2023 Teller County Guide

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, PLAY, SLEEP AND WORK IN TELLER COUNTY

Pikes Peak Courier

Teller County Guide an introduction

The cities and towns of Teller County are much more than stops on the road. There are attractions that cater to residents and tourists alike and feature the down-home charm and hospitality the county is known for.

In this annual magazine, we take a look at what it would be like, theoretically, if you were driving into the county’s population centers and saw a “coming attractions” sign along the roadway advertising what to eat and drink, and where to sleep, work or play.

We have suggestions for those five themes — EAT, DRINK, PLAY, SLEEP, WORK — to delight one-time visitors as well as longtime residents. There are so many options along these lines, we couldn’t include them all here. What we offer is just a taste.

EAT: Chefs are discovering what local restaurateurs already know, that Woodland Park residents like good food. In this article, we look at newcomers Roy’s Crew BBQ, The Swiss Chalet (under new ownership), Red Diamond Gastro Pub and the newest location of AJ’s Pizzeria. Also, we offer a a nod to an institution that’s not a restaurant, but is “new” every week in the warmer months, the Woodland Park Farmers Market. See story beginning on Page 6.

DRINK: Looking for a sip of comfort or caffeine boost?: Coffee shops in Teller County offer so much more than the proverbial “cup of Joe” and are great establishments in which to congregate, meditate or to grab a beverage and meal to-go. Be assured, you’ll find a quality

beverage, pastry or breakfast, lunch or snack at the varied options in the area. Lots to consider here, such as the Coffee Cottage and Righteous Grounds Coffee Roasters. See story beginning on Page 10.

PLAY: We take you on a journey through some Teller County recreation hotspots. There’s a plethora of fun awaiting you, whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with family and friends. We offer some options we think everyone should experience, such as the Woodland Park Aquatic Center and historic Butte Theater. See story beginning on Page 14.

SLEEP: What are the perfect accommodations when visiting Teller County? The options include venues with spectacular scenery and stellar hospitality. The challenge is choosing the

Teller County Guide 2023

PUBLISHER

Christopher P. Reen

PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rich Williams

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, VP OF CONTENT

Vince Bzdek

EDITOR, THE GAZETTE

John Boogert

EDITOR, PIKES PEAK NEWSPAPERS

Michelle Karas

EDITOR, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

Michelle Karas

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kailee Hayden

WRITERS

Wayne Heilman

Pat Hill

Libby Kinder

Sonja Oliver

Joanna Zaremba

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING

Jim Broyles

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Karen Hogan

DIRECTOR OF LOCAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Traci Conrad

ADVERTISING SALES

Yvonne Ramos

The 2022 Teller County Guide is a supplement to the Pikes Peak Courier, a publication of Pikes Peak Newspapers Inc. (pikespeaknewspapers.com).

The Courier office is located at 1200 E. Highway 24, Woodland Park, CO 80863.

Photographer Jeff Kearney took this photo looking skyward from the bottom of one of the historic headframes in Victor. These structures are a reminder of Teller County’s mining heyday.

ideal fit. Featured selections include the Victor Hotel and Cripple Creek Hospitality House & Travel park. See story beginning on Page 23.

WORK: Looking for a job in Teller County? Nearly a third of all jobs in the county are in just two industries — accommodation and food services (hotels and restaurants) and retailing. We take a look at the area’s biggest employers. See story beginning on Page 34.

Remember, these stories showcase just some of the sights to see and things to do in Teller County. There’s much more to see, do and experience here!

We hope you enjoy the 2023 Teller County Guide, our annual supplement to the Pikes Peak Courier.

— Michelle Karas, Editor

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FOODIE HEAVEN

An explosion of restaurants open up in Woodland Park

BY PAT HILL pat.hill@pikespeaknewspapers.com

Suddenly, or so it seems, chefs are discovering what other local restaurateurs already know, that Woodland Park residents like good food. In an explosion of new places to eat, the City above the Clouds is vying for recognition as a gustatory haven.

The new selections range from barbecue and pizza to fine-dining options and a gastro pub. Each is owned by a local, a distinguishing note to Woodland Park.

To be sure, Woodland Park is the place to come for a sampling of food lovingly prepared by local chefs.

Roy’s Crew BBQ

Roy Cassada brought his grilling skills

from Oklahoma to Woodland Park, bought the old Smokehouse restaurant building at 720 W. Browning Ave and transformed the place into Roy’s Crew BBQ.

Cassada is a master in the art of barbecue, experienced gained when he opened his first restaurant in Oklahoma in 1996 when he was 20. His future wife came to work as a waitress.

