Best of the Springs 2024

CELEBRATING 3 0 Y E A RS OF THE BEST

Thank You for Voting Us the Best Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Practice in Colorado Springs.

Our physicians and staff at Colorado ENT & Allergy are widely regarded as the best in the fields of ENT, Allergy, Asthma, Immunology, and Audiology, since 1995. Learn more about our current clinical trials. Call for an appointment today!

Two original locations in Colorado Springs and one new location in Pueblo West starting June, 2023. No Office Visit Facility Fee • (719) 867-7800 • ColoradoENT.com

Brand Reputations Are Built

by People.

A heartfelt thank you to our community of over 15,000 homeowners and our dedicated team of 150 industry professionals. Your continuous support has made Classic Homes a Best of the Springs winner for an incredible 17 consecutive years. Together, we build more than homes - we build community.

WHAT’S INSIDE

12 Hail to the victors

The wait is finally over! Here’s your first look at the winners in this year’s Best of the Springs vote

14 Hearty welcome

Publisher Chris Reen introduces what’s new in the 30th edition of the annual magazine

16 Our two cents Gazette staff members offer their top choices for things to do, places to visit in the Springs

31 Looking back

Best of the Springs has come a long way since its humble beginning in the early 1990s

61 On a mission

Two local nonprofits continue long history of faithfully serving the Pikes Peak region

No matter where you live or work in Colorado Springs, you’re never very far away from an outdoor adventure. Take a closer look at a trio of stunning city parks that feature amazing

96 True to the craft

Despite many obstacles, pair of breweries keep pushing ahead to meet customers’ demands

ST. MARY’S FALLS, NORTH CHEYENNE CAÑON PARK

PUBLISHER

Chris Reen

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rich Williams

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT

Vince Bzdek

EDITOR

John Boogert

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jim Broyles

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

Nicola Sapp

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Michelle Aramayo

SECTION EDITOR

Nathan Van Dyne

ART DIRECTION

Amber Borata

Gina Pietramale

WRITERS

Seth Boster

Teresa Farney

Nina Glaser

Kelly Hayes

O’Dell Isaac

Jennifer Mulson

Linda Navarro

Abbey Soukup

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jerilee Bennett

Jeff Kearney

Christian Murdock

Parker Seibold

Cody Van Hooser

DESIGNERS

Kailee Hayden

Susanne Lucking

Nichole Montanez

Alexis Sands

Michelle Thomsen

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Rudy Vasquez

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kelly Spieker

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jim Broyles | 719-476-1645

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Karen Hogan | 719-636-0390

DIRECTOR OF LOCAL ADVERTISING

Traci Conrad | 719-476-1628

SALES ASSOCIATES

Brett Casden

Ashley Cornell

Lorre Cosgrove

Lori Curry

Kate Dickens

Nikki Dirks

Jeremy Gordon

Tom McClung

Stefani Rackley

Yvonne Ramos

Sue Williams

SUPPORT STAFF

Erica Boyce

Reagan Head

Isaiah Serrano

Tara Sisbach

WHERE TO FIND the best

W here can residents of Colorado Springs learn everything they need to know about the place where they live, work and play? The answer is easy: The Gazette’s Best of the Springs magazine! This eagerly anticipated publication for natives and newcomers alike is the area’s definitive guide to the best local products, services and experiences.

The leaders of industry, from entrepreneurs to small business owners and community service providers, featured on the following pages achieved honors as the “Best” in their respective categories after tens of thousands of votes were tabulated. Meet the creme de la creme in Arts & Entertainment, City Life & Recreation, Family & Health, Food & Drink, Services & Professionals, and Shopping.

Now in its 30th year, Best of the Springs has changed with the times. Always an enjoyable read, this year’s issue features plenty of new communityfocused content.

Back by popular demand are expert picks from members of The Gazette’s news team. Teresa Farney, Jerry Herman, Jennifer Mulson, Seth Boster, Ajia Cuevas and Hugh Johnson boast a combined 172 years in the Pikes Peak region and nearly a century at The Gazette.

Speaking of experts, readers also will find quality recommendations from local celebrities including actress Linda Purl, football coach Troy Calhoun, former college president Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chef Brother Luck, poet laureate Ashley Cornelius, musician Tony Exum Jr., world champion mountain runner Allie McLaughlin and restaurant owner Richard Skorman.

Plus, this edition showcases past magazine covers, business highlights, profiles of multi-year winners and more! Turn the page(s) to meet the best people and places where you live, work and play, the Best of the Springs!

I hope you will find this informative and entertaining magazine to be the foremost resource to the area’s best businesses.

PUBLISHER

Chris Reen

THE BEAUTY OF AI IN MODERN ART

Resident graphic designer Amber Borata took the creative direction of this magazine to the cutting edge with the use of Adobe’s new generative AI software features.

Thank you

SPONSORS

As we celebrate 30 years of Best of the Springs, we also celebrate the return of the Best of the Springs Party!

Thank you to these sponsors for making it a night to remember.

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Bijou Animal Hospital PC

Bricks & Minifigs Colorado Springs

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado

Colorado College Summer Music Festival

Colorado Dental Group

Cornerstone Auto Repair

Escaped in Time

Frederick | Ganderton LLP

Happy Hounds Pet Grooming

Louie’s Pizza

Luisa Graff Jewelers

Melody Living

Planet Granite

Premier Carpet Cleaning

The Cutting Edge, Realtors

Tumbleweed Country Kennels, LLC

Vida HR

White Rhino Electric

Wholistic Healing Experiences LLC

DJ

Boogie on Down Productions LLC

Entertainment

Rachael Ortega, Medium

WireWood Station

Photo Booth Sponsor

Life’s a Snap, Photo Booth & Photography Services

Step and Repeat Sponsor

Mike’s Camera

Tequila Sponsor

Costa Tequila

VIP Catering

Las Casita Mexican Grill

VIP Champagne Sponsor

Sparkles & Lace Boutique

VIP Drink Sponsor

Black Forest Bistro

Restaurants

Aspen American Bar & Grill

Bonefish Grill

The French Kitchen

Fujiyama

Munchies 719

Omelette Parlor

Papa’s Florence

Picnic Basket Catering Collective

The Salvation Army

Susanna’s Comfort Cuisine

EXPERT picks

AJIA CUEVAS

Ajia Cuevas is a Colorado Springs native and University of Northern Colorado graduate with 25 years of city life experience. She’s been a digital producer at The Gazette for three years.

@AjiaCuevasDP

JERRY HERMAN

Jerry Herman is The Gazette’s city editor. He’s lived in the Pikes Peak region and worked at The Gazette for 27 years, with previous roles as digital director and design director.

@coloherman

Jennifer Mulson did a college internship at The Gazette and was hired a few years later. The A&E reporter has been on staff for 25 years and lived in the Springs for 45 years.

@jennifermulson

JENNIFER MULSON

TERESA FARNEY HUGH JOHNSON

Hugh Johnson is a Springs native, Colorado College graduate and sports reporter who has lived in the Pikes Peak region for 20 years and worked at The Gazette for seven.

@byhughjohnson

Teresa Farney started at The Gazette 27 years ago as food editor. She’s been in the Springs 47 years, though once left to work at the National Turkey Federation in Washington, D.C.

@Tffoodie on IG

SETH BOSTER

Seth Boster came to The Gazette eight years ago to cover the great outdoors. His roots go back to the Chicago area with past stops in Missouri and Alabama.

@sethboster @boster.seth on IG

We brought the EXPERTS back.

