“Every once in a while, if things go particularly well, you end up with a 14-foot troll under a bridge.” Jodie Bliss, on her work There are certain opportunities an artist simply cannot ignore. “A troll under a bridge is, admittedly, a hard opportunity to resist,” metal artist Jodie Bliss says. Bliss spent roughly two years bringing the character to life, from early drawings and structural planning through fabrication and installation. The Palmer Lake sculpture was unveiled this past June, giving the community a new landmark that is equal parts imposing, playful and full of small details. If standing upright,…
Author: Tiffany Lancaster
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First Friday art walks create opportunities for visitors to see artists’ work and learn more about the creative process. On each first Friday of the month, galleries, studios, shops and creative districts across Colorado invite visitors to slow down, explore and experience local art. A leisurely stroll offers opportunities to meet artists, discover new work, hear live music and enjoy an evening with friends. Known collectively as First Friday art walks, these events have become a recurring tradition in communities throughout Colorado, offering a plan-your-own-adventure approach to experiencing the arts. The modern First Friday tradition is generally traced to Philadelphia’s…
There’s something special about dining outdoors in Colorado. Maybe it’s the mountain air, the endless blue skies or the way a great meal somehow tastes even better when paired with an unforgettable view. Outdoor dining has become more than a seasonal trend. Increasingly, restaurants are designing experiences to connect diners with their surroundings, whether that means sitting beside a rushing river, enjoying dinner on a mountain-town rooftop or traveling through a dramatic canyon by train. These destinations remind us that a memorable meal isn’t only about what’s on the plate. Sometimes, the setting is just as important. And in Southern…
Colorado’s dining scene continues to welcome plant-based cuisine, with vegan restaurants gaining popularity across the state. From casual comfort food to creative, chef-driven menus, these spots show how flavorful and diverse vegan cooking can be. The Joint Colorado Springs 19 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs At The Joint, plants take center stage in a creative, ever-evolving menu designed to change the way diners think about plant-based food. With a strong plant-forward philosophy, the restaurant focuses on bold flavors, fresh ingredients and inventive dishes that highlight the versatility of vegetables. The changing menu gives returning guests something new to discover along…
A new cultural experience is taking shape along Pueblo’s Riverwalk, and when it opens in late spring 2026, organizers hope it will do more than draw visitors; they want it to spark curiosity, creativity and a sense of wonder for the entire community. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the only permanent museum of its kind in North America, will celebrate the legendary Renaissance figure not just as an artist, but as an inventor, engineer, scientist and visionary. Designed as an immersive, interactive space, the museum aims to make art and innovation accessible to visitors of all ages. “This isn’t a…
Along the historic Arkansas River in Pueblo, a towering concrete wall stretches through the city, serving as flood protection and one of Colorado’s most remarkable outdoor art spaces. Known as the Pueblo Levee Mural Project, this ever-evolving gallery has become a symbol of creativity, resilience and community pride. For decades, the levee has transformed a structure built from tragedy into a landmark of color, culture and storytelling. The wall was constructed after the Great Pueblo Flood of 1921, a catastrophic event that left downtown Pueblo under nearly 25 feet of water. In response, the Arkansas River was diverted to its…
Holiday Shopping Guide – SoCo Insider From mountain retreats and luxury resorts to unique urban spas, find an array of experiences designed to restore balance, refresh the body and soothe the mind. Yoga retreats, salt caves or handcrafted bath and body treasures give those on your list the perfect escape. Spa & Wellness Gifts Shoshoni Yoga Retreat Tucked high in the Rocky Mountains above Boulder, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat offers a peaceful escape designed to restore balance and inner calm. Shoshoni blends the sacred and the simple to leave guests refreshed, inspired and grounded. This ashram and spiritual center helps visitors…