2023 Tri-Lakes Guide

Tri-Lakes Guide

EAT, DRINK, PLAY, WORK AND SLEEP IN THE TRI-LAKES AREA

Greetings from the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce

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 all 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.

We have business owners in the community who have been here for decades. We also have brand new business owners, with new, fresh ideas and energy. This guide is a wonderful piece to keep all year long, with its wealth of information. Please support the businesses listed and all businesses. They need you as much as you need them. Let’s help them thrive!

We are thankful to be able to be here to assist our businesses, nonprofit 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, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 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 wonderful source 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 wish you a great 2023!

Terri Hayes

President & CEO

Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and Visitor Center Terri@TriLakesChamber.com 719-481-3282

PUBLISHER

Chris Reen

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rich Williams

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Vince Bzdek EDITOR, THE GAZETTE

John Boogert

INTERIM EDITOR, THE TRIBUNE

Glenn Wallace

EDITOR, TRI-LAKES GUIDE

Michelle Karas

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Gina Pietramale

WRITERS

Benn Farrell

Wayne Heilman

Heila Rogers

Joanna Zaremba

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING

Jim Broyles

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Karen Hogan

DIRECTOR OF LOCAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Traci Conrad ADVERTISING SALES

Lori Curry

Nikki Dirks

Stefani Rackley

Yvonne Ramos

Sue Williams

Terri Hayes

Carne Asada and Spicy Chicken Salad are two of the delicious entrees at La Casa Fiesta Restaurant in Monument. The Tribune file.

EAT

A taste of the Tri-Lakes awaits

BY BENN FARRELL Tri-Lakes Guide

If any person traveling I-25 or Highway 83 finds their stomach rumbling with hunger, stopping at any of the standout quality eateries in the Tri-Lakes area would help them find themselves full and satisfied. While locally owned restaurants continue to elevate the

level of their menu items and ingredients, the Tri-Lakes area is not short on iconic stops for not only a good meal but a great and memorable plate.

O’Malley’s Steak Pub

Having survived not only the COVID -19 pandemic but also a fire, it seems O’Malley’s Steak Pub is such an icon of the Tri-Lakes area, it refuses to be taken down. Having already built itself up as a destination food and drinks spot, O’Malley’s opened in 1986 when Hwy 105 and County Line Road were both dirt roads. When

SEE PAGE 6

While some say there are two things in life that are for certain, death and taxes, another may be getting hungry when you are traveling.

those roads were finally paved, the restaurant and Palmer Lake in general began to see new potential as a roadside attraction for travelers.

“It opened up all kinds of traffic, car clubs, motorcycles, cyclists, tourists and family trips,” O’Malley’s owner Jeff O’Malley said. “The ride down 105 in particular is one of the prettiest on the Front Range. Palmer Lake is in a good spot, close enough to the cities for a day trip yet far enough away to enjoy our small town atmosphere.”

O’Malley’s is well known for its chicken wings, selling between 12,000-15,000 per week. Its “cook your own steak” concept has also been well received, especially by people looking for something unique with a fun, low-key Colorado vibe, O’Malley said. Their kitchen has always produced foods in-house from scratch including its soups, dressings and specials.

“Recently, we have stepped up our game offering Prime Rib on Mondays and Chef Specials throughout the week,” he said. “We feature a full bar with 11 beers on tap including a nice assortment of local Colorado brews.”

Ramen Chops

The Tri-Lakes area isn’t without entries in what have become trends in the national foodiverse like pho and hot pot in Monument, poke bowls close-by in northern Colorado Springs, and specialty ramen dishes like ones offered at Ramen Chops Noodle Bar in Monument. Located at 491 W. Hwy 105, Ramen Chops menu is eclectic with fan favorites like The Miso Spicy and The All In, as well as other hot and brothy signatures like The Tokyo and The Preston.

In addition, Ramen Chops is also known for its pillowy bao buns for

dipping into any soupy menu item, offered plain or filled with spicy cabbage slaw and honey sesame pork or chicken. Part of the restaurant’s mission is to create gathering places which feed not just bodies but souls and spirits-spaces which encourage conversation, love, nourishment, healing and all other means of human connection.

