LITTLE MODERN RANCH | HOME GUIDEBOOK

The Little Modern Ranch| Home Guide 1011 Valley Road Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904

Welcome! We are excited and thankful that you chose the Little Modern Ranch! We want your stay in our home to be as enjoyable as possible!

To that end, this guidebook will orient you with the home and the surrounding area. We are always available and willing to provide whatever you may need for your stay. We loving helping to guide our guests to the memories they want to capture, so please ask for our help!

Enjoy!

- Estee & Rob

OWNER CONTACT

ESTEE & ROB

214.493.1011 or 719.321.1721

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

EMERGENCY FIRE/POLICE: 911

NON-EMERGENCY: 719.444.7000

POISON CONTROL: 800.332.3073

OWNERS: ESTEE & ROB - 214.493.1011 / 719.321.1721

If you have an emergency, please call 911

URGENT CARE

Should something happen that requires medical care, there are several urgent care facilities close by. (Map is current as of August 2021).

CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT

Due to the popularity of our home, we must adhere to the check-in and check-out times. We often have another guest arriving the same day you are leaving.

Given that there are only a few hours between guests, we will have our cleaning services coming in to clean the home to make it ready for the next guest. The cleaning service will arrive at check-out time to begin cleaning.

CHECK-IN: 4 PM

CHECK-OUT: 10 AM

To check-out, we request that our guests:

1. Strip the pillow cases and sheets from their beds

2.Put towels and all sheets/pillow cases in the laundry area.

3. If you signed in to television apps, please log out of these services.

If you anticipate an issue with check-in or check-out, please call us and let us know, and we will try to work something out.

ENTRY

Access to the home is via the front door which has a Schlage electronic lock. No keys are provided; you just need the code.

• The four-digit code was provided to the person who made the reservation via vacation rental platform messaging.

• Punch in the four digits and open the door! Easy!

COMFORT & SAFETY

ALTITUDE

You are sitting at 6,220 feet right now. In our high desert semi-arid climate, the air is very dry and combined with the altitude you can get dehydrated quickly. You may feel winded, or just feel a little ‘off’ and have a headache.

You may notice many locals carry around a water bottle all the time. You cannot drink too much water here. Coffee, alcohol (beers may have a higher alcohol content here than where you live), and carbonated drinks have a greater diuretic effect here than at lower altitudes, so be careful. We suggest drinking lots of water, and maybe taking an aspirin if your medical condition allows it. This will help thin the blood a little as you acclimate, and can lessen the discomfort. Drinking water before sleep is a good idea too. If you have allergies or sinus sensitivity, try a saline spray which works well.

The sun is harsher at altitude as well (we have over 240 sunny days a year) so cover up when you are out and about, or wear sunscreen as only a few minutes can burn you. If you go up on Pike’s Peak, make sure you have some sunscreen.

You or your group may feel ambitious to go do something very physical, like the Incline in Manitou Springs or something like that. Knowing your limits will keep you out of trouble. El Paso County Search and Rescue pulls people down from tough places every day around here, and it is expensive. That said, we do crazy stuff all the time and have a ton of fun doing it!

PERSONAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Because the air is so dry, a simple cloud covering the sun for a few minutes can make you cold, even in the summer. We always suggest carrying a light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt along with you on your adventures. Colorado weather can change very, very quickly and you want to be prepared and comfortable. Evenings are chilly, so bring something cozy, and keep it with you in the car if you are running around town or in a backpack if you are out on the trails.

ANIMALS

Our neighborhood sits right on the fringe of hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness. This wildness is great because it brings nature to our front door, literally. Garden of the Gods (the ridge across the park from the house, and beyond) is home to all sorts of neat animals including bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, cougars, deer, big horn sheep, and bobcats. We have seen most of these from our front porch! Use common sense if you encounter an animal. They will leave you alone if you leave them alone.

There is a very good chance that you will see mule deer while visiting in the park across the street, in the front yard, or wandering around the neighborhood. Where there is one there are usually several, so be careful driving around day or night. Don’t chase or spook them; some have automatic weapons.

If you go for a hike in the Garden (take a right out the front door, walk up the street about 7 minutes to get into the Garden), there are a couple of things to look out for. Beware of buzzing bushes. There is likely a rattlesnake in there. Hundreds if not thousands of hikers go through the Garden each week and it is safe for hiking and incredibly beautiful; just be aware you are in the wild, and keep an eye on the little ones. Usually if you are on the trail, you can see what is ahead.

