THE PAINTED PONY | HOME GUIDEBOOK

The Painted Pony | Home Guide

3177 Trenton Park Grove Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Welcome!

We are excited and thankful that you chose the Painted Pony!

We want your me here to be as enjoyable as possible, to that end our guidebook will orient you with the ameni es and surrounding area. We are always available to provide whatever you may need for your stay, just let us know!

We love helping guide guests to the memories they want to capture. 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

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911

Urgent Care:

Should something happen that requires medical care, there are several urgent care facili es close by. (Map current as of April 2023)

Check-In / Check-Out

Due to the popularity of our home, we strictly adhere to the check-in and check-out  mes. We o en 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 checkout  me to begin cleaning.

CHECK IN: 4:00 PM – Midnight

CHECK OUT: 10:00 AM

To check out we ask that guests strip pillow cases and sheets from beds used and leave them in the bedroom. Please take your towels to the laundry room. That’s it!

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

Ge ng In:

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 reserva on and can be found in the rental pla orm messaging. If you have trouble, please call us and we will get you in!!

To unlock the door using the keypad, enter your four-digit user code. When you see the Schlage bu on turn green, rotate the thumb turn toward the door’s hinges.

If the Schlage bu on turns red, you have entered an incorrect user code. If it does not light up at all, you may have entered too many incorrect codes. Wait 30 seconds and try again.

House Rules:

The house rules are pre y simple, and are enforced. If we learn that rules were broken, we will escalate with the appropriate par es, including the hos ng pla orm.

 No drugs, of any kind. This includes marijuana, and all other recrea onal drugs.

 No pets. Service animals will be considered.

 No smoking on the premises, inside or out. No tobacco, no marijuana.

 No par es of any kind, and no large gatherings unless permission has been requested.

 Quiet down a er 10pm in considera on of our neighbors.

 Damage to the property of any kind results in escala on to the hos ng pla orm, and reimbursement for the damage.

Comfort & Safety

ALTITUDE: You are si ng at 6,220 feet right now. In our high desert semi-arid climate, the air is very dry and combined with the al tude you can get dehydrated quickly. You may feel winded, or just feel a li le ‘off ’ and have a headache.

You may no ce many locals carry around a water bo le all the  me. 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 diure c effect here than at lower al tudes, so be careful. We suggest drinking lots of water, and maybe taking an aspirin if your medical condi on allows it. This will help thin the blood a li le as you acclimate, and can lessen the discomfort. Drinking water before sleep is a good idea too. If you have allergies or sinus sensi vity, try a saline spray which works well.

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

You or your group may feel ambi ous 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 me 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 home sits right on the fringe of hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness. The proximity is great because it brings nature to our front door, literally. The Garden of the Gods, three blocks away, is home to all sorts of neat animals including bears, coyotes, ra lesnakes, cougars, deer, big horn sheep, and bobcats. We have seen most of these from our front porch! Please, please 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 visi ng. There is a crew of deer that likes to hang out behind the property and eat the grass there. Keep an eye out for them, some mes the teenage boys will

lock up and spar a bit. Where there is one deer there are several, so be careful driving around day or night. Don’t chase or spook them; some carry automa c weapons and will use them!

If you go for a hike in the Garden there are a couple of things to look out for. Beware of buzzing bushes. There is likely a ra lesnake in there. Hundreds if not thousands of hikers go through the Garden each week and it is safe for hiking and incredibly beau ful; just be aware you are in the wild, and keep an eye on the li le 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 cri ers like to get in there a er watching the Late Show.

The Interwebs:

WiFi Network: PaintedPony

WiFi Password: 3177Guest!

Televisions & Gaming System:

The home has three Samsung Smart TVs and an Xbox in the downstairs bedroom. Ne lix is provided as a courtesy, or you can login to your streaming system of choice.

Please remember to log out at the end of your visit.

Hea ng/Cooling:

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

You will find the thermostat in the hallway near the kitchen. 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 condi oning, but again, make yourself comfortable.

Note: Extra blankets can be found in the bedroom closets.

