Author: Laura Fitzgerald

With its soaring mountains and stunning rock formations, Southern Colorado is the perfect playground for the dinosaur-obsessed, rock nerds and ancient history buffs. Check out these sites for a fun-filled day diving into Earth’s history. Cave of the Winds Manitou Springs 100 Cave of the Winds Road, Manitou Springs Walk through awe-inspiring cave formations and learn about cave geology at Cave of the Winds. Explore the caves with a family-friendly discovery tour, a spooky haunted lantern tour or, for the more adventurous, an in-depth tour to the undeveloped depths of the caverns. Visit Website Directions Colorado National Monument Fruita View…

Looking for something different to celebrate this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? Here’s a list of offbeat celebrations across Southern Colorado. Aspen Drone Show Aspen Light up the night with Aspen’s drone show at 9:30 p.m., featuring patriotic tributes, playful nods to Aspen’s rich history and stunning drone imagery. Best viewing is from Wagner Park. Stick around for family-friendly fun Friday through Sunday, including a carnival, a parade, a 5K, a Fourth of July picnic and community performances. Event Details Glow SUP Fireworks Colorado Springs Quail Lake, 915 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Colorado Springs Experience the fireworks in…

On a budget? No problem. Beat summer boredom without breaking your wallet with our list of free activities across Southern Colorado. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Colorado Springs 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs Dive into Colorado Springs’ past with fascinating exhibits, programs, lectures and special events. Explore topics like the Springs’ history as a tuberculosis colony, indigenous impact and women’s and African Americans’ contributions to the city. Visit Website Directions Garden of the Gods Colorado Springs One of Colorado Springs’ most iconic natural wonders offers boundless hiking, biking and rock-climbing opportunities amidst stunning red rock formations. Stop by the Visitor…

Got Olympic fever? Known as Olympic City, USA, Colorado Springs is the perfect place to dive into the Olympics all year long. The city is home to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters, 20-plus National Olympic Governing Bodies, more than 50 National Sport Organizations, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. The Museum Nestled in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum inspires visitors to dive into the legacy of America’s greatest athletes. Immersive exhibits and memorable experiences explore the history of the Olympic Games,…

Whether it’s day-tripping to the mountains or finding beautiful spots right in town, Southern Colorado is home to breathtaking scenery and experiences. Check out these spots for your next outdoor adventure. Barr Trail Looking for a challenge? The 12-mile Barr Trail rises 7,500 feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, offering stunning views of the Front Range for experienced hikers. Set out at first light on the 6–10-hour uphill trek to avoid afternoon storms. After you summit, either camp overnight along the trail, or get back down the mountain by car, on foot or on…

Actors from well-known TV shows and movies — including The Sopranos, The Irishman and GoodFellas — will be at Colorado Springs Cosmic Con on April 25 and 26 for photo opportunities, autographs and discussions of all things gangster.Cosmic Con organizer John Hernandez and lead cosplayer Katie McKenna say attendees can look forward to Ghostbusters and Star Wars cosplayers, cosplaying contests, Itasha Cars, demonstrations and panels, as well as collectible and trading card vendors covering everything pop culture.Featured cosplayers include Colorado-based Klyon Cosplay, Killercutie Cosplay and Sakun Cosplay. Hernandez says Colorado-based HeatherAfter Cosplay is the genre section’s biggest headliner, with numerous…

Artists and the art-curious are invited to witness art come alive — literally — through visuals and spoken word in the multi-venue show Art Aloud this April. Each visual art piece is accompanied with a piece of poetry, song, essay or other form of written work, and will be shown/performed at five venues scattered throughout Colorado Springs: Gallery Raw Studios at Dale Miller Guitar Studio (first-time venue), Rico’s Café at Poor Richard’s, Academy Art and Frame, Sand Creek Library and Platte Collections Gallery at Platte Furniture. If You Go Sand Creek Library 1821 S. Academy Blvd. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday,…

Serving up sweet treats, savory bites and plenty of fun for food lovers, the Pikes Peak Chocolate & Cheese Fest returns April 4 to Colorado Springs. This year’s event features approximately 80 chocolate and cheese vendors from around Colorado and out of state. Indulge in unique treats, including European baked goods, bonbons and truffles in a variety of flavors, chewy pecan brownie slices, Hatch green chile pimiento cheese with pretzels, vegan cheese and marshmallow confections. Held on Easter Eve, this year’s event will also lean into the holiday fun with photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Other Easter-themed events —…

Polaris Pointe has more than just music and fun — it’s also home to world-class dining experiences for every palate and price point. Surrounded by many entertainment attractions such as TopGolf, iFly, DartWars, OverDrive Raceway, Bass Pro Shops and Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and anchored by the Ford Amphitheater, the area around North Gate Boulevard and Voyager Parkway has become the city’s entertainment center. After a day or evening of fun and music, check out some of the dining options Polaris Pointe has to offer: Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern 13021 Bass Pro Drive, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.…

One of Colorado’s most anticipated music moments arrives Feb. 17 as MeadowGrass Festival fans gather to reveal this year’s musical lineup at a celebratory release party. The festival’s full roster of approximately 20 artists will be unveiled from 5 to 9 p.m. at Goat Patch Brewing, 2727 N. Cascade Ave. The release event also includes giveaways, a performance by Sinnova from 6 to 8 p.m., and a silent auction featuring a signed poster from last year’s event. During the event, $1 from all beer sales will be donated to Rocky Mountain Highway, the music collaborative that organizes MeadowGrass Festival. Festival…