Give the gift of experiencing the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. From an e-gift card for luxurious services at our state-ofthe-art spa and salon, to a coveted reservation at the awardwinning Grand View restaurant, there’s an experience calling your favorite person’s name. Or give the gift of choice for all of the above with a gift card purchased at any of our various retail outlets, where there are even more gifts to discover. There’s something for everyone at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club.
When I was a youngster, apples and oranges usually filled my stocking over the holidays. Maybe a piece of chocolate.
Sometimes, I think those days were better. Simpler.
My grandma used to reuse wrapping paper for gifts year after year. She also reused Christmas cards from friends on gifts, just cutting off the signature at the bottom. Those cards, lovingly attached to each gift, got shorter and shorter and new ones were added to the rotation. It was tradition. And every one of those gifts wrapped in wrinkled paper decorated with a truncated card was every bit as meaningful as fresh, shiny and new.
Whatever you celebrate, I hope the holidays are a time of family and friends; of comfort food and joy and rest.
Those, after all, are greater gifts than anything that could fit in a box.
We have stories about all kinds of joy and the various types of gifts in our December issue.
Read about a brand-new Christkindlmarket coming to Old Colorado City this year, about the Colorado Springs Philharmonic's new director and about a new pilot program at Care and Share Food Bank.
Looking for a way to spruce up your baked goods or festive drinks this year? Read about a local company making decorative rolling pins and another crafting bitters. Also, check out a piece on a local bakery with roots in Ensenada, Mexico.
Finally, check out a story about a Manitou Springs business upcycling old ski gear into furniture and another about a hot springs oasis close to home.
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine!
Jacey Blue Renner | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Cara Bukacek, Lindsay Tallman, Jacey Blue Renner, Jessi Scoletti, Christa Hays
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
GACC Colorado Chapter, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Michal Nowak, Peter Naydenov, Cora Mitchell, Isaiah Downing, Steve Walker, Savory Spice Shop, Care and Share Food Bank, Colorado Ski Chairs, Sweet Rolling Pins, Ivywild Visuals, Jake Pedroza, Sebastian Romero, Teri Isenberg
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
3:5-6
HELP NEIGHBORS FACING HUNGER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
We believe food is the foundation for creating memories around the table with loved ones, experiencing joy, and building hope.
Thanks to the generosity of The Faricy Boys, all donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 during the holiday season and throughout our year-end giving campaign.
careandshare.org | 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
The Brit Pub is Open for Business
The Brit Pub is serving up an authentic British experience downtown at 645 S. Sierra Madre St. Executive Chef Phil Griffin has crafted a traditional menu perfectly paired with proper pints, British gins and imported spirits. Adding to the atmosphere are a restored 1935 K6 phone box from the UK, private event space, vintage pub signs, and football jersey signed by David Beckham. The upstairs lounge offers a cozy “second living room.” greatbritish.net
Good Intentions Perfume and Skincare Opens Downtown
Good Intentions, a locally owned perfume, candle and skincare brand, has opened a brick-and-mortar location at 119 N. Tejon St. Founded in 2019 by Kelsee Swenn, Good Intentions began as a candle line created out of a personal need for fragrances that felt authentic and clean. Now, the brand offers a full line of skincare and cosmetics, sourced primarily from female-owned small businesses. Good Intentions will also host perfume- and candle-making classes. goodintentionscos.com
Totem Restaurant Opens Downtown
Totem Restaurant has joined the downtown dining scene at 315 E. Pikes Peak Ave., the former home of The Well. Totem blends Mexican flavors with fresh, local Colorado ingredients, creating a unique comfort food experience in a warm, art-filled space for morning coffee, a casual lunch or a lively dinner and cocktails with friends. This is a second location of the restaurant, the original located in Mazatlán, Mexico. totemmazatlan.com
Photography by Totem Restaurant
Photography by Good Intentions
Photography by The Brit Pub
Kids Ski Free - Alterra Mountain
From December 6-12, kids will get up to seven free lift tickets at 15 of Alterra Mountain Company’s North American mountain destinations to use during Kids Ski Free Week. Participating destinations include Steamboat, Winter Park Resort and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. Kids 12 and under may receive a free lift ticket each day to use from December 6 through 12. No other purchase is necessary; rentals and lessons are not included. alterramtn.co/en
Photography by IKON Ski Pass
- Winter Park Ski Resort
Latin Social: A New Place to Celebrate Life
Latin Social’s culinary inspiration draws from the best of the Mediterranean: France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey—regions that not only offer rich, flavorful traditions but also share deep Latin linguistic and cultural roots. Latin Social beautifully reflects the spirit guests feel the moment they walk through the doors. The Latin culture is inherently romantic, built around family, food, great wine and a deep sense of pride. It’s about gathering, sharing, and celebrating life. latinsocialco.com/
Photography by Latin Social
Jolly Jax Winter Wonderland
From November 24 through December 26, Jax Fish House will be transformed into a winter wonderland. They will be featuring fun, festive cocktails and holiday shared plates, along with fun theme days and cookie decorating.
