicking off our September picks for things to do around Colorado Springs, and let's just say the calendar is packed! We're genuinely excited about every single pick.In this episode:Why we love Treehouse Cafe (and the hidden strip-mall gems nearby: Bazinga Vintage Toys & Collectibles, Brush Crazy & Uptown Cheapskate)Jasmine Dillavou's poetry pop-up at Novus Mortem Collective (Sept 5)Labor Day Vintage Baseball at Rock Ledge Ranch (Sept 7)Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival at Ivywild (Sept 11–13)New Moon Sound Bath at Cave of the Winds (Sept 11)Parade of Homes for the Zillow-at-11pm crowd (Sept 11–27)Pawtoberfest at Union Printers Home, benefiting the Humane Society (Sept 12)Unity Metaphysical & Craft Festival (Sept 12)TEDx Manitou Springs at Cave of the Winds (Sept 13)EPIC Chamber Music Series at the Ent Center (starts Sept 18)Annual Powwow at Rock Ledge Ranch (Sept 19)Bristol Brewing Oktoberfest at Ivywild (Sept 25 21+ / Sept 26 family-friendly)Forest Bathing returns at Starsmore Discovery Center with guide Serena Vogel (Sept 26)Green Box Farm & Art Market (Sept 26)Gather Mountain Blooms Harvest Hootenanny (Sept 26)Bonus: Breckenridge Film Festival + Girls in STEM at KeystonePlus Movies Under the Stars on Saturdays all September and October at Bristol, a turtleneck chase that turned into a friendship, and Carly's ongoing campaign to convert Lauren into a Savannah Bananas superfan.Loved this episode? Please leave a 5-star review; it helps other locals find the show. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, and share with a friend looking for things to do in September.
Not sure what activity your kid is into yet? This Colorado Springs list helps...
Not every kid is a team sport kid, and that's totally okay. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly and Lauren share their favorite kids' activities in Colorado Springs that fit a wide range of interests, from artsy to athletic and everything in between.In this episode:Fencing at Rocky Mountain Fencing with a three-time Olympic gold medalist coachYouth triathlons through USA Triathlon (the Colorado Springs Kids Triathlon is September 13!)Theater programs at the Academy of Children's Theater, including a stage combat "saber wars" classMusic programs at the Colorado Springs Conservatory (with a private lesson included)First Tee golf for beginnersRock climbing at City Rock (plus a restaurant, beer, and parent yoga)Homework help, tutoring, and business resources at Pikes Peak LibraryAnd that's just the beginning! There's still time to sign your kids up!Plus: a recap of Tessa's Pasta in the Park fundraiser, and this week's Picks of the Week: Newport in the Rockies and the Commonweal Art Festival over Labor Day weekend.Loving the show? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a fellow parent, and subscribe wherever you listen.Springs and Things is your local guide to life in Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Springs Arts Wave That's Only Getting Bigger
Carly sits down with Joy Armstrong, curator of art at GOCA (the Galleries of Contemporary Art), and Matt Giles, general director at Theatreworks, both housed inside the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. Together they unpack why the Colorado Springs arts scene has shifted from safe and traditional to bold, risky, and genuinely alive.In this episode:How Colorado Springs arts and culture has transformed over the past 20 yearsGOCA's current exhibition, Simulacra, and why contemporary art doesn't have to be intimidatingThe Radiant Blue Marble collaborative film event (August 29th) bringing five organizations togetherTheatreworks' bold 51st season, opening with Sweeney Todd, plus Sweat, Private Lives, and What the Constitution Means to MeWhy every UCCS student gets a free ticket to every Theatreworks showHow the Ent Center is cultivating the next generation of arts loversWhy locals no longer need to drive to Denver for a great night outPlus, Joy and Matt share their Colorado Springs picks of the week: a downtown museum rewriting the stories it tells, and a coffee-shop crawl worth lacing up your shoes for.Whether you're an arts lover, a Springs local, or brand new to town, this one's a celebration of a creative community on a serious upswing.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Enjoying the show? Leave a five-star review and share this episode with a friend you want to take to the Ent Center.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Our Favorite Colorado Springs Farmers Market Finds (Vendors You Need to Know)
Colorado Springs farmers markets are in full swing, and this week we're sharing our absolute favorite vendors from markets across the city!From Old Colorado City to Acacia Park to Meanwhile Block, we've been on a mission all summer to find the best local makers, and we're spilling all our finds. Whether you're a produce person, a skincare lover, or here for the local artisans, this episode is your guide to shopping local in the Springs.A few of the vendors mentioned in this episode: Hoshi Matcha: The cutest matcha stand with tons of flavors (including cold foam)Humble Abode: Clean-ingredient fragrances and candlesHair Sparkles by Brittany: Long-lasting hair tinsel your kids will loveSoul Tides Herbal Hair Care: Plant-based hair syrup from a new local herbalistGreen Magick Apothecary: The Resplendent Rose Complexion Balm we're obsessed withFarm to Fork Colorado: The farmers market delivered to your front doorEllen's FlowersThe Gilded Whisk: Rosemary garlic sourdough, blueberry cinnamon rolls, and so much more!The Soft Life Baker: New course for launching a home bakeryPasta in the Park supporting TESSAWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.If you loved this episode, leave us a five-star review and share it with a friend you want to bring to the farmers market. See you next week on Springs and Things!
Your August Bucket List for Colorado Springs (Before Summer's Gone)
Carly and Lauren are back and this time from a table inside Provision Bakery downtown, with their can't-miss picks for August in Colorado Springs. From Sunday strolls through the Acacia Park Farmers Market to the last of Food Truck Tuesdays, they're rounding up everything worth doing before summer slips away.This month's lineup includes:Rocky Mountain Flower Fest at Venetucci Farm (Aug 8): flower crowns, line dancing & a booze barColorado's 150th (Sesquicentennial): history strolls downtown, family fun day at the Catamount InstituteSummer concerts at Hillside Gardens (and the best margarita in town)Tails, Tunes & Tastes: a 21+ full-moon night at the zooFull-moon sound baths & moonlit yoga soaks at Hotel Polaris and Sunwater SpaThunder from Down Under at the Pikes Peak CenterPasta in the Park: TESSA's annual fundraiser supporting survivors of domestic violence, where Lauren is a judgeGrab a coffee, get your calendar out, and let's make the most of August, Colorado Springs.Recorded at Provision Bakery + Cinchona, downtown Colorado Springs Email us: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @springsandthingspod Leave a 5-star review & share with a friend you want to bring along!
Colorado Is Turning 150: How COS Is Honoring the Past and Celebrating What's Next
Colorado turns 150 on August 1st, and Colorado Springs is celebrating in a big way. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly Ries talks with Erin Hannan of the El Pomar Foundation about the state's sesquicentennial, the region's biggest celebrations, and a film made to honor 150 years of Colorado generosity.You'll hear about:The Guinness World Record donut-dunking attempt on the summit of Pikes PeakSunrise and sunset Cog Railway trips available only on August 1stThe Colorado at 150 film (a rare collaboration between five statewide foundations)Why the film asks "Who have we been to one another?"How Coloradans showed up during the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest firesColorado Springs' overlooked history as an arts destination ("Little London")The COS at 150 exhibit: 150 artifacts, 150 stories, 150 yearsA surprise cello concert at the summit of a 14erThe digital Colorado Springs Cultural Passport (40+ destinations across the Pikes Peak region)Watch the film and submit your own story of Colorado generosity at co150film.com.Whether you're a lifelong local or a newcomer still learning the stories, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of what makes Colorado Springs special.Pick of the Week: Pizzeria Leopold and La Concha Full ChoralSong Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu11xSN005oWe Love Our Sponsors Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results. Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.
