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Thankful
Gratitude. Taking a moment to reflect on what we’re thankful for can create a profound shift in our mindset.
Research indicates that gratitude positively impacts mental and physical well-being—that practicing it can increase happiness, reduce anxiety and improve relationships. Neuroimaging studies suggest that gratitude activates areas of the brain associated with emotions and social bond ing. Gratitude exercises, such as journaling or expressing thanks to others, have even been linked to improved sleep.
I’m in. What other minimal effort reaps such massive rewards?
I am thankful for fabulous family and friends. Great books. Live music. Travel. Steaming black coffee. Wildflowers.
I am thankful that I get to write and edit—that I have used my college degree nearly every day for the past three decades. I am thankful for you, our readers, who read our stories about the amazing people and places in this community. You create ripples of positivity in the Pikes Peak region.
This November issue of Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine is dedicated to being thankful.
Read on for some great content this month. We have stories about a woman who has combined her hobbies of reading and baking to thank authors for their hard work, about a couple who has translated their love of travel into inspired food and about a tablescape artist who finds beauty in the mundane.
Learn about a local spa company that encourages families to spend time together, about a new billiards spot in Colorado Springs and about a local food bank that is celebrating a half century.
Get the details on a business that contains a farm, vineyard, market, tasting room, restaurant, concert and wedding venue and outdoor children’s area over 45 acres. And... if you're looking for a quick getaway, we have one word: Taos.
Happy November and thanks for reading.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashley Hamershock ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cara Bukacek | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Kristian DePue, Cara Bukacek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lauren McKenzie - REN Creativ, Ashlee Crowden Photography, Silas Carter Photography, Mark Norris, Arctic Spas, Evergreen Restaurant, Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Care & Share, Stephanie Hockersmith
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
Your donated items change the lives of fellow Coloradans in need, and we thank you for partnering with us to bring joy to our community. See how your donations transform lives of neighbors in our local communities. We are deeply grateful for your support and wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Goodwill
FOOD BANK CELEBRATES HALF CENTURY
ARTICLE BY KRISTIAN DEPUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARE & SHARE
Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado is celebrating 50 years of fighting food insecurity in 29 counties across 47,000 square miles of both rural and urban areas. This milestone has been achieved by adapting and responding to ever-changing factors, such as economic fluctuations and rising costs of essentials.
Willing to continually evolve, Care and Share announced mid-summer their backing of local farmers by sourcing produce from them directly. This endeavor
was made possible through the Food Purchase Assistance Program, which enables farmers to deliver directly to Care and Share’s network of pantries and markets, bypassing the distribution center.
NOURISHING NEIGHBORS
“We work to responsibly gather food from multiple sources, distributing to 291 partners across 29 Colorado counties,” says Nate Springer, president and CEO of Care and Share.
Care and Share: Golden and Growing in Southern Colorado
Prior to taking the helm of Care and Share, Springer served in the U.S. Army, concluding his service at Fort Carson. With his background, Springer’s been working to spearhead solutions to military hunger.
“With Feeding America, I was part of the first ever conference on military hunger, and now we have funds to work with,” Springer says enthusiastically. “El Paso County is the perfect place to assist with food inequality amongst active military and veterans.”
Feeding America is a nationwide, nonprofit network of more than 200 food banks—including Care and Share—that feed more than 46 million people through pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community-based agencies. It is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States
Humble
Beginnings, Humanitarian History
In the early 1970s, Sister Dominique Pisciotta began a food bank that became Care and Share. Seeing many facing hunger, Pisciotta organized food acquisition and distribution. Initially, the mission operated in basements, garages and churches before its first warehouse. Now, Care and Share is the largest food bank in Southern Colorado.
“We’re creating a model for other food banks,” continues Springer. “Going forward, I anticipate more money going towards military hunger.”
USING FUNDS RESOURCEFULLY
Care and Share’s pillars are: resilience, integrity, dignity, equity, excellence and people. Resourcefully using funds is something Care and Share values and excels at, with Springer disclosing that they often double the value of a dollar and sometimes stretch it to $5.
In September, “The Harvest Month,” the food bank hosted an anniversary celebration with modestly priced tickets, rather than a pricey fundraiser.
“We wanted to thank our supporters for their donations of time, food and money to our crucial cause,” Springer says.
Along with a big THANK YOU, the celebration was intended to introduce young people to Care and Share’s mission.
FOOD ON THE TABLE, FOLKS ON THEIR FEET
“In our last fiscal year, we did the second highest output of our 50-year history,” Springer says. “We put 21 million meals out the door.”