• 12/2 and 12/17 - Sugar Cookie Decorating
• 12/9 - Christmas PJ Day (come dressed and get a free treat)
• 12/23 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (come dressed and get a free treat) jaxfishhouse.com
Photography by Jax Fish House
Holiday OLD WORLD TRADITION
OCC Christkindlmarket: Wooden Huts, Twinkling Lights, German Food and Entertainment
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY GACC COLORADO CHAPTER & TERI ISENBERG
This winter, the magic of a traditional German Christmas market will arrive in Old Colorado City for the first time. Modeled after centuries-old European markets, the OCC Christkindlmarket will bring the cozy, festive atmosphere of wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, authentic German fare, and cheerful holiday spirit to Bancroft Park.
COLORADO’S FIRST EXPANSION
The market is being put on by the German American Chamber of Commerce-Colorado Chapter, the same organization behind Denver’s Christkindlmarket, now entering its 25th year. The Colorado Springs location marks Colorado’s first expansion—a move years in the making.
“We’ve done the Denver market for 25 years. We actually serve all of Colorado,” says Samantha Seems, executive
director of the Chamber’s Colorado chapter. “Annually, we estimate about 10,000 people from Colorado Springs visit the Denver market each year.”
MORE INTIMATE EVENT
Rather than replicate the scale of Denver’s downtown event, the Old Colorado City market is designed to feel more intimate and community-focused. With handcrafted wooden huts imported from Europe, the market will showcase a curated mix of local and German vendors, selling everything from handmade ornaments and body care products to imported spices, soaps and festive holiday gifts. Traditional German food will also be on the menu— including schnitzel, pot roast, latkes and roasted almonds.
“We’re starting out small,” Seems says. “We’re only doing 10 huts, 10 vendors. It’s a free event. There’s free entertainment every night. We want to encourage people to also shop in Old Colorado City.”
The idea for the market emerged from the Chamber’s desire to better serve the broader Colorado community. Colorado Springs, with its deep military ties and strong connection to German culture, was a natural fit. Many locals, including military families who have been stationed in Germany, have experienced Christkindlmarkets firsthand—and know the unique charm they offer.
CONTINUED >
“It’s been a long tradition,” Seems explains. “I think every single tiny town in Germany has a market.”
WARM + WELCOMING
Unlike other holiday events in the U.S., Christkindlmarkets are defined by their atmosphere—warm, welcoming, and rich in cultural detail. From the imported huts to Glühwein served in commemorative mugs designed by a local artist, no detail has been overlooked.
“We really put a lot of thought into ‘How can we make this a community event?’” Seems says.
Each evening will feature live entertainment—from accordion players and traditional German bands to local musicians and DJs performing inside a heated tent serving as a beer garden. The park will be fully decorated, complete with background music and festive lights. Sundays will be family-friendly, with face painting and appearances by St. Nick on December 6 and a lighthearted Krampus on December 5.
“We’re definitely planning on decorating the park with lights and making it really cute and Christmas-y,” Seems adds.
For those who have attended Oktoberfest events in the past, Christkindlmarkets are different, but have some similarities: they are a place to gather, celebrate and create new traditions.
“It’s a lot more cozy vibe,” Seems says. “What you feel is similar— you meet up with friends, you meet up with family.”
The OCC Christkindlmarket runs Dec. 11-14 and 18-23 from noon to 8 pm.
Sweet Rolling Pins joy curators Stacy and Kurt Krems have cultivated something bigger than baking. With their embossed and textured rolling pins, they’re encouraging a new way to create family memories. Their rolling pins are nostalgic talismans for quality time together, vessels for growing rote memories with the ones we love to bake and laugh with.
Inspired by summers with her grandmother in Palisade (known for its peaches, yes, but…), it’s really where Sweet Rolling Pins’ origin story begins. Stacy remembers the heart-impact that chats with her grandmother at the kitchen table, small moments sewing and fishing and going to church, had on her as she reflects on who she is now. It’s where Stacy’s memories melded together into a patchwork of prized core memories.
“I attribute our success and my joy to those summers,” she says.
“My husband Kurt was the mastermind behind the idea of this business,” Krems says. “He was a software engineer, but has always been a creator and builder. His love of tools and machines led us to purchasing our first laser engraver and by osmosis...he just knew how to run it and use it... he’s such a natural. He grew up tinkering in the garage with his dad and created a lifelong love of creating.”
Sweet Rolling Pins: Curating Memorable Moments with Custom Rolling Pins
ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEET ROLLING PINS
SWEET TREATS CUSTOMIZED
Together, their success is evident. With over 200 designs, Sweet Rolling Pins, available locally at Aspen Kitchens and Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware, as well as across Colorado, caters to the heart hugs and smiles of every novice or expert baker, crafter or potter. Stacy’s favorite design: the Floral Swirl, which she attributes to being universal and something that can be used year-round. The other, Goofy Reindeer, “is perfect for little ones to help you,” and comes as both a rolling pin or a cookie cutter and stamp. Each rolling pin comes with its own recipe for Springerle Shortbread cookies, which can easily be modified as the seasons change, with dashes of pumpkin spice or cinnamon, and whose texture easily complements the rolling pins.
