Tri-Lakes_Guide_2024

Tri-Lakes Guide 2024

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Greetings from the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Welcome

If you are new to the area, welcome! Or if you have been here a while, I know you will be discovering new aspects of our community.

The Tri-Lakes area is truly a special place. We have experienced considerable growth over the past 10 years. However, that growth has only enhanced our sense of community because we are all still neighbors wanting the same thing: a safe, healthy, happy home for our families.

This Northern El Paso County evolution is no doubt because of our location right between the two largest cities in the state, Denver and Colorado Springs. In addition, the close proximity to I-25, our great school district and the sense of small town, are all must haves that people relocating to our community are looking for.

Residential growth has spurred a momentum of commercial endeavors, from great mom and pop businesses to larger companies that have brought jobs to the community. Several hundred businesses serve our growing region, making us a consumer-based economy.

This guide is a wonderful piece to keep all year long, with its’ wealth of information about the community and local business. Please support the businesses listed and all businesses in the Tri-Lakes area. They are here to serve you.

We are thankful to be able to be here to assist our businesses, non-profit organizations, and towns. In return, we have a sincere appreciation and gratitude for the continued support of the Chamber by the community.

There is so much going on here. For a list of community events, visit TriLakesChamber. com. Or come by 166 Second St, Monument, CO., M-F, 9am-5pm and pick up brochures on businesses, local sites, social services, and hiking trails. Need a recommendation? Feel

free to give us a call, we love to help out our neighbors.

If you own a business or work for one that you think would benefit from joining the Chamber, reach out. We would love to talk to you! A Chamber’s mission is creating an environment in which businesses can prosper.

We are a wealth of information, and we are here to help you stay in business. We create a great working environment by sharing information, making introductions, working with the towns so that your experience as a business owner is a good one. Plus, we have a zest for problem solving not just for businesses, but for the community as a whole.

We are looking forward to a great 2024!

Terri Hayes

President & CEO

Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and Visitor Center

Terri@TriLakesChamber.com

719-481-3282

PUBLISHER

Chris P. Reen

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rich Williams

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, VP OF CONTENT

Vince Bzdek

EDITOR, THE GAZETTE

John Boogert

EDITOR, THE TRIBUNE

Doug Fitzgerald

EDITOR, TRI-LAKES GUIDE

Doug Fitzgerald

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kailee Hayden

WRITERS

Benn Farrell

Bill Dagendesh

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING

Jim Broyles

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Karen Hogan

DIRECTOR OF LOCAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Traci Conrad

ADVERTISING SALES

Ashley Cornell

Lori Curry

Nikki Durks

Sue Williams

Terri Hayes

Create lifelong memories in the Tri-Lakes region

BY BENN FARRELL

While the communities of the TriLakes region continue to find and develop new ideas to create more ways for all ages to play during their free time, there is a variety of places to create memorable days and nights already existing either in the region or with very little travel.

One of the most unique venues for family fun as well as a frozen farm for upcoming figure skating and hockey talent is the Monument Ice Rinks in Monument, located at 16240 Old Denver Road.

The venue features ice skating lessons in its Learn To Skate program which accommodates both child and adult super beginners but also facilitates those who have developed to competitive level to manage their way through competitive ice skating in Colorado. LTS events are scheduled several times throughout the week as are public skates where all ages can leisurely make their way around the ice for fun.

“The biggest draw for our facility is that we offer both figure skating and hockey classes for all ages and all levels,” Dalilah Sappenfield, administrative

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The Waterwise Demonstration Garden and Trailhead Square is just one of several public parks to enjoy within the Town of Monument.

director at Monument Ice Rinks said. “So it’s a fun family environment.”

The Monument Ice Rinks is also the headquarters and home ice for the Colorado Rampage, a hockey development program with national competitive teams at several age levels once learners graduate from its own recreational calendar.

In addition, adult pickup hockey is available as well as year-round programs to teach adults to play hockey as an absolute beginner. The Little Rookies program is directed by former NHL defenseman Al Pedersen (Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Hartford Whalers) who also serves as the facilities manager at the ice rinks.

In the past few years, the Monument Ice Rinks have experienced a large growth in multiple levels, both in its competitive figure skating program as well as its hockey teams, Sappenfield said.

“Monument Ice Rinks is a family-owned facility dedicated to giving back to the community and fostering young talent,” she said.

Parks & Trails

The Colorado Pumpkin Patch was able to solve its parking available issues to accommodate its growing popularity, offering families a jaunt to a fun fall pumpkin ranch, located at 18065 Saddlewood Road, Monument, Colorado.

“Agritourism is something that we feel like has a big value to the public,” Colorado Pumpkin Patch owner J.D. Chapman said last year when the approval from EPC was handed down. “It allows us to continue what we’re doing for the community and allows us to continue some of these other things that we’re doing outside of the pumpkin patch, like the Johnny Pumpkinseed Program for foster kids and special needs kids and their families.”

More information on the Colorado Pumpkin Patch can be found at www.ColoradoKidsRanch.com.