The couple, parents of eight children, made some changes to the interior while keeping the rustic charm along with the booths, a remnant of the former local favorite, Smokehouse.

Cassada specializes in fresh mesquite barbecue, ribs, chicken, pork and sausage. In addition to the meats and sides, the menu includes chicken fried steak and catfish. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Roy’s Crew

serves breakfast that features the barbecued meats, biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls, all made on the spot.

Once the remodeling is complete, Cassada expects to open the restaurant by the middle of March.

The Swiss Chalet

Roberto Calcagno bought a Woodland Park institution and made it his own, with a focus on food with a European flair.

With his menu, Calcagno adds his culinary know-how to dishes that enhance the flavors inherent to beef, wild boar, lamb, chicken, veal, pasta, salmon and a fish of

SEE EAT • PAGE 7

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

The Swiss Chalet in Woodland Park reopened in January under new ownership.

the day, perhaps swordfish or halibut. In the beef category, the restaurant features a “a cowboy style” bone-in ribeye bordelaise. The side dishes add tasteful interest to the entrees.

Calcagno emphasizes that everything is made from scratch, including the meat and vegetable stocks.

Desserts are tempting and include strudel, sacher torte, fondue and crème brulee.

Calcagno has an ambitious schedule, including happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. daily. Menu options are foods that glorify the cuisines of Spain, Iceland, Italy, Germany and Austria, along with house wines, beers and cocktails.

In the interest of maintaining the local flavor, Calcagno gets his meats from the Woodland Butcher Block. And be sure to check out the chandelier, a masterpiece that belonged to Calcagno’s great grandmother.

Last year, Calcagno opened his first Woodland Park restaurant, Mountainara | Cucina

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE Red Diamond Gastro Pub in Woodland Park.

COURTESY OF ROY CASSADA Finger-lickin’ ribs from Roy’s Crew BBQ in Woodland Park.

Italiana, in Gold Hill Square South, where he concentrates on Italian food.

For information about the restaurant at 19263 U.S. Highway 24, call 719-687-2001.

Red Diamond Gastro Pub

From cooking in a food truck to stirring up recipes in a brickand-mortar building at 112 Elm in Gold Hill Square North, James Deimling serves up a twist on old favorites: Kimchi instead of sauerkraut on a Reuben, for instance. Or bacon and red onion on a patty melt. Clam Chowder? Deimling makes Trout Chowder.

Along with the menu items, Red Diamond offers 20 beers, five on tap along with root beer, in addition to a selection of mocktails. For snacks, chili lime chicharrones and “BBQ Pork Loaded Nachos” are two selections. Veggie items include charred broccolini.

On the sweet side, Deimling introduces diners to his mother’s recipe for buttermilk pie in addition to his own invention of deep-fried Oreo cream pie A taste of each would probably be something like going to dessert heaven. Forget the guilt and go

for it.

With help from the bartender Caleb Stone, Deimling opens the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and accepts reservations for parties of six or more. “That’s when a restaurant should be open,” he said.

In only a short time, Deimling’s food is attracting a packed house. And when it comes to local, Deimling fits the bill; he attended Woodland Park schools from first grade through graduation in 2001. For reservations, call 719-722-1699.

AJ’s Pizzeria

This spring, AJ’s is set to open the doors to a new location, from Gold Hill Square South to a more visible spot downtown. The building, designed by David Langley Architects, is distinctive, an architectural gem for the city’s downtown corridor.

AJ’s was a hit from the first day of opening a decade ago. Residents liked the local aspect, not to mention those luscious garlic knots. Or the Classic Pizza, which customers rate No. 1. With three kinds of meat — pepperoni, ham and sausage — the classic is a sample of what’s cooking at AJ’s.

For Aron and his wife, Amber

Melvick, the new location was accomplished at the request of the customers, who asked for mountain light and a patio. Presto! Langley designed the patio with an eye on that Colorado sun.

AJ’s, at 250 U.S. Highway 24, is more than pizza joint. There are salads, subs, wings and appetizers that include jalapeno poppers. For the sweet side, AJ’s features frosted cinnamon knots with warm butter dipping sauce.

For information, call 719-6874505.

Woodland Park Farmers Market

Not a restaurant, but new every week in the summer season is the farmers market in Memorial Park in downtown Woodland Park. A nonprofit whose manager is Sara Swart, the market is a social and nutritional treat for residents and visitors.

tle kids, there is story time told by someone from the Woodland Park library.

The market is so popular that the organization is working with Teller Senior Coalition to offer transport for clients who live outside of Woodland Park.