Black Forest Bistro

A standout of quality food and atmosphere along Highway 83 is the Black Forest Bistro, honored in 2022 as Best Restaurant from the Colorado Springs Awards Program and the 2021 winner of The Gazette’s Best of the Best. Located at 6750 Shoup Road in Black Forest, Black Forest Bistro has become so popular, reservations between 5-8 p.m. are a must on Thursday and Friday evenings.

SEE PAGE 7

Mahi-mahi and bulgogi beef bowl with a maple bacon Old Fashioned at Black Forest Bistro.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

The bistro’s menu items offer high-profile flair like its Chilean Sea Bass, Tender Greek Lamb Shanks and Korean Sticky Noodles. It also offers a handful of family-style dinners, made to serve 4-6 people, like Beef Stroganoff, Ham with Scalloped Potatoes and Korean Bulgogi Street Noodles.

“The entrees exceed expectations, so enjoy,” The Gazette dining reviewer Robin Entemann said.

La Casa Fiesta

Owned by Shawn and Mary Morris, successful restaurateurs in El Paso County for more than three decades, La Casa Fiesta is a benchmark in Tex-Mex cuisine in the heart of downtown Monument. Located at the corner of 2nd Street and Front Street, La Casa Fiesta can be easily found by its colorful outdoor seating, covered patio seating and inside dining with a highly trained wait and kitchen staff.

Producing quality dishes with fast ticket times, Las Casa Fiesta opened in Monument about 26 years ago and

has become a stop for not only travelers but a meeting place for many looking to connect or talk business. Not only are dishes like its Mexican pizza, fajitas which sizzle coming to the table and in-house made guacamole, but the restaurant’s bar offers

a white lightning margarita which is rarely rivaled.

“If I’m in the area, I will definitely stop in again,” Kristy Lockhart said in a Google review. “Loved the

SEE PAGE 8

Poke bowl, miso spicy with chicken bao bun and pork belly bao bun at Ramen Chops Noodle Bar in Monument. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

guacamole. And the chicken fajitas were everything I could hope for. … Cannot wait to visit again.”

Atmosphere Gastropub

Nestled in the booming development of Interquest Parkway in northern Colorado Springs, Atmosphere Gastropub provides a unique stop for I-25 travelers to enjoy high-profile dishes and a full bar in a rustic intimate setting. Located at 1327 Interquest Pkwy, the gastropub offers simple but elevated bar appetizers and small plates like the tuna tartare with sushi-grade ahi tuna and the shrimp tostones.

Atmosphere Gastropub’s not-sosmall plates menu features a Ginger Pork and Crispy Rice as well as a duck poutine. It has a menu of elevated sandwiches, and its bar recently purchased its own Patron barrel, Patron reposado Single Barrel No. 58, of which it uses in its featured cocktail The Gran Burro, made of tequila, pomegranate liqueur and ginger beer.

“Had no idea what to expect, never been here before. Definitely surprised me and everyone in the party,” Melissa Gonzales said in an online review. “We were very impressed with the appetizers and entrees.”

Coffee Cup Cafe

Also an icon of Downtown Monument is the Coffee Cup Cafe at 251 Front Street in the Front Street Square. Now featuring an expanded outdoor patio, Coffee Cup offers a variety of country style and southwestern flair for breakfast combos and lunch, as well as grocery items.

In 1987, Coffee Cup founder John Dominowski aimed to brand the establishment as providing the best home-cooked breakfast in town. In 2008, the breakfast and coffee spot expanded and a year later suffered a fire which forced the interior to be renovated.

“Through every challenge and success over the past 30 years, our

community has been right there behind us with continual support,” owner Ben Hibbard, who was previously the manager of the Coffee Cup before he bought the business in May 2015. “We consider ourselves blessed to be able to continue to serve the wonderful people in our area, and look forward to the many more years to come.”

The Cup has also evolved with the times, now cooking with gluten-free oils and if its menu’s ingredients aren’t already gluten-free, they can be substituted to order with the exception of breaded meats and sausage gravy.

What’s more, the Coffee Cup served as the prime location for the motion picture “Miracle on Highway 34,” by filmmaker and Lewis-Palmer High School graduate Nathan Carlson. The movie was produced just before the COVID -19 pandemic and is now available on streaming platforms.