Playgrounds for children and adults in the TriLakes area are developing quickly where some parks were once outdated. Limbach Park in downtown Monument is to see an upgrade to its playground equipment late this year.

At Palmer Lake, north of Monument, the park at the lake is in a constant state of development, adding new features regularly including a pickleball court looking to be a new addition this year.

Monument Lake has also developed over the past year, now offering two piers instead of one from which anglers can get their lines into deeper portions of the lake. The new pier, completed late last Spring, allows anglers to conveniently access the northern shoreline, allowing fishing enthusiasts to avoid crossing lines and bumping elbows.

COURTESY TOWN OF MONUMENT PARKS DEPARTMENT

For over 80 years, Mountain View Electric Association has provided safe and reliable electricity to our members and their families through generations of service. We’re an electric cooperative that was started by local people, coming together as a community, to create a better life. We are proud to operate under the principle that we belong to the communities we serve, because we were built by the communities we serve.

Learn more at www.mvea.coop.

DOUG FITZGERALD Anglers seek a nibble from the fishing Pier on Monument Lake.

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In recent years, the town also unveiled its Waterwise Demonstration Garden and Trailhead Square at the 3rd Street Santa Fe Trailhead in Monument. This is a water conservation-conscious garden where visitors can not only enjoy its growth and ambience but also learn how to perform similar landscaping for their own homes. In addition, it’s placed at a trailhead for the Sante Fe Trail which runs the length of town and up to Palmer Lake, of which many use for walking, running and biking. Numerous neighborhood parks and trails in the national forest round out what is available in the Town of Monument.

Live Music & Karaoke

Arguably the largest venue for live music near the Tri-Lakes area is the Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers, located at 13071 Bass Pro Drive in Colorado Springs. With music events featured almost every Friday and Saturday nights, with the occasional Thursdays, Boot Barn Hall’s line up of acts include an eclectic array of country artists like Creed Fisher, Pat Green and Aaron Watson, as well as alternative rock acts as Mason Ramsey, SofaKillers, Lucero and the Long Run. In addition, their calendar of events always features a variety of tribute acts including the music of Abba, Van Halen, Foreigner, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bob Seeger and many others as well.

If you’re looking for quality live music featuring some of the region’s best and most notable acts, you don’t have to travel much farther than Palmer Lake Pub, located at 876 Hwy 105. Palmer Lake Pub regularly features popular live music acts such as Wirewood Station, Missy and the Dirty Secrets, Brandon Henderson, Go Go GirlZilla, Skin & Bones and others every Friday and Saturday nights.

The only thing better than a live music event is a free live music event, and if it’s outdoors it could be even better. This is why the Town of Monument’s Concerts in the Park series at Limbach Park in downtown Monument is such a draw for hundreds in the region. Featuring a live music event at the stage in Limbach Park almost every Wednesday evening, this year, from early June to late August, the concert series is considered a community tradition.

The 2024 lineup includes some new acts like Hand Turkey Band, King Stan Band and Hot Boots Band as well as staples from previous lineups the Ashtonz, Wirewood Station and Missy & the Dirty Secrets among others.

“Each summer families enjoy live music by local and regional bands in beautiful Limbach Park, right in the heart of Downtown Monument,” Town of Monument Parks and Community Partnerships Di-

COURTESY PHOTO

WireWood Station in action during a past Memorial Day Weekend at Boot Barn Hall.

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rector Madeline VanDenHoek said. “Kids enjoy playing at the playground and families can either enjoy food from food trucks or bring a picnic. Concert goers will often dance and watch the sun set behind the mountains. It is a good way to kick off summer and something people look forward to.”

Nestled in the woods of Black Forest, The Chicken Coop, located at 11627 Black Forest Road in Colorado Springs, also regularly features a variety of blues rock and country rock music acts offering a boot stomping good night for patrons.

Notes Bar opened in Feb. 2023 and since has provided live music and karaoke as well as a unique Jazz brunch for patrons in the area. Across the north parking lot of Boot Barn Hall, Notes Bar also book live music acts every Friday and Saturday nights. For those who like Jazz, Notes Bar also features a Jazz Brunch Buffet most Saturdays and Sundays with food served at 9 a.m. and music starting at 10 a.m.

Palmer Lake Pub features Karaoke Wednesday for local crooners who look to be the star of the bar themselves. The pub’s karaoke night is every Wednesday evening for three hours with KJ Party Marty. Notes Bar also offers a Karaoke Night each Thursday night at 8 p.m. after Music Bingo.

Family Fun at Northgate

Off of Northgate Blvd. near Gleneagle, nested

among a variety of quality restaurants and eateries are enough places for family fun to entertain everyone in some way for most of the day and evening. With a street in the subdivision named after it, Bass Pro Shops remains a beacon of attraction just south of Northgate Blvd in northern Colorado Springs. It also offers the closest option for families in the TriLakes area who look to spend time bowling together with an alley and restaurant inside the monolith of outdoorsman shopping.

Ever since its arrival, Top Golf has remained a venue for the entire family as well as fun corporate events to allow patrons a chance to rent bays in its multi-level golf driving range. Those making use of the bays are able to not only practice their driving skills but also leisurely incorporate video games with each ball they hit.