To ensure continuity, the organization offers internships for students. This season’s interns are Serene Miller, a middle school student, and her brother Ian, a senior at the high school. The two are both repeat interns. “They know the vendors and help us set up and take down,” Swart said.

For people with Double Up cards, the Colorado Department of Agriculture provides a 50% match for Colorado products bought at the market. Qualifiers are those who are SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, recipients.

Fresh produce is a big draw for shoppers at the summer Woodland Park Farmers Market. These goods are offered by Taylor Produce but there are several more farm vendors offering a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables.

For the foodie, the market is a zinger, with produce, pasta, cheese, salsas, jams, pastries and other baked goods, coffee, pickled peppers, beef, yak and food trucks. As well, the market features a vendor with llama and alpaca fibers in addition to a crafter of wood.

It can be a stepping-stone for young entrepreneurs who make and sell their products. For lit-

To begin the season, Swart pivots to allow out-of-state growers to sell their produce, up until Colorado’s farmers have a yield, probably around July. “By then, our growers come from Pueblo, the Eastern Plains and Front Range,” she said. “We’re hoping to get some local farmers.”

Two of the favorites are returning, Pepinos and Taylor Produce.

The Friday market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 2 to Sept. 29. For information, check wpfarmersmarket.com or facebook.com/wpfarmersmarket.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY OF CAROLYN STALNAKER

Kimchi Reuben at Red Diamond Gastro Pub in Woodland Park.

COFFEE TALK

Teller County coffee shops are great places to enjoy a ‘cup of Joe,’ specialty teas and good company

BY SONJA OLIVER Teller County Guide

Coffee shops in Teller County offer so much more than the proverbial “cup of Joe” for residents and visitors, and are great establishments to congregate, meditate or grab a beverage and meal to-go. Either way, you will be assured in getting a quality beverage, pastry or breakfast, lunch or snack at the varied options in the area.

Cafe LEO

Cafe LEO is one of the original coffee shops in Woodland Park that provided a sanctuary for coffee and tea lovers, along with pastries, sandwiches and Wi-Fi. The

homemade baked goods are freshly made daily with the finest ingredients. Breakfast and lunch sandwich options include fresh bagel pairings such as mozzarella and tomato caprese, southwestern, avocado or salmon. Located at 320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, Cafe LEO is open daily from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 719-687-6670 or go to cafe-leo.business.site to pre-order and for more information.

The Coffee Cottage

Staff at the Coffee Cottage are very proud of their quality Model Citizen coffee beans roasted on-site, as well as their homemade pastries and sandwiches made from scratch

with the highest quality ingredients. This veteran- owned business, at 757 Gold Hill Place South, Woodland Park, is where customers will find a relaxed atmosphere, delicious menu options and complementary wifi. Call 719-686-6810 to order ahead or check out thecoffeecottageco.com to learn more.

Costello Street Coffee House

Costello Street Coffee House is situated in the historic, Victorian-style 1885 McLaughlin House in Florissant at the northeast corner of U.S. Highway 24 and Teller County

SONJA OLIVER, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

The Coffee Cottage in Woodland Park is veteran-owned and proudly boasts of roasting Model Citizen coffee beans on-site.

1 at 2679 US Highway 24. The menu includes gourmet coffees and specialty teas, all prepared by the well-trained staff. Breakfast pastries, desserts, quiche, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and sandwiches are served in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in the Victorian-style dining room. The restaurant is open 6:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. daily. For more information, call 719-374-6408 or go to costellocoffeehouse.com.

Creations Everlasting

Creations Everlasting Boutique, Coffee and Tea Room, 410 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, is consistently voted by locals as “Best Coffee in Cripple Creek.”

Proprietor Edie Smith prepares a full array of espresso drinks, black, and green and herbal teas, along with daily soups, specials, sandwiches, desserts and breakfast. Locals have a saying regarding this lovely “gem” as the place to go to relax and revive your spirit with a “cup of coffee, tea and prayer.” Creations Everlasting also features “shopping therapy” options with contemporary clothing, home decor and official NFL merchandise. The tea room offers catering services as well as private tea parties, available by reservation. Call 719-964-3502 or go to creationseverlasting. com for more information.

SEE DRINK • PAGE 13

PHOTOS BY SONJA OLIVER, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

Cafe Leo has been a Woodland Park staple for organic coffees and tea beverages, pastries and breakfast and lunch pairings.

Edie Smith at Creations Everlasting in Cripple Creek offers coffee, tea and prayer for her customers.

SONJA OLIVER, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE ABOVE: Sarah Wuellner, daughter of owner Gertrud Wuellner, cheerfully prepares a latte at the Gold Camp Bakery in Victor.