“Most that go to a food pantry aren't going just once,” continues Springer. “They're going for a period of time until they can get back on their feet, get a job or whatever the case may be.”
“I’d add, it's just really important for people to get involved and donate,” says Adam Urhenik, marketing and communications director. “As said, we can stretch our dollars. Donating a couple bucks can go a long way, and that's important for people to know.”
Website: careandshare.org
Facebook + Instagram: @CareAndShareFB
50 YEARS
Care and Share was incorporated on Oct. 7, 1974.
We are celebrating 50 years of serving neighbors in Southern Colorado.
Sister Dominique Pisciotta started a food basket program for neighbors, distributing 80,000 food baskets in the first eight years. Care and Share officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization on October 7, 1974.
Our last fiscal year we served 294,994 neighbors through 289 partner agencies. We distributed 25,211,242 pounds of food, and saw 45,891 volunteer hours! NOURISHING OUR
care and share.org/donate
Ready for a Getaway?
EL MONTE SAGRADO: A TAOS MOUNTAIN RETREAT
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERITAGE HOTELS & RESORTS
Looking for an easy getaway? Taos, located in the mountains of northern New Mexico, is home to a World Heritage Site, amazing art and food, world-class skiing and loads of culture.
And… El Monte Sagrado is the perfect lodging from which to launch local adventures. Surrounded by ponds, waterfalls and centuries-old cottonwood trees, the 10-acre oasis is a place to relax and recharge.
“This property is what I would call the ultimate mountain getaway. … It really is a retreat,” says Liz Robinson, corporate director of branding & marketing for Heritage Hotels & Resorts.
Built in 2003 and purchased by Heritage in 2015, El Monte Sagrado sits a few blocks from the historic Taos Plaza. But it feels a world away—remote, special.
LUXURY LODGING
So. Many. Choices. Select from six historic casitas, 48 Taos
Mountain rooms, 18 Native American suites or 12 luxurious premiere or global suites.
GLOBAL SUITES:
Japan, Spain, Texas, Marrakech, Argentina, Mexico, Morocco. Individually themed, 1100-square-foot suites with two bedrooms and bathrooms, private courtyards, gas fireplaces and spacious living and dining areas.
PREMIERE SUITES:
Bali, Tibet, Egypt, Romance. Located along the historic Taos acequia, with large bedrooms, dining/seating areas and private patios with mountain views.
HISTORIC CASITAS:
Mayan, Caribbean, Painted Horse, Tribal, New Mexican, Caballo. Viga ceilings, stunning décor and private courtyard patios.
NATIVE AMERICAN SUITES:
Chief Seattle, Cochise, Geronimo, Handsome Lake, Jim Thorpe, Joseph, Oren Lyons, Osceola, Quanah Parker, Red Cloud, Red Jacket, Sacagawea, Sequoyah, Shenandoah, Sitting Bull. Native American-inspired suites with Kiva-style fireplaces, handcrafted stone tile work and private patios or balconies.
TAOS MOUNTAIN ROOMS:
Fireplaces, large soaking tubs, and private patios or balconies and garden views.
WELLNESS
Simultaneously manicured and wild, the grounds at El Monte Sagrado start and end in the center… at the Sacred Circle, surrounded by cottonwood, willow and Chinese elm trees.
“It was conceived as a place for meditation, to unwind and relax. … It’s a great blending of nature with humans,” says Spa Director Dianna Thomsen.
That feeling of nature permeates the entire resort from the outside in, with lush plants and trees—bamboo, guava, hibiscus, native desert plants—sprinkling the inside of the property, too. The Living Spa, for instance, features 10 treatment rooms, some with sunlit showers or natural waterfall cooling systems.
And the spa treatments? Extraordinary.
Take Gourd Sound therapy. Benito Concha, a member of the Taos Pueblo Native American community, leads sessions, playing multiple instruments that he created himself—drums made with hides and gourd rattles containing sand and small pebbles.
“That one is truly the most unique,” Thomsen says. “It is… magical is about the only word I can come up with. … It’s not just the sound therapy. It’s the vibrations.”
Alison Beckner offers Red Thread Active Breath Journey, which combines breathwork with a meditative period for integration and relaxation. And Ru Chao, another breathwork practitioner, provides guided sessions partnered with music and drumming designed to release stress and help return clients to balance.
The Living Spa also offers various types of massage, meditation, waxing and facials, as well as life path coaching, tarot and more. Try fan favorite Sagrado High Desert—desert salt exfoliation, followed by a mineral-rich sea clay mask wrap, then a gentle massage. Or ask about the candlelit couples’ suites.