Also in the subdivision is iFly Indoor Skydiving which allows its clients to experience the feeling of skydiving within a wind controlled tube instead of making a leap of faith out of an airplane. Families can have the opportunity to hunt and shoot each other with Nerf guns without the mess at home by visiting Dart Wars in the same subdivision. This Nerf gun arena offers 1-hour, 2-hour and family passes among other options as well as party rooms to meet their patrons’ Nerf war needs.

A golfer drives at TopGolf, located at Polaris Pointe retail center. The two-level venue offers 74 climate-controlled bay driving ranges with TopTracer technology, a ball-tracing system.

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Two instructors practice their skydiving in the wind tunnel at iFLY Colorado Springs. The wind speeds inside the tunnel range from 90 to 130 mph depending on the flyer’s weight and experience level. The indoor skydiving business is in the Polaris Pointe shopping area.

Offering two 1⁄4-mile Formula One go-kart tracks, Overdrive Raceway allows kids and adults a chance to experience the fast pacing of go-kart racing in the same subdivision, also offering accommodations for corporate events, parties and a calendar of special events.

Painting & Game Nights

While not many places in the region offer more than live music and karaoke events, some have mixed up its lineup of events throughout each month and the coming year to include even more fun reasons to visit.

Pikes Peak Brewing Company’s calendar of events this year included a stop from stand-up comic Zane Lamphrey’s new Thirsty! Comedy tour. It also features recurring painting nights titled Brushes & Brews where patrons visit to sip the brewery’s list of products while being walked through a painting workshop step-by-step. No painting experience is required and art supplies are provided so patrons can take home their own completed custom work of art.

If you do enjoy drinks and painting events, you may want to check out the Black Forest Brewing Company, located at 11590 Black Forest Road, Suite 50, which also hosts occasional events titled Brews and Brushes and Black Forest Brewing.

If Dungeons & Dragons is your thing, Pikes Peak Brewing Company also offers a Thursday Game Night each month. Back East Bar & Grill in Monu-

ment tends to also feature additional nights of fun like Trivia with Brendan, a high-speed quizzing trivia game boasting its energetic host, every Wednesday night.

In addition to its extensive live music event calendar, Palmer Lake Pub also features a fun trivia night called Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays. This is three rounds of trivia, 10 questions each round with prizes for the first place team at the end every Tuesday evening.

After its own trivia event had taken a hiatus, Brass Tap boasts the return of its Trivia Night late February. Their Trivia Night is each Thursday evening and offers prizes for first, second and third place teams, and participation is free.

Alternative Bingo & Poker

Pikes Peak Brewing Company also features regularly scheduled Music Bingo events, each event with a different theme recently including Broken Hearts Night and Disco Night. Music Bingo is every other Thursday evening.

Prior to its Karaoke Night, Notes Bar features a Music Bingo event at 6 p.m. as well with host Cat Country with at times ticket giveaways.

The Brass Tap also offers a different kind of bingo night with Beer Bingo on Monday nights, free to participate and boasting awesome prizes. The beer bar also features Free Poker Wednesdays, hosted by Pikes Peak Poker each Wednesday evening with prizes for first and second places.

CHRISTIAN MURDOCK

EAT

Enjoy the best food the Tri-Lakes region has to offer

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

Motorists seeking to get off the highway to wine and dine on fine food with a good mood have numerous restaurants awaiting them in the Tri-Lakes area.

Let’s face it, food is more than just sustenance, it’s a love language that speaks to the human senses and brings people together. Where else better to do that than at a restaurant? Area restaurants are known for providing outstanding social settings where folks can enjoy a tasty meal amid friends, family and great ambiance.

A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau showed that Americans spent more than 20% more at

DOUG FITZGERALD

The entryway to Monument’s popular Rosie’s Diner, a 1950s-themed restaurant.

restaurants than on groceries in 2022. Economists believe this is due more to convenience as people, despite high prices, prefer to eat out than spend time grocery shopping, preparing meals and washing dishes.

In short, a person can’t think well, work well or sleep well if they don’t eat well. For these reasons, the following restaurants offer something for the hungry man/woman where food isn’t body fuel, but an experience to be shared. Might want to bring a ladder, though, because the cuisine is out of this world.

Atmosphere Gastropub

You’re on a roll with Atmosphere Gastropub’s elevated sandwich menu where mouthwatering bacon jam bison burgers, juicy truffle chicken and shaved prime rib sandwiches are the upper crust of dining out.

Check out the crab pretzel smothered in homemade crab dip and white cheddar. A variety of

not-so-small small plates, such as the tasty blackberry salad filled with ruby red grapefruit, sunflower seeds, baby arugula and honeyed chevre also highlight the menu. Bar snacks range from a cup ‘o bacon and marinated olives to black garlic shishito peppers.

The Gran Burro, a tequila, ginger beer and pomegranate liqueur combination, is the featured cocktail. Located at 1327 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-354-4764.