LEFT: Mike Green reps the brand at Cripple Creek’s busy Gold Camp Cafe, standing next to the extensive beverage menu.

Gold Camp Bakery

Coffee is just the beginning at Gold Camp Bakery, 112 S. Third St., Victor. Owner Gertrud Wuellner bakes, on-site, the breads, cookies, pastries and cakes to pair with the coffee menu that features espresso, latte and cappuccino. The custom sandwiches are made with house-made bread. The breakfast pastries are a delicious, quick meal and the miner’s pies (filled with beef, potatoes and carrots) are hearty and generously portioned. Call 719-689-9300 to order ahead or place catering orders.

Gold Camp Cafe

One of the newest additions to downtown Cripple Creek, the Gold Camp Cafe, 333 E. Bennett Ave., has become a popular place to grab a custom coffee or fresh-squeezed flavored lemonade (blood orange, anyone?) and yummy breakfast item while on the run, or to linger and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi while catching up on emails. The cafe proudly brews coffee with beans roasted by Huckleberry Roasters of Denver. The breakfast burritos, sandwiches and pastries are made from scratch to order. Orders may be called in at 719-642-8989 or emailed in at facebook.com/GoldCampCafe333. Just click on the “start order” button.

The Human Bean

The Human Bean is Woodland Park’s newest coffee establishment and offers a convenient drive-thru located at 275 W. Midland Ave. The extensive coffee menu offers espresso, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold brew, and smoothies as well as fresh bakery items and sandwiches. They are open daily from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. and offer local delivery. Call 719-922-4210 or go to thehumanbean.com to place an order and view their menu.

Joanie’s Deli and Bakery

Coffee at Joanie’s Deli and Bakery is just one of so many options for food and beverage at the popular Woodland Park eatery. They offer well-made cappuccinos, lattes and brews to-go, along with homemade pastries, breakfast, lunch sandwiches, soups, quiches and desserts. Don’t let the full parking lot or line at the register deter you; they are well-organized and the friendly, knowledgable staff will quickly take your order. Call-in and text orders are processed efficiently. Located at 110 E. Midland Ave., Joanie’s is open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Call 719686-9091 or go to joaniesdeli.com for ordering information.

Righteous Grounds

Coffee Roasters

At Righteous Grounds Coffee Roasters, 108 N. Park St., Woodland Park, customers savor the in-house roasted coffee and fresh-baked goods. Owned by husband and wife, Jessie and Jim Huthmaker, the shop serves “coffee with a purpose” — their tagline. With a Christian-themed atmosphere, the cozy shop features upbeat sayings on the walls of the century-old, log cabin-style building, coupled with comfortable seating, a neighborly mug rack and stellar views of Pikes Peak.Call 719-357-6276 or visit righteousgroundscoffeeroasters.com.

Starbucks

In addition to its well-known coffee and tea beverages, the Woodland Park Starbucks, 19590 E. US Highway 24, has innovated and changed with the times to accommodate the community’s needs. Thursday evenings at this location have become popular hangouts for chess players, crocheters and rock, gem and mineral enthusiasts. And the staff is open to welcoming any other club or hobby groups that may want to meet. Call 719-686-7850 for more information. Also: Don’t forget there’s a Starbucks inside Safeway on Highway 24..

PARKER SEIBOLD, THE GAZETTE FILE Jim and Jessie Huthmaker, owners of Righteous Grounds Coffee Roasters, chat with customers at their coffeehouse in Woodland Park on a recent morning.

AN ADVENTURE AWAITS

The road to family-friendly fun in Teller County

BY JOANNA ZAREMBA Teller County Guide

As you head into Teller County on Highway 24, there’s a plethora of fun awaiting you, whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with family and friends. Here’s some fun we think everyone should experience:

Highway 24 Adventure: Dino Fun

It’s hard to miss the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (rmdrc.com) with it’s life-sized Daspletosaurus and Styracosaurus sculptures greeting drivers and visitors alike outside it’s location at 201S. Fairview St., Woodland Park. The RMDRC, which is

JOANNA ZAREMBA, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

A view from the towering Daspletosaurus, which was a new species discovered by the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center.

Men’s Advance*

Equipped to Lead

March 9–11

God with Us Easter Musical and Spring Market

April 7–8

Use coupon code TELLER5 to get $5 off God with Us tickets.

In God We Trust Musical*

July 2 and 4

Summer Family Bible Conference*

A Bible conference for the whole family!

