SpringsHomes Blog

The New Year is upon us. This Sunday, the AdAmAn Club will begin it's ascent up to the top of Pike's Peak to set off their annual fireworks show on New Year's Day.

A local tradition since 1922, the AdAmAn Club is a unique group of mountaineers, who each year on December 30th and 31st, climb the icy slopes on the east face of the world famous Pikes Peak.  Then, at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, the members ignite a spectacular fireworks display from the summit to usher in the New Year.

Their club was formed in memory of the original "frozen five," and each year they add one new member from a list of applicants, hence the name AdAmAn.  These hearty men and women will brave frozen slopes and wind chills of -50 degrees.  In years past, blizzard conditions prevented them from completing their ascent and they were forced to call off the show.

Hopefully, this year will be a success for them. I appreciate their dedication and enthusiasm.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So, I have recently become a dad and this holiday season will change quite a bit for me.  I used to throw holiday parties for all of my friends without kids.  Now I have one.  I have realized I need to find something more age appropriate for my new baby, Claire.  There are several things for families to do in Colorado Springs around the holiday season.  Here is one of my favorites. 

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers the Electric Safari every holiday season.  They have been doing this for 22 years now and it has become a great tradition here in Colorado Springs.  The Electric Safari is December 7-9 and December 14 through January 1 from 5:30pm-8:30pm.  It offers tons of lights, animals and warming fires all through the zoo.  Oh, and don’t forget the big, jolly white bearded guy is also there for the kids to meet.  Here is a link with more information. http://www.cmzoo.org/guestInformation/events/electricSafari.asp

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

One of my favorite Halloween activities is taking my daughter to BOO AT THE ZOO! Located on Cheyenne Mountain, our zoo overlooks the city of Colorado Springs.  The views from there are amazing, and this time of year is usually mild in temperature, making it a perfect outdoor event.

Boo Activities Include:

• Haunted fun house and ghoulish graveyard offer frightful fun!
• Select animal encounters with shows each evening by education interpreters
• Trick-or-treat at 25 spooky treat stations
• Creepy Cave
• Lighted pumpkin patch
• Boo Carousel
• Select animal exhibits are open including giraffes, Monkey Pavilion, Aquatics, The Loft and Lion's Lair!

Dates

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 19-21 and 26-28, 2012 - - 6 nights!

Time - NEW Extended Hours!

4 p.m.- 9 p.m. - with last ticket sold at 8 p.m.

As a mom, I highly recommend it!

For a few college years, I lived in Pueblo, CO and enjoyed the benefit of having the Colorado State Fair right in our own back yard.... well living in Colorado Springs it is only about an hour away for all the events and happenings. Enjoy everything from rodeos, livestock presentations, a carnival and a variety of concerts each day!  In my mind the state fair often marks the 'end of summer'. Most kids are already in school in Colorado and the temperatures start to drop. There is so much to see and do, check out the full event schedule in the link at the bottom.

The 2012 Colorado State Fair runs from August 24-Sept 3, 2012; 10am-11pm daily at 1001 Buelah Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004

General admission is $7-10 depending on day of the week, plus additional costs for rodeos, concerts, rides, etc.

Here is a brief summary of some major events:

8/24/12 - PRCA Rodeo + Chris Young

8/25/12 - Colorado State Fair Parade.... PRCA Rodeo + Thompson Square

8/26/12 - PRCA Rodeo

8/27/12 - PRCA Rodeo

8/28/12 - Brothers of the Son ... OR Cowboys Kickin' Cancer PRCA rodeo

8/29/12 - Merle Haggard ... OR CSF Invitational Bull Wars

8/30/12 - Steve Miller Band ... OR Ranch Rodeo

8/31/12 - The Temptations & The Four Tops   OR   Toughest Monster Truck Tour

9/1/12 - Kenny Loggins   OR  Kids Day Parade   OR   Toughest Monster Truck Tour   OR   Demolition Derby

9/1/12 & 9/2/12 - Dynamix Band  OR   Legacy Band

9/3/12 - Mutton Bustin'

This is NOT a conclusive list, I highlighted the ones I've heard of... there is so much more to see and do! Go here for the full details on which events might appeal to your family - http://www.coloradostatefair.com/