“It’s easy and it’s fast,” she says.
ROLL OUT YOUR OWN MEMORIES
Paired with Krems’ cookbook, Just Roll With It, Recipes for Easy Embossed Cookies, bakers will have the tools needed to imprint lasting memories of their own across the kitchen table, as they roll out their own
“Life doesn’t have to be so hard. We need to love each other. We have the ability to give joy,”
small batches of cookies or salt dough ornaments. Keeping little hands engaged, the cookbook has coloring pages in the back, in case tiny bakers (or parents) need a mini-break.
It’s hard not to be inspired by Krems, whose joy is palpable and effusive, and exemplified on the website’s inspiration page. From Creative Clay Creations to best bets for the perfect Springerle, her thoughtful investment in Sweet Rolling Pins is contagiously rooted in her own joy-filled stories and warmth.
“Life doesn’t have to be so hard. We need to love each other. We have the ability to give joy,” she says. “Let the cookies burn. It doesn’t matter who you’re with, it’s that you’re together,”
BY DONATING $50 OR MORE TO CHARITY, YOU CAN RECEIVE:
• $300 off any Stressless® Recliner and Ottoman, Power Recliner or Office Chair *
• $300 off each Stressless® Sofa Seat*
• $400 off all Stressless® Mayfair Recliners and Ottomans (in Paloma leather)*
HOLIDAY HOME SALE
Enjoy guaranteed low prices on all of best brands for every room in your home. With a showroom and warehouse full of beautifully crafted home furnishings, we can help you design the perfect room in time for your family celebrations.
And with all purchases of our Scandinavian designed Stressless sofas and chairs, your donation will not only enhance your savings but brighten the dreams of the less fortunate in the Colorado Springs community.
Thank you for letting us be your local furniture store for over 104 years... MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Service Over Self
Care and Share: Encouraging Students to Lead the Way
Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado is in its 51st year of contributing to food security across southern Colorado. The organization was started by Sister Dominique Pisciotta from Pueblo, who saw a need in the community and collaborated with eight churches in downtown Colorado Springs to provide picnic baskets to people facing food insecurity. Sister Dominique was delivering food to people using a pickup truck and a rented garage.
“This is really the story of the power of the human spirit and the power of what one person does,” says Care and Share President and CEO Nate Springer.
Care and Share went from those small and meaningful beginnings to an organization that now serves 29 counties across 47,000 square miles to provide food to 278 partner agencies in that territory. Care and Share has three distribution centers including Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Alamosa. They will distribute 22 million pounds of food this year.
STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY
Care and Share Food Bank partners with schools all across central and southern Colorado. These programs, known as the Children’s Nutrition Initiative (CNI) partner with 40 different schools to address food insecurity. One of the CNI programs, Send Hunger Packing, helps feed students and their
ARTICLE BY LINDSAY TALLMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CARE AND SHARE
FOOD BANK
families over the weekend. Students receive bags of food on Fridays, so they are not hungry over the weekend. Another CNI program offers stocked food pantries at schools for middle and high school students who are at risk of hunger.
After leading several focus groups, CNI launched a new program called the Nourishing School Pantry Program Pilot that is student-led and offers students leadership opportunities. After witnessing the success of a student-led pantry at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, CNI identified other schools where they could use Coronado’s Cougar Cares Corner Market as the model and inspiration to create student-led food pantries at Mitchell High School and Florence Junior/Senior High School.
At Mitchell High School, Junior ROTC and the Student Council are running the program. At Florence Junior/Senior High School, the program is being run by students in the social work program track. The pilot is for two years for both schools.
FUTURE GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES
In the future, Care and Share would like to take the blueprint from the Nourishing School Pantry Program pilot and expand this student-led initiative to other schools across southern Colorado. The goal would be to continue to grow student-led food pantries in both urban and rural schools.
Programs Director Steven Williams says, “I think what’s been really exciting is the conversations that our staff are having with the students. They’re challenging us to think about our work differently. They’re bringing fresh, new ideas.”
The student-led initiatives are already providing fresh perspectives and insights on how Care and
Share can continue to address food insecurity in schools. The program provides opportunities for students to get involved with helping others.
Marketing and Communications Director Adam Uhernik adds, “What’s really neat about Care and Share is we are truly helping our neighbors and our neighbors throughout southern Colorado.”
Anyone who would like to get involved and help with food insecurity through Care and Share or any of their partner agencies should check out the opportunities on their website. The holidays are a perfect time to donate your time, talents, or funds to nonprofits that are trying to help families.
La Concha Bakery & Coffee: Where Tradition Meets Community
ARTICLE BY CHRISTA HAYS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEBASTIAN ROMERO
The first thing you notice when you step into La Concha Bakery & Coffee is the smell—sugar and butter swirling through the air, dough baking to a golden crisp. Sunlight spills across bright orange wainscoting as trays of pastries glisten like jewels. Behind the counter, croissants are rolled, cut, and baked before your eyes.
There’s a warmth and the unmistakable comfort of something made by hand right in front of you.