Venetucci Farm Proves Colorado Springs Knows How to Save What Matters
If you grew up in Colorado Springs, you probably came here for a free pumpkin in kindergarten. Then in 2016, PFAS contamination from the Air Force's firefighting foam made it impossible to grow food on the land, and the future of the last working farm in the community went completely dark.This week we're recording on the farm itself with Sam Clark (Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation) and Nikki McComsey (Gather Mountain Blooms) about how a beloved pumpkin patch became a two-acre flower farm hosting weddings, music festivals, and monthly bloom celebrations, while still giving away free pumpkins to every kindergartner in El Paso County.In this episode:Who Nick and Bambi Venetucci were, and why they gave the whole farm awayThe 2016 PFAS discovery and the winter Sam thought the farm was finishedWhy flowers were the perfect answer to contaminated soil and waterHow a conservation easement protects the land from development foreverNikki's path from debilitating concussion to full-time flower farmerThe kindergarten pumpkin program, and the education requirement attached to itRocky Mountain Flower Fest on August 8 with Patchwork Jack and Grass It UpMonthly flower festivals: ranunculus, sweet peas, zinnias, sunflowers, dahliasColorado Youth Outdoors' new CORE program on the propertyThe spreadsheet math behind making sure every event has enough bloomsThe barn renovation and bathroom project (and why it matters more than it sounds)Picks of the week: Anglers Covey's $10 intro to fly fishing (they hand you a $15 gift card) and Pizzeria Leopold in Old Colorado City.Loved this one? Leave us a five-star review, share it with a friend who needs a farm day, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify.
We Found the Most Zen Spot in Colorado Springs...And It's Full of Llamas
Ever watched your stress melt away next to a 300-pound fuzzy therapist? This week, Carly and Lauren visit Luxy Llama on the west side of Colorado Springs (a bucket list item two summers in the making) to chat with owner Terry McConnell about the magic of these quirky, calming animals.From llama hikes through a hidden pocket of stunning terrain to wine and cheese events where strangers become friends, Terry shares how Luxy Llama is helping people slow down, unplug, and reconnect. Plus: the truth about llama spitting, a partnership with UCCS therapists using llamas for trauma resilience work, brunch llamas at Garden of the Gods Club, and why gardeners treat llama manure like gold.In this episode:(00:00) A peaceful welcome from a secret spot on the west side(01:30) How Luxy Llama began (and Terry's love of camelids from Patagonia)(03:30) Llamas at corporate events? Yes, really(04:15) Why llamas make humans slow down and feel grounded(06:30) Debunking the llama spit myth(07:45) Meet the herd: Chloe the matriarch, Zorro the class clown, Pedro the teenager, and a baby on the way(10:00) Experiences for ages 5 to 75, plus the UCCS Institute of Human Resilience partnership(12:30) Wine & cheese with llamas + brunch at Garden of the Gods Club and Resort(13:45) Llama bean manure: a gardener's gold(15:30) Terry's most satisfying moments as a business owner(17:00) Pick of the Week: Marigold's, plus a forest bathing walk at Mueller State Park (July 19)Connect with Luxe Llamas: InstagramLoved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review, share it with a friend you'd bring on a llama hike, and subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a week of local gems.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.
What Colorado Springs Women Need to Know About Optimal Exercise and Recovery At Altitude
Only 6% of exercise science research is done exclusively on women, so most of the training advice you've been handed (looking at you, TikTok) was never built for your body. This week Carly sits down with Dr. Marissa Baranauskas, exercise physiologist at UCCS and lead investigator at the 6% Performance Lab, to fix that.Fair warning: this one's for the women. If you run, climb, ski, or grind the Incline year-round in Colorado Springs, this episode is packed with practical, do-it-at-home science on how your cycle, altitude, fueling, and hormones actually shape your training. (Guys, you can listen too, you'll just learn why she gets to skip the second hike.)In this episode:Why "general" training advice isn't female-specific, and what to do about itHow your menstrual cycle phase can affect recovery, energy, and performance week to weekThe study showing women's recovery lagged a full day after hard intervals, and when to back offWhy women desaturate at altitude (hello, 6,000+ ft) and how respiratory muscle training helpsLosing your period is NOT a badge of honor: amenorrhea and the warning signs to catch earlyAt-home hormone monitors (like Mira) and why drugstore ovulation sticks fail active womenLow Energy Availability, explained (and how to spot underfueling without a lab)Perimenopause & menopause: why to prioritize intensity and strength training as you ageTimestamps:00:00 – Meet Dr. Marissa Baranauskas + why this episode is a little different01:00 – The 6% problem: research isn't built for women02:42 – How your cycle phase shapes workouts, energy & recovery05:26 – The study: why women's recovery lagged after hard intervals07:49 – Training at altitude: desaturation & smaller airways11:00 – Respiratory muscle training strategies12:32 – Losing your period isn't normal: amenorrhea & RED-S warning signs17:02 – At-home hormone monitors vs. drugstore ovulation sticks19:23 – Low Energy Availability, explained (and how to check at home)25:48 – Working WITH your symptoms instead of pushing through27:43 – How everyday stress shows up in your cycle29:39 – Perimenopause & menopause: prioritize intensity + strength31:57 – Two things to start doing today34:02 – Marissa's Colorado Springs pick + where to learn moreLearn more / Connect:Lab: 6% Performance Email Dr. Baranauskas: [email protected] Pick of the Week: Aravaipa Group RunsEnjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star review, share it with a friend, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things!This episode is for general education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your individual health.
What to Do in Colorado Springs This July (Our Personal Takes)
Summer is flying by, and July in Colorado Springs is packed. In this episode, Carly and Lauren kick off a new monthly segment, a rundown of what they're excited about, what they're checking out, and what you should put on your radar for the next four weeks.In this episode:CO 150 Film Festival — Colorado is turning 150, and to celebrate, 150 films made in Colorado, about Colorado, or by Coloradans are screening statewide all summer long. Think The Hateful Eight, Dumb and Dumber, True Grit, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and more. Many Colorado Springs screenings are at Lulu's downtown. Green Box Arts Festival — Lauren's favorite. This beloved annual festival in Green Mountain Falls kicks off July 4th and runs two weeks, featuring stunning outdoor art installations, live music, yoga, naturalist hikes, wine tastings, classes, and more. New installations are unveiled on the 5th. This year includes an immersive 30-minute audio experience called The Unexpected Literary Journey. James Turrell's Sky Space, Green Mountain Falls — A permanent, awe-inspiring light installation that's worth making the drive for. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, Cañon City — July 17–18. SUP parades, kayak races, raft sprints, mountain bike rides, live music, and general outdoor-adventure vibes. A great day trip or quick staycation.Monsé's Pupusería — New Downtown Location! The beloved Colorado Springs spot has a second location downtown. (And a passionate plea: please bring back the edible bears on the boba.)Por Favor Tacos & Tragos — Lauren's finally going, and she's making it a July mission. More Mexican food in the Springs? Always a yes.Taste of Pikes Peak — Thursday, July 9, 6–9 PM at Hillside Gardens. Unlimited tastings from local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. First year at this venue. Go. Just go.United We Rock at Rockledge Ranch — August 1st (but on the calendar now!). Part of the Colorado 150/USA 250 celebrations. Bands, food trucks, arts and crafts, whiskey tasting, and more!Ladyfingers Letterpress — 10th Anniversary! This beloved downtown stationery shop and activist creative space is celebrating a decade. Take a risograph printing class, or stop by any Saturday morning for a free community create session.Pick Of The WeekVIsitCOS Crafts & Drafts PassportPure DistillingWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.
The Colorado Springs Emu Everyone's Been Asking About
What happens when a bird bought to guard a backyard flock becomes a full-blown local celebrity? This week, Carly sits down with Billy-Sue Mitchell and her six-foot emu, Dennis, at their charming Colorado Springs home, surrounded by ducks, two chickens, and two dogs.Billy shares how Dennis went from a duck-harness-wearing baby to a leash-walking icon spotted everywhere from Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and beyond. Along the way, we get the heart-stopping story of the time Dennis went missing for 24 hours (and the German Shepherd who tracked him down), the truth about the Great Emu War of 1932, and why male emus make such gentle, devoted companions.Most movingly, Billy opens up about how Dennis helped pull her through a deep depression after losing her brother, and how sharing his joy with strangers became its own kind of healing.In this episode:Why Billy originally got an emu (hint: foxes)How public walks and a chance reporter photo made Dennis famousThe 24-hour disappearance and dramatic rescueDennis the dog: fetch with sticks, elevators, and bathroom stallsMale vs. female emus, and why dads do all the parentingEmu FAQs, therapy-animal questions and Dennis's empathy for crying kidsHow Dennis changed Billy's life after lossCatch Dennis in person! Our picks of the week: Donkey Derby Days (Cripple Creek)Monument's Fourth of July ParadeGreen Mountain Falls' Bronc Day FestivalA sweet, surprising, genuinely moving conversation about animals, community, and the unexpected things that heal us.We Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.