Rounding out the “wellness” area of El Monte Sagrado are the saltwater pool, yoga classes, a fitness center and a full line of plant-based Naturopathica skin care products.
FOOD + DRINKS + EVENTS
Like the rest of the resort, the award-winning De La Tierra Restaurant draws inspiration from both the local and the international. The red chile-roasted Meyers Ranch beef tenderloin, for example, features whipped crème fraîche potatoes, grilled asparagus, roasted corn pico, cowboy butter, merlot demiglace and blue corn onion strings. And the setting? It’s entirely indoors, but it’s “so lit, so open, so beautiful, you feel like you’re outside,” Robinson says.
A few steps away sits the Anaconda Bar, an opulent gold snake winding its way across the ceiling. “The snake is just wild,” Robinson says. “Guess love it!”
Craft cocktails and mocktails, artisan beers, a solid wine list and a creative bar menu make this a terrific gathering spot. Want to try something different? The
New Mexico green chile flight features green chile sauce, fresh roasted green chile con queso, green chile-corn pico, fresh guacamole and blue corn chips. Robinson calls it “a tour through one of New Mexico’s most talked about and prized ingredients.”
A private, Mediterranean-style wine room is available by reservation. And El Monte Sagrado features more than 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as stunning outdoor locations with the Taos mountains as a backdrop.
Various specials are posted on the resort’s website, including a “neighbor” discount for Colorado residents.
Website: www.elmontesagrado.com
Facebook + Instagram: @ElMonteSagrado
Inspired by Travels
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVERGREEN RESTAURANT
Evergreen Restaurant: Providing a Curated Menu with Provisions from Around the World
Alex and Lera love to travel and see the world. In fact, here in America, they have visited 48 of the 50 states. In their travels, they have collected recipes, ingredients and experiences that have inspired them to create their first restaurant: Evergreen. Lera, a classically trained pastry chef, learned to bake under the tutelage of Cedric Grolet, an award-winning pastry chef. Lera bakes all of the pastries for Evergreen, using only the freshest ingredients. There are gluten-free options as well as European staples such as honey cakes, pavlova and baklava. These pastries are perfect with a hot beverage or as dessert following a delicious meal.
“In our travels, we love to enjoy good food and wine, as well as an elevated atmosphere,” Lera says. “The European culture brings all of this together in a very high-quality way. We wanted to bring this type of experience to America.”
THE EXPERIENCE
As you walk into Evergreen, you are greeted with stunning décor, appetizing smells, beautiful lighting and a smiling host. The tables are set formally, and the seating is soft and comfortable, inviting you to sit and take in the experience. The menu is carefully curated to include Alex and Lera’s favorite provisions from around the world.
“We spent two months in Istanbul where we sampled Turkish coffee and baklava around the city,” Alex says. “Here at Evergreen, we import
our favorite Turkish coffee and baklava to give our customers a truly authentic experience. When you order our Turkish coffee, it comes with the baklava because we feel that they are best enjoyed together. It is a popular menu item and we find ourselves ordering every three to four days to keep up with demand.”
Along with indoor dining, there is a large outdoor dining patio. This well-shaded area offers diners the ability to enjoy lunch immersed in the gorgeous setting of Colorado College’s campus.
INSPIRED PROVISIONS
Beverages include a variety of coffees, teas, wines, cocktails and mocktails. All syrups are made in-house by their barista, who has created several beverages on the menu. There are also a few special drinks that were inspired from Alex and Lera’s travels. One of these is honey cappuccino.
“We are very particular about our coffee,” Lera says. “When we tried the honey cappuccino at a café in Montana, we fell in love. We knew that if we opened a restaurant that this beverage would be on the menu.”
The food menu is a compilation of European dishes. On the breakfast menu, they offer a Russian crepe, otherwise known as blini or blinchiki. While similar to a French crepe, these are smaller in diameter and little thicker and can also be enjoyed with both savory and sweet filling. Another popular breakfast item is shakshuka. It arrives at the table bubbling away in a cast iron pan. Delicious already, the recipe is constantly evolving, Alex says.
The lunch and dinner menu is composed of salads, flat breads, pasta and a variety of main course options such as blue cheese mussels, charcuterie and Milanese style chicken breast. If you are downtown during lunch Tuesday through Friday, a business lunch special was recently added to draw in the crowd.
“Evergreen represents our mind and soul,” Alex says. “We have truly put ourselves into every aspect of this restaurant.”