GENERATIONS OF BAKERS
It’s a scene that tells a story—one that began generations ago in Mexico. The Ramírez family’s love for baking traces back to Raymundo Ramírez, who learned the art at just nine years old. He passed his passion to his son, Rubén, who supported his family through baking in Baja California. Today, Guillermo Ramírez and his wife, Adriana, continue that proud tradition as the fourth generation of bakers. After moving to Colorado, Guillermo and Adriana began baking from their home in Woodland Park. What started as small batches for neighbors soon grew into a local favorite. Both were recognized by Teller County for their tasty creations— Guillermo for his master baking and Adriana for her pastries.
COMMUNITY + HEART
With a little encouragement, they opened La Concha Bakery & Coffee in January 2025—a place where Mexican tradition meets Colorado hospitality. The bakery offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican breads, cakes, and pastries, including sourdough, and many specialty options, blending old-world recipes with modern tastes.
But what truly sets La Concha apart is its heart. It’s a family building a business together. Everyone has a role, and everyone works hard to not only be successful, but to carry on the traditions of those who came before. After ten months in business, Guillermo says the most rewarding part isn’t just seeing the bakery full—it’s welcoming new friends, sharing the baking process and feeling the warmth of community support.
“People come in to check on us, to see how we’re doing,” he says. “That means everything.”
Now, La Concha’s mission goes beyond baking. The family hopes to build a community of bakers, collaborating with locals and giving back to the people and community who helped them rise and share not only their baked creations, but their family traditions.
Worthy Bitters: Where Every Bottle Is Meticulously Handcrafted by the Founder
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE PEDROZA
Grandma Bonnie introduced the family to Colorado. Robert Kenworthy has fond memories of condos and skiing in jeans with 25 to 30 of his cousins. With his active, healthy lifestyle as well as a plethora of good memories, he knew that Colorado was where he belonged.
After years in the food industry, Kenworthy had the opportunity to work under chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Stephan Pyles. Getting to know ingredients and encouraged to be creative, he equates that time to quality research and development before moving back to Colorado to start his own endeavor.
CRAFT + CONNECTION
Kenworthy founded Worthy Bitters after more than a decade behind the bar — a space where craft and connection naturally blended. “It wasn’t a single moment,” Kenworthy reflects. “Worthy Bitters was a natural evolution — a culmination of things I love: creativity, craftsmanship, and contribution.”
The philosophy behind the brand is rooted in connection and gratitude to the distilling community as well as the patrons of his products. The name Worthy pays tribute both to craftsmanship and to Kenworthy’s own heritage — a nod to his last name and a wink to his Grandma Bonnie. “It’s a reminder that every drink, every gathering, and every shared moment should feel worthy.”
METICULOUSLY HANDCRAFTED
Every bottle of Worthy Bitters is meticulously handcrafted by Kenworthy himself. From sourcing locally inspired ingredients to overseeing every extraction, straining, and bottling, the process remains deeply personal. The influence of Colorado’s landscape and community is unmistakable — each batch reflects the passion, guidance, and support of the state’s thriving distilling scene.
“Every drop passes through my hands,” he says. “It’s my way of ensuring that quality and heart stay at the center of everything.”
With nearly 40 events and festivals across Colorado under his belt this year alone, Kenworthy continues to celebrate the local community that fuels his craft. Looking ahead, his hope is simple yet profound: that each sip inspires creativity, sparks connection, and enhances life’s most meaningful moments. Although he believes that well-made bitters are the soul of a great cocktail (or mocktail) he also understands that “it’s never just about the drink; it’s about the moment that comes with it.”
FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES
Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.
This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.
A NEW ERA BEGINS IN THE SPRINGS
Colorado Springs Philharmonic: Meet the Orchestra’s First Woman Conductor
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY COLORADO SPRINGS PHILHARMONIC & MICHAL NOWAK
After an intensive search, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has announced the appointment of Chloé Dufresne as its next music director, effective with the 2025–26 season. Dufresne becomes the 10th conductor in the orchestra’s history and the first woman to hold the post.
THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE BATON
A music director’s job is to know every part of the orchestral score: the melody, harmony, rhythm,
orchestration, dynamics, articulations, and phrasing. She studies the full score to understand every part, shape the interpretation of the music, to communicate tempo, dynamics, and expression through gestures and cues. She must also understand the composer, historical period and style, using that knowledge to bring the music to life with authenticity and expressive clarity.
Born in Montpellier, South France, Dufresne trained as a singer, violist and choral conductor before earning
her Master’s in conducting from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. She also holds notable fellowships including with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and has guest-conducted orchestras in Germany, Finland, Norway and across Asia. She brings both international pedigree and a collaborative spirit, offering a dynamic mix of operatic fluency and symphonic authority to the podium. Dufresne emphasizes a rehearsal style built on listening, connection and shared musical energy, rather than purely top-down direction.
WHY COLORADO SPRINGS, WHY NOW?
During a two-year search, more than 250 applications were received for the post. After an invitation to conduct, she spent a week with the Orchestra and was invited to apply for the position. Dufresne had emerged as the person best suited to lead the orchestra into its next chapter.