Back East Bar & Grill

The steaks for service excellence are high as lip-smacking meats and friendly staff make for a lively atmosphere. Known for its variety of American cuisine, the restaurant is praised for its pizza, with the Philly cheesesteak and “The Beast” being crowd pleasers.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of beers

BENN FARRELL

Jeff Hulsmann, owner of O’Malley’s Steak Pub in Palmer Lake, serves up an order of one of the restaurant’s signature menu items, its fresh chicken wings with O’Malley’s signature wing sauce.

and weekly menu specials. Patrons flock to the live music on weekends, and the bar is a welcoming vibe, perfect for watching sports or enjoying a casual drink. Located at 9475 Briar Village Point, phone 719-264-6161.

Basil & Barley Pizzeria Napoletana

Where food is a real pizza work, offering authentic Neapolitan Pizzas, made from time-honored recipes and tradition where dough is guaranteed to rise in the yeast and set in the waist. Also, the restaurant prepares its pizza in a genuine Naples, Italy-imported Acunto Neapolitan oven. Located at 9278 Forest Bluffs View #100, phone 833-692-2745.

Black Forest Bistro

In 2022, this establishment earned the Best Restaurant from the Colorado Springs Awards Program, and in 2021 captured The Gazette’s Best of the Best honors. Menu includes lip-smacking lobster bisque with Maine lobster chunks and chives, Asian Dumplings filled with pork and vegetables and served with bistro ponzu sauce, and Bang Bang Shrimp tossed with house sauce and scallions.

Their Tuna Tataki, made with Ahi Tuna, is served over rice noodles with Asian vegetables and finished with spicy mayo and unagi. Reservations are required between 5-8 p.m., on Thursday and Friday. Located at 6750 Shoup Road, phone 719459-7884.

Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern

A smokin’ hot bistro with smokin’ hot American classics and southern staples served up with good ‘ole southern hospitality. Try the 12 oz. Bone-in Pork Chop, grilled or blacked, served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed brussels sprouts. Check out their Sunday brunch buffet, available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 13021 Bass Pro Drive, phone 719-219-1830.

Cansano Italian Steakhouse

You’ll find it impasta-ble to resist the Italian cuisine ranging from custom stone Neapolitan pizzas and prime cuts of dry-aged in-house beef, to roasted Chilean Sea Bass and Beef Marsala. Get into the halibut of dining on a variety of seafood choices, such as Cassiucco consisting of mussels, clams, shrimp, spinach, saffron potatoes and garlic bread.

Finish off with one of several Italian desserts that include Panna Cotta (kumquats and cinnamon crumbs), Tiramisu (coffee, marscarpone, lady fingers) and Chocolate Bamboloni (house raspberry compete). Reservations are required. Located at 1895 Democracy Point, phone 719-884-2865.

RENEE FITZGERALD Cheddars Scratch Kitchen was among the first eateries to claim a spot on the bustling Interquest Parkway corridor.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Feeling souper hungry right now? Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen prepares its food from scratch, hence the name. Cheddar’s boasts an assortment of homemade dishes ranging from its house salad and baked potato soup, to fish and chips, and a classic chicken sandwich.

A buffalo chicken wrapper bacon cheeseburger, country friend chicken, homestyle meat loaf and buffalo beer battered shrimp also highlights the menu. Nice size portions, excellent service and great prices are “gouda” make you smile. Located at 1140 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-262-7100.

Coffee Cup Cafe

For those experiencing deja-brew around breakfast time, this restaurant offers a variety of country style and southwestern breakfast combos and lunch. Customer favorites include Chorizo breakfast burrito, Belgian waffles and a Manly Marine Meal consisting of two pancakes or two French Toast, three eggs, two bacon strips, two sausage patties and fries.

The café offers gluten-free bread, tortillas, burger

RENEE FITZGERALD

Server Rachel Haderele delivers an order at Back East Bar and Grill.

EAT

buns, green chili, hollandaise sauce, pancakes and French toast. Coffee Cup cooks with gluten-free oils. If the menu’s ingredients aren’t already gluten-free, they can be substituted to order with the exception of breaded meats and sausage gravy. Located at 251 Front Street, Suite #6, phone 719488-0663.

La Casa Fiesta

Want to taco ‘bout food? The appetizer menu includes Mexican pizza, quesadillas, cheese nachos, and Rocky Mountain Queso consisting of a mountainous layer of beans, beef, onion, tomato, guacamole, sour cream, black olives and chili con queso.

Their deluxe Mexican dinners are served with a choice of red/green enchilada sauce or white cream sauce. Featured specialties include chipotle honey lime ribs, steak rancheros, carne asada, and a tamale and chile plate. The bar offers a white lightning margarita, a patron favorite. Located at 230 Front St, Monument, phone 719-481-1234.

Mission BBQ

For those looking to meat for dinner, this restaurant’s meat market menu includes savory brisket, Texas inspired, oak smoked; pulled pork, slow smoked; hand-pulled sausage and tender baby back ribs that fall off the bone.