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 li le ones.

There is a park across the street and two blocks to the west is great and has lots of room to run around. There is playground with all the fun stuff for li le kids, and there is also a skate park! We have a soccer ball, football, and frisbees, pickleball stuff, tennis rackets and balls. The park has a tennis/pickleball court, baseball diamond, and playground...and lots of green grass for running around!!

We also have games and puzzles under the TV in the living room and in the kitchen office desk we have coloring books and colors.

We also provide a picnic basket and blanket (found in the laundry room) for your adventures, and we have a cooler for you to use. It can be found in the basement bedroom closet.

Bathroom Stuff:

TOWELS: One towel set per person is provided. There are hooks so you can hang your towel up to dry.

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

SOAP/SHAMPOO: Some sort of exo c coconut-lavender-arugula-frou-frou hand soap is provided by the sinks in the bathroom. Organic sulfite-free shampoo, condi oner, and bath soaps are provided in the showers.

Kitchen:

We love to cook, and we also love to ou it kitchens. We ou it all of our proper es with the best equipment, ensuring that our guests have all they need to host a Thanksgiving dinner, ha! If you find anything missing, we will get it to you very quickly. You will this kitchen well-appointed and easy to use.

Coffee & Tea:

We provide both a drip machine and Keurig, as well as an electric tea ke le to keep water warm for tea. We also provide Stash teas, Lavazza ground coffee, and there are usually a few K cups floa ng around as well.

Laundry:

We have a washer and dryer for your use, and provide plenty of detergent and dryer sheets so you can play hard and not worry about having clean clothes!

Grill & Fire Pit:

The Weber grill is fueled by natural gas. To turn it on, you need to turn gas on from the house, see the li le cut off with yellow knob behind the grill. Once you have turned that on turn a knob on the grill and press the bu on on the le  side of the control panel to ignite. This will light a burner, and you can turn on others as needed.

REMEMBER TO TURN OFF GAS SUPPLY TO THE GRILL WHEN FINSHED COOKING.

The fire pit is pre y easy to use as well.

There is a door. Open the door and turn on the valve to the propane tank (le y loosie). To ignite, press and hold the electronic igniter bu on and turn the burner control to the high posi on, pressing it and holding it in. When the burner lights release the igniter bu on, but con nue to depress the burner control knob for a few more seconds and then release it.

Adjust the flame to the desired height with the burner control knob. To shut it off, turn the knob clockwise to the off posi on.

REMEMBER TO TURN OFF GAS SUPPLY TO THE FIRE PIT WHEN FINSHED ENJOYING IT.

Cleaning Supplies & Equipment

Some mes messes happen. We provide cleaning spray and other cleaners under the kitchen sing, as well as ample rolls of paper towels. In the laundry room you will find the vacuum, and I think a Swiffer and a mop, and the dust buster, which ideally will be plugged in and charged for you. In the laundry room you will also find a steamer.

For washing dishes, we provide Dawn dish soap, dishwasher pellets, a fresh sponge, and a dish scrubber thing.

If the above-men oned list cannot get it clean, give us a call and we will bring over whatever is needed, hopefully, ha!

Sustenance!!

GROCERIES: There is a Safeway grocery store about 3 minutes away as well as a King Soopers grocery about 10 minutes away. The Safeway some mes has some sketchy characters in the parking lot a er dark, so keep your eyes open.

We shop at the King Soopers up on Centennial (10 mins). Addi onally, there is a Whole Foods about 15 minutes across town, and a Trader Joes about 10 minutes away.

We do provide some basics for cooking, like spices and oils and what not, and foil and saran wrap.

GROCERY DELIVERY: Safeway, King Soopers, and Whole Foods all provide delivery service and if you schedule it for the day of your arrival, we can be sure to stock the fridge for you so that everything is ready for your arrival.

RESTAURANTS: Check out the welcome email we sent for about 25 restaurant sugges ons with links to their websites. If you are hun ng something special, send us a message and we would love to help guide you to whatever you are looking for.

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.