July 3–7

Healing Is Here*

August 8–11

*Free Event

JOANNA ZAREMBA, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

As visitors finish their tour of the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, they walk through the dramatic marine fossil exhibits, which are 3D printed on-site.

open year-round, features a museum, fossil preparation lab, and gift shop. In the museum, visitors of all ages learn about and view dinosaur skeletons and land and marine fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods.

The RMDRC staff make each visit memorable as they share their knowledge and enthusiasm, explaining what the paleontologists have pieced together about the creatures they found in the field and now display in the museum. Interactive exhibits give visitors an opportunity touch real dinosaur bones, and the visit culminates with

viewing technicians preparing their latest finds for future exhibition.

The exhibits at the museum change over time because Curator Anthony Maltese and his crew spend seven to 10 weeks a year working in the field looking for new specimens to bring back, prepare and display. Sometimes, he finds dinosaurs they already have in the museum, but occasionally they discover a brand new species, Maltese said.

According to Maltese, the specimens they prepare can be found in over 200 museums around the world, ranging from the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience to the Smithso-

nian and the British Museum in London.

“There’s a skull on display as you first walk in named ‘Kevin’ that’s a new species of dinosaur, and I even have one in the ground right now that I’ll be excavating next summer that looks like it’s probably a new species of dinosaur as well,” he said.

One of Maltese’s most recent finds includes a Tyrannosaurus Rex that he discovered last summer — one of only 80 specimens in the world. You might see

SEE PLAY • PAGE 20

fish Xiphactinus audax is evident as visitors walk through the marine hall at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center.

technicians at work on it or one of their latest finds as you wrap up your visit.

Highway 24

Adventure: Water Fun

If you’re looking for a place to get your water fix no matter

what the weather is like, the Woodland Park Aquatic Center (city-woodlandpark.org/210/ Aquatic-Center), 111 N. Baldwin St., Woodland Park, has you covered.

Operated by the City of Woodland Park, WPAC dedicates mornings to adult recreation, with adult-only swimming

sessions in the lap and leisure pool, deep and shallow water fitness classes, and land-based gentle yoga classes.

During open swim on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and weekends, kids delight in the fountains and sprays, slides, adjustable spray valves, in-ground bubbling features and lazy river in the leisure pool, which includes a zero entry area for the youngest guests.

The center intentionally offers a wide variety of programming to meet community needs, according to Aquatics Manager Brady Warner.

When the Woodland Park School District is closed in the winter months and it isn’t a city holiday, Warner opens the WPAC from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to give kids something to do. He also teaches a for-credit high school lifeguard class and a sec-

ond- and third-grade learn to swim program for the elementary schools.

“We try to do whatever we can with the school districts and the home-school programs out here to continue that enrichment,” Warner said. “We’re such a cornerstone of the community. The more people that we can reach, the better we are.”

In addition to programming geared toward schools, the WPAC offers birthday parties and pool rentals, parents nights out, public swim lessons, an American Red Cross babysitting boot camp, and junior lifeguard camp. Annual special events include the Pumpkin Dive and Underwater Easter Egg Dive, and there’s a revamped Back-toSchool Bash in the works.

WOODLAND PARK AQUATIC CENTER

During open swim times, kids and families enjoy the lazy river, spray features, and the slide at the Woodland Park Aquatic Center.

Highway 67 Adventure: Outdoor Fun

A trip to Teller County wouldn’t be complete without spending some time recreating outside.

Mueller State Park (cpw.state.co.us/ placestogo/parks/Mueller), 21045 Highway 67, Divide, “has over 5,000-acres of springfed meadows, forested ridges and massive rocks of Pikes Peak Granite,” according to the website. Needless to say, it’s packed with possibilities for outdoor fun.

In the summer, wildflowers are abundant, and you can fish, hike, bike, and geocache on the park’s 44 miles of trails.

“It’s so close to the city and yet you feel like you’re in the wilderness,” said Linda Groat, program coordinator. “The habitat is pretty much unspoiled. We have wildlife everywhere. It’s just such a beautiful place. For a short drive, you can feel like you’re in the woods with the animals.”

Visitors who want to spend more time in the park’s serene setting can reserve one of three cabins or one of 136 campsites, which include primitive, RV, equestrian, accessible, and group camping sites.

During the colder, snowy months, the sledding hills provide fast-paced fun while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on groomed trails are quieter pursuits.

Aside from the many adventures you can enjoy on your own, the park hosts free, year-round educational programs as well as Outdoor Skills Day in June and Western Heritage Day in August.

At the Outdoor Skills Day, visitors can try new outdoor activities with professional instruction. At the Heritage Day, the park celebrates its history as a former ranch with pony rides, hay rides, pioneer crafts, and campfire cooking.