At home, make sure the trash cans are closed all the way in the alley, as raccoons and other critters like to get in there after watching the Late Show.

INTERNET

Network: CENTURYLINK9989 Password: 1011Guest

HEATING/COOLING

Colorado Springs enjoys a very temperate climate. During the years we have lived in the home, we have turned the air conditioner on in our personal home just once, for two hours. Most of the time we open the windows and doors and enjoy the breezes (there are very few bugs), but that might not be your deal.

To quickly cool the home, open the kitchen back splash windows and front and back door, and turn on the attic fan for a few minutes. This works great to purge the warm air and get a breeze going. The whole house fan control is in the hallway by the bathroom. The top button controls duration in hours, and the bottom button controls power (high, medium, low). Additionally, several rooms have ceiling fans with remote controls. If you run the attic fan at night, it can get a actually get a little too cool, as the temperature drops by twenty degrees or so at night.

Note: Extra blankets can be found in the bedroom closets, and in the wicker basket by the fireplace. Extra pillows and queen bedding for the pullout couch in the living room can be found in the front bedroom closet. Extra fans are in the home for your use as well, if needed.

In the cooler months, 68 degrees is about the highest you will want to set the furnace, but feel free to set it at whatever makes you most comfortable.

KIDS & OTHER FUN STUFF

The home is well-equipped for kids of all ages!

For infants and toddlers, we have pack and play and sheets, and a portable high chair. We also have lots of toys and books for little ones.

For older kids and adults, the park is great with a full playground and lots of room to run around. We have a soccer ball, a football, and a basketball, as well as frisbees, pickleball stuff, tennis rackets and balls. The park has a basketball court, tennis/pickleball court, baseball diamond, and playground...and lots of green grass for running around!!

We have games and puzzles in the armoire in the entry as well as a picnic basket and blanket for your adventures, and we have a styrofoam cooler for you to use, and it can be found in the front bedroom closet.

KITCHEN

We love to cook and we love to build kitchens, and this is one of our favorites. You will find it to be well stocked, and easy to work in. Below is a list of all the gear.

Please put vegetable peelings in the trash, and do not pour hot grease into the sink. There is a glass container for grease under the kitchen sink. Fire extinguisher is in the pantry!!!

If you need anything at all, we live close by, and get get you taken care of!

10 place settings of silverware

Please put vegetable peelings in the trash, not down

16 Square Dinner Plates

16 Square Salad Plates

16 Bowls

10 Glasses

10 Mugs

10 Wine glasses

4 sets childrens plastic silverware and dishes

2 Platters

2 Salad Serving Bowl

Casserole Dish with Lid

4 Ramekins

Salt and Pepper Shakers

2 Large Salad Bowls

1 Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cup

2 Shallow Casserole Bowls

1 Glass Pie Plate

1 Plastic Pitcher

3 Serving bowls

6 Nesting Mixing Bowls

Wire Mesh Strainer

Hand Held Electric Mixer

Crock Pot (small)

Roasting pan, cookie sheets, cutting boards

Pots and pans

Steak Knives

Measuring Cups

Measuring Spoons

Wine and Beer Bottle Opener

Spatula for Griddle

Whisk

Salad Tongs

Grill Tongs, Spatula, Scraper Brush

Can Opener

Food storage containers

Hot pads

Spices

12c Coffee Maker

DISHWASHER: Operation of the dishwasher is easy. Detergent pellets can be found under the kitchen sink. Use one per load. See below for how to operate the dishwashers.

1. Open the dishwasher and load it.

2. There is a little door for the detergent pellet in the door of the dishwasher, top arrow. Put a pellet in there (found under sink), and slide the small door closed.

3. Note that on the top edge of the door you will see the controls, bottom arrow.

4. Auto Wash is usually the best mode to use. Once you select the preferred mode, press the Start button, and close the door fully.

5. The washer is very quiet, so you may have to put your hand on the dishwasher to ensure it is running.

COOK TOP/GRIDDLE: The cook top is gas and controls are easy to understand. Turn the knob and the burner will ignite. For the griddle, you just need to wing it regarding temperature. Give the griddle a few minutes to get to temperature.