Website: evergreen.restaurant
Facebook: @EvergreenRestaurant
Instagram: @Evergreen_COSprings
ARTICLE BY BY KRISTIAN DEPUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARCTIC SPAS & SILAS CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY
"You’re going to spend time with your spouse or teenage kids. To me, that’s probably been the biggest reward.”
-Wanda Shepard
Spending Quality Time Together
Arctic Spas: A Talk about Tubs around America’s Mountain
Arctic Spas is a seasoned, experienced hot tub company that specializes in high-quality, energy-efficient, immersive experiences.
“As a Canadian hot tub industry leader for 30 years, Arctic Spas is in over 20 countries worldwide,” says Vanessa Lewis, director of marketing. “We strive to redefine wellness and relaxation in the Pikes Peak Region. The Colorado Springs locale is locally managed.”
Built in Canada, these spas are designed to withstand all seasons. They’re known for durability, innovation, and advanced features tailored to outdoor use, which is great for the ever-changing environment of Southern Colorado, where it may snow in late May or hit 70 degrees in January.
Who’s the local behind Arctic Spas in Colorado Springs? Wanda Shepard. She’s the on-site manager of the Springs store. Her family moved from the Pacific Northwest to the sights and scenes of the Springs.
“I've been with Arctic Spas for over seven years,” says Shepard. “I was living in Spokane, but I absolutely love it here. I mean, selling hot tubs is a very fun gig, because you're just making people's dreams come true. ... but who doesn't want to be near Garden of the Gods ?”
FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TO PIKES PEAK
Moving from Spokane to the Springs was a big change for Shepard, but she quickly
fell in love with its 300 days of sunshine— and the city itself.
“ We'll take it ,” Shepard says. “My husband and I moved our family and it’s been a blessing since … a wonderful experience. We've been treated with open arms.”
SPA BOY AND FREEHEAT: A DYNAMIC DUO
Arctic Spas' hot tubs are insulated with their proprietary FreeHeat™ tech., which captures generated heat and recycles, reducing energy costs.
Arctic Spas also allows for automated water care through a mobile app, offering users both convenience and control over maintenance. Spa Boy™ is Arctic Spas’ hassle-free, hot tubbing technology that maintains and monitors your personal ideal water conditions, removing the need for complex balancing with harsh chemicals. These features are a popular choice for customers looking for reliable, energy-efficient spas suited to extreme conditions, whether in Colorado or Canada.
“Spa Boy™ is an automated saltwater system that will actually test the water for you,” says Shepard. “It's so much easier because I can pull up my phone and it'll tell me if I need to do anything. There's a lot of new tech today. You don’t have to be a chemist anymore.”
ARCTIC ASPIRATIONS
“One of the things that's really good with hot tubs: it helps reduce your stress level ,” says Shepard. “It helps with detoxing, but also with family-time and socializing. … Everybody is constantly on their phone, but when you get in a hot tub, your husband has to talk to you . You get to spend some time together. A hot tub is not just something to use after a long, hard workday— you’re going to spend time with your spouse or teenage kids. To me, that’s probably been the biggest reward.”
"Craig is my husband," she continues. "We've been married since 2003, and he's pretty awesome. My daughter Lydia is nearly 20—and my other, Annie is 16. They're both really good girls: smart, respectful, honest, kind; I honestly couldn't ask for more. I am very blessed."
With cold showers and cold plunges being all the rage these days, Arctic Spas also offers cold tubs.
“With a cold tub, you'll actually burn more calories in 10 minutes than four hours at the gym,” says Shepard. “My husband does 10 minutes, but most do only three to four.”
Website: www.arcticspascos.com
Facebook: @Arctic.Spas.Colorado.Springs
Instagram: @ArcticSpasColoradoSprings
Finding Beauty in the Mundane
Christy Metz: Designing Tablescapes for Every Occasion
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK NORRIS & SILAS CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Everything has its season. Some seasons are about function, others about form, all are useful, and... most are beautiful with the right perspective.
Christy Metz has experienced life’s seasons and it has given her perspective to see the beauty in what others might consider mundane.
ARCHITECTURE
IN THE ARRANGEMENTS
The blush, yellow and orange of the ranunculus play off of the changing colors of the smokebrush leaves and set the tone for fall. The echinacea and peony pods are pockets of raw beauty–everything can still
be beautiful beyond its time and useful beyond its prime. The kale is an unexpected use of something generally considered useful, challenging its typical role at a table, allowing it to just be beautiful. The hydrangea from her personal garden fills in the space with bunches of tiny flowers, each unique in its own right and all in separate phases of existence. The black bachelor’s buttons add a depth and mimic a void, drawing focus until the delicacy of each petal warms the eye to the purpose of the spray.
