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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 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. We have an attic fan (the switch is in the stairwell), so opening doors and windows in the morning for a few minutes could be an option. This allows you to pull in nice cool air that can cool the home the whole day, but we do have air conditioning if you prefer.
Colorado Springs can be windy. If you want the back door open, please use the little pipe to keep the door from blowing open or closed if the wind kicks up.
Note: Extra blankets can be found in the bedroom closets. Extra pillows and queen bedding for the pullout couch in the living room can be found in the Master Bath linen cabinet.
HOUSE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
At the main bedroom level, you will find the thermostat. To keep the home comfortable at night, 68 degrees is about the highest you will want to set it, but feel free to set it at whatever makes you most comfortable. Not sure how to guide you on air conditioning, but again, make yourself comfortable.
To quickly cool the home without air conditioning, opening kitchen back splash windows and front and back door, and turning on the attic fan for a few minutes works great. Additionally, several rooms have ceiling fans with remote controls.
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, portable high chair, a single umbrella stroller and a baby monitor. We also have lots of toys and books for little ones.
For older kids and adults, the park across the street 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 also have games and puzzles in the armoire in the Living Room, and kids DVDs and books. In the kitchen office desk we have coloring books and colors too.
We also provide a picnic basket and blanket (found under the TV in the Living Room) for your adventures, and we have a styrofoam cooler for you to use, and it can be found in the basement bedroom closet.
KITCHEN
We love to cook, and we also love to build kitchens. This iteration of the kitchen is one of our favorites, and you will find it to be easy to use. See below for a map of where the stuff is.
• Fire extinguisher is under kitchen sink. As well as cleaning products and dishwasher detergent.
• Do not empty hot grease into the sink. There is a glass container for grease under the kitchen sink.
• Please put vegetable peelings in the trash, not down the disposal.
1. Cake pans, roasting pan, cookie sheets, cutting boards, muffin pans
2. Wine glasses, saucers, cream and sugar, gravy boat
3. Pots and pans
4. 21 glasses, 11 juice glasses, 10 coffee cups
5. 15 dinner plates, 15 salad plates, 12 bowls
6. 20 place settings of silverware, hot pads
7. Cleaning supplies, dishwasher pellets, fire extinguisher
Island
8. Trash Pull Out
9. Utensil Drawer
Steak Knives
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Wine Bottle Opener
Beer Bottle Opener
Spatula for Griddle
Whisk
Basting Brushes
Can Opener
Salad Tongs
Ice Cream Scoop
Grill Tongs (2)
10. Food storage containers
Fridge Drawer
11. Swiffer & mop (dustbuster in Laundry)
Pantry
• 12 cup Coffee Maker & Keurig
• Electric Tea Kettle
• 12 large bowls
• 12 small bowls
• 12 saucers
• 12 Salad Plates
• 12 Dinner Plates
• 1 platter
• 1 Salad Serving Bowl
• Casserole Dish with Lid
• 6 Ramekins
• Salt and Pepper Shakers
• 12 Square Dinner Plates
• 12 Square Salad Plates
• 1 Large Salad Bowl
• 2 Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups
• 1 Shallow Casserole Bowl
• 1 Glass Pie Plate
• 1 Glass Pitcher
• Red Plastic Salad Bowl
• 6 Nesting Mixing Bowls
• Wire Mesh Basket
• Immersion Blender & Whisk
• Crock Pot & Pressure Cooker
• Blender
• 8 x 8 Pyrex
• 9 x 13 Pyrex
• 10 x 15 Pyrex
• Pewter Decorative Serving Tray
DISHWASHERS: This home has two dishwashers! Operation of the dishwashers is easy. Detergent pellets can be found under the kitchen sink (7). 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 washers are very quiet, so you may have to put your hand on the dishwasher to ensure it is running.
COOKTOP/GRIDDLE: The cooktop is gas and controls are easy to understand. Turn the knob and the burner will ignite. For the griddle, turn it to about 350 degrees for eggs and pancakes, etc. You can go up higher to 400+ degrees if you are a pro. Give the griddle about 10-15 minutes to get to temperature.
To clean the griddle, we usually just pour a glass of water on it, 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!
OVEN: The oven is a little more complicated. Please see instructions at the end of the guide.
FRIDGE: The fridge is the fridge. Top and middle part are fridge, bottom drawer is freezer. Ice tray slides out, but there is a little latch you have to flip to get it to let loose. Please don’t force it.
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 need 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 extras are found in the bottom of the trash can.
The big trash cans are in the alley. Head out the back door, through the back gate, and hang a left. Because of the bears and raccoons, please make sure the lids are closed/latched well.
TELEVISIONS
The home has three televisions.
• On the main level, the television is behind the barn doors. This TV is equipped with local stations, and Netflix and AppleTV.
• On the lower level, the television is equipped with a DVD player and a VCR.
• In the Master bedroom, the television is equipped with Netflix and AppleTV.
CLEANING SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
Sometimes messes happen. We provide Windex Disinfectant spray and Windex Glass Cleaner, as well as rolls of paper towels. In the tall skinny pull out drawer to the left of the refrigerator you can find a Swiffer and mop. Down in the laundry room you will find stuff for doing laundry, a dust buster and a vacuum cleaner, as well as a steamer and an iron and ironing board.
For washing dishes, we provide Dawn 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.
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.
Big lever turns on the water.
Small little lever controls temperature.
When you turn the shower back on later, it would theoretically hold the proper temperature setting for you, given nobody else took a shower and changed it.
The Master shower has a higher temperature setting, other bathrooms are set a little cooler to protect kids.
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.
TOWELS: One towel set per person is 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 bath soaps are provided.
LAUNDRY
You are welcome to use the washer and dryer while you are here. 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 to the right of the washer/dryer prior to using the washer/dryer to clean these items. Please do not wash or dry shoes, children, or pets.
1. Open door, fill washer with laundry. Hard to say what ‘over full’ looks like, just use good judgement.
2. Pull out the little slide drawer for the liquid detergent.
3. Put about a quarter of a cup of the detergent in the left compartment.
4. Close little drawer.
5. Press Power button.
6. Select the cycle that is best for your clothes.
YARD
The sprinklers may go on while you are here.
There is a boat in the car port, please do not play on it or uncover it…it is my husband’s pride and joy. Please be respectful.
The garden is also for you to enjoy. Rosemary, thyme, and mint are out there, plus a variety of vegetables and berries. The later in the season you visit, the better the garden is for you! Please feel free to enjoy! It is all organic.
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
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.