“A favorite of the Western Day is eating warm cornbread right out of a Dutch oven along with the butter that we just made,” Groat said.

Highway 67 Adventure: Entertaining Fun

Head further south on Highway 67, and you’ll enter the town of Cripple Creek, home of the historic Butte Theater (buttetheater.com).

As you enter the Butte, located in a restored Victorian-era building at 139 E. Bennett Ave., you’ll feel like you’ve walked back to a slower time.

“Where else can you see theater at almost 10,000 feet? It’s a hidden gem up here,” said Zack Sztanyo, Butte Theater manager.

The Butte has productions year-round. From January to May, the nonprofit Friends of the Butte Theater run a community theater season that features productions with local actors and directors.

Each summer, The Butte produces a melodrama and a musical.

According to Sztanyo, the Butte is one of the few places in the country where you can see a classic melodrama, which includes audience participation, from booing and hissing at the villain to cheering on the hero.

“Sitting in this building seeing the classic melodrama being preserved gives you a sense of slowing down for a couple of hours while you participate in something that is unique,” Sztanyo said.

“It’s just good, fun entertainment for the whole family. If you’re going to get bit by the theater bug, the Butte is the perfect place to do it.”

MUELLER STATE PARK

Mueller State Park in Divide is a popular place for family hikes year-round.

LIBBY KINDER

A Chihuly-inspired chandelier is the focal point in the great room at Pikes Peak Paradise Bed and Breakfast.

CATCH SOME ZZZZ

A variety of accommodations awaits visitors in Teller County

BY LIBBY KINDER Teller County Guide

What is the perfect accommodation when visiting Teller County? The options are endless, and include venues with spectacular scenery, stellar hospitality, spirits and specters, and a plethora of charm. The challenge is choosing the ideal fit.

Victor Hotel (321 Victor Ave., Victor; victorhotelcolorado.com) is a Registered Historic Landmark and a delight for history buffs, as well as those fascinated with the supernatural. “I’ve seen a girl out of the corner of my eye with long dark hair and a long white dress almost daily” since working here, says hotel manager Violet Yeater. “Guests have heard people talking, and a voice arguing outside their door,” but when they check the hall, there is no one there. These are only two examples of the reported ongoing visits from

LIBBY KINDER

The historic Victor Hotel has bright, sunny rooms with original architectural details such as charming brick walls.

COURTESY OF CRIPPLE CREEK HOSPITALITY HOUSE

The exterior of the Cripple Creek Hospitality House, above, has changed over the years, but is still an authentic piece of mining district history. To the right, the first floor hallway at the Cripple Creek Hospitality House focuses on the original wooden staircase.

LIBBY KINDER

A cozy spot at Woodland Country Lodge for relaxation in front of the blazing fireplace.

ghostly residents of the hotel. The original structure was built in 1894, but burned to the ground in the catastrophic fire of 1899 that decimated Victor’s downtown. It was rebuilt the same year using stone and brick, and in 1900 a unique, curlicued birdcage elevator was installed. This treasure is one of the few remain-

ing west of the Mississippi, although it is sometimes out of commission. Most of the rooms have recently been renovated and are sunny with mountain views, Victorian furnishings and original architectural details including exposed brick walls.

The highlight of Woodland Country Lodge (730 Country Drive, Woodland

Park; woodlandcountrylodge.com) is the stunning mountain-view backdrop off the gorgeous patio and deck areas. As weather permits, this is THE place to hang out to enjoy the perfect ambiance. Along with the spectacular vantage of Pikes Peak are

COURTESY OF WOODLAND COUNTRY LODGE

Spectacular mountain views are visible from the back deck and patio of Woodland Country Lodge in Woodland Park.

COURTESY OF PIKES PEAK PARADISE

Guests at Pikes Peak Paradise are pampered with treats such as this snack board.

LIBBY KINDER

The

a fire pit, pyramid heaters, outdoor bar, gazebo, and planters overflowing with flowers and greenery. Owner Mark Rabaut, says: “People come here to see the beauty …The destination is more that just ‘heads and beds’. All is here.” The lodge has an inviting indoor pool that is heated year-round, a restaurant, full bar, and a cozy relaxed atmosphere that can’t be beat.

The tagline for Pikes Peak Paradise Bed and Breakfast (236 Pinecrest Road, Woodland Park; pikespeakparadise. com) is: “so much more than a place to sleep.” At 9,000 feet, the views are fantastic. Here is a ro-

mantic getaway destination for those special occasions when attention to detail, privacy, serenity, and comfort top the list of desired amenities. Offered daily in this upscale venue is a full breakfast, snacks, and cocktail hour.