Inside the Movement to Make Colorado Springs a True Bike City
Is Colorado Springs a bike town or a car town? Carly sits down with three people who are quietly reshaping how the Springs gets around: Tara McCarthy, Executive Director of PikeRide; Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort; and Kerry Childress, a city transportation planner who turns out to be one of the unsung heroes building the bike network behind the scenes.From midnight rides through Garden of the Gods to the e-bike boom changing who can ride, this conversation covers what it really takes to move a sprawling, car-centric city toward two wheels, and why it matters whether or not you ever clip in.In this episode:The single rides that made each guest fall in love with cycling in the Pikes Peak regionWhether the Springs' "outdoor town" reputation actually holds upWhy your tax dollars on a bike lane matter even if you never use onePlanning a bike network for a city built on hills and sprawl, not a flat grid like BoulderThe bike tourism money the Springs may be leaving on the table (think Fruita and Bentonville)Transportation equity and what it means to be "time privileged" with a set of car keysPike Ride's expansion into Southeast Colorado Springs and the $35-a-month e-bike program changing livesThe truth about what's actually being sold as an "e-bike"How to make cycling culture welcoming to anyone, no spandex or Strava requiredEverything you need to know about Bike to Work Day on June 24th (yes, there's bacon)Mentioned in this episode: Pedal the Springs podcast • Colorado Springs Cycling Club • Trails and Open Space Coalition • Kids on Bikes • Visit Colorado Springs • PikeRide Episode of Springs and ThingsWe Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Grab your bike, take a ride, then come back and join us, because by the end, that "e-bike smile" might just make an addict out of you, too.
Your Colorado Springs Summer Adventure Guide with PPLD
This summer, we're trading coffee dates for library dates! In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Pikes Peak Library District's Summer Adventure program, recorded live from Library 21C on kickoff day.First, we sit down with Melody Alvarez, Director of Programming, to break down everything families need to know about Summer Adventure: this year's "Unearth a Story" theme, how simple it is to sign up, what the program entails, and the prizes that had us giddy (hello, Cloud Camp). Then we head into the library's own podcast studio for round two with Christa Funke, Senior Librarian in Programming and 16-year PPLD veteran, who reveals just how much a modern library can be.In this episode:What Summer Adventure is and how to sign up (it's free, and you can start anytime in June or July!)This year's "Unearth a Story" theme Why over 18,000 people participated last year (with a goal of 20,000 this summer)The free PPLD summer concert series in Manitou Springs, Palmer Lake, and beyondNon-traditional library finds: seed libraries, makerspaces, gross-motor toys, cameras, and equipmentFree lunches for kids ages 0–18 at the East Library this summerThe Colorado 150 / US 250 passport program (visit every library and earn prizes)A heartfelt patron story that captures what Summer Adventure is really aboutPick of the week: Theatreworks' The Garbologists at the Ent Center for the ArtsHow to register for Summer Adventure with PPLD: Visit any PPLD location, sign up online, or use the BeanStack app.Whether you're a lifelong library lover or haven't walked through those doors in years, this one's for you, because as Christa says, everyone belongs at the library.Loved this episode? Please leave a 5-star review, and share it with a friend you want to join you for Summer Adventure this year!We Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most.
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs and Beyond, Answered!
After a year and a half of spotlighting the best people and places in Colorado Springs, we're flipping the script. This week, we answer the questions listeners ask most, from what we do outside the podcast to our favorite local restaurants, most emotional interviews, and the food spots we're still grieving.In this episode:What you might not know about your two hostsThe local events every Colorado Springs resident should experience at least onceFavorite restaurants for out-of-town guestsThe episodes that stuck with us long after recordingWhat people from out of state consistently get wrong about Colorado SpringsPlus so much moreMentioned in this episode:Green Box Arts Garden of the Gods Market and CafeIvywildSushi RowRistorante del LagoStratton Open Space & Mount Cutler TrailPenrose Heritage MuseumSara Van Hecke The Peaks2Plains Weather AppWe Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Connect with us: Leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share with a fellow Colorado Springs local who needs to know what's going on in this city.
Unpacking the Colorado Springs Lore of Spencer and Julie Penrose
Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after Will Rogers instead of the man who built it?In this episode of Springs and Things, host Carly Ries sits down with Sarah Woods, Vice President of Collections for El Pomar Foundation, to dig into the archives and separate Colorado Springs legend from fact. As the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary, Sarah pulls back the curtain on some of the wildest, most fascinating stories in our city's history and reveals what the primary source records actually say.This is one of our most information-packed episodes to date, covering everything from a mysterious box of 1940s newspaper-wrapped clothing to a crash car sitting in a museum exactly how it landed on Pikes Peak.In this episode, you'll learn:→ The real reason Spencer Penrose's exotic animals were moved off the Broadmoor Golf Course, and yes, the monkey bite was real→ How a 21-year-old Spencer Penrose wrote a Harvard thesis that still guides El Pomar Foundation's mission today→ The story behind the Heritage Gallery's never-before-seen photographs, hats, and personal artifacts of Spencer and Julie Penrose→ How Michèle Mouton became the only woman to earn the title King of the Mountain, and why she insists on keeping that title→ The harrowing 2012 crash on Pikes Peak and what the wreckage reveals about safety, thin air, and the psychological demands of the race→ Why Julie Penrose created the original El Pomar Carriage Museum in 1941, and how a newspaper clipping from the 1920s changed everything we thought we knew about its origins→ The connection between Spencer Penrose's cancer diagnosis and the founding of the Penrose Cancer Center at Glockner Hospital→ Why the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun bears that name, and how Spencer Penrose's promotional genius may have played a role→ What Penrose Heritage Museum has planned for families, accessibility, and community programmingResources Mentioned: - Penrose Heritage Museum - El Pomar Foundation - United States Olympic and Paralympic MuseumSubscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you loved this one, leave a five-star review and share it with a friend who loves Colorado Springs history and lore.
Our Can't-Miss Colorado Springs Summer List
Summer is almost here in Colorado Springs, and we are HERE for it. This week, Carly and Lauren share their ultimate summer must-do lists, from flower farms and llama happy hours to hidden gem restaurants and must-see theater. Whether you're a longtime local or new to the Springs, this episode is packed with ideas to make this your best Colorado summer yet.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSGather Mountain Blooms Fridays feature flower picking, and Tuesdays (June–July) bring Music and Blooms (live fiddle music, food trucks, kids dancing, and beautiful Colorado scenery). Hillside Gardens A full lineup of summer concerts, events, and a charming coffee shop you need to check out.Bike the Santa Fe Trail to Hotel Polaris A dream day trip: If the trail reopens, ride the Santa Fe Trail to Hotel Polaris for happy hour (or yappy hour if you bring your pup!).Yoga in the Garden Yes, we love Garden of the Gods! Yoga classes right among the red rocks - check their website for class times.Cave of the Winds & Manitou Cliff Dwellings Classic Colorado Springs attractions that still belong on your must-do list.A Full Manitou Day The ultimate itinerary: hike the Incline → bagels at The Loft → browse Manitou storefronts → soak at Sunwater Spa → dinner at Crystal Park Cantina → catch a show at Iron Spring Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theater.Luxy Llama Running May through September: happy hour with wine, cheese, and llamas. Full episode with Lexi Llama coming soon!Wines of Colorado A gorgeous creekside spot near the Cliff Dwellings area, perfect for a sunny Colorado afternoon.Juniper Valley Ranch A hidden gem family-owned restaurant on Highway 115 south of Colorado Springs. Fixed menu, home-cooked meals (fried chicken, ham, cherry juice!), open just a few days a week. Pure nostalgia.Tales, Tunes & Tastes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo An adults-only evening at the zoo with wine and live music. Plus: the new zoo exhibit opening this summer!The Little Dipper Pool Total Sandlot vibes. A Colorado Springs summer staple.PICK OF THE WEEKJagged Little Pill at the Fine Arts Center The must-see show of the season. One night had a seven-minute standing ovation mid-show. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify. Leave a 5-star review. Share this episode with a friend who needs summer plans!