“I wanted the orchestra to choose me,” she explains, noting the deeply collaborative nature of the musicians with their conductor. “I felt welcomed; it was a good fit.”
The season explores music that burns with energy, emotion and renewal, bringing forward female composers and fresh repertoire alongside the classics.
WHAT’S NEXT: PROGRAMMING & PROMISE
As music director, it is Dufresne’s job to choose the Philharmonic’s season programming. On the theme for the 2025-26 season, she wanted something that reflected not only the orchestra, but the city that it serves. Between the flame of the orchestra’s logo and the flame that represents the Olympics and Olympic City USA, she chose a fiery lineup.
The season explores music that burns with energy, emotion and renewal, bringing forward female composers and fresh repertoire alongside the classics. The score boasts the mythic blaze of Stravinsky’s Firebird to the warm glow of Brahms, the
sunlit passion of Rodrigo, and the electric vitality of Bernstein and Marsalis. Each program reveals a different facet of flame, its power to illuminate, transform, and connect a community through sound.
“I want Colorado Springs to be curious. I believe deeply in every concert, in every piece of music,” she notes of the lineup and her vision. “I would like to bring some freshness and adventure…to be alive! Not just a museum experience.”
COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
Beyond the stage, Dufresne is keenly focused on the Philharmonic’s role in nurturing young musicians and cultivating a broader audience. She says her appointment aligns with the Philharmonic’s goal to deepen community engagement, diversify its programming, and reach new audiences across the Pikes Peak region.
In her first weeks, she joined a rehearsal with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association (CSYSA) as part of the “Conductor in the Classroom” initiative. Her hands-on approach signals a deep commitment to mentorship.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic was not just hiring a conductor; it’s embracing a leader who can amplify its relevance, access, and artistry in a changing cultural landscape. With Dufresne at the helm, the orchestra is positioning itself to be more than a concert series; it’s shaping up to be a catalyst for community, creativity and connection.
“The concert hall is a place where there are not mobile phones. It’s dark, and everyone is concentrating on the same thing,” she says. “This is a place where we can share the same moment – that doesn’t happen much anymore.”
For the Springs, a new era begins—one where tradition meets transformation under the baton of Chloé Dufresne.
Celebrate the season with a beloved Colorado Springs tradition as the Philharmonic and Colorado Springs Chorale fill the holidays with music and joy for all ages.
Pikes Peak Center for the Arts
Tue. Dec. 30, 7:30pm | Wed. Dec. 31, 7:30pm
Celebrate the New Year with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, electrifying performances, thrilling surprises, and Colorado’s biggest balloon drop.
Upcycle + Elevate
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLORADO
SKI FURNITURE
In 2018, a report from the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that about 37.4 million tons of ‘miscellaneous durable goods,’ including sporting goods were sent to American landfills. Recycling programs specific to skis and snowboards help by diverting hundreds of tons annually.
In 2007, Adam Vernon was trying to decide what to do with all the ski gear that he and his family had accumulated over the years.
“I had too much ski gear and it was cluttering up the garage,” Vernon says. “I saw ideas for ski chairs and ski benches and decided to create something I could sell. I made a ski chair and put it on Facebook. It sold quickly and then I immediately started getting orders.”
COLORADO SKI FURNITURE: CRAFTING RETIRED GEAR INTO MOUNTAIN-MADE MASTERPIECES
“I SAW IDEAS FOR SKI CHAIRS AND SKI BENCHES AND DECIDED TO CREATE SOMETHING I COULD SELL.”
A BUSINESS IS BORN
As orders began pouring in, Vernon’s daughter convinced him to create a Facebook page to advertise and sell his creations. He then began sourcing skis and snowboards from various thrift stores, online marketplaces and garage sales.
“I ended up getting a ski donation from Ft. Carson and they were all white,” Vernon says. “My daughter thought they were a little boring and she asked if she could paint them. She painted Colorado flags and various mountain scenes that were very popular with my customers. Before long, my son and his friends joined in building and painting chairs. It was great having my family get involved.”
A BIGGER SPACE
Vernon and his family created and sold ski furniture from their garage from 2007 until 2014. They had their eye on a potential business space in Manitou Springs with great visibility on Manitou Avenue. In 2014, Vernon secured their desired spot and finally had a dedicated workshop with a large outdoor display area.
Over the last 11 years, Colorado Ski Furniture has grown their team to 20 people.
“During the pandemic when people had more time to shop and extra money to spend, we could barely keep up with orders,” Vernon says. “I had to hire more painters, carpenters, and people to source and pick up ski gear. I have a really great team that feel like family.”
EXPANDING PRODUCT LINE
The success of upcycling ski gear inspired the team to come with other projects utilizing golf clubs, whiskey and wine barrels, snowshoes and barn wood. They were able expand the product line to include art, home décor, corn hole board sets, patio sets, indoor and outdoor furniture, coat hooks and hall trees. They offer something for every budget and aesthetic.
In addition to more products, they introduced a vinyl wrap option for more customizable projects. The vinyl offers a more efficient way to add logos, text and branding to a product.