In a city the size of Colorado Springs, it can be easy to miss things. After all, there are A LOT of restaurants, parks and shops from which to choose. That’s why we welcomed back six longtime residents to serve as knowledgeable tour guides. These six Gazette journalists have covered a lot of ground while living a combined 172 years in the Pikes Peak region. Two of this year’s class of experts were born and raised in the Springs. All six will offer their top recommendations — from hidden gems to tried-and-true favorites — in each of the six chapters.

arts & entertainment

EXPERT picks

Lights, camera and plenty of action to keep you entertained in so many ways.

Ajia’s pick

CO.A.T.I. UPRISE

514 S. Tejon St. coatiuprise.com

CO.A.T.I. Uprise is known for its array of eateries, but did you know the food hall hosts events such as silent discos and Latin dance nights? On the first Saturday of every month, CO.A.T.I. is home to an unforgettable night of dancing and vibes during Silent Disco. On the first and third Tuesday of each month, you can take a free class during Bailando Latin Dance Night. If you have two left feet like me, try trivia nights in the taphouse on Wednesdays.

Hillside Gardens is here to beat the midweek blues during the summer. On Wednesday evenings from mid-May to October, friends and loved ones gather for live music. It’s a beloved, local tradition at the green space with the great view, making this a popular wedding venue. Hillside Gardens recently added an eclectic set of bars featuring tequila, whiskey and wine. That’s to go with a variety of food vendors that set up on Wednesday nights.

1006 S. Institute St. hillsidecolorado.com Seth’s pick

HILLSIDE GARDENS

I f you head to Platte Furniture looking for an end table, you might wind up in the basement ogling a Van Briggle or Aida Valencia piece. What was formerly a dungeon used for layaway and storage is now Platte Collections Art Gallery, collated from estate sales, auctions and fine art shows across the U.S. A sk a sales associate to escort you downstairs. The gallery also features rotating works by local artists and is open during First Friday events.

Jen’s pick

PLATTE COLLECTIONS

ART GALLERY

2331 E. Platte Place plattecollections.myshopify.com

Jerry’s pick

LULU’S DOWNTOWN

32 S. Tejon St. lulusmusic.co

Lulu’s Downstairs on the east edge of Manitou Springs held a special place in my heart from the time it opened in 2019. Bands playing original music had a home regardless of genre. Music fans also had a home with a cozy vibe amid dozens of thrifted art pieces and bright red leather chairs. Lulu’s recently moved to downtown Colorado Springs. Early reviews of the location, now known as Lulu’s Downtown, have been positive and the calendar is filling.

Thank you for voting us Best of the Springs!

Jordie’s Custom Embroidery Co. LLC is a Female Veteran-Owned custom embroidery business located in Colorado Springs, CO.

Meet Jordie!

Jordie is the owner of Jordie’s Embroidery Co. LLC, a Female Veteran-Owned custom embroidery business. She served in the Army National Guard for over 12 years, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports & Health Sciences, Mom, & licensed Skydiver. Her passion lies in creating embroidery that brings visions to life. She strives for top-quality products and customer service!

jordiesembroideryandrepairco.com

Teresa’s pick

WINE FESTIVAL OF COLORADO SPRINGS

415 S. Sahwatch St. winefestivalofcoloradosprings.com

W ine Festival of Colorado Springs started in 1992 and has grown from a single tasting event with a modest auction to the city’s premier and most comprehensive charity wine event of the year. During those 32 years, it has been a substantial fundraiser for causes throughout the city. It’s a fourday winter weekend not to be missed, with seminars, wine and food pairings, celebrity chef luncheons, The Grand Tasting, The Gala Dinner and more.

A recent find for my family is Paint & Fire Pottery. The cozy art studio provides an intimate atmosphere where patrons can bring in their own ceramics or purchase a ceramic to paint using a host of colors. Take as long or as little as you like painting your masterpiece, which will be fired and ready for pickup a few days after your visit. Paint & Fire is perfect for a solo session with a coffee from nearby Starbucks, a family outing or a date night.

Hugh’s pick

PAINT & FIRE POTTERY

4857 N. Academy Blvd. paintandfirepottery.com

CELEBRITY picks

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

csphilharmonic.org

“I had the chance to sing with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic a couple of times. It’s such a wonderful resource to have them. I love to go as an audience member.”

– LINDA PURL

Colorado Springs resident since 1968, actress best known for roles on “Matlock” and “Happy Days” who also performs on Broadway and tours as a jazz singer

ELSIE SMITH

SOPHIA SCHOOLEY BRONZE: GRACE GILLESPIE

GOLD: BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART AT COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER AT COLORADO COLLEGE 818 Pelham Place, 719-475-2444 artschool.csfineartscenter.org

SILVER: PAINTING WITH A TWIST BRONZE: BRUSH CRAZY

GOLD: LIZ CHACON lzisley@gmail.com www.facebook.com/metamorphaces

SILVER: SHANNON MELLO BRONZE: LEA HOPE BONZER

GOLD: GOLDEN NUGGET CRIPPLE CREEK 119 Carbonate St., Cripple Creek 719-244-9700 goldennugget.com

SILVER: BRONCO BILLY’S CASINO BRONZE: TRIPLE CROWN CASINOS

ONE HOUR AWAY

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Photo by T.D.C. Photography/Je Kearney

WINNERS

COMMERCIAL GALLERY

GOLD: HUNTER-WOLFF GALLERY

2510 W. Colorado Ave., 719-520-9494 hunterwolffgallery.com

SILVER: KREUSER GALLERY BRONZE: ACADEMY ART & FRAME CO.

DANCE CLUB

GOLD: LA BURLA BEE 110 N. Nevada Ave., 719-434-5737 laburlabee.com

SILVER: LUXE DAIQUIRI LOUNGE BRONZE (TIE): INDVSTRY VIDEO BAR, WHISKEY BARON DANCE HALL & SALOON

DANCE STUDIO FOR ADULTS

GOLD: TURNING POINTE DANCE 5540 Library Lane, 719-445-9497 turningpointeschoolofdance.com

SILVER: J & J HIP HOP DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS CO. BRONZE: ORMAO DANCE CO.

DANCE STUDIO FOR KIDS

GOLD: TURNING POINTE DANCE 5540 Library Lane, 719-445-9497 turningpointeschoolofdance.com

SILVER: COLORADO BALLET SOCIETY BRONZE: J & J HIP HOP DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS CO.

DOWNTOWN EVENT

GOLD: PIKES PEAK PRIDE pikespeakpride.org

SILVER: TASTE OF PIKES PEAK BRONZE: PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB FAN FEST

BEST TV WEATHER ANCHOR

FOX21 meteorologist Matt Meister grew up in the weather wasteland of Phoenix, where so little changes from day to day that a sprinkle can cause a fervor among residents. Despite the lack of weather, he still loved the whens, wheres, hows and whys.

“I’ve always loved knowing how the world works,” he says. But it wasn’t weather that he pursued at college; it was baseball. When it became apparent that his dream of being a major league pitcher wouldn’t come to fruition, he was at a loss. His girlfriend, now wife, gave him a book about personality types that broke down potential careers. There lay the magic word: meteorologist.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in meteorology at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Meister started at KRDO in 2001 and spent 13 years there before working as director of communications at School District 49 for four years. He’s now been at FOX21 for six years.

“I do have the typical meteorologist thing where my favorite weather is when it’s impactful for everybody else,” he says. “I love when it’s raining, snowing, blowing. I love hurricanes, tornadoes. It all fascinates me.”