Jalapeno & Chz or classic #41; turkey, sliced, lean & mean; pulled chicken, and moist and mild north Atlantic salmon also compliments the menu. Located at 1391 Interquest Pkwy suite 110, phone 719-368-3411.

O’Malley’s Steak Pub

Make no mis-steak, O’Malley’s Steak Pub’s meats — beef, buffalo, chicken breasts and even chicken wings — are always fresh, never frozen and are a cut above the rest. All foods are produced in-house from scratch, including its soups, dressings and specials. Fries are hand-cut from Idaho potatoes, and chilies, soups, salads and dressings are in-house recipes. Also, 12 on tap beers boast a mix of domestic/ micro brews, and a large selection of bottled beverages also is offered. Restaurant is known for its savory chicken wings, selling between 12,00015,000 per week. Their “cook your own steak” concept is a favorite with those seeking to ketchup on the dining experience. Located at 104 CO-105, Palmer Lake, phone 719-488-0321.

Omelets Etc.

An egg-cellent way to start the day. Breakfast quesadilla, country fried steak and eggs and breakfast burrito stuffed with chorizo sausage, eggs and onions, and topped with green chili and cheese and garnished with lettuce tomatoes. The meat lover’s platter offers 2 eggs any style, hash browns, 2 bacon, 2 sausage and 2 ham strips, and toast or 2 buttermilk pancakes. Located at 1337 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-308-2885.

Ramen Chops Noodle Bar

Feeling pasta-tively excited about spicy food? Check out this menu of specialty meals, particu-

RENEE FITZGERALD

Mission BBQ on Interquest Parkway.

DOUG FITZGERALD

Jocelyn Baudisda, left, and Jayden Kohlhouse prepare old-fashioned milkshakes at Rosie’s Diner, a popular 1950s-themed restaurant in Monument.

larly the Miso Spicy and The All In, and hot and brothy signatures The Tokyo and The Preston.

The restaurant is famous for its pillowy bao buns which customers dip into soupy menu item. Also, they have plain or spicy cabbage slaw and honey sesame pork or chicken, everything needed for a ramen-tic meal. Located at 491 W. Hwy 105 Monument, 719-481-3569.

Rosie’s Diner

This diner took its current name in 1971 when the Bounty paper towels “quicker picker upper” TV commercial propelled the diner and waitress, Rosie (late actress Nancy Walker), to rock superstar status.

Rosie’s Diner offers old-fashioned handmade milkshakes and malts, and breakfast all day. Check out their pancake sandwich, banana walnut pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, golden French

toast or French toast combo. Enjoy a vanilla Coke or frosty bottle of beer on the outdoor enclosed and heated patio. Located at 411 CO-105 Monument, phone 719-481-3287.

Trailer Birds

Im-peck-able crunchy, crispy Nashville hot chicken that comes in four levels of hotness of choice. Customer favorites include dynamite hot chicken tenders and hot chicken sandwich, and hot chicken sandwich toppled with creamy coleslaw centered between two toasted brioche buns. Located at 1252 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-598-1909.

In conclusion, dining at a local restaurant where the food is whey too scrumptious provides an authentic tasting experience. After all, exploring and indulging in flavors that make life delicious is what dining out is all about.

RENEE FITZGERALD

La Casa Fiesta at 230 Front Street is a downtown Monument favorite.

DRINK

Sit back, relax and have a drink in the Tri-Lakes region

BY BENN FARRELL

With a variety of places to choose from to relax and have a drink at the end of the day, what separates each of them from each other is their signature drinks.

A signature drink is any unique or original drink which expresses the nature of the person or establishment creating it. Many signature drinks often incorporate local ingredients and culture of the area from which the creator or establishment is located and can be fashioned or designed to represent a theme of flavor or colors.

With a handful of the establishments in the TriLakes region brewing and distilling key ingredients

BENN FARRELL

Local Landing in Monument has a menu of Signature Sippers featuring many recipes aptly named for locations in the area, including from right, the Mt. Herman Mule and the Spruce Mtn. Spritzer.

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While flights have been a rising trend for the past years, Tequila Village, since its rebranding independence from the former 3 Margaritas franchise, offers a flight of signature margaritas including Midori, Peach and Strawberry.

like beers, gin, moonshine and others, one doesn’t have to look far to find a signature drink menu with multiple something unique and special upon them.

Signature Cocktails & Brews

Ever since Trails End Taproom, located at 252 Front Street in downtown Monument, opened its second location in the Tri-Lakes area, some of its available self-serve taps are most popular in several areas, owner Kevin Weese said.

“We have signature cocktails including our Monument Mule that is our best selling and version of whiskey on tap,” he said.

In addition, the taproom features a run of at least two ciders which are gluten free lines and concentrate on some of the best breweries in the state for the rest of the establishment’s tabs, Weese said.

Hardly anyone in the area can speak about local watering places without mentioning 3 Hundred Days of Shine. Not only is its tucked-away location, at 279 Beacon Hill Road, Suite G, it offers a menu of home-made and historically based creations but also its creations can be found in most liquor stores

OF

Among signature drinks around town, 3 Hundred Days of Shine’s tasting room has found its Old Fashioned to be one of the most popular among patrons.

in and outside the region.