The Local Protector of Land and Water in Colorado Springs
Did you know nearly 150,000 acres around Colorado Springs are permanently protected, and one organization has been leading that effort since 1977? In this episode, Carly sits down with Astrid Monar from the Palmer Land Conservancy to uncover the incredible scope of work happening right in our backyard. From saving the backdrop behind Garden of the Gods to building the Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor, Palmer Land Conservancy has quietly shaped the landscape we all love. Plus: they discuss a local food guide, a brand-new open space coming to Woodland Park, and upcoming events where you can get involved.In This EpisodeHow a small group of volunteers in 1977 launched what would become Palmer Land Conservancy, and why the name has changed twice since thenThe story behind the Garden of the Gods backdrop protection and what that view might look like today without itPalmer's ambitious five-year plan to protect 60,000 additional acres (that's four Manhattans!) and 25 miles of waterwaysWhy conservation easements are permanent, and what that means for landowners and communitiesThe local food guide connecting Colorado Springs residents to farms and ranches south of the cityThe Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor: a legacy project protecting sweeping views along Highway 24Avenger Open Space in Woodland Park: a new trail-connected open space in the worksHow you can support local conservation through events, donations, and community advocacyKey TakeawaysConservation is invisible by design. When it's done right, the mountains, meadows, and open spaces just look like they've always been there. They haven't, it takes communities of people to keep them that way.Palmer's impact is massive. Nearly 150,000 acres protected. 20 public parks and open spaces. Projects spanning from Garden of the Gods to the Paint Mines.Local food is a conservation priority. Palmer created a local food guide highlighting farms and ranches in the Pueblo and Rocky Ford area, Colorado's "bread basket." Grab a copy at their office or find it online.You're never far from a trailhead. One of the best things about Colorado Springs is that no matter where you are, you're roughly 10 to 15 minutes from a trail.Upcoming Palmer Land Conservancy EventsPints with Palmer — Wednesday, June 25 at Goat Patch Brewing. A casual night to learn about Palmer's work and connect with fellow land lovers. Perfect if this is your first time hearing about them.Donor Guided Hike of Avenger Open Space — May 19. A private hike for donors on the soon-to-be-conserved property in Woodland Park. Interested? Reach out to Palmer Land Conservancy to learn more.Pick of the WeekLolley's Ice Cream — A local favorite that's entirely gluten-free, including their waffle cones. They recently opened a new downtown location and are supporters of Palmer Land Conservancy.Connect with Palmer Land ConservancyVisit their website for the local food guide and event infoAttend a hike, happy hour, or community event this summerMake a donation, because people power this workWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Personalized skincare treatments. Link in show notes.Core Collective — Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Link in show notes.Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most. Visit whywaitstories.com.If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review, share it with a friend, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week on Springs & Things!
The Colorado Springs Skincare Episode Your Group Chat Needs to Hear
Everything you've ever wanted to know about skincare in Colorado Springs but didn't know who to ask. Lisa Boness from Vanguard Aesthetics joins us to break down what the high altitude and intense UV are really doing to your skin, and what to do about it. We cover the treatments that actually work (and the ones that are just hype), at-home gadgets worth your money, the right way to handle a breakout, and a hidden-gem treatment called the Collagenizer NEO that most locals have never heard of. Plus, we talk about Clara's incredible mission to donate 100% of retail profits to local and global charities, including organizations right here in El Paso County. Whether you're a skincare newbie or a full-on product junkie, you'll love this chat.In this episode, we cover: Lisa's approach to no-pressure consultations and why that mattersWhy people who move here feel like they age overnight IPL and chemical peels, and when to get themBotox (the stigma and the truth)The Collagenizer NEO and predictive permeationSeasonal skincare and why some treatments stop in MayRed light therapy devices and what to look forThe right way to pop a pimple (if you're going to do it anyway)Clara's charitable giving missionMentioned in this episode: Vanguard Skin SpecialistsVanguard AestheticsClara SkincareGood Gracious Coffee Frankly Coffee The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor CenterFountain Valley SchoolWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.
Lauren's Finally Home and We Have Rapid Fire Opinions About Colorado Springs
A month away, a world schooling adventure in Peru, and roughly one thousand bowls of ceviche later, Lauren is finally back. And honestly? We have a lot to catch up on. In this episode, we're hitting the reset button with a full reintroduction: who we are, why we started this show, and what makes Colorado Springs the city we just can't quit.We're diving into rapid-fire Colorado Springs opinions: is Garden of the Gods a tourist trap or legitimately magical every time? Where do we take out-of-towners first? What's the best dish in town? Plus, we're sharing our perfect days in the Springs from morning coffee to late-night bites, the local hidden gems we can't stop talking about, and a few fun facts about this city that might just blow your mind.Whether you're a Colorado Springs native, a transplant who never left, or someone who's been here long enough to feel like one, this episode is for you.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Modern Interior Company — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs. Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.
The Fine Arts Center Is Transforming. Here's What That Means for Colorado Springs.
The FAC is in what they're calling a "liminal year," and we sat down with three of the people leading the charge to find out what that actually means, and why it matters for this community.Michael Christiano (Director of Visual Arts and Museum) opens the conversation by unpacking how the museum is shifting its exhibition strategy, drawing more from its permanent collection while weaving in new voices. He walks us through photographer William Henry Jackson's complicated legacy, how his images both celebrated and accelerated the exploitation of the Western landscape, and why that tension feels so alive today. He also introduces the Spectrums exhibit on modern and contemporary Native prints and the permanent collection show, Gathering Place. Learn more.Tara Sevanne Thomas (Director of Bemis School of Art) brings the exciting news: Bemis now has the only community-accessible atmospheric kiln in the Pikes Peak region. She explains what that actually means for ceramics (think salt vapor, soda firings, and gorgeous wood-fire smoke swirls you can see in the finished piece), why it is more eco-friendly than traditional methods, and how it opens up access for everyone from total beginners to professional potters. She also shares the bigger vision: jewelry studios, weaving intensives, high school portfolio classes, and deeper collaboration with Colorado College. Learn more.Chris Sheley (Producing Artistic Director) rounds things out with a full preview of the upcoming theater season, and it is a thoughtful one. He talks about how Come From Away anchors a season built around kindness, mental health, and community. The lineup also includes Dear Evan Hansen, a one-woman show called Grounded about a female fighter pilot navigating war and motherhood, White Christmas, and a dance showcase with Ormao Dance Company. Plus: new seats and carpet are coming to the JiGaSa Theatre this season! Learn more.Picks of the Week: Nightingale BreadLatin SocialSushi RowPhelan GardensDos SantosGoat Patch BrewingWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Modern Interior Company — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs. Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.
Foster Care in Colorado Springs: The Stories, The Struggles, and The People Showing Up
You probably think you know what foster care is about. A child leaves a bad situation, lands in a safe one, and that's that. But what about everything else they lose in the process: their bedroom, their dog, their neighborhood, their friends? The reality is so much more complicated than most of us realize.In this episode, Ben Schoch from Kids Crossing pulls back the curtain on what actually happens when a child enters foster care in Colorado Springs, from the Tuesday night phone call a grandparent never expected to the team of professionals that shows up at your door. Whether you've ever thought about fostering, know someone who has, or just want to understand what's happening in our community, this conversation will stay with you. And remember, the label "foster child" misses the point entirely. These are just kids.In this episode, we cover: How Kids Crossing supports families across Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver beyond traditional foster care. What actually happens the day a child is placed in a foster home. The moment that changed Ben's entire perspective on what "safety" really means. Why you don't need a big house, a partner, or a perfect life to become a foster parent. New kinship care legislation and what it means for grandparents and relatives stepping up. Meaningful ways to support kids in foster care, even if fostering isn't for you, including Camp Faubion and the holiday gift drive. Plus our pick of the week: Panino's.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Modern Interior Company — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs. Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.