Moving from micro to macro, the visual is of highs and lows, lights and darks, detail and texture. There is
architecture in this arrangement. The brightly colored bowl peeks out from under the floral grouping and sets on the textured table runner. A fig sits on top of a hand-hewn acacia wood plate, pulling colors from the centerpieces into each personal setting. The iron in the taper candle holders mimics that of the utensils at each setting. The napkins draw upon the runner. The glassware adds a refinement as does the wine at each setting. It is as deep as the black buttons and pairs perfectly with the cheeses chosen and placed as an appetizer to start the tasting experience.
It’s a vision of rustic elegance.
A tablescape is a living representation of the setting a host is staging for his or her guests. Whether the guests are familiar with each other or not, the tablescape sets a tone and serves as a medium for the overall experience. It can be a background or it can be a talking point, often times it’s both.
BRINGING A VISION TO LIFE
Metz grew up in Colorado Springs and has a deep connection with the mountains. She remembers exploring the woods as a child and foraging for all sorts of treasures. She grew up and studied fine art, drawing and painting. That led to her working in the graphic design field. As the years passed, she got married, had kids, painted furniture and ended up moving to Chicago. As her kids spent more time out of the home, she picked up a job at a local flower shop. It was run by three ladies who had worked in the fashion world developing floral arrangements for fashion shows including Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton.
When she moved back to Colorado Springs seven years ago, she worked on building her brand on Instagram. Starting with weddings and a few smaller jobs, she has built relationships and tablescapes for Garden of the Gods Resort and the Fine Arts Center. She still loves the process of meeting with a client, getting a vision and then working what they have into a background and a tone for their event. It
A tablescape is a living representation of the setting a host is staging for his or her guests. Whether the guests are familiar with each other or not, the tablescape sets a tone and serves as a medium for the overall experience.
adds a uniqueness and personalization to the experience the host is providing for their guests.
As the season for holiday hosting is amplified, Metz reminds hosts to keep it simple.
Usually, a three-color palate is a good foundation and try to bring the outside in; herbs are a great way to do this and tickle the olfactory system in the process. She encourages using what is available as this process lends itself to being quite sustainable. Play with height for architectural reasons, but be mindful that guests will need to converse over the décor.
For those who would rather let Metz come in and create the ambiance on their behalf, she can be reached through Instagram or via email at metzchristy3@gmail.com.
Website: www.christymetzdesign.com Instagram: @ChristyMetzDesign
Hemingway Flynn here, your certified Smallfoot tracker for Colorado Springs Utilities. Here’s a squeaky-clean piece of advice for you: Do your laundry on weekends or before 5 p.m. or after 9 p.m. on weekdays. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiencies. Speaking of small, have you seen Smallfoot? He’s the tiny energy footprint legend and he’s been spotted throughout our charmed city of Colorado Springs. He’s here. He’s real. And really energy efficient. Be more like Smallfoot. Join the search at InSearchOfSmallfoot.com.
Do laundry on weekends, or before 5 p.m. and after 9 p.m. weekdays
A Delightful Combination
PIE LADY BOOKS: CREATING HOPE FROM A PAIR OF HOBBIES
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE HOCKERSMITH
Stephanie Hockersmith found herself wheelchair-bound and experiencing multiple seizures a week in the prime of her youth. In a short period of time, her body seemed to be shutting down. After multiple tests, she was diagnosed with celiac disease.
An avid baker and lover of sweets, she found herself quickly forced into a regimented diet. In addition, she had to quit work and college in order to let her body properly heal.
Books
“Reading saved me when I was so sick,” she remembers. Hockersmith had always loved reading, but during this time of healing she found reading to be her lifeline. There were many days where her body would not allow her to be active, and reading became her escape.
Baking
One Thanksgiving after the diagnosis, she baked a pie for her husband. Pie is his favorite dessert and Hockersmith was grateful to him for also adopting the strict gluten-free lifestyle on her behalf. It was not the best gluten-free pie she’d ever had, but it reignited her love of baking and a desire to make gluten-free treats that could compete with those with gluten. And they do–Hockersmith’s gluten-free cherry pie has taken first place over other pies in the Manitou Springs Pie Baking contest on four separate occasions.
Purpose + Hope
This combination of hobbies gave Hockersmith purpose and hope in a dark time. It allowed her a connection with a community she loves and admires and it has opened countless opportunities for her to work in a space carved out just for her, despite what could have been a debilitating diagnosis.
“I hope my work encourages a love of reading,” she says, “to help the right book find the right person at the right time.”