With this, 3 Hundred Days of Shine has become highly known for its Old Fashioned, made from its single barrel 2-year aged Colorado Shine, owner and U.S. Army veteran Michael Girard said. Last year alone, the establishment sold over 4,000.

“We pride ourselves on making one of the best Old Fashioneds in Colorado,” Girard said. “Simple, elegant whiskey, forward taste with a hint of cherry and cinnamon and no muddled fruit. If you want a fruit salad, go to a restaurant. You want a smooth Old Fashioned cocktail with the unique one-of-akind flavor only made from barrel-aged traditional Colorado Moonshine, we got you covered.”

With only being softly open since Feb. 21, one the Monument’s newest establishments, at 491 Hwy 105, Local Landing elevates the word “local” with its menu of “signature sippers.” Not only does the menu feature 10 options for a variety of sweet, spicy or minty creations, among others, each named with easily accessible identifiable localities from the area, these items also help support the community.

BENN FARRELL

COURTESY 3 HUNDRED DAYS

SHINE

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“We started with the names first and the cocktails afterwards,” manager Samantha Chirochiello said of creating the menu. “We had a lot of fun with them, trial running everything to get them perfect with our flavors and garnishes. It was so much fun.”

A percentage of each drink from Local Landing’s Signature Sippers menu are accumulated every month and donated to local organizations, and the list of benefactors rotate each month.

Arguably one of the menu’s prettiest is the Spruce Mtn. Spritzer, a Hendricks Gin creation with cucumber slices, lime juice, simple syrup, tonic water and a sprig of rosemary for a refreshing delight.

The Pikes Peak Brewing Company in Monument offers a large array of brews from within its walls. Located at 1756 Lake Woodmoor Drive, several locally-themed concoctions there include the 38 Faces Pineapple Milkshake IPA (India Pale Ale), the Ascent, a single hop cascading pale ale with subtle citrus notes, another that is a classic west coast American pale ale with hints of citrus and pine called the Elephant Rock as well as the Mountain Fog, which offers a dry hopped hazy Imperial IPA

made with English yeast, among many, many others on tap.

Whether one enjoys smooth and strong, or malty and hoppy, all of the ingredients used in the creations in house at Black Forest Brewing Company often come from people who reside in the Tri-Lakes community. Located in the woods of Black Forest, the brewery also offers a selection of tap brews created in house and boasts something for everyone.

The Palmer Lake Pub, a veteran-owned stop for drinks and eats located at 876 Hwy 105 between Monument and Palmer Lake, has also carved itself a niche for signature drinks. For a different take on the Bloody Mary, the pub offers a BBQ Whiskey Bloody Mary garnished with the traditional celery stalk but also a cut of pickle, a green olive, a grape tomato and a strip of crispy bacon.

Along with classic mules and three eclectic margaritas, Palmer Lake Pub will on occasion offer shot and drink specials, concoctions created in honor of a special event, like the Golden Nugget, with Jack

BENN FARRELL

Trails End Taproom in Monument, a self-pouring establishment, offers several signature cocktails including its Monument Mule and versions of whiskey on tap.

Daniels honey, amaretto and Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, garnished with whipped cream, to help cheer and celebrate the historical championship run of the Denver Nuggets.

While signature drinks are a must have for any watering hole, another feature which has become a trend over recent years are flights. A flight is a selection of different drinks like wine, beer or alcohol which can be composed of different varieties, styles and vintages, served in smaller glasses.

Not only does Palmer Lake Pub offer a special menu from which patrons can build your own whiskey flight with 13 different whiskey options from which to choose. In addition, since moving away from the 3 Margaritas brand, Paulo and Lulu Villaseñor’s newly branded Tequila Village in Monument features a margarita flight with Midori, peach and strawberry as well as special flights designed to also celebrate events like the Super Bowl.

For a different kind of experience with a tasty whistle-wetter in hand, Blo Blow Dry Bar features a niche of hair and makeup services but also caters to bridal clients and parties. A bachelorette party can book with the Blo Blow location, at 12225 Voyager Pkwy, Suite 14, in northern Colorado Springs, and be served up a side of pampering including champagne, white and red wine.

Blo Blow Dry Bar has established itself as a venue for bridal and baby showers, holiday parties, adult and children’s birthdays, charitable fundraisers,

networking events and the like for a unique way to impress people with pampering and a drink in hand.

Coffee & Tea

The Tri-Lakes region isn’t without its eclectic array of places where coffee is the center focus. While Starbucks is a commercial standard for java, usually with yet another Starbucks across the street, a handful of local keen-bean establishments have made their mark on the region with their own signature drinks.

With a large menu of Espresso drinks, frozen drinks and others, Serano’s Coffee, located at 625 West Hwy 105 in Monument, has not only become a go-to for residents for hot-bean drinks concoctions, but also a location for business and personal meetings. The only locally owned coffee location with a drive-up window, Carl Nolt has been the owner of the establishment since it opened more than 25 years ago.