“We do a lot of business with high-profile companies who want to feature their brand in a really fun way,” he says. “Our giant ski chairs are a top seller along with branded patio sets. We have collaborated with Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, X-Games, The Four Seasons, Capitol One, and various ski resorts around North America, just to name a few.”
Colorado Ski Furniture also offers rentals for events like weddings, anniversaries, corporate events and parties. Want a ski chair or gondola to use for photo ops? They offer these along with other items to make your event stand out.
A FINAL NOTE
“At Colorado Ski Furniture we pride ourselves doing high-end, quality work that is built to last,” Vernon says. “We go above and beyond to deliver an even better project that the one you envision.”
Website: coloradoskichairs.com
ROYAL GORGEREGION OASIS
ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY IVYWILD VISUALS PHOTOGRAPHY
REEF HOT SPRINGS: RESET, RECUPERATE AND RE-ENTER, REFRESHED
Tucked into 77 acres of desert oasis, among the mountains of Fremont County, just about an hour south of Colorado Springs, in Florence, you’ll find something a bit ethereal, a bit breathtaking. Desert Reef Hot Springs, which began as a small-group collaborative respite in 1986, has now become a mini-resort, in the quietest way–a place to gather for an introspective and healing digital detox.
It features six natural mineral hot springs pools: the main pool, its natural features both cinematic and thermally calming, four smaller soaking pools and a cold plunge. Together, they create an atmosphere that is both stunning and edifying.
SERENDIPITOUS
“Come out here, turn your brain off, and become the best version of yourself,” says owner, Chris McLaughlin.
McLaughlin began his journey with Desert Reef Hot Springs over the course of many
years, existential introspection and visits to the area, looking for his own protected space to commune and feel refreshed.
Hoping to “create something unique and intentional,” McLaughlin has overseen recent renovations and expansions that broadened new access to the hot springs. In addition to day soaks, guests can now stay overnight in Airstreams, custom-built tiny homes replete with their own individual soaking pools, or within their own van (BYOV) accommodations. Phones are not allowed and must be tucked away, with privacy as a standard, and everything is walk-in to encourage an escape from chaos, and a lean-in to the stars and extension of mental rejuvenation.
RESILIENCE OF DESERT
With an aesthetic that tells a story amongst every facet of the resort: the desert juxtaposition within mountains, the midnight sky adjacent to the azure travertine waters, and the mining history influence narrated in the rusty steel designed tiny homes, Desert Reef creates moments and constant reminders of what a third space alternative can look like. Their regular sound therapy baths, which take place while in and
“Come out here, turn your brain off, and become the best version of yourself.”
around the main pool, encourage tranquility and inner peace, while their summer music series with hi-fi vinyl listening parties, and crafted local eats, create something more intentional and light.
Equal parts restorative landscape, and freedom of experience through nature, Desert Reef Hot Springs is holding space for locals, in a way that is more important than ever. Inclusivity, intentionality, and thoughtful design have come together to allow visitors every opportunity to embrace stillness and bask in the effortless beauty of place.
“It’s the culture and community,” McLaughlin says. “This is like my home.”
Address + Phone: 1194 County Rd. 110, Florence | 719-784-6134
Website: www.desertreefhotspring.com
Instagram and Facebook: @desert.reef
Savory Spice: Fresh, Quality Spices from Around the World SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
ARTICLE BY JESSI SCOLETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVORY SPICE SHOP
Savory Spice Shop offers more than 300 spices, herbs, and handcrafted blends.
“When you step into our shop, you’re taken on an aroma adventure—you can smell and taste nearly every spice we carry to discover what you love most,” owner Alexa Franck says.
In addition to their wide variety of spices, the shop also offers a curated selection of local honey, tea, olive oils, and more that pair perfectly with their blends.
A SPICE OF HISTORY
Savory Spice has been a beloved part of downtown Colorado Springs for almost 16 years.
“My husband and I took over ownership in November 2024 when the previous owner retired, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing flavor, creativity, and community to our city’s food lovers,” Franck says.
Located at 110 N Tejon Street, you’ll enjoy quite the variety.
“You’ll always find fun new products in our shop every few months. Most spices and herbs at grocery stores can be 1–3 years old before you even buy them,” Franck says. “The spices you buy at Savory Spice Shop were ground within the last few months and the quality difference is evident in both the smell and flavor.”
“We are first and foremost a spice shop that sells high quality spices that are sourced from all over the world!”
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Every spice in the Savory Spice Shop is available in a variety of sizes, from as small as two tablespoons up to a three-cup bag.
“We are first and foremost a spice shop that sells high quality spices that are sourced from all over the world!” she says.
The store also sells spices that are freshly ground in Denver and packaged right in their Colorado Springs shop.
Looking for more goods and products? You’ve come to the right place to add a bit more essence to your meals, snacks, and treats. The Savory Spice Shop has a great selection of tea, local honey, and other local artisan food products.
“We also offer a wholesale program for restaurants and coffee shops which many of your favorite downtown spots use our spices,” Franck says.