Her message is one of hope and a future: “I went from being in a wheelchair to meeting Oprah, so you never know when your life is going to take a turn,” she philosophizes. “I never knew I could be an artist, but it turns out I just hadn’t found my medium yet.”
Facebook + Instagram: @PieLadyBooks
Books + Baking
It was almost seven years ago when Hockersmith started her @PieLadyBooks Instagram page. It was a hobby, a place to talk about the books she was reading. Occasionally, she would post a pie, as well, as she was still perfecting her gluten-free recipe. It was six months before she was inspired by a book cover and wondered if she could combine her two hobbies.
“It became like a love letter to these authors,” she states. “They pour themselves into these books and then release it into the world… these pies are my way to say thank you.”
She explains the need one feels for validation that their work matters, that they have made their mark on the world. Book reviews can be favorable or they can be brutal and because of the vast dichotomy, many authors opt out of reading their own reviews. Her color matching technique and working to mimic the cover in pastry pays visual homage to the author’s work.
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SALT & ACRES & ASHLEE CROWDEN
Varied Experiences Vineyard, Venue +
SALT & ACRES: TURNING MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES
Danielle and Justin Caruso had a dream to find property that reminded them of a scene out of a Hallmark movie. They searched for ten years before their perfect acreage presented itself in 2021. Situated on the South Platte River, the 45-acre property has trees, a vineyard, flowing water and farmable land. It ticked every box on their list.
The Carusos had a vision to create a place where people could gather, celebrate, drink good wine, enjoy a delicious meal, shop and listen to live music in a beautiful setting. Just six months after closing on the property, they hosted their first concert with about 500 attendees. Since then, they have been busy developing, creating and constructing new spaces and experiences.
The name Salt & Acres was inspired by the biblical term Salt of the Earth which refers to good, honest and hardworking people. Salt is also a preservative and nods to their motto: Preserve the Moment
Just three years after opening, Salt & Acres is now a multifaceted business, with a farm, vineyard, market, tasting room, restaurant, concert and wedding venue and outdoor children’s area.
THE FARM
Prosper Fields is a cut-flower farm. All of the flowers in the tasting room, restaurant, and market are grown on the property. They also use their flowers to garnish the beverages and plates. Bouquets are available for purchase in their market. Salt & Acres also grows their own produce for use in their restaurant.
THE VINEYARD
The property came with a six-acre vineyard. The Carusos are working with the CSU Agriculture Department to help train vines and establish high-quality grapes for wine making. Salt & Acres is currently sourcing their grapes from California and their estate label, Ampersands, is available in their tasting room.
CONTINUED >
THE MARKET
No trip to Salt & Acres would be complete without a visit to The Barn, which houses gifts, food, souvenirs, décor and Salt & Acres branded items. They also offer a “Build Your Own Picnic Basket” option, where you can choose various imported meats, cheeses, fruit, and other delicious accoutrements to enjoy while visiting the picturesque property
TASTING ROOM & RESTAURANT
“The tasting room is the heart and soul of Salt & Acres,” Danielle says. “We offer seasonal food and drinks as well as our exclusive wine label, Ampersands Wines. It is great for a date night as well as small or large celebrations.”
The Tasting Room seats about 70 indoors and 70 outdoors on the expansive deck. There are also fire pits along the waterfront for people to enjoy. Salt & Acres proudly sources their spirits locally from Family Jones, Suerte, and Curation for use in their handcrafted cocktails.
The lunch and dinner menu offers a variety of seasonal dishes, salads, finger foods, sharables, and flatbread pizzas. The brunch menu, available on Sundays, offers breakfast items, charcuterie and more. They are known for their scratch-made biscuits and their menu offers a variety of ways to enjoy them.
THE VENUE
The venue hosts an intimate farm-style summer concert series. Since opening, they have hosted 10 Nashville artists with number one hits and grammy nominations. The concert stage offers a mountain view and high-quality lighting and sound for a oneof-a-kind concert experience. Seating includes a VIP area with
“The tasting room is the heart and soul of Salt & Acres.” -Danielle Caruso
various seating options, and general admission with blanket seating and standing area in front of the stage.
Local food trucks are brought in and an additional smaller bar called the Acrey is opened up to provide wine, cocktails, and mocktails for the guests.
Salt & Acres also sets aside one weekend per month as a wedding venue. They recommend reservations far in advance.
45 ACRE WOODS CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
Salt & Acres is a family friendly space and offers a “natural scape” play area, with a treehouse and equipment that blends into the natural environment. They have also included themed toys for kids to create their own farm stand, bakery, restaurant and flower shop.