DRINK

Coffee, beer and moonshine

BY BENN FARRELL Tri-Lakes Guide

If traveling along I-25 or Highway 83, there is certainly no shortage of places to stop in the Tri-Lakes area should a traveler find themselves thirsty.

For that matter, residents of the area are well aware of hot spots where a quality cup of coffee, craft beer or other tasty beverage can be found at a local establishment. Whether passing through town or a member of the community, the options for drinks, light accompanying food options and general community fellowship are not rare in the Tri-Lakes region.

Pikes Peak Brewing Co.

Between two locations in El Paso County, Monument and Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Brewing Co. has become a long-standing icon of craft beer in the Tri-Lakes area. Located at 1756 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Pikes Peak Brewing established itself in Monument in May 2011 and since has continued to offer a large selection of beers crafted on site as well as a selection of food, wine and canned cocktails.

Pikes Peak Brewing Co. is an easy destination for people traveling between Colorado Springs and Denver, owner Chris Wright said. Having been around almost 12 years and establishing a reputation for quality beers by the local and beer tourists, the company’s signature beers draw people in and its rotating

SEE PAGE 11

R & R Coffee Cafe in Black Forest.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

3 Hundred Days of Shine in Monument.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

seasonal releases keep things fresh and interesting, he said.

“The locals in the Tri-Lakes area have crowned our Elephant Rock IPA as our most popular signature beer that is produced year round,” Wright said. “It is a classic west coast American IPA and has great flavor of citrus and pine. We have partnered with many of the local Tri-Lakes eateries to offer our beers on tap and in cans to really showcase a local meal.”

3 Hundred Days of Shine

3 Hundred Days of Shine near Downtown Monument, located at 279 Beacon Lite Road, Suite G, not only has established itself as a staple location of the area but its products can be found stocked in liquor stores across the region. Despite a second round of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions late in 2020, 3 Hundreds Days of Shine’s distillery location even found a way to expand with a food product line and retail space.

The award winning flight of moonshine products, from the 40-proof Apple Pie to 100-proof Colorado Harvest Honey, have remained among the offerings from the company in its location since May 2014 and in retail liquor stores.

Owner Michael Girard’s enthusiasm for distilling started when he was in the U.S. Army, in which he served 23 years, while stationed in Afghanistan.

“It started as a science experiment,” Girard said. “After that, I fell into the right hands, and those hands had deep pockets.”

R & R Coffee Cafe

Those traveling Highway 83, whose taste runs more towards caffeine than craft alcohol may find themselves stopping at R & R Coffee Cafe in Black Forest. Located at 11424 Black Forest Road in Colorado Springs and describing itself as a craft coffee roastery and home cooking restaurant, R & R features, in addition to craft coffee, breads and baked goods made from scratch daily and a menu with sustainable products.

What’s more, R & R features a smartphone app for both iPhone and Android systems from which local patrons can order products online for pickup or delivery. In addition, its coffee can be ordered online for delivery from its rotisserie website.

Serranos Coffee Company

Another local staple in the area for coffee is Serranos in Monument. This is not only a notable coffee hangout for patrons, but for travelers offers a drive-thru from its locally owned establishment. This is the 27th year of Serranos being open and owner Carl Nolt’s 42nd year in the coffee business.

It’s because of Serranos drive-thru window which kept

the business supported through the COVID-19 pandemic. Nolt has been the sole owner of the company since its original location next to Safeway on Hwy 105. IT was 11 years ago when the company moved to its present location at 625 Hwy 105 in Monument.

Serranos features such signature coffee-based drinks as the Carmel Thing, the Milky Way and the Breve, but also remains a staple of the area as a meeting place for friends and business dealings.

Wesley Owens Coffee & Cafe

If someone lives in the Tri-Lakes area, it’s difficult to mention Serranos without mentioning Wesley Owens Coffee & Cafe as a beacon of coffee hangouts in the area. Offering a variety of baked goods, coffees and teas as well, Wesley Owens has become a signature spot for locals and travelers on the east side of I-25 in Monument.