Serrano’s Coffee drinks menu offers several staples of a coffee establishment with some unique takes as well including the Milky Way, an espresso coffee with steamed chocolate milk, caramel and milk, the Caramel Thing featuring espresso and steamed caramel milk and vanilla, as well as

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Caramel Apple Cider, a cider with caramel sauce and other flavors. It also includes several frozen drinks which also appeal to a child or the child in all of everyone.

Wesley Owens Coffee, located at 1744 Lake Woodmoor Drive, offers ethically sourced coffee options from around the world, its teas are hand-picked from the Republic of Tea selection, which are also used as the Wesley Owens’ London Fog creations for its line of hot teas. Online reviews boast about the company’s French Press coffee options, Espresso blends and caramel flavors. Praise is also given to the menu’s Sweet Green Hibiscus Tea with mango bobas, and for children, Wesley Owen’s take on Italian sodas appear to be a draw.

For a close coffee option to those enjoying Palmer Lake, Perfectly Elevated Cafe and Gallery at 11 Primrose Street in Palmer Lake. Perfectly Elevated offers its take on coffees and teas, but also offers a flare for artistic presence. The cafe’s signature drinks include the smoothly blended Raspberry Choco Latte, a sparkling hibiscus water with ginger and lander syrup known as the Queen Bee as well as the Spicy Honey Bear for a delightful blend of cinnamon, ginger, honey, raspberry syrup and steamed milk.

However, for Chai lovers, Perfectly Elevated offers its Palmer Divide, a dirty chai with a splash of hazelnut, described to be “like Hansel biting into a gingerbread house.”

SERRANOS COFFEE SHOP

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Some of the best workplaces the Tri-Lakes region has to offer

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

U.S. News & World Report ranked Colorado Springs the ninth-best place to live in the U.S. for 20232024 with the Tri-Lakes area boasting some of the best workplaces anywhere.

The Tri-Lakes area of Monument, Palmer Lake and the unincorporated area of Woodmoor comprise northern El Paso County. Black Forest and other subdivisions, such as Forest Lakes, Gleneagle and smaller developments, also are included.

Many of the largest employers in the Colorado Springs area are located in northern El Paso County, although the area also includes many small businesses boasting small shops, restaurants, insurance offices, hair salons and gyms as well as dental, medical and veterinary clinics.

RENEE FITZGERALD

Great Wolf Lodge and it’s Adventure Park have become a destination for vacationers and staycationers alike.

union, Ent employs 968 people at its

Terri Hayes, chief executive officer for the TriLakes Chamber of Commerce, said the area’s residential community has been growing steadily for several years which means commercial endeavors also have been growing. Along with adding fast food establishments, locally owned restaurants, a new wine bar and some retail, Tri-Lakes is now attracting larger employers.

“We have recently added a UPS (United Parcel Service) hub. Eagle Rock Distributing is in the middle of building their local warehouse, and there currently are several projects in various steps of the

development process, which will all bring more jobs to the area,” Hayes said.

“Our largest employer in the community, Jabil, a medical equipment manufacturer (see below), consistently has job openings to join their 900-plus employees.”

Hayes described the Tri-Lakes as a “bedroom community” with many residents commuting to Colorado Springs and Denver. That will soon change as more businesses are being attracted to the Tri-Lakes

DOUG FITZGERALD Colorado’s largest credit

headquarters and two branches in northern El Paso County.

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area with easy access to I-25 and a great quality of life.

“We have many sites for businesses to create their dream on which will help our community complete our dream of having more of our residents being able to work locally,” Hayes said.

Bank of Colorado

The Bank of Colorado Interquest Parkway branch might be of interest as it is one of the 48 offices designed to serve the financial needs of El Paso County customers. The branch operates as a full-service brick and mortar office. Located at 1146 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-304-5688, website www.bankofcolorado.com.

Blo Blow Dry Bar

Don’t brush off an opportunity to explore a hair service designed to offer deep conditioning, luxury wash and various blow out treatments. Also, there is a blow-out plus color wow dream cocktail treatment, a heat-activated, leave-in treatment that restores super healthy texture by infusing vital, natural nutrients.

Choose from kale (for strength), carb (for thickness) or coconut (for hydration). Located in Northgate Village Shopping Center, 12225 Voyager Pkwy #14, phone 719-445-0705, blocoloradosprings@bloblowdrybar.com.

Compassion International

A Christian ministry that focuses on child development through donor sponsorship. It has been a trustworthy charity since 1952 during which it has worked to be transparent and authentic in all it does. They understand what a significant decision sponsoring a child can be, and therefore encourages people to do some research.

More than 600 employees operate the company. Located at 12290 Voyager Parkway, phone 800-3367676.career page: compassion.com/employment/ christian-employment.htm.

Ent Credit Union

Regarded as Colorado’s largest credit union, Ent employs 968 people at its headquarters and two branches in northern El Paso County. Nearly a dozen new service centers have opened in new communities in the Denver metro area and in Northern Colorado.

Currently, more service centers are under construction and will continue to open over the next several years. Located at 11550 Ent Parkway, phone 800-525-9623.