COMING SOON
The house on the property of Salt & Acres will be the future home of The Acrey Biscuit House & Coffee. Guests will be able to purchase baked goods, jellies, and butters to enjoy with their coffee in late 2025.
Website: saltandacres.com Instagram + Facebook @SaltAndAcres
Around the DANCING TABLES
Crooked Cue Lounge: Billiards, Darts, Shuffleboard… and Living the Dream
ARTICLE BY BY KRISTIAN DEPUE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN MCKENZIE - REN CREATIV
Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason and Tom Cruise: names synonymous with the pool table.
“Look at the way he moves, like a dancer… It's like he’s playing the violin or somethin’,” says Newman’s “Fast Eddie” Nelson, about Gleason’s character in the 1961 film The Hustler.
That and its sequel, The Color of Money, were films that defined both cool and pool.
Gleason, who played Minnesota Fats in The Hustler, despite his “fat fingers,” had finesse—he could dance the table and effortlessly call a corner. Cruise—in the sequel, 25 years later—could do exactly as his name said: cruise the table.
… and Newman, in real life, did everything he ever wanted: acting, racing cars, salad dressing, donations, philanthropy, pizza and more.
But enough about movies; there’s a new billiards and booze spot in the center of the Springs: Crooked Cue Lounge.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE POOL HALL
Four names: Ohmes, Campana, Frye and Stull-Quintana.
Maegan Ohmes is the manager of the billiards lounge and so much more. Ohmes is both an owner and operator and brings a rich industry history with her. Ohmes was a drink-slinger at the original STIR Coffee & Cocktails located on the line between The Old North End and the Patty Jewett Neighborhood. And before Crooked Cue, she was the general manager of Supernova downtown, but she’s been in the industry since she was a teenager.
“My first job was at 15. Funny enough, I worked at the Tasty Freeze behind Safeway near the original STIR,” says Ohmes. “But my first real deep dive into the service industry was definitely at STIR.”
And like Newman, Crooked Cue is doing everything it’s dreamed of, offering pool play, table-top shuffleboard, darts, drinks, pizza and more— brought to you by restaurateur Joe Campana, Cork & Cask owner and operator Lucas Frye, and Shannon Stull-Quintana, director of operations for Campana’s restaurant empire, with Ohmes front and center.
20 YEARS IN THE MAKING
“Joe [Campana] has been holding on to the idea for a pool hall for nearly 20 years,” says Ohmes.
Campana is behind many concepts in Colorado Springs, including two STIRs, The Rabbit Hole, CONTINUED >
Supernova, Bonny & Read and Shame & Regret—and he collaborates with co-owners like Frye of Cork & Cask and now Ohmes of Crooked Cue.
“Joe Campana has wanted to open a pool hall since he was 15 years old,” adds Stull-Quintana. “But he is a passionate pool player in his free time, when he has free time.”
“He invested with his business partner at Cork & Cask, Lucas Frye, and Maegan Ohmes, who was the general manager at Supernova Downtown, prior to opening up the pool hall,” continues Stull-Quintana. “They wanted to bring an elevated pool hall experience to downtown. One of their goals is to bring the pro tour to the Springs, and another is to simply get more people to enjoy the game of pool, regardless of their skill level.”
WHAT TO EATZZA?
“I love the Chicken Bacon Pesto Pizza,” says Stull-Quintana. “The sauce is made in-house and is so good! The dough is amazing and the flavor on this dish is to die for! There are also
great vegan and gluten-free options as well as their delicious meatballs which you can get regular or vegan!”
Quintana’s favorite drink? The Cue T. “It's a well-balanced, refreshing, beautiful cocktail!”
“Yep, The Cue T is the best, without a doubt,” adds Ohmes.
“We also carry local draft beers by Bell Brothers Brewery. We love supporting our neighbors and local crafts,” continues Stull-Quintana.
WHAT’S NEXT?
“I don’t know; the sky’s the limit,” says Ohmes.
Pool halls have a storied history, but when Ohmes talks about Crooked Cue, she speaks with words new and novel like “fresh basil, fresh lime” and “easy and refreshing to sip.”
So, what are you walking into with Crooked Cue Lounge?
A rich history of billiards play, and a seasoned background of industry experience. What’s better than that?