WINNERS

GOLD: 21 KEYS ESCAPES 3362 Templeton Gap Road, 719-445-1904 21keysescapes.com

SILVER: AHA! ESCAPE ROOMS BRONZE: ESCAPED IN TIME FESTIVAL

GOLD: TERRITORY DAYS pro-promotions.com/territory-days

SILVER: PIKES PEAK PRIDE BRONZE: COLORADO COLLEGE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

FINE ARTS PHOTOGRAPHER

GOLD: ZACH VOGEL PHOTOGRAPHY zachvogelphotography.com

SILVER: JAY BRIGGS MEDIA BRONZE: JASON FAZIO PHOTOGRAPHY

GALLERY

GOLD: COTTONWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS 427 E. Colorado Ave., 719-520-1899 cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com

SILVER: HUNTER-WOLFF GALLERY BRONZE: KREUSER GALLERY

IMPROV GROUP

GOLD: THE STICK HORSES 719-463-8359 thestickhorses.com

SILVER: OXYMORONS BRONZE: THE RIP

WINNERS

KARAOKE BAR

GOLD: DUBLIN HOUSE SPORTS BAR 1850 Dominion Way, 719-265-8820

SILVER: THUNDER AND BUTTONS II BRONZE: LA BURLA BEE

LOCAL BAND

GOLD: SOFAKILLERS facebook.com/sofakillers

SILVER: WIREWOOD STATION BRONZE: SOAPDISH

MOVIE THEATER

GOLD: ROADHOUSE CINEMAS

3030 N. Nevada Ave., 719-627-8586 roadhousecinemas.com

SILVER: CINEMARK CAREFREE CIRCLE AND IMAX BRONZE: ICON CINEMA

MUSEUM

GOLD: U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM

200 S. Sierra Madre St., 719-497-1234 usopm.org

SILVER: COLORADO SPRINGS PIONEERS MUSEUM

BRONZE: COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER AT COLORADO COLLEGE

MUSIC VENUE

GOLD: BOOT BARN HALL AT BOURBON BROTHERS 13071 Bass Pro Drive, 719-401-0600 bootbarnhallco.com

SILVER: PIKES PEAK CENTER BRONZE: ENT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MUSICAL

GOLD: “LES MISÉRABLES” BY RISE CHRISTIAN PERFORMING ARTS 719-315-5520 risechristianarts.com

SILVER: “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” BY STARZ THEATER CO. BRONZE: “ANNIE JR.” BY ACADEMY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE (ACT II)

MUSICIAN

GOLD: MICHELLE EDWARDS facebook.com/MichelleEdwardsMusic

SILVER: TONY EXUM JR. BRONZE: TIM GLENN

NONPROFIT ARTS GROUP

GOLD: ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE (ACT)/ACADEMY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE (ACT II) 481 Windchime Place, 719-331-2434 actcolorado.net

SILVER: COLORADO SPRINGS YOUTH SYMPHONY

BRONZE: COLORADO SPRINGS CONSERVATORY

PLAY

GOLD: “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” BY ACADEMY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE (ACT II) 481 Windchime Place, 719-331-2434 actcolorado.net

SILVER: “STEEL MAGNOLIAS” BY THEATREWORKS

BRONZE: “PETER AND THE STARCATCHER” BY FIRST COMPANY THEATER

RADIO PERSONALITY

GOLD: TAMMY OAKLAND, SUNNY 106.3 sunny1063online.iheart.com

SILVER: CLIFF CAGE, X103.9 BRONZE: EMILY NIXX, 94.3 KILO

RADIO STATION

GOLD: 94.3 KILO kilo943.com

SILVER: 92.9 PEAK FM BRONZE: KRCC 91.5 FM

SPORTS MASCOT

GOLD: NOVA, AIR FORCE ACADEMY

SILVER: ZIGGY, COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC BRONZE: TOASTY, ROCKY

MOUNTAIN VIBES

WINNERS

THEATER COMPANY

GOLD: ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE (ACT)/ACADEMY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE (ACT II) 481 Windchime Place, 719-331-2434 actcolorado.net

SILVER: STARZ THEATER CO. BRONZE: RISE CHRISTIAN PERFORMING ARTS

TV EVENING NEWS ANCHOR

GOLD: ADAM ATCHISON, KKTV kktv.com

SILVER: HEATHER SKOLD, KRDO BRONZE: DIANNE DERBY, KOAA

TV MORNING NEWS ANCHOR

GOLD: CRAIG COFFEY, FOX21 fox21news.com

SILVER: ABBIE BURKE, FOX21 BRONZE: BRIE GROVES, KOAA

TV SPORTS ANCHOR

GOLD: ROB NAMNOUM, KRDO krdo.com

SILVER: JESSICA MENDOZA, KKTV BRONZE: BRADEY KING, KOAA

TV WEATHER ANCHOR

GOLD: MATT MEISTER, FOX21 fox21news.com

SILVER: BRIAN BLEDSOE, KKTV BRONZE: MIKE DANIELS, KOAA

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS B OF THE

S E

By Linda Navarro linda.navarro@gazette.com

Lively conversations around the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph newsroom were the norm in 1994, as reporters, photographers and editors were each convinced they knew the best places to have lunch, to stop for a drink after work and to get the tastiest (and hottest) green chile.

So self-described “crack teams of investigative reporters” were sent out on the tough assignment of agreeing on their versions of all sorts of things that made the city such a great place. They then shared those things with readers in a popular special edition of GO! magazine: Best of the Springs.

Continued on page 32

Readers were subsequently invited to add their own picks. The list of categories proved unique to be sure, thanks to a staff of clever, out-and-about types. Among the selections: the best secret downtown parking spot, the best place to use the bathroom downtown, the best intersection to avoid, the best place to see and be seen ... or not, and the best place to eat when someone else is paying. A standout pick: Best place for nerds to find a date. That was “any 24-hour supermarket on a weekend night.”

Those insights and more across 230 categories were printed in the inaugural Best of the Springs in June 1995. Fast forward three decades, and some selections have remained favorites over time and even into this year’s magazine, with its 350-plus categories. But many top picks from that initial edition are gone.

The best bookstore that first year proved an easy choice: The Chinook Bookshop, 210 N. Tejon St. Generations grew up visiting the beloved mom-and-pop store owned by Dick and Judy Noyes. It opened in 1959 and closed to many tears in the community in 2004.

The five-story Hibbard & Co. building downtown, which has retained its architectural red brick and white terra cotta moldings, is these days home to offices and Chipotle Mexican Grill. But the building dates to 1892, starting as “millinery (hats) and notions” and moving to the new Tejon Street address in 1914 as the go-to department store for everything from lace handkerchiefs and Scout uniforms to durable underwear and housewares. Even through the 1994 Best of the Springs honors, readers loved its history of pneumatic tubes and the bird-cage elevator; voters calling it the best elevator and commenting on its longtime operator Jim Lowden.

For nearly a half century, ordering avocado-pork burritos (“An AP”) was a time-honored tradition for so many

“A standout pick: Best place for nerds to find a date.”

customers at El Taco Rey, and Best of the Springs plaques filled the walls at the tiny eatery until it closed in 2021. Another downtown icon that time swept away was Michelle’s Chocolatiers & Ice Cream, known for tasty treats and a memorable neon sign. In the first Best of the Springs, Michelle’s won categories for ice cream concoctions, yummiest chocolates and a special place for motherdaughter lunches. It was even featured in Life magazine.

Sports fans were emphatic over the years on their pick for the city’s top team: the Colorado Spring Sky Sox. So many

Triple-A players toiled on the local diamond in hopes of making it to the big leagues for the Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers. How special it was to watch players who later would become stars, including Jim Thome, Albert Belle, Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, Nolan Arenado and newest Hall of Famer Todd Helton. The Sky Sox left town after the 2018 season.

Two other past winners in Best of the Springs that have ceased operations are The Peak Theater, which opened in the 1930s and later became Peak Three Theater, and Schoch’s Hardware in Old Colorado City. Locals knew they could walk into the cluttered shop with the most unlikely requests — a particular nail, wrench or whatever — and find success. From 1950 to 1996, Ed Schoch and his wife, Edna, built a very grateful base of customers.