Anne Marie and Dane Fichter have owned the facility, built in 1987, for just over a year. They are in the process of doing a complete update on the five suites that include either a jacuzzi, hot tub or sauna.

“We make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible,”

COURTESY OF PIKES PEAK PARADISE

The window in the breakfast room at Pikes Peak Paradise Bed and Breakfast frames a sunrise view of Pikes Peak.

PARKER SEIBOLD, THE GAZETTE FILE

After years of being vacant, this Victorian building on the corner of Victor’s Main Street has gained a new life as The Black Monarch. On a night in early October, as the lights twinkled outside the building, the quiet streets in the quaint old mining town made the claims of hauntings feel all the more real.

says Dane Fichter. “You feel like you’re in the of middle of nowhere, but in actuality you are in very close proximity to Woodland Park and Cripple Creek.”

The historic mining community of Cripple Creek is home to many outstanding properties where it is possible to experience the Victorian era of prosperity and elegance. Carr Manor (350 E. Carr Ave., Cripple Creek; broncobillyscasino. com/carrmanor) provides a step back in time.

From 1897-1966, the building served as a combination elementary and high school, eventually becoming solely a secondary school until 1977. Converted into a hotel in 1982, many of the unique features from the days as a school have been maintained ,including slate blackboards, and the gymnasium, girl’s washroom and auditorium.

Every room is different and honors a local historical figure including famed madam Pearl Devere, boxer Jack Dempsey, Hollywood star Roy Rogers, and newsman Lowell Thomas. The elegant Carr Suite is a getaway dream-come-true

with its own jacuzzi, king-size bed, fireplace and cheerful sitting area.

Cripple Creek Hospitality House & Travel Park (600 N. B St., Cripple Creek; cchospitalityhouse.com) is not to be missed for history lovers or anyone looking for unique accommodations. Constructed in 1901 as a state-of-the-art medical facility, it was the largest and grandest hospital in the area, complete with electricity and running water. Restored in 1963 as a beautiful Victorian Hotel that is filled with antiques and medical accoutrements, much of the original features were maintained.

“We want to respect the history of the building, and share an experience rather than just a hotel stay,” explains one of the owners, Rick Leonard. “Guests say it’s like staying in a museum.”

Meticulous attention has been paid to historical details, while offering updated and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and hi-definition TVs. With 20 acres of open space, kids are welcome, and encouraged to explore the premises.

Co-owner Mike Duffy, adds: “We are popular for family re-

unions because this is such a unique and large property, but also this is an intimate gathering space for enhancing family relationships.”

Numerous outstanding campgrounds are available in Teller County Always popular Mueller State Park in Divide provides 136 campsites for an awesome escape to commune with nature. The Crags Campground near Divide is tucked into the forest below Pikes Peak. Cripple Creek KOA, Hospitality House RV, Golden Bell Camp & Conference Center, Lost Burro, and Bristlecone

Lodge are all delightful campgrounds in the area that are worth checking out.

Noteworthy properties in Woodland Park are Edgewood Inn, Eagle Fire Lodge & Cabins, and Bristlecone Lodge where a tiny home can be rented. Black Monarch Hotel built in 1899 in Victor is another historic boutique hotel. Many of Cripple Creek’s casinos offer lodging in lively settings for a gambling good time. Bronco Billy’s is in the process of completing a $250 million four-star hotel project set to open by the end of 2023.

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

Top employment options in Teller County

BY WAYNE HEILMAN Teller County Guide

Looking for a job in Teller County? Here are a few things you need to know. Nearly a third of all jobs in the county are in just two industries — accommodation and food services (hotels and restaurants) and retailing — combining to employ more than 2,500 of the nearly 8,000 people on payrolls in the county, according to data from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for the second quarter of 2022, the latest available. That doesn’t include about 5,000 people in the county who either are self-employed or commute to a job outside the county, mostly to Colorado Springs.

for the entire family!

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE The Woodland Park Safeway.

COURTESY OF CITY OF CRIPPLE CREEK

A banner welcomes visitors to downtown Cripple Creek.

COURTESY PHOTO

This sign welcomes visitors approaching the city of Woodland Park.

Many of the accommodation and food service workers are in the nine casinos in Cripple Creek, which employed 836 people, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming’s 2021 Fact Book & Abstract.

About the same number of people work for Andrew Wommack Ministries and the affiliated Charis Bible College, the county’s largest employer. Government entities — including Woodland Park School District RE-2, Teller County and the City of Woodland Park — employ 560 people and Newmont Mining’s Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine employs about 400.