Located at 1744 Lake Woodmoor Drive, almost next to Pikes Peak Brewing Co., Wesley Owens’ baking menu offers such classic highlights as vanilla bean and blueberry lemon scones. However, the company’s flavor profile changes daily. While the company offers ethically sourced coffee options from around the world, its teas are hand-picked from the Republic of Tea selection,

SEE PAGE 13

Wesley Owens Coffee & Cafe in Monument. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

which are also used as the Wesley Owens’ London Fog creations for its line of hot teas.

Perfectly Elevated Cafe

It’s hard to throw a rock in Palmer Lake without hitting a building and/or business offering quality food and drink options.

Located at 11 Primrose St. in Palmer Lake, Perfectly Elevated offers its take on coffees and teas, but also offers a flare for artistic presence. The atmosphere is most revered by online reviews including works of “incredible wooden artwork.” Perfectly Elevated allows local and traveling patrons a chance to grab a quality cup of coffee and take time walking around Palmer Lake in peace. The establishment offers such signature creations as the Raspberry Choco Latte, the Queen Bee and the Palmer Divide among others.

Problems medications?taking

Perfectly Elevated Coffee Roasters in Palmer Lake.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

North Springs and Palmer Divide provide fun for everyone

BY JOANNA ZAREMBA Tri-Lakes Guide

Springs

North Col-

Monument

Our first stop is AirCity 360 Adventure Park, a multi-attraction spot for family fun. Located near Voyager Parkway, it features over 30

arcade games, a concession area, and an array of physically engaging activities, including a 500-foot air coaster, trampoline areas with interactive games, 60-foot dual zip lines, a vertical climbing wall, a dodgeball court, and a mega inflatable with obstacles and challenges.

“We’re a one-stop shop. We literally are 360 degrees of ultimate adventure,” said Richard E. Beard, AirCity 360 general manager. “It’s not just about having fun. Because we have interactive style attractions, you get exercise without really thinking about it.”

SEE PAGE 16

Just around the corner from AirCity360 is our next stop — the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, a non-profit with a mission to educate the public about the heritage and continuing importance of the mining industry in the American West.

At the museum’s the indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, you’ll experience what work was like during the Industrial Revolution with working machines like a 34ton, 500-horsepower steam engine that amazes visitors as it grinds into motion.

“We have have very unique things to do on our campus — anything from picnicking outdoors to visiting historic ranch buildings and barns and then the museum itself with a little theater and gift shop,” said Grant Dewey, the museum’s executive director. “[Visitors] are just shocked with the depth and the quality of the displays and that so many of them still run today. In

PLAY

fact that’s why we’re called, ‘The Museum That Works.’”

Tours and gold panning are included with admission, and visitors learn about the importance and the controversies of mining and industry, including how mining impacts daily life.

“We look at all of these things that you use every single day — you use deodorant, you use your cell phone, you eat M&M’s,” said Jackie Walls, marketing and communications coordinator for the museum. “If you can’t grow it, you have to mine it. People are amazed at how many things you use that have been mined.”

Next, we’ll drive 15 minutes north for snow play on 12 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails at the Woodmoor Nordic Center in Monument, located on the Woodmoor Country Club’s golf course.

“I started it for purely selfish reasons,” said Michael Brothers, a former world-class biathlete and

Nordic center director. “I was tired of having to drive four hours to go ski. I’d been kicked off this golf course [skiing] more times than I can remember before I finally convinced the new owners to let us try grooming the trails here.”

The Nordic center opened eight years ago, but the Front Range’s intermittent winter snow made it infeasible to operate the Nordic center as a for-profit business. So, two years ago, the Woodmoor Nordic Nonprofit was formed.

“It always varies from year to year based on the weather, but when we have a good winter, we’ve got pretty good skiing,” Brothers said.

Despite the challenges for local skiing, the number of skiers using the Nordic center’s trails is rising.

“It’s easy to have just two hours during your day to drive up, do a little bit of skiing, and then drive

SEE PAGE 17

back and do whatever you need to do,” said Mary Carollo, a North Colorado Springs resident who, along with her husband Bert, is a member of Woodmoor Nordic Nonprofit.