So many others were part of the inaugural Best of the Springs and are still busy 30 years later, even as the area has grown from 350,000-plus to 700,000. Here are a few: Arcade Amusements, home of the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs, won the category for best time warp then and remains a classic now. Same holds true for the fried chicken at Juniper Valley Ranch. And don’t forget about the region’s best tourist attraction in that first edition: May Natural History Museum.

In 1994, the pizza of choice was Billy’s Old World Pizza, still being served up. Best donut honors went to The Donut Mill in Woodland Park, a perennial fave along with fellow winners Panino’s, Uwe’s German Restaurant, Mountain Chalet and Old Town Bike Shop. And that list also includes La Casita Mexican Grill, Senor Manuel Mexican Cuisine, Poor Richard’s Books & Gifts, Josh & John’s, Cheers Liquor Mart and so many more.

The 30th anniversary of Best of the Springs was a perfect time to recall special memories about our city, and there are new ones being added in this year’s magazine.

THE FIRST EDITION 1995

city life recreation &

Welcome to community.

a welcoming

Voted #1 in the Best Colorado Springs Neighborhood category by Gazette readers, Wolf Ranch stands out as a warm and welcoming community. For twenty years, each phase of our master-planned community has been thoughtfully executed to blend everyday-living with the natural beauty of Colorado Springs. Wolf Ranch residents enjoy ample opportunities to delight in the outdoors via a network of parks, trails, and open spaces.

What is it like to live here? Wolf Ranch is more than just a neighborhood; it's a community that fosters connections through family-friendly events and activities promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

Looking for upscale living? You will find Wolf Ranch delivers with our diverse range of new homes. Each home is crafted with a focus on natural lighting, comfortable living spaces, and energy efficiency. You can explore available homes for sale on wolf-ranch.com.

Wolf Ranch is not only a place with stunning mountain views and beautiful homes; it is a vibrant community with a Colorado way of life.

EXPERT picks

Staying active is not a difficult task when so much fun awaits out your door.

pick

QUAIL LAKE PARK

915 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/ quail-lake-park

W hether you want to spend the day stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, Quail Lake Park in southwest Colorado Springs is the place to go for an outdoor adventure. The scenic park offers a 1-mile trail for jogging, walking and biking that loops the 22-acre lake. This park also includes a basketball court, two sand volleyball courts and a fun playground for children. If you’re hungry, take note that Quail Lake is an ideal location for a summertime picnic with the family.

For being the Pikes Peak region’s second-most iconic peak, I’m always kind of surprised to be alone on trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. And I’m always kind of not surprised. After all, it costs to enter the park ($10 vehicle pass) while there are so many great free sites around town — which are also way busier. Just saying: Don’t overlook the state park and its wide array of trails, including Dixon Trail toward the mountaintop.

Seth’s pick

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

410 JL Ranch Heights Road cpw.state.co.us

I love birds with a passion. I also love other people who love birds. So the annual Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival is like my Valentine’s Day. The May event features field trips, workshops, seminars and more for serious birders and bird-curious newbies. In the festival’s history, field trip attendees have come in contact with 264 species, including last year’s new additions: purple finch, Baltimore oriole, great egret and blue-winged warbler. PIKES PEAK BIRDING AND NATURE FESTIVAL

May 16-19 pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org Jen’s pick

Jerry’s pick

ROCK LEDGE RANCH HISTORIC SITE

3105 Gateway Road rockledgeranch.com

Shhh. We’ll let you in on a lesserknown and easy way into Garden of the Gods for a quick hike — and it comes with other perks. You can avoid the swarms of tourists at the main entrance by parking at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. Then embark on your trek by strolling through the ranch to several trails. When not hiking, you can experience Rock Ledge as a living history museum that plays host to numerous events including a Family Fourth of July celebration.

THANK YOU Colorado Springs

PROUDLY VOTED BEST:

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the opportunity to contribute to the growth and beauty of this amazing city by providing top-quality homes.

At Challenger Homes, we are dedicated to not only building houses but creating homes where memories are made, families thrive, and dreams come true. This recognition in the "Best of the Springs" reaffirms our dedication to delivering unparalleled service and exceptional living experiences.

EXPERT picks

Teresa’s pick

ROADHOUSE CINEMAS

3030 N. Nevada Ave.

roadhousecinemas.com

RoadHouse Cinemas is an excellent spot for a movie and dining experience. The impressive menu boasts loads of creative dishes you can enjoy in semi-darkness with a full bar featuring high-quality wines, local craft beers and specialty drinks. Not in the mood for a full meal? Go for the giant bowl of gourmet popcorn. A cost-effective tip for regulars: Spring for the annual loyalty T-shirt and wear it (or bring it with you) for free bags of any flavor of popcorn for a year.

Growing up, pool days were adventurous, exciting and the source for a slew of great memories. I want nothing less for my children, and that’s why our family visits VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa. With six indoor waterslides, an indoor aquatic fun zone, and a series of outdoor pools and slides in the summer, there’s never a dull moment. When not with family, I love the hot tub inside the men’s locker room, with the day’s best sporting contest playing on a nearby TV.

Hugh’s pick

VILLASPORT ATHLETIC CLUB AND SPA 5904 Prairie Schooner Drive villasport.com/colorado-springs

CELEBRITY picks

Stratton Open Space

1504 Ridgeway Ave.

“I love South Suburban Reservoir at Stratton Open Space. I always had a dog, and it’s a retriever heaven. I can’t tell you how many smiles I see with the owners who just love to have a place where their dogs can get in the water.”

– RICHARD SKORMAN

Colorado Springs resident since 1970, owner of Poor Richard’s Bookstore with 30-plus years in public service, including recently as City Council president pro tem

WINNERS

BATHROOM

GOLD: KUM & GO multiple locations kumandgo.com

SILVER: BANCROFT PARK BRONZE: LA BURLA BEE

BED AND BREAKFAST

GOLD: BLACK FOREST LODGE 11170 Black Forest Road, 800-401-2856 blackforestbb.com

SILVER: HOLDEN HOUSE 1902 BED & BREAKFAST INN

BOWLING ALLEY

GOLD: HARMONY BOWL 3845 N. Academy Blvd., 719-591-1000 harmony-bowl.com

SILVER: MAIN EVENT BRONZE: KING PIN LANES

CLIMBING WALL

GOLD: CITYROCK 21 N. Nevada Ave., 719-634-9099 climbcityrock.com

SILVER: GRIPSTONE CLIMBING & FITNESS BRONZE: SPRINGS CLIMBING CENTER

COLORADO SKI AREA

GOLD: BRECKENRIDGE RESORT 970-453-5000 breckenridge.com

SILVER: MONARCH MOUNTAIN BRONZE (TIE): COPPER MOUNTAIN, KEYSTONE RESORT

BEST IMPRESSIVE OUTING GOLD

Following Charles Elliott Perkins’ death in 1907, his magical land of red rocks overlooked by Pikes Peak was donated to Colorado Springs on terms that it “shall remain free to the public.”

Garden of the Gods is a gift that keeps on giving.

It gives in economic terms. Commissioned by Garden of the Gods Foundation, a recent report found the park’s 4.5 million annual visitors impacted the local economy to the tune of $272 million each year. In 2022, the Garden contributed to 4,055 jobs in the region, spelling a total employment-related income of $158 million, that report found.

We feel it with every view of the incredible outcrops: Kissing Camels, Siamese Twins, Balanced Rock and, of course, those Gateway formations defining the park’s picture-perfect core. We look one way to Pikes Peak, another way to Cheyenne Mountain. We might just spot the iconic residents, those beautiful bighorn sheep. GARDEN OF THE GODS 1805 N. 30th St. gardenofgods.com

IT’S YOUR BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD

Explore it

BY SETH BOSTER seth.boster@gazette.com

When it comes to quality of life rankings, national publications consistently give high marks to Colorado Springs. As to why, look west.