The first place to stop when looking in Teller County, or anywhere in the Colorado Springs area, is the Pikes Peak Workforce Center (ppwfc.org), which operates a Woodland Park office in the Community Partnership Family Resource Center, 701 Gold Hill Place South, Woodland Park, to provide a variety of services for job seekers, ranging from skills

training and job-hunting help to résumé and interviewing help.

Job listings are available at the state labor department’s Connecting Colorado portal (connectingcolorado.com), where you can search job listings or post your résumé for potential employers to see.

Debbie Miller, president of the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, said those living in Teller County must be prepared to cope with winter weather conditions as they drive to work and also should consider internet connectivity when they choose where to live — some subdivisions have little or no connectivity to the internet or broadband services.

Like everywhere else in Colorado and the nation, employers report that finding workers is the top concern in a county where the unemployment rate of 2.7% in December was below both the state and national averages.

SEE WORK • PAGE 38

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

The door to Cripple Creek City Hall.

Here is a list of the top employers in Teller County, compiled by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce:

• Andrew Wommack Ministries/Charis Bible College, 1 Innovation Way, Woodland Park, 719-635-1111. Christian ministry and seminary, 837 employees, career page: bit.ly/40wOcZt.

• Cripple Creek Casinos: There are nine casinos (most operate hotels and restaurants) in Cripple Creek, employing 836 people:

— Bronco Billy’s Casino, owned by Full House Resorts Inc., 233 E. Bennett Ave., 719-689-2142, career page: broncobillyscasino.com/ careers/.

— Century Casino Cripple Creek, owned by Century Casinos Inc., 200-220 E. Bennett Ave., 719-689-0333, career page: cnty.com/cripple-creek/careers/.

Cut Flowers, Fruit from the

Slope,

Altitude

Plants, Mushrooms and Microgreens, Cheeses, Salsas, Jams, Vinegar Shrubs, Pickled Vegetables, Pastas, Freshly Baked Breads and Pastries, Food Trucks, Coffees and Specialty Drinks, Lemonade, Popcorn, Artisan

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

This sign welcomes visitors to Cripple Creek.

— Colorado Grande Hotel & Casino/Johnny Nolon’s Casino, owned by G Investments and Minter Holdings (affiliated companies), 300 E. & 301 E. Bennett Ave., 719-689-3517, 719-689-2080, career pages: cogrande.com/?page_id=630; johnnynolonscasino.com.

— Double Eagle Hotel & Casino, owned by Double Eagle Resorts Inc., 442 E. Bennett Ave.,

719-689-5000, career page: decasino.com/careers/.

— Triple Crown Casinos (McGills, Midnight Rose and Brass Ass), 232, 256 and 264 E. Bennett Ave., 719-689-2446, 719689-0303, 719-689-2104, career page: triplecrowncasinos.com/ careers/

— Wildwood Hotel & Casino, owned by GNCC (Golden Nugget Casinos), 119 Carbonate St.,

719-244-9700, career page: careers.hireology.com/americangaminggroup.

• Newmont Mining, Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine, 100 N. 3rd St., Victor, 719-851-2977, 400 employees, career page: newmonttest.valhalla.stage. jobs2web.com/.

• Walmart, 19600 U.S. Highway 24, 719-987-1065, retailer, 265 employees, career page:

careers.walmart.com/.

• Woodland Park School District; 155 Panther Way, 719-6862000; operates early childhood center, Merit Academy charter school, three elementary schools, and a middle school and high school; 260 employees; career page: applitrack. com/wpsdk12/onlineapp/.

SEE WORK • PAGE 41

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE City Market in Woodland Park.

JEFF KEARNEY, TELLER COUNTY GUIDE

The Walmart in Woodland Park is a popular shopping destination.

• Teller County, 112 N. A St., Cripple Creek, 719-689-2988, county government, 200 employees, career page: co.teller. co.us/hr/jobs.aspx.

• UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, 16420 U.S. Highway 24, Woodland Park, 719-3746060, health care facility, 160 employees, career page: careers. uchealth.org/.

• City of Woodland Park, 220 W. South Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-9246, city

government, 100 employees, career page: co-woodlandpark. civicplushrms.com/careers/.

Other major retailers:

• City Market, owned by Kroger, 777 Gold Hill Plaza South, Woodland Park, 719-687-3592, supermarket, career page: thekrogerco.com/careers/.

• Safeway, owned by Albertsons, 1101 U.S. Highway 24, Woodland Park, 719-686-1836, supermarket, career page: bit. ly/3JG10Ha.

LEFT: Bronco Billy’s Casino, Cripple Creek, lit up at night.