LEARN NEW SKILLS
The Savory Spice Shop has done cooking demonstrations in the past and plans to launch a new series of “Make Your Own Spice Blend” classes next year. These classes will allow attendees to get creative and create a spice blend that perfectly suits their unique preferences.
Check out the shop now and spice up your life today!
Address + Phone: 110 N. Tejon St. | 719-633-8803
Website: www.savoryspiceshop.com
Facebook: @SavorySpiceColoradoSprings
Instagram: @SavoryColoradoSprings
Prime Rib Perfection
PRIME RIB
RIB COUNT - APPROXIMATE WEIGHT + ESTIMATED COOK TIME
• Prime Rib Roast (Important: at room temperature to ensure even cooking)
• tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• Instant-read digital meat thermometer
INSTRUCTIONS
01 If the rib roast is frozen, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator and then stand at room temperature for two hours.
02 Preheat oven to 450°F.
03 Pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Leave the layer of fat on the roast to protect and baste during cooking.
04 Smear the cut ends of the roast with the butter. Place the roast (ribs down, fat side up) in a heavy stainless steel or other metal roasting pan with sides at least three inches deep.
(Nonstick pans tend to yield fewer of the cooked-on bits that make the juice.) The rib bones are a natural rack; no need for a metal one.
05 Every half-hour, baste the cut ends of the roast with the fat accumulated in the roasting pan.
06 Internal temperature, not time cooked, is the best test for doneness.
07 About 30 minutes before the estimated end of the roasting time, begin checking the internal temperature. Insert meat thermometer tip in the thickest part of beef, not resting in fat or touching the bone. Cook until rib roast reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. Remove from oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let sit approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
08 Remember, the rib roast will continue to cook as it sits. The temperature will rise to 125 to 130° F internal temperature (medium rare) at 15 to 20 minutes. If allowed to rest as long as an hour, the temperature will rise even higher.
*Note: To hold cooked roast until serving time, immediately turn off the oven and leave door ajar after removing roast.
Let roast sit (rest) 15 minutes on counter and then return roast to the oven, door closed, for up to an hour or even two hours for the biggest roasts. Check the temperature every 15 minutes. It will rise approximately 10° F at first, then gradually subside.
To carve: Using a long, thin, sharp knife, make one cut to slice off the large end bones. Then, slice off steak-sized pieces at the desired thickness.
WINTER'S DEN OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Bear Creek Straight Bourbon
• 1/4 oz. maple syrup
• 3 or 4 dashes of Worthy Smoked Black Walnut Bitters
ARTICLE BY WORTHY BITTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE PEDROZA
events
DECEMBER 4TH
Electric Moonlight
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 5:30 PM
This 21-and-up evening event offers all-inclusive samplings of food, beer, wine and spirits; live local musicians; a chance to visit Santa Claus and over 85 staff-made light sculptures throughout the Zoo. And, discover larger-than-life illuminated animal inflatables and a holiday-safari themed drone show at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary souvenir sampling cup and spork. Live music throughout the Zoo. cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/electric-moonlight
DECEMBER 5TH
Colorado
Springs PopUp Choir
Cottonwood Center for the Arts | 5:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to participate in First Fridays in Colorado Springs. Join the Youth Choir to Sing “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morton Lauridsen. The Youth Choir will also be performing throughout the night. A few days before the event, you will be emailed practice tracks and sheet music. All proceeds benefit the Colorado Springs Youth Choir. csyouthchoir.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200496645
DECEMBER 5TH
Anastasia
Armstrong Hall, Colorado College | 7:00 PM
The musical “Anastasia” tells the story of Anya, a young amnesiac woman who believes she might be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. She joins forces with two con men who plan to present her to the Dowager Empress in Paris as a way to escape Russia and claim a reward. coloradospringsconservatory.org/event/anastasia-dec5
DECEMBER 5TH
A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends
ENT Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM
Five-time GRAMMY® nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist David Arkenstone returns this holiday season with A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends. On stage, David and his ensemble ignite the season with beloved holiday classics reimagined, lively seasonal originals, and surprises that get audiences clapping and celebrating together. This is a one-night-only performance. entcenterforthearts.org/events/winters-eve-david-arkenstone-friends
DECEMBER 6TH
Kilwin's Carols and Cocoa
Kilwin's Ice Cream, Fudge and Chocolates, 5166 N. Nevada | 1:00 PM
Free event featuring Soli Deo Gloria Choir leading the community in caroling and performing festive works, all while enjoying fantastic Kilwin's Hot Chocolate and sweet treats. Free event featuring SDG Chamber Choir, SDG Treble Choir and SDG Children;'s Choir.solichoir.org/events
DECEMBER 6TH
Festival of Lights Family Fun Day
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum | 10:00 AM
Experience the joy of the season at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum’s annual free holiday celebration! Before heading to the downtown parade, stop by the Festival of Lights Family Fun Day from 10 am to 2 pm. Enjoy musical performances, creative crafts, face painting, and a host of family-friendly activities. cspm.org/festivaloflights
GIVEGIFT the of The Broadmoorthis Holiday Season
FOR THE FESTIVE
The Winter Spectacular Package
When you want to stay close to home but light up your holiday in an exciting new way, The Broadmoor offers the perfect “staycation.” Enjoy the spirit of the season with special room packages that include festive activities for the entire family to indulge in. You just might find your new holiday tradition!