Last, we’ll head to Palmer Lake and our final destination — Santa Fe Open Space, a part of El Paso County Parks and a favorite of Mary Jo Lewis, Bear Creek Nature Center supervisor. Santa Fe Open Space’s two loops of trails are accessed via the Santa Fe Trail from the Palmer Lake Recreation Center, which is also run by El Paso County Parks.

“[Santa Fe Open Space] has a really cool mix of natural history, and you get a mix of habitats there. You have ponderosa pine, scrub oak shrub land, and then meadows with wildflowers,” said Lewis, who lives in Palmer Lake. “It also lends itself really well to the cultural history of that area. At parts of the trail, you’re looking at Elephant Rock.”

Many other nearby El Paso County Parks and Open Spaces, such as Black Forest Section 16, Fox Run Regional Park, and Pineries Open Space, provide additional options for outdoor recreation. Regardless of which park you choose, Lewis recommends visiting the same location at different times of year to observe what changes in the landscape around you.

“I love sampling the same spot throughout the year to see those subtle and not so subtle shifts in the nature of what is there,” Lewis said.

MUSEUM | THEATRE | ART SCHOOL

Through our museum galleries, performance spaces, and classrooms, we invite you to experience a site of creativity, collaboration, connectivity, and communion for all.

We are for art enthusiasts, lifelong learners, cultural explorers, partners in humanity.

Photo by Joanna Zaremba.

Calendar of Events

THROUGH APRIL 15

GriefShare Support Group — For anyone grieving the death of a family member or friend, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson Creek Senior Living, Falcon’s Nest, third floor, 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, one-time fee of $20. Registration: jacksoncreekseniorliving.com/ griefshare-group.

FRIDAY

Fish Fry Fridays — To benefit Tri-Lakes Cares and other local charities, 5-6:45 p.m., St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson St., Monument, $12, $8 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and younger; petertherock.org, 719-481-3511. Still the Same — A Tribute to Bob Seger — 7 p.m., Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, $29-$39; bootbarnhall.com.

APRIL 13–16; 21–23

Living Facilitator Training — Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith (OWL) — La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

MAY 19–21

School of Earth & Soul — La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

JUNE 30–JULY 2

Grand Camp — For grandparents and grandkids, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

JULY 9–15

Pioneer Camp — For students entering grades

2-4, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices.

Registration: laforet.org.

Explorer Camp — For students entering grades

4-6, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices.

Registration: laforet.org.

Voyager Camp — For students entering grades

6-8, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices.

Registration: laforet.org.

JULY 16–22

MADD Camp — For students entering grades

9-12, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices.

Registration: laforet.org.

Contemplative Camp — For adults, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

SEPT. 15–17

Wholeness & Wellness Weekend — La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

SEPT. 29–OCT. 1

Revolutionary Love Summit — La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Black Forest, go online for prices. Registration: laforet.org.

ONGOING

Palmer Lake Arts Council — Looking for working artists interested in participating in an artist cooperative located in Palmer Lake and for people to organize and manage the coop. Info: beforethegrid@aol.com.

To list an event taking place in the 80132, 80133, 80908 or 80921 ZIP codes, send information at least two weeks in advance by email to calendar@pikespeaknewspapers.com.

An ice fisherman shows off his catch at Palmer Lake.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

SLEEP Options abound for a good night’s rest

BY HEILA ROGERS Tri-Lakes Guide

Whether your Tri-Lakes area “delicious bed” place to stay includes a fantastic indoor waterslide to ride down when you wake up in the morning; or alternatively the contemplative sounds of native birdsong, the Tri-Lakes area has plenty of good lodging options, from nature-loving to a plethora of programmed options.

SEE PAGE 22

“O bed! O bed! delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head.” — Thomas Hood

An extensively landscaped exterior including a fire pit, fire bar and 60-foot water feature are features of the Tri-Lakes area Peak Valley Manor bed and breakfast. Courtesy photo.

We

Come

We

The “something for everyone” options include glamping, RV-camping, a variety of bed and breakfasts, and an option for destination wedding parties. There’s also options if you want lodgings that include and cater to both small and large conferences or family reunions.