There looms Pikes Peak, spotted below by Garden of the Gods and more geologic wonder in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, all against foothills littered with cherished parks and open spaces. You can look the other direction, too: craggy bluffs, woods and meadows forming the nature escapes we love close to downtown.

This is what sets such a growing metro apart. It’s the opportunity to immerse in wild places, and then minutes later to enjoy the food, drink and other spoils of a city.

We delight in trail runs and bike rides before and after work. Come the weekend, our choices are endless. That’s the hard part: deciding where to go.

Allow us to guide you on a few trails we love, covering different parts of the city:

ST. MARY’S FALLS

In North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Helen Hunt Falls is the easy waterfall of choice, with a parking lot situated at its base. During summer, tourists flock there, while locals embark on a trip with greater

reward. Such is the promise of St. Mary’s Falls, the cascade hiding in the park’s outer boundaries, tucked amid the rocks and trees of Pike National Forest.

Start from North Cheyenne Cañon’s uppermost “hub” parking lot, where Gold Camp Road meets High Drive. Be sure to arrive early in summer months as parking

Continued on page 42

TEMPLETON TRAIL IN PALMER PARK

GRANITE OUTCROPS, ST. MARY’S FALLS

All aboard the most state-of-the-art cog railway in the world. While the entire experience of riding the railway has been enhanced, the journey itself and the iconic, breathtaking views as you ride to the summit of America’s Mountain remain the same. Visit cograilway.com to purchase your e-ticket today.

spots fill quickly. Plus, you’ll want to give yourself time on the rather arduous trip before afternoon storms develop.

The masses on foot and wheels converge on Gold Camp Road, with plenty of side paths along the way to break up crowds. Fewer go the full length, to where the road ends near a historic tunnel. At an overlook of the city, the trail to St. Mary’s Falls starts, narrowing in the fragrant forest of pine and aspen.

We found the falls marked as 1.6 miles — an underestimation according to our tracker. The trail follows the melodious creek, a soothing stretch before a harsh ascent.

Our tracker read 2.37 miles at a split; go right uphill, ambling over log steps. The thin trail climbs along a hillside with views of steep slopes and granite promontories.

A post points right for a wilder trip to Mount Rosa, several miles away. Continue straight to the base of the falls. Some ascend over rocks to the top of the cascade, but this is a slippery, dangerous proposition.

Trip log: 6.3 miles, 1,316 feet elevation gain, 8,849 feet max

Difficulty: Difficult

Getting there: From the main entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon Park, drive about 3 miles to upper parking lot.

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 1April 30; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May 1-Oct. 31. Recommended for hiking only. Icy in winter; bring traction.

RATTLESNAKE RIDGE

Along the upper reaches of Ute Valley Park, it’s easy to appreciate this wild parcel on the city’s north side. It’s easy because the wildness appears in such stark contrast to the views of the neighborhoods. Houses can be seen all around before breaking here at this preserve of meadows, woods, side canyons and rock outcrops.

Yes, gratitude arrives to one along a higher trail. The trail, for instance, along Rattlesnake Ridge. This is the long, rocky spine defining the park view from the Vindicator trailhead. A warning: The ridge is known to live up to its name, particularly in summer, when snakes are

most active. Be especially aware if you plan to bring a dog.

Facing the ridge from the parking lot on this visit, we went right — opposite of the foot bridge and pond — taking the wide trail trending northwest toward the view of pointy, unmistakable Blodgett Peak. The trail parallels Vindicator Drive before escaping up a steep, rocky hill.

At the top, spot the slim trail switchbacking to your left. It enters the trees, swooping down rocks and roots. For mountain bikers, the park classifies the bumpy trail as black diamond.

At a split, we took the upper path to the right. The trail exits the woods for open air, with clear, closer views of Rattlesnake’s craggy crown. At just shy of a mile, the path roams on to more trail connections. We opted to descend at last visit. Our tracker read 1.26 miles when we reached the wide return path, going left. This borders a side canyon, affording more views below. At the bottom “Y,” hang a right back to the parking lot.

ALONG RATTLESNAKE RIDGE TRAIL IN UTE VALLEY

Trip log: 2 miles, 208 feet elevation gain

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Getting there: From Interstate 25, take exit for Woodmen Road. Drive west on Woodmen/Rockrimmon Boulevard. Turn right on Vindicator Drive and continue to trailhead parking lot.

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 1-April 30; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May 1-Oct. 31. Multi-use, non-motorized trails. Dogs on leash. Icy in winter; bring traction.

TEMPLETON TRAIL

Colorado Springs founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer would be proud of his namesake park — a rugged paradise of colorful bluffs, thick forests and mesa tops, feeling far removed from the city yet located near the heart of it.

By our estimate, there’s no greater tour of the park than Templeton Trail.

We will do our best with directions, but anyone familiar with Palmer Park knows the trail system can be confusing. Recent years have seen the additions of directional signs. The paths tend to come together, ensuring one is never truly lost. And, after all, we’re in the middle of the city.

When

it comes to quality of life rankings, national publications consistently give high marks to Colorado Springs. As to why, look west.

At the Yucca Flats parking lot, you’re already spoiled with an amazing view of Pikes Peak. On this trip, we started on the wide path on the north side of the lot and turned right for Templeton. It’s marked with double black diamonds — a fair warning for mountain bikers. Pinon and juniper soon clear for a jumble of rock outcrops and hoodoos. Upper and lower paths converge at the trail continuing into tall woods.

Stay straight at the next four-way and straight again at the next split. Templeton follows a ridge featuring a buffet of vistas: Mount Herman to the north, Cheyenne Mountain to the south, Mount Rosa and Garden of the Gods in between. On a clear day, the Spanish Peaks are spotted far south.

The trail continues beside massive rock walls and upward over more rocks. Our tracker read 2.3 miles when we came to a post pointing left for Templeton. We veered right at the next post and stayed straight at the next. Near 3 1/2 miles at a “T,” we hung left, following the trail back to the parking lot.

Trip log: 4.26 miles, 348 feet elevation gain

Difficulty: Easy/moderate on foot, technical for bike

Getting there: At park entrance on Maizeland Road, stay left at the “Y” for Lazy Land and follow to Yucca Flats parking lot. FYI: Park closes at 9 p.m. year-round. Multi-use, nonmotorized trails. Dogs on leash. Icy in winter; bring traction.

— Seth Boster

ST. MARY’S FALLS, NORTH CHEYENNE CAÑON PARK

DOG PARK

GOLD: BEAR CREEK DOG PARK 21st and West Rio Grande streets 719-520-7529 communityservices.elpasoco.com

SILVER: FOX RUN DOG PARK BRONZE: RAMPART DOG PARK

FITNESS CLASSES

GOLD: ORANGETHEORY FITNESS multiple locations orangetheory.com

SILVER: CAMBIO YOGA BRONZE: TRAIN WITH JOE

FUN WAY TO SUPPORT CHARITY

GOLD: ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING WHINE AND CHEESE 410 1/2 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-6460 haveanicedog.org

SILVER: BEAR RUN, BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER BRONZE: HOMES FOR DOGS, COLDWELL BANKER BEYOND

GOLF COURSE

GOLD: PATTY JEWETT GOLF COURSE 900 E. Espanola St., 719-385-6934 coloradosprings.gov/pattyjewett

SILVER: THE CLUB AT FLYING HORSE BRONZE: EISENHOWER GOLF CLUB

WINNERS

GYM/HEALTH CLUB

GOLD: BRIARGATE YMCA 4025 Family Place, 719-282-9622 ppymca.org/locations/north/briargate