FedEx Rocky Mountain Technology Center

A corporate data center and software development operation that provides the technology, software and local business automation tools small business owners need to better manage their time, communicate with clients and get paid so they can operate their business successfully.

FedEx Rocky Mountain Technology Center employs about 900 workers in Colorado Springs. Located at 350 Spectrum Loop, phone 719-484-2000, career page: careers.fedex.com /fedex/.

Force Broadband

A high-speed Internet service that prides itself on client satisfaction and reliability of its network. All staff and technicians live in the area to ensure the best support possible. Located at 15954 Jackson Creek Parkway, phone 719-896-2120, website https://forcebb.com/, email contact@forcebb.com.

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark & Resort

Voted as Best Family Travel Nationwide by Parents Family Travel Awards, Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark & Resort offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and a convenient escape for families statewide.

With an indoor water park kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round, exciting attractions, delicious dining options and more, folks can enjoy a world of fun under one roof. Located at 9494 Federal Drive, phone 844-553-9653, career page: greatwolf.com/ jobs.

In-N-Out Burger

Lettuce be brief, In-N-Out Burger operates a distribution center, patty production plant and two burger restaurants that serve hand-cut fries and shakes, and employs about 270 people. Located at 1935 Interquest Parkway, phone 800-786-1000, career page: in-n-out.com/employment.

Jabil

A global manufacturing company boasting 300 of the biggest brands in the world in every market from healthcare, packaging, smartphones and cloud equipment, to automotive and home appliances. Jabil has more than 140,000

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RENEE FITZGERALD

The Pikes Peak region is home to In-N-Out’s regional distribution center and patty production plant.

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employees across 100 locations in 25-plus countries.

It manufactures orthopedic and neurological products for joint reconstruction, trauma, spine, sports medicine and other uses. Located at 1051 Synthes Avenue., Monument, phone 719-6194400. Career page: careers.jabil.com.

Lewis-Palmer School District 38

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is a school district situated in the northern end of El Paso County serving the Tri-Lakes communities of Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor and select areas of Colorado Springs.

The district has been educating students for more than 130 years and is home to Colorado’s largest public geothermal project, Palmer Ridge High School. The district operates five elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, and has 800 employees. Located at 146 N. Jefferson St., Monument, phone 719-488-4700, website: lewispalmer.org.

Philips

Philips is a medical equipment, home appliances, intellectual property management and licensing (for divested businesses of Philips, such as audiovisual equipment and lighting) that manufactures medical lasers and angioplasty supplies.

The number of employees is not available. Located at 9965 Federal Drive, phone 719-447-2000, career page: careers.philips.com/na/en.

Progressive

Progressive built its business around understanding what customers need and what’s important for them to protect. That’s why it offers a wide range of insurance products to meet their specific needs, including customized coverages. Regarded as the #1 combined personal and commercial auto insurance company, from customized auto insurance to superior claims service.

RENEE FITZGERALD Scheels, which employs 442 workers, offers an immersive shopping experience including an indoor Ferris wheel.

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Employs 1,822 people. Located at 12710 Voyager Parkway, phone 855-347-3939, career page: progressive.com/careers/.

Quest Software

Quest Software delivers cybersecurity, data performance, directory and identity and modernization solutions that simplify enterprise information technology management. Business challenges, stormy economies and market changes are going to happen.

Quest provides a broad range of service offerings to support our solutions and meet the ever-changing customer needs in an evolving enterprise IT landscape. Quest is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., and has more than 3,500 team members located in 39 countries. Located at 7222 Commerce Center Dr., phone 719-388-1966.

Scheels

Whether looking for hiking clothes or new athletic clothing for that everyday look, customers are sure to find it at the Colorado Springs Scheels. From classics such as Nike and Under Armour to versatile essentials from Patagonia and The North Face, there’s something for everyone’s signature look.

Scheels employs 442 workers. Located at 1226 Interquest Parkway, phone 719-220-6444, career page: scheels.com/careers.html.

ServePro

ServPro provides cleaning services ranging from air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants. Their residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of constant home maintenance, but also creates a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for families. Located at 1155 Kelly Johnson Blvd., #111, phone 719-434-4626.

USAA

USAA is a leading insurance and financial services provider, offering banking, investment and retirement solutions for members of the U.S. military, and veterans who have honorably served. Employs 1,713 workers. Located at 1855 Telestar Drive, 800-531-8722, career page: usaajobs.com/?wa_ref=pub_footer_careers.

In conclusion, the variety of high-paying jobs available in the state enhance the economy, and travel and tourism contribute about $24 billion annually. In short, the state economy is healthy and vibrant and unemployment is low, even lower than the national average.

Also, the Pikes Peak region is widely regarded as one of the best places to explore some of the nations’ most beautiful natural landmarks, such as the scenic Pikes Peak, breathtaking Rocky Mountains and Garden of the Gods Park in the heart of the city. Settling into a new job located near any of these scenic sites doesn’t get any better than that.

The lobby at Compassion International at 12290 Voyager Parkway.

#D38Elevates