To start with, if it’s views you love — and there are many beautiful vantages in the Tri-Lakes area — Peak Valley Manor Bed and Breakfast in horse ranch country offers incredible vistas. These lodgings established in 2020, are

family-run by two generations of couples. Proprietor Shane Crippen retired from the Air Force in 2019. Then, he and his wife and parents decided to open this seasonal property not only as a business, but also as a summer home for Crippen’s parents, Janet and Dennis.

“Plus a family home in Colorado where also the broader family could come and visit,” Crippen states.

Peak Valley Manor

Peak Valley Manor (peakvalleymanor.com) includes not just a

surprise in-house theater decorated in red velvet for use by guests, but also an outdoor, 60-foot-long water feature set into the professional landscaping. Crippen shares that guests especially love to sit outdoors next to the sound of the waterfall and watch neighbors’ horses graze on the five acres of pasture land.

RV’ers who might relish being fully surrounded by 28 acres of pine trees, which scent the air amid swishing mountain breezes, SEE PAGE 24

The Cannonade Room at Peak Valley Manor. Courtesy photo.

need look no further than the Colorado Heights Camping Resort. Level gravel campsites and convenient hookups are attributes reviewers appreciated on this site’s website.

The Black Forest Inn

A young couple with an eye on their own wedding experience founded The Black Forest Inn (theblackforestinncoloradosprings.com). Proprietor Amanda Williams shares that the establishment’s new focus is on providing lodging and location services for other nearby-area wedding venues. The Black Forest Inn is now open for overnight stays during weekends and also offers additional getting-ready rooms if needed for members of wedding parties, including those from two other nearby small businesses, Black Forest by Wedgewood Weddings and Black Forest Meadows.

Lodge at Flying Horse

Going from small and specific to a Four Diamond AAA area lodging option, there is the expansive Lodge at Flying Horse (lodgeatflyinghorse. com). This resort and meeting destination boasts 96 high-end guest rooms, impressive amenities and facilities,

SEE PAGE 26

The 48-room Lodge at Flying Horse boutique hotel, which opened in 2015, is part of the nearly 1,600-acre upscale Flying Horse development on Colorado Springs’ far north side. Courtesy photo.

including a golf course, spa and tennis courts on-site. A variety of sizes of meeting rooms with views give options for various sizes of companies, extended families and individuals to both meet and stay.

The Hideaway Inn and Conference Center

The Hideaway Inn and Conference Center (hideawayreservations.com) — another area option for larger groups — also includes meeting rooms and facilities, but on a smaller scale. Its 22 guest rooms plus dining and other group meeting rooms has been “hidden away” for more than 20 years.

“Serving groups, families and guests with a unique combination of warmth and responsiveness,” states the website.

The facility hosts groups up to 98 members and highlights that their woodsy location and quality customer service can add to a business’ productivity.

Monument Glamping

The next option is perfect for you if you like the feeling of close-to-nature but don’t have all of the equipment needed for camping; or if you’d like someone else to set everything up. Glamping at Chris and Wendy Jeub’s Monument Glamping (monumentglamping.com) property in Monument offers what some consider the answer to camping without the hassle. They advertise “glamorous” safari-style or bell tent rooms or separate container homes, complete with fully fitted queen beds, and electrical or solar connections. Some also come with hot tubs or running water.

Great Wolf Lodge

Also be sure to pack your swimsuit for the next option. The indoor waterpark fun to be had at the Great Wolf Lodge, is the stuff of some kids’ (and adults’) dreams. Entering into its sixth year in the Tri-Lakes area, the California chain of resorts is a complete entertainment experience. In addition to their, “interactive four-story water fort treehouse complete with slides and toys for the whole pack,” it also offers an indoor ropes course, a mini bowling alley and a pretend mining company where guests can pan for gemstones. And especially for the adult crowd, there are four and six-story rides that provide wilder opportunities for older adventure seekers.

SEE PAGE 27

Monument Glamping brings the experience of camping in the Rocky Mountain region while providing luxury amenities so glampers can enjoy the outdoors in style. Courtesy photo.

Whether you’re passing through, coming to visit family or for an occasion, seeking a peaceful staycation, or coming to the area to explore its multiple attractions, the TriLakes area has a plentiful variety of quality and unique lodging options.