SILVER (TIE): ORANGETHEORY FITNESS, VILLASPORT ATHLETIC CLUB AND SPA

HOTEL

GOLD: THE BROADMOOR 1 Lake Ave., 800-755-5011 broadmoor.com

SILVER: GLEN EYRIE CASTLE BRONZE: BUFFALO LODGE BICYCLE RESORT

IMPRESSIVE OUTING

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: FLYING W RANCH BRONZE: CAVE OF THE WINDS MOUNTAIN PARK

LUNCHTIME/ AFTER-WORK HIKE

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: FOUNTAIN CREEK REGIONAL PARK BRONZE: PALMER PARK

MARTIAL ARTS

GOLD: ACADEMY OF LIFE AND LEADERSHIP TAEKWONDO 1710 Briargate Blvd., #749 719-260-4700 family-taekwondo.com

SILVER: TRAIN WITH JOE BRONZE: 3T MARTIAL ARTS

GLOSSY TABLOID

SILVER

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION

610 Abbot Lane, 719-473-1741

hsppr.org

BEST ORGANIZATION FOR WHICH TO VOLUNTEER

It’s safe to say that Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region plays a key role in the community. During the past two years alone, more than 27,000 animals found new homes thanks to the agency’s efforts.

HSPPR took in or cared for more than 28,000 animals last year. While dogs and cats made up the bulk of that figure, there were also guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, fish and turtles. That total includes pets that are owner surrenders, pets that are found as strays and returned to their owners, and pets that come into the clinic or receive veterinary services. The average length of stay for an animal is eight days, which includes a five-day, mandatory stray wait for families to find their lost pets.

The locally owned, independent nonprofit was founded in 1949 and is the largest welfare group for homeless and abused animals in southern Colorado, according to public relations manager Cody Costra. A nd it’s not just an animal shelter. The agency also provides animal cruelty investigations, a trap-and-neuter program for feral cats, microchipping, spay and neuter services, and vet services.

W hile the nonprofit doesn’t operate like a typical veterinary clinic, it does provide low-cost wellness exams, vaccines and more.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

GOLD: PINERIES OPEN SPACE 13201 Vollmer Road communityservices.elpasoco.com

NEIGHBORHOOD

GOLD: OLD COLORADO CITY shopoldcoloradocity.com

SILVER: PATTY JEWETT BRONZE: FLYING HORSE

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

GOLD: BEAR CREEK REGIONAL PARK 21st Street, 719-520-7529 communityservices.elpasoco.com

SILVER: PANORAMA PARK BRONZE: FLYING HORSE

NONPROFIT

GOLD: ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING 410 1/2 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-6460 haveanicedog.org

SILVER: TRI-LAKES CARES BRONZE: ACADEMY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE (ACT II)

ORGANIZATION FOR WHICH TO VOLUNTEER

GOLD: CARE AND SHARE FOOD BANK FOR SOUTHERN COLORADO 2605 Preamble Point, 719-528-1247 careandshare.org

FEATURED ON THIS PAGE

SILVER: HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION BRONZE: ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING

WINNERS

PARK

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: PALMER PARK BRONZE: FOX RUN REGIONAL PARK

PERSON WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE

GOLD: LAUREN FOX, ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING

410 1/2 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-6460 haveanicedog.org

SILVER: SGT. JASON NEWTON, COLORADO SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT BRONZE: STACIE WYATT, EMBRACING SPIRIT YOGA

PERSONAL TRAINER

GOLD: JOE RAMIREZ 4835 Barnes Road, 719-229-2639 trainwithjoe.com

SILVER: KELLEY MILLSAP BRONZE: CONNIE FREW

PLACE TO DO PILATES

GOLD: YMCA multiple locations ppymca.org

SILVER: CORE COLLECTIVE BRONZE: CLUB PILATES

PLACE TO DO YOGA

GOLD (TIE): CAMBIO YOGA, HIPPIE SOUL YOGA cambioyoga.com hippiesoulyogastudio.com

BRONZE: ZENNER YOGA & HEALING

PLACE TO GAZE AT PIKES PEAK

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: MESA OVERLOOK BRONZE: FOUNTAIN CREEK NATURE CENTER

PLACE TO PROPOSE

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: PAINT MINES INTERPRETIVE PARK BRONZE (TIE): PIKES PEAK, CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

SWIMMING POOL

GOLD: YMCA multiple locations ppymca.org

SILVER: VILLASPORT ATHLETIC CLUB AND SPA BRONZE: LIFE TIME

TRAIL

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS gardenofgods.com

SILVER: SEVEN BRIDGES TRAIL BRONZE: FOUNTAIN CREEK NATURE CENTER

VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

GOLD: RED LEG BREWING CO. 2323 Garden of the Gods Road 719-598-3776 redlegbrewing.com

SILVER: 1350 DISTILLING BRONZE: SPRINGS ARMORY

familyhealth &

EXPERT picks

So many people and places to keep you happy and healthy throughout the year.

pick

LOST ISLAND ADVENTURE PARK

1825 Dominion Way lostislandminigolf.com

Ever wonder if you have what it takes to be an American Ninja Warrior? At Lost Island Adventure Park, you can put your skills to the test. Lost Island has an outdoor ninja warrior course that makes for a memorable family outing.

The park also has two mini golf courses and an outdoor inflatable park. For adults looking to have some extra fun, Lost Island has a tiki bar serving Long Island Iced Teas, margaritas and more.

When we think of Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs and Steamboat Springs, we think of hot springs. Not so much in Colorado Springs, named for the deep, mineral-rich springs of Manitou. We do indeed have a fine soaking option there in town: SunWater Spa, with steaming, cedar tubs on decks with views of Pikes Peak and the foothills. The water is drawn from 7 Minute Spring, a long-held source for healing.

pick

SUNWATER SPA 514 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs sunwaterspa.com

Gigi Turner has a way with sound that will transport you to another galaxy. Once you close your eyes at Singing Bowls of the Rockies, Turner will lull you into a trance by playing from an array of more than 70 crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, flutes, rain sticks, drums, gongs and other instruments from around the world. No two hour-long sound baths are the same. And she offers a variety of themes.

76 S. Sierra Madre St., Suite C singingbowlsoftherockies.com Jen’s pick

SINGING BOWLS OF THE ROCKIES

Jerry’s pick

ARCADE AMUSEMENTS

930 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs weknowcolorado.com/penny-arcade/

Stroll into Arcade Amusements in Manitou Springs and take a step back in time. The series of downtown buildings are filled with hundreds of arcade games, some dating to the 1930s. The iconic Penny Arcade is home to 20 pinball machines and even more racing games. Don’t skip Skeeball and the Arcade Derby. It’s a great place to unwind with family and linger at the many nearby dining and drink options.

Teresa’s pick

For your child’s or grandchild’s playdates and birthday parties, choose Play Street Museum, where children can have a blast exploring the Great Outdoors through interactive exhibits and educational play space. The adventure begins with kid-themed activities, as they can imagine adventures in a tree house and campsite. Besides being an ultimate play station, Play Street Museum also offers field trips. PLAY STREET MUSEUM

7075 Austin Bluffs Parkway coloradosprings.playstreetmuseum.com

While some of the magic is seasonal, The North Pole-Santa’s Workshop is fun for several months of the year. My children enjoy the Tilt-A-Whirl, Sky Ride, Candy Cane Coaster and MiniHimalaya. Of course, during one of the many days of sunshine in the holiday season, a visit to see Santa is tradition with a couple of scoops of ice cream to follow. Don’t forget about the petting zoo, live shows and village shops.

Men of Influence

t hemenofinfluence.com

“I’ve become a member of a group called Men of Influence. Pro-education, anti-gang, antiviolence organization put together to be men of influence, whether it’s through churches or schools or even on the streets to handle conflict in a better way. Dealing with art and music and celebrating local businesses, and really just personifying that title, Men of Influence.”

