Springs and Things

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 HIGHLIGHTS Gather Mountain Blooms [https://www.gathermountainblooms.com/] 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 [https://www.hillsidecolorado.com/] 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 [https://www.thehotelpolaris.com/] 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 [https://gardenofgods.com/events/] Yes, we love Garden of the Gods! Yoga classes right among the red rocks - check their website for class times. Cave of the Winds [https://caveofthewinds.com/] & Manitou Cliff Dwellings [https://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/theloft_manitou] → browse Manitou storefronts → soak at Sunwater Spa [https://www.sunwaterspa.com/] → dinner at Crystal Park Cantina [https://crystalparkcantina.com/] → catch a show at Iron Spring Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theater [http://ironspringschateau.com/]. Luxy Llama [https://www.luxyllama.com/] Running May through September: happy hour with wine, cheese, and llamas. Full episode with Lexi Llama coming soon! Wines of Colorado [https://winesofcolorado.com/] A gorgeous creekside spot near the Cliff Dwellings area, perfect for a sunny Colorado afternoon. Juniper Valley Ranch  [https://junipervalleyranch.com/]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 [https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/tails-tunes-tastes/] An adults-only evening at the zoo with wine and live music. Plus: the new zoo exhibit opening this summer! The Little Dipper Pool [https://www.thelittledipperpool.com/] Total Sandlot vibes. A Colorado Springs summer staple. PICK OF THE WEEK Jagged Little Pill at the Fine Arts Center  [https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/]The must-see show of the season. One night had a seven-minute standing ovation mid-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.  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 Episode * How a small group of volunteers in 1977 launched what would become Palmer Land Conservancy, and why the name has changed twice since then * The story behind the Garden of the Gods backdrop protection and what that view might look like today without it * Palmer's ambitious five-year plan to protect 60,000 additional acres (that's four Manhattans!) and 25 miles of waterways * Why conservation easements are permanent, and what that means for landowners and communities * The local food guide connecting Colorado Springs residents to farms and ranches south of the city * The Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor: a legacy project protecting sweeping views along Highway 24 * Avenger Open Space in Woodland Park: a new trail-connected open space in the works * How you can support local conservation through events, donations, and community advocacy Key Takeaways * Conservation 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 Events * Pints with Palmer — Wednesday, June 25 at Goat Patch Brewing [https://www.goatpatchbrewing.com/]. 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 [https://www.trailforks.com/region/avenger-open-space-70643/] — 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 Week Lolley's Ice Cream [https://lolleys.com/] — 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 Conservancy * Visit their website [https://www.palmerland.org/] for the local food guide and event info * Attend a hike, happy hour, or community event this summer * Make a donation, because people power this work We Love Our Sponsors * Vanguard Aesthetics [https://vanguardskin.com/aesthetics/injectables/botox-cosmetic/] — Personalized skincare treatments. Link in show notes. * Core Collective [https://corecollectivecos.com/] — Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Link in show notes. * Why Wait Stories [https://www.whywaitstories.com/] — 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 matters * Why people who move here feel like they age overnight  * IPL and chemical peels, and when to get them * Botox (the stigma and the truth) * The Collagenizer NEO and predictive permeation * Seasonal skincare and why some treatments stop in May * Red light therapy devices and what to look for * The right way to pop a pimple (if you're going to do it anyway) * Clara's charitable giving mission Mentioned in this episode:  * Vanguard Skin Specialists [https://vanguardskin.com/] * Vanguard Aesthetics [https://vanguardskin.com/aesthetics] * Clara Skincare [https://www.shopclara.com/] * Good Gracious Coffee  [https://www.goodgraciouscoffee.com/] * Frankly Coffee  [https://www.facebook.com/franklycoffee.co] * The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center [https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/hosmer-visitor-center/] * Fountain Valley School [https://www.fvs.edu/] We Love Our Sponsors * Vanguard Aesthetics [https://vanguardskin.com/aesthetics] — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation! * Core Collective [https://corecollectivecos.com/] — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.  * Why Wait Stories [https://www.whywaitstories.com/] — 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 Sponsors * Vanguard Aesthetics [https://vanguardskin.com/aesthetics/injectables/botox-cosmetic/] — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation! * Modern Interior Company [https://moderninterior.co/] — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs.  * Core Collective [https://corecollectivecos.com/] — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.  * Why Wait Stories [https://whywaitstories.com/] — 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. [https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/museum/] 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. [https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/art-school/] 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 [https://ormaodance.org/]. Plus: new seats and carpet are coming to the JiGaSa Theatre this season! Learn more. [https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/theatre/] Picks of the Week:  * Nightingale Bread [https://www.nightingalebread.com/] * Latin Social [https://www.amblidenver.com/amblilatinsocial] * Sushi Row [https://www.sushi-row.com/] * Phelan Gardens [https://phelangardens.com/] * Dos Santos [https://www.dossantostacos.com/] * Goat Patch Brewing [https://www.goatpatchbrewing.com/] We Love Our Sponsors * Vanguard Aesthetics [https://vanguardskin.com/aesthetics/injectables/dermal-fillers/] — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation! * Modern Interior Company [https://moderninterior.co/] — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs.  * Core Collective [https://corecollectivecos.com/] — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.  * Why Wait Stories [https://www.whywaitstories.com/] — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.