A blood-curdling wolf howl announces crashing waves on Slap Tail Pond at the waterpark within Great Wolf Lodge. The Tribune file.

BY WAYNE HEILMAN Tri-Lakes Guide

Looking for a job in northern El Paso County? Here are a few things you need to know.

Many of those who live in northern El Paso County don’t work near where they live — most commute to jobs in either Colorado Springs or Denver. Terri Hayes, president and CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, estimates that more than half of the 75,000 residents who live in northern El Paso County commute to jobs in the two

cities — often with one person in the household commuting north to Denver and another commuting south to Colorado Springs.

Northern El Paso County includes the TriLakes area of Monument Palmer Lake and the unincorporated area of Woodmoor, but also the unincorporated Black Forest area and many other subdivisions such as Forest Lakes, Gleneagle and many smaller developments. Hayes said homebuilders in the northern El Paso County area report that more than half of their customers are moving from the Denver area in search of more affordable housing.

SEE PAGE 33

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 elementary school students raise their hands in answer to a teacher’s question.

Photo by Stephanie Gonzalez.

Scheels in north Colorado Springs. Courtesy photo.

“We are becoming even more of a bedroom community,” Hayes said. “But the proximity of our area to Interstate 25 is our best asset. You can get to either metro area superfast. You have the quality of life of a small town and can still get to a larger city quickly — you don’t have to drive an hour or more to get to the grocery store or other services. We are located between the state’s two largest metro areas and we have one of the top-rated school districts in Colorado.”

While some of the largest employers in the Colorado Springs area are located in northern El Paso County, the area also includes many small businesses that include small shops,

restaurants, insurance offices, hair salons and gyms as well as medical, dental and veterinary clinics.

Here are some of the top employers in northern El Paso County, according to the Tri-Lakes Chamber:

Progressive

12710 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, 855-347-3939, 1,822 employees, call center and data center for property and casualty insurance, career page: progressive.com/careers/.

USAA

1855 Telestar Drive, 800-531-8722, 1,713 employees, call center for insurance and financial services

provider, career page: usaajobs. com/?wa_ref=pub_footer_careers.

Jabil

1051 Synthes Ave., Monument, 719-619-4400, 1,000 employees and contractor; manufactures orthopedic and neurological products for joint reconstruction, trauma, spine, sports medicine and other uses, career page: careers.jabil.com.

Ent Credit Union

11550 Ent Parkway, Colorado Springs, 800-525-9623, Colorado’s largest credit union, 968 employees at headquarters and two branches

SEE PAGE 34

Jabil Inc. in Monument manufactures orthopedic and neurological products for joint reconstruction.

Photo by Jeff Kearney.

in northern El Paso County, career page: ent.com/about-us/who-weare/careers/.

FedEx Rocky Mountain Technology Center

350 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, 719-484-2000, 900 employees in Colorado Springs, corporate data center and software development operation and other facilities for package shipping giant, career page: careers.fedex.com /fedex/.

Lewis-Palmer School District 38

146 N. Jefferson St., Monument, 719-488-4700, 800 employees,

operates five elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools; career page: lewispalmer.org /Page/1294.

Compassion International

12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, 800-336-7676, Christian ministry focused on child development through donor sponsorship, 610 employees, career page: compassion.com/employment/ christian-employment.htm.

Philips

9965 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, 719-447-2000, number of employees not available, manufactures medical lasers and angioplasty supplies, career page: careers. philips.com/na/en.

Scheels

1226 Interquest Parkway, Colorado Springs, 719-220-6444, 442 employees, employee-owned sports goods retailer, career page: scheels.com/careers.html.

Great Wolf Lodge

9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, 844-553-9653, number of employees not available, hotel and indoor water park, career page: greatwolf.com/jobs.

In-N-Out Burger

1935 Interquest Parkway, 800-786-1000, 270 employees, operates distribution center, patty production plant, two burger restaurants, career page: in-n-out.com/employment.

In-N-Out Burger’s first Colorado Springs restaurant opened in November 2020 at the north-side Victory Ridge development, southeast of Interquest and Voyager parkways. Photo by Christian Murdock.

#D38Elevates