Whether you're shopping for a home or just looking for some really cool ideas, the annual Colorado Springs HBA Parade of Homes is always fun. With homes ranging from the low $100,000s into the multi-millions, there is so much to see. The Parade of Homes normally features 2-3 hub sites where several home builders are featured. Often these are existing local model homes, but sometimes they are brand new builders and/or plans to show off to prospective buyers. I had the chance to preview the Meridian Ranch site today with hundreds of other Realtors, with an event put on by the builders and community. There is one builder who has built around the area (but is new to single family homes), three long-time local builders, and one that has been in the greater Colorado Springs area for just a couple years. It's exciting for me to see new floor plans and decor ideas. Also, new design trends are revealed and upgrade options available.The homes are all around town from Monument to Fountain... Old Colorado City to Peyton.

The post card photo above is a brief description, but in case you cannot read it, here are the details about how long it lasts and where to get your tickets!!

Parade Dates - August 3-19, 2012 - 10am-6pm daily - www.springsparade.com

Tickets available at Safeway stores, LaZBoy Furniture Galleries or at any of the Parade Homes.

Prices - $10 adults - $5 for seniors - kids under 18 free - Complimentary Active Duty Military tickets available at Mike Shaw Buick GMC (a little shout-out to Mike Shaw, the place where we get our GMC serviced )

Featured 'Hub' Communities -

Banning Lewis Ranch (Woodmen Rd, south on Marksheffel)

Flying Horse (Hwy 83 north to Flying Horse Rd or Northgate Rd)

Meridian Ranch (Woodmen East to Meridian Rd, E on Londonderry to end)

Watch for those Parade of Homes Yellow signs with navy blue arrows & lettering. Enjoy the Parade!

It's almost summertime... and for many of us that means shopping the local Farmer's Markets for locally grown fresh fruits, veggies, homemade tamales and so much more! Check out these options for local Farmer's Markets:

MONDAY -

Acacia Park (downtown, Tejon & Bijou)                                 9am - 3pm

Memorial Park (Union & Pike's Peak)                                  7am-1pm

WEDNESDAY -

Fine Arts Center (Cascade south, west on Dale St)                3pm-7pm

Western Mining Museum (I-25, east on Northgate Rd)          1pm-5:30pm

THURSDAY -

Memorial Park                                                                  7am-1pm

1st & Main Town Center (Powers & N Carefree/S Carefree)      10am-4pm

SATURDAY -

Old Colorado City, 24th & W Colorado                                  7am-1:30pm

Margarita at Pine Creek (I-25, west on Woodmen, N on Corporate)  9am-1pm

Monument Hill, Grace Best Elementary (I-25, W on Hwy 105)   8am-2pm

Monument; Hwy 105 behind Starbucks                                  8am-1pm

Doherty High School (Austin Bluffs Pkwy, E on Barnes Rd)        7am-1pm

Get out there an enjoy locally grown produce!

Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means……..home maintenance and cleaning.  There is not a better place to rent the necessary equipment then Bill’s Tool Rental, Inc.

Bill’s Tool Rental has been family and locally owned for 3 generations since 1958.  They have three locations here in the Pikes Peak Region to serve everyone.   They rent everything from small space heaters to large backhoe loaders.  I have personally rented lawn aerators, floor sanders and trenchers and their customer service was first class.  Every employee is very knowledgeable about construction and the equipment.    Bill’s Tool Rental also offers delivery 7 days a week. Visit Bill’s Tool Rental and support one of many great local businesses’ here in the Pikes Peak Region.

Please visit www.billstoolrental.com for more information. 

If you would like more information on the Colorado Springs real estate market please contact me.

Well, winter is finally here and that means ski season here in Colorado.  So far this season it has been a little disappointing in the snow department.  Most of the mountains in Colorado have below average snow fall so far this winter, but it is still early.  The Pikes Peak region is very close to several world-class ski resorts.  That is why it is very important to find a local ski and snowboard shop.  The Ski Shop located in Southwest Colorado Springs has been locally owned and family operated since 1952.