To clean the griddle, we usually just pour a little water on it while it is still warm, being careful of the steam. This will steam off any food or what not that remains on the griddle surface, and then we use a spatula and a wet paper towel to scrub off the rest. Once the griddle is turned off and cooled, you can empty the little catch tray and clean that out, but we suggest not trying this prior to everything cooling off. Do not use abrasives on the griddle.

OVEN: The oven is a little more complicated. Please see instructions at the end of the guide for all the bells and whistles. The quick guide is to touch the screen, select the upper or lower unit, and then select the function, such as bake. Easy. Please note that there is a trigger on the handle that will allow you to open one or both of the over doors. Also, there is a divider you can take out if you need a full size oven.

FRIDGE: The fridge is the fridge. Top and middle part are fridge, bottom drawer is freezer.

GRILL: Outside the back door is a gas grill that you are welcome to use. Turn the right knob counterclockwise to light. I usually turn it, let is hiss for a minute, and then keep turning it to ignite. If you want to use the whole grill, keep the lid closed and turn on the left knob until you hear the left burner ignite. Please remember to turn off the grill when you are finished, and scrub the grate with the wire brush provided.

TRASH

Trash cans are in the kitchen, but with a full house they will fill up fast. Trash can liners are provided, and extra liners are found in the bottom of the trash can or under the sink. The big trash can is out by the alley. Head out the back door, and you will see the big green can to your right.

Please make sure the lids are closed well, as animals like to snack at night, and we do have bears!

TELEVISIONS

The home has two televisions. The smart televisions are equipped with local digital channels and complimentary Netflix

CLEANING SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT

Sometimes messes happen. We provide disinfectant spray and glass cleaner, as well as rolls of paper towels. The broom and dust buster are in the washer/dryer closet. The vacuum cleaner is in the first bedroom closet.

For washing dishes, we provide dish soap, dishwasher pellets, a fresh sponge, and a dish scrubber thing. If the above-mentioned list cannot get it clean, give us a call and we will bring over whatever is needed if possible.

LAUNDRY

You are welcome to use the washer and dryer Laundry detergent is provided, and the units are easy to use. See below for instructions to get started.

It is best to rinse heavily soiled or muddy clothes and what not in the sink prior to using the washer/dryer to pre-clean these items. Please do not wash or dry shoes, children, or pets in the washing machine

1. Open door, fill washer with laundry. Hard to say what ‘over full’ looks like, just use good judgment.

2. Put about half a cup of the detergent in the compartment.

3. Close the lid.

4. Select the cycle that is best for your clothes.

5. Press Start.

YARD

The sprinklers may go on while you are here, they are set for late in the evening.

A monster mule deer buck likes to scratch his head on the aspens in the backyard. Don't be surprised if he shows up in the morning. Also, lots of bunnies live under the shed...

BATHROOMS

SHOWERS: I dislike learning a new shower valve when on vacation, so I thought I would explain how it works even though this is one of the least complicated systems I have experienced, and all valves in the home are the same.

• The big lever turns on the water and controls temperature. Open the valve, and let the water heat up.

• This house has a regular hot water heater. You may need to stagger showers morning and night, or put a time limit on showers to allow everyone hot water. Usually there is plenty for everyone.

TOWELS: One towel set per guest are provided. There are hooks in each bedroom closet so that you can hang your towel up to dry.

PAPER PRODUCTS: A fresh roll of toilet paper and extra rolls are provided in each bathroom.

SOAP/SHAMPOO: Some sort of exotic coconut lavender arugula frou-frou hand soap is provided by the sinks in the bathroom. Organic, sulfite-free shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided.

STEREO

The house is wired for sound, and the stereo receiver can be found in the armoire in the entry. Turn on the receiver (1, below), and you can connect your streaming music source to the white 3.5mm jack, and select CD as the source, and you will hear music play throughout the living area. If you want to just hear local stations, select Tuner.

Outdoor speakers are driven by Zone 2, and the volume can be controlled independently. Press the Zone 2 button on the receiver (22), and then select CD (18) or Tuner. You can now change the volume by pressing the up or down arrows for Zone 2 'level'. You have to turn it up pretty far to get it loud enough outside.