FOR THE THRILL SEEKER
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
Are you stumped on what to get your adrenaline craver? If they love high-flying exhilaration, then zip lining through “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado” with Broadmoor Soaring Adventures will do just the trick. Or, become their favorite with a ticket to the world’s highest cog railroad. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will take them to the top of America’s Mountain for breathtaking views.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
Broadmoor Sessions
Join us January 16–18, 2026, for The Broadmoor Sessions, an exclusive multi-day concert experience. Kick-off Friday night with an intimate performance by Hazel Miller and the Collective, as well as local favorite The Disruptors. On Saturday, Big Head Todd and The Monsters bring their soulful sound and timeless hits to the stage. Immerse yourself in live music, western charm, and the luxury of The Broadmoor.
FOR THE SHOW-GOER
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
Is the family in town, or perhaps you need a fresh idea for this year’s holiday party. Get ready to dine, sing along, and enjoy the magic of the season at one of The Broadmoor’s Holiday Shows. With the Classic Broadmoor Holiday Package, you can make a weekend of it to celebrate with your family or team! December 19, 20 and 24, 2025.
FOR THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
FOR THE ADVENTURER
An Invigorating Wilderness Retreat
Does anyone in your family love the outdoors or want to experience Colorado’s beauty? From fly fishing to relaxing in rustic luxury, Broadmoorstyle, our Wilderness Experience makes a wonderful gift. Choose from one of our three luxury, all-inclusive properties: Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp, Forbes Edge List Cloud Camp, or The Ranch at Emerald Valley.
FOR THE FOODIE
The Penrose Room Package
Feed their craving for the finer things in life with a culinary getaway. Explore the reimagined Penrose Room, which offers inspired cuisines, sweeping views and exceptional service. With the Penrose Room Package, you’ll enjoy an evening to remember with unparalleled accommodations, a $250 dining credit and more.
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Bash or Gala Ring in 2026 at The Broadmoor. Choose from an elegant evening of dinner and dancing with the unforgettable New Year’s Gala, or, get your groove on at the more casual Bash, complete with DJ and cash bar. Join us in welcoming the new year with a champagne toast at midnight!
DECEMBER 6TH
Chasing & Cycling Santa
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort | 9:15 AM
Two events, one cause. The annual Chasing Santa and Cycling events benefit the non-profit Give it Forward, which spreads holiday cheer to children. The Chasing Santa is a 5K Walk/Run. The Cycling Santa 21-, 10- or 6-mile bike rides are sponsored by the Buffalo Lodge. The races all start and end at Pima Plaza. bicycleresort.com/cyclingsanta
DECEMBER 7TH
Wings of Winter Holiday Celebration
Hotel Polaris | 11:00 AM
Hotel Polaris embraces the magic of winter through its inaugural Wings of Winter celebration honoring the 70th anniversary of NORAD’s Santa Tracker. Hotel Polaris is offering Flights with Santa on the hotel’s 737Max flight simulator, a Cocoa Command Center at Doolies, holiday tea with a twist, a classic red phone hotline to the North Pole and more. thehotelpolaris.com/experiences/#!/e
DECEMBER 11TH
Home Free: Let Me Come Home Tour
Pikes Peak Center | 7:30 PM
This winter, all-vocal country sensation Home Free invites you to celebrate the season with their heartwarming holiday tour. Known for their jaw-dropping harmonies and a uniquely festive spirit, Home Free brings audiences a seasonal experience like no other. They’re decking the halls with a joyful mix of holiday favorites, moving originals, and all vocal renditions of beloved seasonal tunes. pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/homefree25
DECEMBER 13TH
Holiday Evening
Rock Ledge Ranch | 2:00 PM
Experience an evening of wonder as Rock Ledge Ranch bursts with the sights, sounds and aromas of the season! The evening features St. Nicholas, wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, blacksmith demonstrations, Victorian celebrations, and Edwardian festivities. Ranchmade gifts at the General Store. Hot cider, cocoa, and other sweet treats at several locations rockledgeranch.com/event/holiday-evening
DECEMBER 15TH
Lindsey Sterling
Broadmoor World Arena | 8:00 PM
For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing spellbinding magic with her electronic violin. On her new album Snow Waltz, the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author shares holiday classics and original songs with immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies. Throughout Snow Waltz, Stirling's warmly effusive energy shines through every song. broadmoorworldarena.com/events/detail/stirling25
DECEMBER 16TH
Wines of Southern Rhône
6:30 PM
It's a taste of the Southern Rhône—where sunshine, spice, and centuries of winemaking come together in every glass. This region is home to bold reds known for their rich fruit, silky texture, and notes of herbs and earth. Paired with thoughtfully crafted dishes, each pour will transport you straight to the vineyards of southern France. $79 per person. uvawinebarcos.com/event-details-registration/wines-of-southern-rhone Want to be featured?