The staff is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all the products they sell.  The Ski Shop is continually voted in the top three ski and snowboard shops in Colorado Springs.  I have been going to The Ski Shop since the 1980’s and will continue to because of their great customer service and knowledgeable staff.

Please visit the link below for more information.

http://theskishopinc.com

On this beautiful snowy day, I think we're reminded of things we don't think of living and selling here for so many years. It's a great reminder. Although the snow it beautiful and one of the reasons some of us live here... and it's great for skiers, sledders, and students enjoying a snow day alike, it can also make a huge mess of our roads.

In response to the often-asked question, "When will the snow plow come to our neighborhood?", whether your home or office... here's a little info from the City of Colorado Springs:

Fall is my favorite season in Colorado Springs!  I love the changing trees with brilliant gold and amber leaves. I love the warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights.  And I love the pumpkins!

One of our best local attractions is the Venitucci Pumpkin Farm. It's a great place to take the kids. Here is an excerpt from their web site:

"Located on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs, this historic 190 acre urban farm, known as the “Pumpkin Farm”, was established by the Venetucci Family in 1936. Nick and Bambi Venetucci gave away thousands of pumpkins each fall to area school children. Wanting to preserve this valuable piece of land as a farm, the Venetucci's put it into conservancy and gifted the farm to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation in 2006. Thanks to the generosity of the Venetucci Family and the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Venetucci Farm is once again a working farm committed to growing healthy food and providing healthy experiences for the Colorado Springs community."

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company opened its doors in the winter of 1993 and never looked back. They offer a wide variety of great food and tasty microbrews. Their friendly service is one of the best in Colorado Springs. It is located in downtown Colorado Springs on the corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and Cascade Avenue in the historic Cheyenne Building that was built in 1901. PCBC takes up all three floors of the Cheyenne Building. The first floor is the expansive dining area with full bar. The second floor offers the billiards hall that houses 13 pool tables, foosball tables, darts and big screen TVs. You can get the same great food on the second floor that you do on the first floor. The third floor is the banquet hall which does hundreds of events a year. Those events range from wedding receptions, reunions and business meetings. If Phantom Canyon Brewing Company doesn’t scream Colorado I don’t know what does.  Enjoy!

My personal recommendations:

Beer: Cascade Amber Ale

Appetizer: Calamari

Soup: Blonde Ale & Smoked Gouda

Entrée: Center Cut New York Strip with Bacon & Blue Cheese Tortellini

Visit www.phantomcanyon.com for hours and more information.

Colorado Springs is regularly voted one of the top 10 most dog friendly cities.  What makes Colorado Spirngs a great place for dogs is the amount of beautiful outdoor activities just west of downtown.  The abundance of hiking trails and parks make being a dog living in Colorado Springs amazing.    Bear Creek Dog Park, Cheyenne Canyon, Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Garden of the Gods are just a few to choose from.  If you are traveling through you can choose from more then 50 dog friendly hotels.  There are also several shopping centers, restaruants, off leash parks to choose from.  Follow link below to find more dog friendly attractions in Colorado Springs.     

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityCOColorado_Springs.shtml

To me, insanity is hiking to the top of a 14,110 foot mountain in the middle of the night in sub-zero temperatures.  But that's what the Adaman Club does every New Year's Eve.  I guess we all have our own area of insanity.  To me, insanity is hiking to the top of a 14,110 foot mountain in the middle of the night in sub-zero temperatures.  But that's what the Adaman Club does every New Year's Eve.  The Adaman Club is a loca local hiking group who have an annual tradition of hiking to the top of Pikes Peak on New Year's Eve.  This year, the conditions were worse than normal due to the snowstorm which had blown through just two days prior.  It turns out the hikers made it just one mile short of the top of the mountain this year, when they had to turn around and go back.  Here is the article from our local paper. http://www.gazette.com/articles/peak-110426-pikes-summit.html

My point is we each have something we are passionate about, something we do which others may deem as crazy.  But it gives us joy and satisfaction.  As I write, I am bundling up for my morning run to include wool socks, well-lined running pants, turtleneck, fleece, weatherproof jacket, ear protection and gloves.  It's sunny outside.  There is still snow on the ground. The local temperature is 12 degrees. And for me, it would be crazy not to go!