FOOD & DRINK!! - TAKE-OUT / DELIVERY / LINKS

Colorado Springs has many fun restaurants to explore. A short drive downtown to South Tejon Street takes you to many restaurants that are walkable. The links below will help you explore the food options:

www.visitcos.com is a great site for food and drink options.

www.thebestofthesprings.com will take you to all the winners of the annual 'Best of the Springs' for whatever you are interested in here in the Springs, and the dining section is especially helpful.

www.tvfoodmaps.com will take you to the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives locations.

Additionally, we put together a set of links that take you to a couple dozen of our favorite places, see the next page...

For the staples, here you go:

• BEER/WINE: COAL TRAIN WINE AND SPIRITS | 330 W Uintah St 719.475.9700

o Need to stand in front of a giant wall of microbrews 50+ feet wide from all over Colorado and the rest of the country too? Need a specific bottle of wine? Coal Train is worth a trip. Fantastic selection, fantastic employees.

• KING SOOPERS GROCERY/PHARMACY | 3250 Centennial Blvd, 80904

o Five minutes from the house, King Soopers offers ClickList so that you can order groceries online and pick them up. You drive up, they have your groceries ready, and you drive home. Simple. Here is the link. Might save you some time.

o If you send us your grocery list, we can run to the store and have the home stocked for you when you arrive. We have three kids and basically live at the grocery store, so it is no trouble.

• AMAZON/WHOLE FOODS:

o If you would like to schedule delivery the day of your arrival for Whole Foods groceries, just let us know and we can keep an eye out for it and stock the fridge and pantry for you upon arrival.

HELPFUL VIDEOS, WEBSITES, AND RESTAURANT LINKS

VIDEOS:

COLORADO SPRINGS OVERVIEW

GARDEN OF THE GODS

RED ROCKS OPEN SPACE

SITES:

VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS

EVENTS CALENDAR

GREAT RESTAURANTS

TRAIL MAPS | GARDEN OF THE GODS

LIVE WEBCAMS OF THE SPRINGS

RESTAURANT LINKS:

RESTAURANT TYPE

GOLDEN BEE

ODYSSEY GASTROPUB

WILD GOOSE MEETING

HOUSE

AMERICAN BAR FOOD

NOTES

GREAT PUB AT THE BROADMOOR TO HANG OUT AND DRINK TALL BEERS AND LISTEN TO LIVE PIANO

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE SPRINGS. THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS THEY SERVE HERE FALL DIRECTLY FROM HEAVEN.

AMERICAN BAR FOOD DRINKS AND SANDWICHES, COOL COLLEGE VIBE

BIRD DOG BBQ BBQ

FRONT RANGE BBQ BBQ

AWESOME, AWESOME OKLAHOMA BBQ. OUR LOCAL FAVORITE HOLE IN THE WALL BBQ JOINT. NOT GREAT ATMOSPHERE, BUT GREAT BBQ.

REALLY FUN ATMOSPHERE, GREAT OUTDOOR SEATING. GREAT BBQ, FANTASTIC RED BEANS AND RICE...7 MINUTES AWAY, OLD COLORADO CITY

BRISTOL BREWING BREWERY VERY COOL BAR, IN AN OLD CONVERTED SCHOOL. TRY A BEE HIVE....AWARD WINNING BEERS.

COLORADO MOUNTAIN BREWERY BREWERY

GREAT ALL AROUND. GREAT FOOD, GREAT BEERS. FUN PLACE IN THE OLD TRAIN STATION ENGINE ROUNDHOUSE

FOSSIL BREWING BREWERY GOOD BEER, COOL LOCAL VIBE, HOLE IN THE WALL. SMALL LITTLE PLACE, WITH ROTATING FOOD TRUCKS

RED LEG BREWERY GOOD BEER, COOL LOCAL VIBE, MAY BE THE COOLEST HANGOUT SPOT IN THE SPRINGS, LOTS OF FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCES. 5 MINUTES FROM THE HOUSE.

BROADMOOR LAKESIDE TERRACE BRUNCH MAGIC AMAZING IN EVERY WAY. CALL WAY AHEAD TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST HOTELS.