The Colorado Springs Music Scene, MeadowGrass & Local Artists Worth Knowing
Colorado Springs has a music scene worth bragging about, and Steve Harris has spent years making sure people know it. As the longtime guy who books bands for the Meadowgrass Music Festival and one of the Springs' most plugged-in music advocates, Steve joins Carly to talk about the local venues and artists you should know, why the city might finally be having its breakthrough moment, and what it actually takes to run a beloved festival on a shoestring budget and the power of volunteers.In This EpisodeSteve and Carly dig into what makes the Colorado Springs music scene tick, the metal-punk heartbeat downtown, the rise of free summer outdoor concerts, the loss of local music media, and why Ford Amphitheater means you might never need to fight Red Rocks traffic again. Steve also shares the story behind Meadowgrass, from a scrappy 100-person debut in 2009 to the community institution it is today, including a year they built a pallet bridge over a flooded stage and a snow-blowing crew that saved the festival days before opening.Topics CoveredHow the Colorado Springs music scene has changed in the last 10–20 years and what the city lost when KRCC went all-news and The Independent shut downThe metal and punk scene: why it thrives here, and the venues driving itThe rise of free outdoor summer concerts and the unintended tension they create for working musicians trying to get paidLocal artists worth knowing right nowWhy Ford Amphitheater is a legitimate Red Rocks alternative...and the parking pro tip that changes everythingWhether Colorado Springs is on the verge of a real music breakthroughThe origin story of Meadowgrass and how a conference retreat center, Bristol Brewing, and a room full of community partners launched something in 2009 that's still going strongWhy Meadowgrass is not a bluegrass festival (and what it actually is)The volunteer army behind the scenes and the chaos that made the festival resilientHow Steve curates the lineup: the one-third local/regional/national formula and why he's especially fired up about this yearThe most unforgettable Meadowgrass performance ever: the Todd Snider storyWhat makes Meadowgrass different from bigger Colorado festivalsWhat's new in 2026Rapid fire: best Colorado Springs venue, most underrated local band, pre-show food, recovery breakfast, and the song that captures the SpringsThe only-in-Colorado-Springs music momentArtists & Venues MentionedTejon Street Corner Thieves · Jeremy Facknitz · Grant Sabin · A Carpenter's Daughter · Billy Strings · Todd Snider · Kyle Hollingsworth Band · Black Sheep · Vultures · Thrashers Bar · Lulu's Downtown · Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort · Stargazers · Phantom Canyon Brewing · Ford Amphitheater · La Foret Conference & Retreat CenterConnect with Meadowgrass🎪 Tickets & Lineup: RockyMountainHighway.org 📱 Instagram & Facebook🗓️ Memorial Day Weekend · La Forêt, Colorado SpringsWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Modern Interior Company — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs. Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films. Episode FAQsIs Meadowgrass a bluegrass festival? Despite the name, no. Steve describes it as an Americana melting pot: expect blues, folk, funk, New Orleans jazz, country, and yes, some bluegrass. The philosophy is that you should love every day of the lineup, not just pick the one that matches your taste.When is Meadowgrass and how do I get tickets? Meadowgrass takes place Memorial Day Weekend at La Forêt Conference and Retreat Center in Colorado Springs. Music on Friday starts around 5:30 p.m., and a beer festival featuring 8–10 local breweries is included with your Friday or weekend pass. Tickets and full lineup details are at RockyMountainHighway.org.What is the Colorado Springs music scene actually like; is it worth exploring? Steve says the scene is more developed than most people realize, especially if you didn't grow up here. The metal and punk scene is thriving thanks in part to the city's large military population, with venues like Black Sheep, Vultures, and Thrasher's leading the charge. But there's also a rich Americana, folk, blues, and jazz undercurrent, and free outdoor summer concerts nearly every day of the week make it easy to discover something new without spending a dime.Enjoyed this episode? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, share it with a friend you want to bring to Meadowgrass, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode of Springs & Things.
The Man Who Knows Everything Happening in Colorado Springs Spills It All
If you have ever stood in your kitchen on a Saturday morning wondering what to do in Colorado Springs this weekend, this episode is your new best friend. Carly sits down with Jonathan Toman of Peak Radar and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, to break down the annual events guide that tracks over 3,000 events across El Paso, Teller, and Fremont Counties every single year.From heritage festivals to bizarre-but-beloved quirky traditions, Jonathan reveals the anchor events that define life in the Pikes Peak region, plus a few once-in-a-decade celebrations happening in 2026 that you absolutely cannot miss.In This Episode:Jonathan and Carly cover the events that best capture the personality of Colorado Springs (including one that feeds the whole family for $5), the festivals that make longtime locals say "how did I not know about this," and the quirky traditions that are uniquely, wonderfully ours. They also dig into the hidden gems worth pairing with bigger events on the same weekend, the newest annual events that have earned their place on the calendar, and why Labor Day weekend in Colorado Springs is so much more than balloons.Events and Resources Mentioned:Colorado Springs Western Street BreakfastPikes Peak Ascent and MarathonGreen Box Arts FestivalCripple Creek Ice FestivalEmma Crawford Coffin RacesDonkey Derby DaysCommon Wheel Arts FestivalVictor Celebrates the ArtsPikes Peak Air ShowUnited We Rock Festival Fiestas PatriasRocky Mountain Flower FestGold Rush DaysMeadowgrass Music FestivalRocky Mountain Women's Film FestivalVintage Baseball GameBronc DayPicks of the Week:Money Museum in Colorado SpringsConnect with Peak Radar:WebsiteInstagramFacebookXWe Love Our Sponsors:Vanguard AestheticsColorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking, personalized results. Book a consultation today!Modern Interior Co.Colorado Springs full-service interior design studio handling residential, commercial, and hospitality projects from concept to completion. Core CollectiveBoutique Pilates studio in Colorado Springs offering reformer classes, semi-private sessions, and private training. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30 total!Why Wait StoriesColorado Springs video storytelling specializing in legacy films, life well lived films, and brand films.Springs and Things is your weekly guide to living, exploring, and thriving in Colorado Springs. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave us a five-star review if this episode helped you fill up that calendar.