Website: www.crookedcuelounge.com
Facebook + Instagram: @CrookedCueLounge
NOVEMBER 1ST
Dia De Muertos Celebration
Fine Arts Center at Colorado College | 4:00 PM
Join us for a special community gathering for Día de Muertos, a celebration of life that demonstrates remembrance, love, and respect for those who have gone before us. Activities include: a community ofrenda, live music and performances, food and drink, children's costume parade, mercado with food vendors and artisans. Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Free. fac.coloradocollege.edu/events/dia-de-muertos
NOVEMBER 7TH
Jazz Thursdays
The Mining Exchange | 5:00 PM
Head to the Mining Exchange on Thursday evenings for a free happy hour jazz show at the Golden Hour bar. Happy hour specials and food available. It’s presented by Dizzy Charlie’s, the organizer of a series of Colorado Springs Jazz Pop-Ups. Pop-ups are also taking place at Bar Thirty Three, Summa, The Manhattan Room, Fountain Creek Winery and Bar K. www.dizzycharlies.com
THE NUTCRACKER
Fri. Nov. 29 - Sun. Dec. 1 (Five performances to choose from)
Let your imagination soar as we bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet to life, filling hearts with the spirit of the season.
Tickets at csphilharmonic.org and Pikes Peak Center Box Office
GIVE GIFT the of The Broadmoor this 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 o ers 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 nd 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- ying 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 GOLF ENTHUSIAST
U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor Golf Club is proud to host the 45th U.S. Senior Open Championship from June 25-29, 2025. Surprise the avid golfer in your life by making sure they are in the midst of all the action. Whether it’s a U.S. Senior Open Package (includes event tickets and overnight accommodations) or a commemorative gift box (includes two tickets, logoed hat, and more), this gift is a guaranteed hole in one.
FOR THE FREE SPIRIT
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Bash
Let your hair down at the more casual Bash, a festive New Year’s Eve celebration held in The Broadmoor’s Colorado Hall. Get your groove on with energetic dance music spun by a DJ, along with a cash bar throughout the event. Welcome in the New Year with a champagne toast at midnight.
FOR THE ADVENTURER
An Invigorating Wilderness Retreat
Does anyone in your family love the outdoors or want to experience Colorado’s beauty? From y shing to relaxing in rustic luxury, Broadmoor-style, our Wilderness Experience makes a wonderful gift. Choose from one of our three luxury, all-inclusive properties: Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp, Cloud Camp, or The Ranch at Emerald Valley.
FOR THE FORMAL PARTIER
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Gala Close out 2024 in style! Give yourself an unforgettable night at The New Year’s Eve Gala Elegant and exquisite, dance the night away and indulge in a decadent dinner before ringing in 2025 with a balloon drop and champagne toast!
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 13, 14, 20, 21 and 24, 2024.
Give the gift of choice this holiday season with a Broadmoor Gift Card that can be used toward lodging, spa services, and so much more! For additional information, visit broadmoor.com/give-the-gift or call 844.875.9882
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
Wilderness Experience - Cloud Camp
NOVEMBER 8TH - JANUARY 5TH
Miracle Bar
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Jax Fish House will transform into the holiday pop-up bar and extravaganza Miracle Bar. Colorado Spring’s only Miracle Bar location, and one of just three in the state, the famed pop-up bar brings the festive magic of the season to life with over-the-top décor, themed cocktails in signature holiday glassware and enough holiday spirit to melt the heart of even the frostiest Grinch. www.jaxfishhouse.com
NOVEMBER 13TH
Wine Boot Camp
UVA Wine Bar | 6:30 PM
Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year. With so many flavors on the menu, selecting wines to partner with all the classic dishes might be easier with a bit of guidance. Find the best wines for your Thanksgiving table. $35 per person. www.uvawinebarcos.com/ event-details-registration/wine-boot-camp-thanksgiving-wines
NOVEMBER 17TH
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Broadmoor World Arena | 2:00 PM
Trans-Siberian Orchestra was created to push the boundaries of what was possible for a band to create – both musically and visually. Although best known for their holiday records, they have also released several other rock operas, including Beethoven’s Last Night. TSO is consistently one of the Top 25 touring acts in the country. Shows at 2 pm and 7 pm. www.broadmoorworldarena.com/events/detail/tso24
103 RD ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Let us, a Colorado Springs original help you create the home of your dreams. We’ve been helping generations of Colorado families create the look and comfort that best expresses their LIFESTYLE.
During our Anniversary Celebration, enjoy special savings for every room of your home by the best manufacturers including
Gratitude for the open road.
As the holiday season approaches, the Porsche Cayenne offers the perfect blend of performance and comfort for all your travels. Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet escape, the Cayenne ensures every drive is effortless and refined. This year, be thankful for the road ahead in a vehicle designed to make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Visit Porsche Colorado Springs today, And find your way home for the holidays.
Porsche Colorado Springs
917 Motor City Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-219-1911
PorscheColoradoSprings.com