SKIRTED HEIFER BURGERS VERY POPULAR BURGER SPOT DOWNTOWN. WANT A HIPSTER BURGER? THIS IS THE PLACE

COAL MINE DRAGON CHINESE AWESOME CHINESE TAKEOUT. OUR GO-TO CHINESE PLACE. ALWAYS GREAT.

GOOD NEIGHBORS

MEETING HOUSE COFFEE GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP OVER IN THE OLD PART OF THE SPRINGS, FUN PLACE TO KILL AN HOUR

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

RESTAURANT DINER

DINERS, DRIVE INS, AND DIVES VISITED, FOR GOOD REASON. GREAT BREAKFAST AND BURGERS, COOL VIBE. ENORMOUS CINNAMON ROLLS.

MONSE'S EL SALVADORAN AUTHENTIC AND WONDERFUL. 7 MINUTES AWAY, TUCKED INTO OLD COLORADO CITY.

LA BAGUETTE FRENCH GREEEAAAAAT FRENCH ONION SOUP. AWESOME FOR A COLD DAY. NICE FRENCHY STYLE SALADS (PRO TIP: NICOISE SALAD, HOLD THE GREEN BEANS, ADD MORE POTATO)

WIMBERGER'S GERMAN BAKERY GO OVER THERE TUESDAY - SATURDAY FOR PASTRIES AND BREAD TO GO. FRESHLY MADE EVERY DAY. AMAZING. NOT, I REPEAT, NOT GLUTEN FREE IN ANY WAY...

JACK QUINN'S IRISH BAR FOOD SOLID FISH AND CHIPS. SOLID. GET THIS. REALLY GOOD.

FUJIYAMA JAPANESE/SUSHI WE USUALLY MAKE OUR OWN SUSHI, BUT WHEN WE ARE LAZY, THIS IS THE PLACE. DOWNTOWN

CRYSTAL PARK CANTINA MEXICAN SUPER AWESOME NEIGHBORHOOD MEXICAN PLACE, GREAT GREAT FOOD. GO HERE (ROB'S FAV MEXICAN, HANDS DOWN, OTHER THAN MACOS TACOS TRUCK...)

JOSE MULDOON'S MEXICAN TACO TUESDAYS!! JUST ABOVE AVERAGE TEX-MEX PLACE, SOLID FOOD. DOWNTOWN

PIZZERIA RUSTICA PIZZA ITALIAN GREAT DATE NIGHT PLACE. CLOSE BY, QUIET, GREAT LOCAL PRODUCER FLAVORS AND NICE WINE

POOR RICHARD'S PIZZA ITALIAN SOLID PIZZA DOWNTOWN, AND IT HAS A CHILDRENS PLAY AREA IN THE BACK,

SLICE420 PIZZA ITALIAN VERY STRONG. 5 MINS FROM HOUSE. OLD COLORADO CITY, HOLE IN THE WALL, REALLY INTERESTING HOUSE PIZZAS AND GREAT BUILD YOUR OWN OPTIONS.

ADAMS MOUNTAIN CAFE SLOW FOOD

MOSTLY VEGAN AND A LITTLE FROU FROU, BUT REALLY GOOD. WANT AN ORGANIC, FARM-TO-TABLE COLORADO MEAL? HERE YOU GO!

COWBOY STAR STEAK HOUSE FUN STEAKHOUSE, GREAT SELECTIONS. TRULY WONDERFUL CHIMICHURRI.

503W STREET FLAVOR CONTEMPORARY ASIAN AND AMERICAN FOOD AND DRINKS.

THE RABBIT HOLE SWANKY WEIRD AND QUIRKY BELOW-THE-STREET VIBE. INTERESTING PLACE FOR LATE NIGHTS. DOWNTOWN

MACOS TACOS TACO TRUCK HEAVEN 5 MINS FROM HOUSE. INCREDIBLE CARNE ASADA TACOS...SQUEEZE OF LIME AND DUST IT WITH SALT. CRAZY GOOD. CARNE BURRITO IS ENORMOUS, BEWARE!!

WILD GINGER THAI THAI AWESOMENESS 3 MINUTES FROM THE HOUSE, BEST THAI EVER...

THE WAREHOUSE WESTERN MOUNTAIN ELEVATED BUT COZY, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR ELK, BISON, OR SIMPLY A WONDERFUL STEAK OR LOBSTER. REALLY GREAT DATE NIGHT PLACE.