[Re-Release] Colorado Springs Interior Design Tips That Instantly Improve Your Home
Due to its popularity, we've decided to re-release this episode! Please note, however, some of the events are dated, but that design inspo is still oh so relevant :) If you’ve ever saved a home photo on Instagram and thought, “Love this…but why doesn’t it work in my house?”...this episode explains exactly why.On this week’s Springs and Things, we sit down with Elisha Niebuhr, CEO of Modern Interior Company, to unpack what actually works in Colorado Springs homes, and what we should probably stop copying from New York, Austin, and Pinterest altogether.Elisha shares her unexpected path from professional ballerina to luxury interior designer, then gets very real about the most common design mistakes she sees across the Springs. She explains how our light, landscape, and lifestyle completely change how trends show up here, and why homes should feel lived-in, layered, and personal instead of themed.We also cover the easiest upgrades with the biggest payoff (paint, lighting, and furniture that actually finishes a space), underrated neighborhoods with serious design potential, and what a true Colorado-inspired color palette looks like heading into 2026.Fair warning: you may finish this episode looking around your house thinking, “Okay…we need to talk about this wall.”PICKS OF THE WEEKPrime25Boonzaaijer's Dutch BakeryModern Interior Co Design Day and Furniture SaleWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
How One Program Is Making the Arts More Accessible for Families in Colorado Springs
What if your kids’ next favorite experience wasn’t a screen, but a symphony?In this episode of Springs & Things, we sit down with Joye Levy, Director of the Center for Future Audiences at the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, to talk about a program that’s changing how families experience the arts in our city.The Free for Kids program is opening the doors to live orchestral performances for the next generation, making it easier (and more fun) than ever to introduce kids to music, creativity, and community.But this conversation goes far beyond logistics…We get into:What actually happens in a child’s brain during their first orchestra experienceWhy kids often leave more engaged (and imaginative) than parents expectThe surprising ways music sparks storytelling, creativity, and emotional expressionHow families can attend dozens of performances (many for free)The real etiquette parents should know (hint: it’s more relaxed than you think)Why the arts are so important in a city like Colorado SpringsHow programs like this are shaping the future of our local communityWhether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just someone who loves seeing Colorado Springs thrive, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on what the arts can do.Featured Program: Free for Kids – Colorado Springs PhilharmonicJoye’s Picks of the WeekPhilharmonic Signature Series at the Ent Center (featuring world-class young pianists)Women’s Playwriting Festival at The Millibo Art TheatreWhy This Episode MattersColorado Springs is known for mountains and outdoor adventure, but there’s a growing movement to make the arts just as accessible, collaborative, and impactful. This episode is your inside look at how that’s happening, and how you can be part of it.Enjoying the show? If you loved this episode:Leave a 5-star reviewShare it with a friend (especially one with kids!)Follow Springs & Things on Apple & Spotify
71. The Mother of the First Colorado IVF Baby Shares Her Remarkable Journey
Long before IVF clinics were common and long before infertility was openly discussed, one Colorado Springs woman helped open the door for millions of families.In this powerful episode of Springs and Things, Carly sits down with Ellen Weir Casey, the mother of Colorado’s first IVF baby. In the early 1980s, when IVF was still experimental and often referred to as a “test tube baby,” Ellen spent years researching emerging fertility technologies, traveling across North America for groundbreaking procedures, and refusing to give up on her dream of becoming a mother.What began as a deeply personal journey soon became part of Colorado Springs history.Ellen shares the incredible story behind those early days of IVF, from researching medical journals in the basement of the public library to navigating a world where infertility was rarely talked about. Her courage helped bring awareness to a technology that has since helped millions of families around the world.Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of women who push open doors for future generations.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:What IVF looked like in the early 1980s when it was still considered experimentalHow Ellen researched groundbreaking fertility treatments before the internet existedThe emotional and physical challenges she faced during her journey to motherhoodWhy infertility was rarely discussed publicly at the timeHow the birth of her daughter became Colorado Springs historyWhy Ellen felt a responsibility to tell the world about IVFThe inspiration behind her memoir UnstoppableAbout Ellen Weir CaseyEllen Weir Casey is the author of Unstoppable: Forging the Path to Motherhood in the Early Days of IVF. Her daughter, Elizabeth, was one of the earliest IVF babies in the United States and the first in Colorado. Ellen’s journey helped bring awareness to fertility treatments at a time when infertility was rarely discussed publicly. Follow Ellen on Instagram.Book MentionedUnstoppable: Forging the Path to Motherhood in the Early Days of IVFPicks of the WeekLa Concha Bakery: A local Colorado Springs favorite known for its incredible breads and pastries.Front Range Mahjong: A fun way to learn and play this classic game while connecting with others in the community.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics – Personalized skincare treatments that meet you wherever you are on your skincare journey.Modern Interior Company – Transform your home with expert design and thoughtful interiors.Core Collective – Strong, welcoming Pilates classes in Colorado Springs.Why Wait Stories – Legacy films and storytelling experiences that preserve your family’s most meaningful stories.Enjoying Springs and Things?Leave a 5-star review, follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend who loves Colorado Springs stories.
70. Inside Colorado Springs’ New Wellness Passport
Colorado Springs has always been a place people come to rest, recover, and recharge, from the early days of travelers seeking healing in the Pikes Peak region’s crisp mountain air and mineral springs to today’s thriving wellness scene.Now, VisitCOS has launched its first-ever digital Wellness Passport, and it might be one of the most relaxing ways to explore the city.In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly and Lauren share their experience previewing this new free digital pass that unlocks deals and experiences at local wellness businesses, from salt caves and sound baths to paddleboard yoga, massages, and holistic healing ceremonies.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat the Colorado Springs Wellness Passport is and how it worksHow to download the free digital passport and start redeeming dealsThe types of wellness experiences available in Colorado SpringsWhy the Pikes Peak region has long been a destination for healing and recoveryFavorite Colorado Springs reset activities recommended by local wellness expertsFeatured Colorado Springs Wellness ExperiencesThese local businesses are part of the Wellness Passport and were featured in this episode:Camino Wellness SanctuaryEDENOLOGY Holistic WellnessColorado Salt Cave Wellness CenterDragonfly Paddle YogaStrata Spa at Garden of the Gods ResortSinging Bowls of the RockiesTRU Hair SalonExos/CommonSpirit at the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance CenterELKE Modern MassageFace FoundrieAscend Spa & Wellness at Hotel PolarisAccess the wellness pass here!We Love Our SponsorsVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!Why Wait StoriesWhy Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this episode with a friend you’d love to go on a wellness adventure with.
69. Behind The Scenes Of A Colorado Springs Newsroom with Matt Meister...
In this highly entertaining episode, Lauren and Matt Meister (yes, THE Matt Meister), share what it’s really like behind the scenes in local TV news (including a newsroom story that is absolute nightmare fuel) and what finally pushed him to leave traditional broadcasting and launch Peaks2Plains Weather, his new digital-first weather platform built to serve Colorado Springs wherever and whenever you need it.You’ll also hear:The surprising truth about whether Anchorman or The Morning Show is more accurateWhat Matt misses (and doesn’t miss) about the newsroomHow the media world is changing fast, and what local stations should do nextA very embarrassing story that involves Matt (unbeknownst to him) and Carly that is 10 years in the makingPlus so much more.If you love Colorado Springs, love a good behind-the-scenes story, and need a laugh with your coffee…this one’s for you.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!Why Wait StoriesWhy Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.
68. Meet The Colorado Springs Paralympian Who Turned Her Darkest Moment Into Triumph
In this powerful episode of Springs & Things, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran, Paralympic bronze medalist, and world champion Melissa Stockwell to hear the extraordinary story of how she rebuilt her life after losing her leg while serving in Iraq. Melissa became the first American woman to lose a limb in active combat, and instead of letting that moment define her limits, she used it to redefine what was possible.She went on to represent Team USA in multiple Paralympic Games, earned a bronze medal in paratriathlon, and became a multiple-time world champion, proving that resilience isn’t about what happens to you, it’s about what you do next.This conversation explores the mindset, determination, and perspective that carried Melissa from one of the hardest moments of her life to standing on the Paralympic podium, and how those lessons continue to shape the way she lives today.In this episode, you’ll hear:The moment that changed Melissa’s life forever (and how she responded)How she found the courage to pursue elite athletics after her injuryWhat it feels like to represent the United States on the Paralympic stageThe mental resilience required to compete at the highest levelWhy adversity can become the foundation for something even greaterMelissa’s story isn’t just about athletic achievement. It’s about identity, perseverance, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, a new path forward is always possible.PICK OF THE WEEKAshley's AtticWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSJust In Case Workshop by SonderwinThis April, Sonderwin is hosting a thoughtful and surprisingly empowering end-of-life planning workshop right here in Colorado Springs. You’ll hear from trusted experts like a CPA and estate planning attorney, walk away with a clear game plan, and even enjoy drinks and good food at Kinship Landing during their “Morgues & Margaritas” happy hour. Space is limited for the April 10th and 11th workshops, and our listeners can get 15% off with the code myluckyday at sonderwin.com.Vanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!About Springs & ThingsSprings & Things is a Colorado Springs podcast uncovering the incredible stories behind the people who make this city so inspiring, from Olympic and Paralympic athletes to local legends shaping the community in meaningful ways.Follow Springs & Things for more conversations that reveal the remarkable stories happening right here in Colorado Springs.