– TONY EXUM JR.

Colorado Springs native, internationally known and charttopping saxophonist, host of Jazz 93.5 FM

THE NORTH POLE-SANTA’S WORKSHOP

5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade northpolecolorado.com Hugh’s pick

CELEBRITY picks

WINNERS

ACUPUNCTURIST

GOLD: PEACEFUL POINTS ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBS 5265 N. Academy Blvd., 719-291-4006 peacefulpoints.com

SILVER: NAWEI’S ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC BRONZE: MOUNTAIN VIEW PAIN CENTER

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

GOLD: ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE (ACT) 481 Windchime Place, 719-331-2434 actcolorado.net

SILVER: YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY BRONZE: J & J HIP HOP DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS CO.

ALLERGIST

GOLD: COLORADO ENT & ALLERGY 719-867-7800 coloradoent.com

SILVER: DR. CHRISTOPHER WEBBER BRONZE: ALLIGATOR ALLERGY & ASTHMA

AUDIOLOGY PRACTICE

GOLD: APEX AUDIOLOGY 1902 W. Colorado Ave., #110 719-247-9000 apexaudiology.com

SILVER: ELITE HEARING OF COLORADO SPRINGS BRONZE: COLORADO ENT & ALLERGY

AMADA SENIOR CARE 1605 Elm Creek View, #100 719-377-9121

BEST IN-HOME CARE PROVIDER BRONZE

amadaseniorcare.com /colorado-springs-senior-care

When local seniors need an extra hand, be assured that Amada Senior Care is waiting and ready to help.

Owned by Ken Jenson, the Colorado Springs branch provides assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, errands and other non-medical help. The goal of Amada extends beyond just caregiving, with hopes of supporting clients’ families.

Services are available to those across the Pikes Peak region, including in Monument, Stratmoor, Cimarron Hills, Gleneagle and Black Forest. The home help agency has been honored by readers in Best of the Springs several times for its quality of care.

Amada Senior Care designs custom plans to assist people in a variety of situations with different budgets and needs. If more support becomes necessary for clients, Amada does offer senior housing recommendations for assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and Alzheimer/dementia communities.

CHIROPRACTOR

GOLD: WOW FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

5550 Tech Center Drive, #310 719-627-4969 wowfamilychiropractic.com

SILVER: TRUE NORTH HEALTH CENTER BRONZE: AXON HEALTH

COLLEGE FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE

GOLD: PIKES PEAK STATE COLLEGE

5675 S. Academy Blvd., 719-520-2000 pikespeak.edu

COLLEGE FOR BACHELOR’S OR MASTER’S DEGREE

GOLD: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

COLORADO SPRINGS

1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway 719-255-8227 uccs.edu

SILVER: COLORADO COLLEGE BRONZE: COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

CONTINUING EDUCATION

GOLD: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

COLORADO SPRINGS 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway 719-255-8227 uccs.edu

SILVER: PIKES PEAK STATE COLLEGE BRONZE: ARAPAHOE FLIGHT CLUB

WINNERS

DAY CARE CENTER

GOLD: ONCE UPON A CHILDCARE

625 Popes Bluff, 719-465-1342 2110 Vickers Drive, 719-375-3927 onceuponachildcare.com

SILVER: YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY BRONZE: LITTLE SUNSHINE’S PLAYHOUSE & PRESCHOOL

DAY TRIP

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road 719-633-9925 cmzoo.org

SILVER: PAINT MINES INTERPRETIVE PARK BRONZE: CAVE OF THE WINDS MOUNTAIN PARK

DENTAL PRACTICE

GOLD: SPRINGS DENTISTRY 6665 Delmonico Drive, Suite C 719-599-5700 springsdentistry.com

SILVER: COLORADO DENTAL GROUP BRONZE: SPRUCE DENTAL

DENTISTRY FOR KIDS

GOLD: SIMPLY KIDS DENTAL 1910 Vindicator Drive, #103 719-598-5437 simplykidsdental.com

SILVER: KIDS ROCK DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS BRONZE: SMILE ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GOLD: CHINOOK TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 11795 Grand Lawn Circle, 719-234-5700 chinooktrail.asd20.org

SILVER: BEAR CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BRONZE: THOMAS MACLAREN SCHOOL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR

GOLD: MARY VALENTINE, THOMAS MACLAREN SCHOOL maclarenschool.org

SILVER: ALEX MOONEY, BANNING LEWIS RANCH ACADEMY BRONZE: NICOLE COLBERT, FOOTHILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EYE CARE

GOLD: ROCKRIMMON VISION SOURCE 6005 Delmonico Drive, #140 719-522-9393 visionsource-rockrimmonvision.com

SILVER: EYE ASSOCIATES OF COLORADO SPRINGS BRONZE: ABBA EYE CARE

FAMILY FUN CENTER

GOLD: LOST ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF & ADVENTURE PARK 1825 Dominion Way, 719-599-3466 lostislandminigolf.com

SILVER: URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & ADVENTURE PARK BRONZE: OVERDRIVE RACEWAY

GOLD

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road 719-633-9925 | cmzoo.org

BEST PLACE FOR A FIELD TRIP

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, built on 146 acres at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, isn’t just beloved by locals. It’s now been voted as a top 10 zoo in North America for eight straight years in USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards.

Rocky Mountain Wild, an area with grizzlies, mountain lions, moose, lynx and wolves, this year was voted second best exhibit in North America by USA Today’s readers.

Visitors can see a variety of animals up close during daily demonstrations, as keepers feed penguins and wolves, train Hoosier the barn owl and a trio of striped skunks, and introduce the hippos and primates. A nd don’t forget the giraffes.

Make time to see these four species:

• Mountain tapir: Mochi, a 24-year-old mountain tapir, is one of only four in the U.S.

• Abyssinian ground hornbill: Petrie and Layla are gorgeous, charismatic birds with grandiose beaks who steal things from one visitor and re-gift them to another.

• Common warthog: There couldn’t be a sweeter, sillier scamp of a warthog than Alex. Keepers say the 5-year-old has developed a big fan club.

• Mexican wolves: Stoic and elusive, the five wolves are kept as wild as possible and cannot see visitors through their exhibit’s one-way glass.

FEATURED ON THIS PAGE

FIELD TRIP

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road 719-633-9925 cmzoo.org

SILVER: BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER BRONZE: CAVE OF THE WINDS MOUNTAIN PARK

HIGH SCHOOL

GOLD: AIR ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 6910 Carlton Drive, 719-234-2400 airacademy.asd20.org

SILVER: THOMAS MACLAREN SCHOOL BRONZE: PINE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL COACH

GOLD: WES MCKENZIE, BANNING LEWIS RANCH ACADEMY blracademy.org

SILVER (TIE): HANNAH SNOW, DOHERTY HIGH SCHOOL; KC BONNIN, VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR

GOLD: JOANN CASSANO, AIR ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL airacademy.asd20.org

SILVER: KRASI DASKALOV, CIVA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL BRONZE: SIMON WALKER, FOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL

VISITORS CAN ENJOY INTERACTIVE GIRAFFE EXHIBIT

WINNERS

HOLISTIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

GOLD: HOPE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

4850 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-466-6800 hope4wellness.com

SILVER: TRUE NORTH HEALTH CENTER BRONZE: AMAZING MEDS

HOME CARE COMPANY

GOLD: THE INDEPENDENCE CENTER

729 S. Tejon St., 719-471-8181 theindependencecenter.org

SILVER: GENTLE SHEPHERD HOME CARE BRONZE: AMADA SENIOR CARE

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

GOLD: AMAZING MEDS 5777 N. Academy Blvd., 719-266-5800 amazing-meds.com

SILVER: FLYING HORSE MEDICAL CENTER

ICE RINK

GOLD: SERTICH ICE CENTER 1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 719-385-5983 coloradosprings.gov/sertich