67. If These Broadmoor Walls Could Talk…
What really goes on behind the iconic walls of The Broadmoor?In today’s episode, we’re talking with the Broadmoor historian, Cindy Leonard, about the secrets, stories, and legends hiding inside Colorado Springs’ most iconic hotel. From royalty and polo matches to hidden spaces, lost swimming pools, and traditions that date back over 100 years, this conversation is packed with moments that will make you say, wait…what?You’ll hear about:Hidden and forgotten spaces most guests never seeWild and elegant stories from over 100 years of Broadmoor historyHow The Broadmoor influenced Colorado Springs landmarks and cultureTraditions that have quietly survived for decadesAnd yes…the very real story behind the infamous glass eyeballWhether you’re a lifelong Colorado Springs local, new to the city, or just fascinated by historic hotels and local lore, this episode will change the way you see The Broadmoor forever.PICKS OF THE WEEKColorado Appreciation at The BroadmoorBroadmoor Winter Polo ClassicWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend! New episodes drop weekly on Springs & Things.
66. What to Do in Summit County When the Snow’s Meh (A Colorado Springs Local’s Guide)
Ski season might be technically underway in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean the slopes are the main event this year. In this episode of Springs & Things, Carly and Lauren share their favorite things to do in Summit County when skiing conditions aren’t ideal (or when you just don’t feel like skiing at all).From cozy coffee shops and award-winning restaurants to tubing hills, art studios, snow forts, and immersive festivals, this episode is packed with winter mountain getaway ideas that don’t require skis. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a low-key weekend, or tagging along for ski programs you already paid for, this guide proves you can still have an unforgettable Colorado mountain trip.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Summit County is worth visiting even in a low-snow ski yearThe best non-ski winter activities for families, couples, and solo travelersWhere to eat, drink coffee, and relax in Breckenridge, Frisco, and SilverthorneUnique art, culture, and events that make mountain towns special year-roundHow to enjoy Keystone and Breckenridge without skiing at allFood & Coffee Worth the TripRootstalk – James Beard Award–winning chef, hidden happy hour, and one of Colorado’s most talked-about dining experiencesSilver Crown – Cozy whiskey bar that surprises with excellent coffee and breakfastOuter Range Brewing Company – Favorite brewery vibes with standout brandingBird Craft (inside Outer Range) – Chicken stand that’s become a local favoriteMountain Dweller Coffee – Ideal work-from-anywhere atmosphereWinter Activities (No Skis Required)Frisco Adventure Park – Tubing, beginner ski lessons, sledding hills, and cross-country skiingThe Art Spot – Drop-in art studio with supplies, classes, and working artists on siteSilverthorne Recreation Center – Indoor pool with a rock-climbing wall that drops straight into the waterKeystone Snow Fort – Massive mountaintop snow fort accessible by lift (no skiing needed), plus Snow Fort After Dark eventsArt, Culture & Can’t-Miss ExperiencesIsak Heartstone – Iconic 15-foot wooden troll sculpture worth the short walkBreckenridge International Festival of Arts (Aug 20–23) – Immersive, playful, and unexpected art installations throughout townPick of the WeekVintage Barn Market – Monthly vintage home décor and clothing market focused on sustainability and one-of-a-kind findsThe Argentos Empanadas – Authentic empanadas with multiple Colorado locations and a loyal followingWhy This Episode MattersIf you’ve ever felt pressure to ski just because you’re in a ski town, or wondered whether a mountain trip is “worth it” without perfect snow, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently. Summit County shines just as brightly off the slopes, and this conversation proves that winter in the mountains can be relaxing, creative, and fun at any pace.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with your mountain-loving (or slope-avoiding) friends. New episodes drop weekly on Springs & Things.
65. Prevention, Protection, and Hope: How The Exodus Road Is Fighting Trafficking
Normally on Springs & Things, we’re swapping fun Colorado Springs stories…but today’s episode goes somewhere much heavier.Lauren sits down with Preston Goff from The Exodus Road, an organization combating human trafficking around the world and helping families understand what it really looks like today—especially in the digital age. They unpack the stuff most people get wrong (no, it’s usually not “stranger danger” at Target), how grooming and manipulation actually happen, and what prevention can look like without fear-mongering or vigilantism. It’s a tough but incredibly important conversation, grounded in real stories, real solutions, and real hope.Listener discretion advised: Some of the topics discussed may be difficult to listen to. Please do not listen with children around.PICK OF THE WEEKRECEPTIONWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
64. The Colorado Springs Summer Camp Guide We Wish We Had Last Year
Is it too early to be talking about summer camps when there is snow on the ground? You’d think. But if you are a Colorado Springs parent, this episode might just save your summer.In this episode, we break down our favorite local summer camps, from affordable outdoor programs, to creativity-fueled options, to adventure-packed favorites, and more. We talk honestly about cost, timing, what fills up fast, what opens later, and which camps are actually worth your time and money.If you feel overwhelmed by all the options, worried you missed the boat, or just want trusted local recommendations, this episode does the research for you.Plus, our Pick of the Week is a new kid-friendly coffee shop that might become your new go-to work and play spot.Parents, planners, procrastinators, and everyone in between, this one is for you.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
63. Why COS Kids Need More Outdoor Play (Not More Structured Activities)
Colorado Springs parents...this episode is a must-listen.Carly sits down with Chris Aaby of Generation Wild/Great Outdoors Colorado and Maury Peterson of The Catamount Institute to talk about what’s really happening with kids and screen time, why unstructured outdoor play matters more than ever, and how getting outside impacts everything from mood and resilience to creativity and confidence. They dive into the science behind nature’s benefits, the concept of “safe risks,” and why even 20–30 minutes outside can make a meaningful difference.You’ll also walk away with practical, realistic ideas for busy families (no epic hikes required), plus local resources, programs, and hidden gems right here in the Pikes Peak region that make it easier than ever to get kids outdoors, year-round, even (or especially) in winter. If you’ve ever felt like screens are winning or wondered how to make outdoor time feel fun instead of forced, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.Download "100 Things To Do Outdoors Before You're 12"PICKS OF THE WEEKSondermann ParkLatin Socialbird tree cafeWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior Co.Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
62. Colorado Springs Interior Design Tips That Instantly Improve Your Home
If you’ve ever saved a home photo on Instagram and thought, “Love this…but why doesn’t it work in my house?”...this episode explains exactly why.On this week’s Springs and Things, we sit down with Elisha Niebuhr, CEO of Modern Interior Company, to unpack what actually works in Colorado Springs homes, and what we should probably stop copying from New York, Austin, and Pinterest altogether.Elisha shares her unexpected path from professional ballerina to luxury interior designer, then gets very real about the most common design mistakes she sees across the Springs. She explains how our light, landscape, and lifestyle completely change how trends show up here, and why homes should feel lived-in, layered, and personal instead of themed.We also cover the easiest upgrades with the biggest payoff (paint, lighting, and furniture that actually finishes a space), underrated neighborhoods with serious design potential, and what a true Colorado-inspired color palette looks like heading into 2026.Fair warning: you may finish this episode looking around your house thinking, “Okay…we need to talk about this wall.”PICKS OF THE WEEKPrime25Boonzaaijer's Dutch BakeryModern Interior Co Design Day and Furniture SaleWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
61. The Episode That Started It All — Thank You for Being Here, COS 💕
We’re throwing it back to our very first episode of Springs & Things, with an updated Pick of the Week for today.In this re-release, we reintroduce ourselves and share how this podcast came to life, why Colorado Springs deserves its own hype girls, and what listeners can expect from the show. From growing up here versus moving here, to leaving, exploring the country, and choosing to come back home, this episode sets the foundation for lighthearted, local conversations rooted in community.You’ll hear how a custom itinerary idea sparked the podcast, how we became unlikely friends, and why Springs & Things is for people who live in, love, and want to feel more connected to Colorado Springs.If you’re a Colorado Springs resident looking for a fun, approachable way to stay plugged into your city, this is where it all started.PICK OF THE WEEKHouse of GOCA: STARDUSTWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
60. Listener Favorite: The COS Holiday Traditions Episode Everyone Loved
We’re bringing back one of those episodes that still makes us smile. This conversation with Bonnie Goff is full of heart, laughter, and the kind of holiday traditions that remind you why this season feels special in the first place. From creative family rituals to uniquely Colorado Springs ways of celebrating, it’s cozy, funny, and packed with ideas you’ll want to borrow.If you’re looking for an episode that feels like a warm drink with friends and zero pressure to “do the holidays perfectly,” this favorite from last year deserves another listen.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMill HillSkate in the Park by Downtown Colorado SpringsStory CoffeeNORAD Tracks SantaChistmas Storytime at Cave of the WindsSanta Express TrainWhy Wait StoriesPICKS OF THE WEEKBuffalo Lodge Bicycle ResortWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
59. The Local Gift Guide Everyone in Colorado Springs Should Steal
What if the best gifts this year aren’t things, but experiences you’ll actually remember? In this episode of Springs & Things, Carly and Lauren swap their favorite local finds, meaningful experiences, and sneaky-good gift ideas that go way beyond candles and socks. From adorable local jewelry and art you’ll obsess over, to food tours, scavenger hunts, spa-level skincare, and a Penrose Room dinner deal that feels unreal, this episode is basically your shortcut to gifting like a genius.Whether you’re shopping for someone else or quietly building your own wish list, these are the Colorado Springs favorites worth knowing about and stealing for yourself.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThree Wild Geese Studio by Josie PresleyAlysia Loerch PhotographyPasture RevivalThe Look Up GalleryYobelHeidi AlmosaraSurface GalleryCaroline Clark Prints of Long Lost StudioBroadmoor Colorado Appreciation DaysClara SkincareRocky Mountain Food ToursLet's Roam Scavenger HuntMelanzanaPICKS OF THE WEEKMassage by Nicole (719)237-3321Caroling and CocktailsWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
58. Magical and Unique Holiday Moments in COS You'll Want to Add To Your List
Colorado Springs is glowing this time of year, and this week on Springs & Things we’re diving straight into the moments that make the season feel downright magical. From unexpected tears at local theater, to first-time traditions like the Christkindlmarket, to skating downtown and cozy nights at the Broadmoor, we’re rounding up the holiday experiences that remind you why you love living here.If you’re looking for charming, heartwarming, only-in-the-Springs ideas to make December feel special, this episode is your festive roadmapMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMary Poppins at The Fine Arts CenterIconsTraditions episode with Bonnie GoffThe Grinch at Buell TheaterThe Importance of Being Earnest at Ent Center for the Performing ArtsChristkindlmarketHotel Polaris - Be sure to listen to our episode about this great placeSkate in the ParkPlay at The BroadmoorThe Penrose Room at The BroadmooThe Golden Bee at The BroadmoorShugasTimberline Landscaping Christmas lights guideKinship LandingLocal MotivePICKS OF THE WEEKRoth's Sea and Steak (follow @actuallyitsmeagan and see her Reel on the restaurant)The Nutcracker Tea at Toodle's TearoomSanta Brunch at Homa Cafe and BarWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard AestheticsVanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.Modern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
Warning: This Episode May Inspire Sudden Acts of Kindness in Colorado Springs
It’s Giving Tuesday, and we’re sharing the Colorado Springs nonprofits that make our community stronger, safer, and a whole lot more connected.From organizations keeping families safe, to programs teaching kids confidence and personal safety, to the foster community getting wrapped in love, to the hospital caring for thousands of local children, to the cycling advocates who help us enjoy the outdoors we always rave about, we’re sharing the groups that truly matter to us and why we think you should know about them.If you’ve been wanting to give back, get your kids involved, or just discover some incredible local organizations doing powerful work, this episode will fill your heart.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODETESSAKidpowerFostering HopeChildren's Hospital of ColoradoGoodwill of ColoradoBike COSPICKS OF THE WEEKSkills Sessions at Fountain Valley SchoolCookies with SantaCarols, Cocktails, and Cocoa at The Mining ExchangeWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSModern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!
COS Breakfast Burritos and Hot Takes With The One and Only, Meagan Thomas!
We invited Megan Thomas back on the show for the third time to settle the real Colorado Springs debates: beans or no beans, potatoes as hero or filler, handheld vs smothered, and whether french fries belong anywhere near your breakfast. Megan walks us through her wildly popular Breakfast Burrito Series, shouting out spots like Azada, Luna Market, Roll Up, Tacos El Amigo and more, while sharing why she’s so passionate about getting locals out of their neighborhood bubbles and into Southeast side gems. We also get into what it’s like to go “viral,” dealing with spicy TikTok comments, and why you should never, ever “yuck someone’s yum.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEActually It's Meagan on InstagramActually It's Meagan on TikTokActually It's Meagan on YouTubeTacos El AmigoMonica's Taco ShopAzada Mexican GrillLuna MarketRoll UpDos DosAlfonsosGarden of the Gods Market and CafeKing's Chef DinerEl ChapinLa CasitaTacos Del GordoZapataPICKS OF THE WEEKMary Poppins at the Fine Arts CenterBuffalo Lodge Holiday Roll and StrollWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSModern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
55. Hidden Surprises Around Hotel Polaris...And Why Locals Should Go Now!
What happens when a luxury hotel just outside of the Air Force Academy is packed with Easter eggs, hidden nods, and “if you know, you know” details that locals walk right past every day? You get Hotel Polaris, one of the coolest spots in Colorado Springs. This week, Kevin Barosso, Director of Sales & Marketing, reveals the biggest misconception about the property, why locals absolutely should be hanging out there, and how the entire hotel is loaded with clever architectural secrets honoring the Academy. From class-color mosaics to terrazzo-inspired tile to cocktails rooted in Air Force lore, we dive into the thoughtful touches that make Hotel Polaris unlike anything in town...plus the simulators, rooftop bar, spa, brunch, Yappy Hour, and all the reasons locals are quickly becoming regulars. If you love hidden gems, great stories, and discovering your next favorite place in the Springs… this one’s for you.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPamelasThe AviatorDooliesFlight SimulatorsExperiences at Hotel PolarisPICKS OF THE WEEKA Doll's House at Millibo Art TheaterBristol Beer ChoirWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSModern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
54. If These PikeRide Bikes Could Talk…Oh The Wild and Emotional Stories They'd Tell!
What started with 60 pedal bikes has become one of the most heart-warming success stories in Colorado Springs. PikeRide isn’t just about e-bikes. It’s about connection.In this episode, Carly sits down with Tara McCarthy from PikeRide to talk about how the city’s bike-share program has exploded across Colorado Springs and Manitou, growing from a visitor amenity into a life-changing community service. From helping a man rebuild his life and reconnect with his daughters to giving a 72-year-old daily independence, PikeRide is quietly transforming lives one ride at a time.You’ll laugh at the story of a late-night “ride to Pueblo” gone wrong, tear up at the impact stories, and leave feeling proud of what community can do when it gets rolling.Tune in for local love, big heart, and a reminder that sometimes, a simple bike can take you exactly where you need to go.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEVanguard AestheticsStellina Pizza CafeMash MechanixFine Arts CenterPICKS OF THE WEEKSunday FunDay Farmer's MarketJC Beauty BarWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSModern Interior CoModern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.Core CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!
53. Wait…Colorado Springs Never Had a Veterans Week Until Now?!
After more than two decades on your TV screen, Andy Koen is now behind one of Colorado Springs’ biggest community projects: Veterans Week. We’re talking parade secrets, Purple Heart history, and what it really takes to honor the 95,000 service members who call the Pikes Peak region home.PLUS, Lauren and Andy couldn't help but share some past newsroom stories...so get ready for some entertainment!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPurple Heart Exhibit on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Fine Arts CenterIn Their Honor Veterans Day Parade returns for 2025 on Saturday, Nov. 8Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Observance on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Memorial ParkPICKS OF THE WEEKHybrid AI Creatures at Bemis School of ArtRising Tide Colorado SpringsWE LOVE OUR SPONSORSCore CollectiveCore Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!Why Wait StoriesWhy Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.