SILVER: ED ROBSON ARENA BRONZE: CADET ICE ARENA

IN-HOME CARE PROVIDER

GOLD: THE INDEPENDENCE CENTER

729 S. Tejon St., 719-471-8181 theindependencecenter.org

SILVER: AXON HEALTH BRONZE (TIE): GENTLE SHEPHERD HOME CARE, AMADA SENIOR CARE

• Customized Hearing Aid technology

• Cutting Edge Tinnitus Solutions

• Auditory Processing Testing

• Hearing Aid Repairs

• Hearing Aid Programing

• Hearing Testing

ELITE HEARING

Cutting-Edge Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions 4195 Centennial Blvd

MASSAGE THERAPY

GOLD: UNLIMITED BODYWORK multiple locations unlimitedbodywork.com

SILVER: WHOLISTIC HEALING EXPERIENCES BRONZE: HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA

MEDICAL PRACTICE

GOLD: COLORADO SPRINGS ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP 1259 Lake Plaza Drive, #100 719-632-7669 csog.net

SILVER: ALLIANCE URGENT CARE & FAMILY PRACTICE BRONZE: MATTHEWS-VU MEDICAL GROUP

MEDICAL SPA

GOLD: MONUMENTAL MED SPA 88 Colorado 105, Palmer Lake 719-271-0999 monumentalmedspa.com

SILVER: FLYING HORSE MEDICAL CENTER BRONZE: GENESIS MEDSPA

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

GOLD: AFFORDABLE MEDICAL SUPPLY 1833 N. Circle Drive, 719-632-4036 affordablemedmart.com

SILVER: AUDUBON ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC SERVICES BRONZE (TIE): AEROCARE,

LEADING — with love

By Nina K. Glaser nina.glaser@gazette.com

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission to empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow while honoring the trust placed in us by the community. ” “

— Haley Chapin,

executive director of Tri-Lakes Cares

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado and Tri-Lakes Cares are no strangers to Best of the Springs. The organizations, with boundless public spirit and compassion, are regular honorees in the annual magazine and also among 20 local health and human service agencies helping the community as partners of the Gazette Charities Foundation | El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund.

They are on the front lines, day in and day out, providing assistance to people in crisis and helping individuals attain self-sufficiency. Through years of challenges and changes, Tri-Lakes Cares and Care and Share have remained creative and enthusiastic, building relationships and reputations of respect.

Tri-Lakes Cares does what its name implies, offering valuable services such as assistance with food, finances, transportation and medical needs. The organization’s story is as evolutionary as the clients who walk through its doors. The well-rounded community resource center in Monument focuses on generational and situational poverty, meeting people where they are to fulfill a mission.

“As we commemorate our 40th anniversary, we take pride in our growth from a simple food pantry to a multifaceted community service organization,” says Haley Chapin, executive director of Tri-Lakes Cares. “Our commitment has been unwavering, adapting over the years to the core purpose of preventing homelessness.”

Nobody expects to have to choose between paying rent, putting food on the table or being able to pick up a prescription. Yet it happens often, and Tri-Lakes Cares is there to help fill financial gaps with:

• Food For All — providing food along with household and personal hygiene supplies.

• Housing Helping Hand — assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities payments as well as home repair costs.

• Keep It Moving — help with car repairs and oil changes, and providing gas cards or bus tickets.

• Health and Well-Being Connection — assistance with prescriptions, co-pays and referrals as well as offer financial help for medical, dental and vision, mental health referrals and loans for medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, crutches, canes, etc.).

• Community Resources — budget counseling, financial guidance and more, including school supplies and holiday programs.

Additionally, the organization’s “Secret to a Better Life” eight-day self-sufficiency program combines selfexamination and skill building in communication, goal setting, negotiation skills, public speaking, social skills and time management, and “Books for Kids” provides low-income children with monthly age-appropriate

COURTESY OF TRI-LAKES CARES

reading material to help them develop reading skills. The impact of TLC is a testament to the teamwork of staff and volunteers and the support of the community, Chapin says. “As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission to empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow while honoring the trust placed in us by the community.”

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado was incorporated in 1974, two years after Sister Dominique Pisciotta and five local church volunteers started to plant its roots to fight food insecurity. Today, 70 employees and 8,000 volunteers contributing 47,000plus hours of service provide tens of millions of pounds of food to more than 290 partners in 29 southern Colorado counties.

From soup kitchens and food pantries to community centers, schools and emergency shelters, Care and Share ensures nutritious food reaches everyone in need. Plus, mobile markets, mobile pantries and Sunny Side Markets serve communities where access to grocery stores and other food resources is limited, offering dignified shopping experiences.

The numbers from 2023 speak for themselves:

• Food distributed — 22.6 million pounds

• Meals provided — 19 million

• Neighbors nourished — 256,740

Volunteers are the heart of Care and Share’s daily mission. Individuals as young as 9 can help sort nutritious food that arrives from donations, suppliers, community partners and federal programs.

“Care and Share Food Bank is grateful for the recognition in Best of the Springs as it shows our communities commitment to providing food security across southern Colorado,” says Nate Springer, president and CEO of Care and Share. “We could not do this important work without our loyal and committed volunteers, our passionate hunger relief partners, food and fund donors, and dedicated staff.”

Self-sufficiency and self-responsibility are the watchwords of the nonprofits in Colorado Springs and the foundations that support them.

Gazette Charities Foundation, an affiliate of The Anschutz Foundation, serves El Paso and Teller counties, supporting the efforts of organizations that sustain — and improve — the quality of life for our friends and neighbors. The foundation’s five areas of focus include health and human services, public life initiatives, youth and education, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives.

Care and Share Food Bank is grateful for the recognition in Best of the Springs as it shows our communities commitment to providing food security across southern Colorado.

—Nate Springer, president and CEO of Care and Share

WINNERS

MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

GOLD: HEART TO HEART COUNSELING CENTER

720 Elkton Drive, #100, 719-278-3708 drdougweiss.com

SILVER: BREAKTHROUGH NEUROFEEDBACK

BRONZE: GERALD SANDEFORD

MIDDLE SCHOOL

GOLD: EAGLEVIEW

MIDDLE SCHOOL

1325 Vindicator Drive, 719-234-3400 eagleview.asd20.org

SILVER: THOMAS MACLAREN SCHOOL

BRONZE: SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR

GOLD: JAIMA SALAGOVIC, EAGLEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

SILVER: JILL CARR, BANNING LEWIS RANCH ACADEMY BRONZE: KELCI DEAL, JENKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL

ORTHODONTICS

GOLD: SMILE ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 9334 Grand Cordera Parkway 719-767-1985 mysmilehq.com

SILVER: BAILEY ORTHODONTICS

BRONZE (TIE): JOHNSON ORTHODONTICS, RANGEWOOD ORTHODONTICS

n Northeast Clinic: 719-574-3111, 5980 Stetson Hills Blvd., #100, CSC

n Central Clinic: 719-574-8761, 3854 Village Seven Rd., CSC

n Downtown Clinic: 719-344-5189, 1715 N Weber St #300 CSC

n South Clinic: 719-358-8885, 115 Fontaine Blvd., CSC strivept.net

24/7 access to YOUR pediatrician

In-home visits, messaging & telemedicine when convenient.

Proactive approach to wellness and illness management.

Fewer disruptions to your schedule and save time and money avoiding urgent care and ER visits.

Lifelong relationship with your kind, compassionate, & qualified pediatrician.

We

ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE

GOLD: COLORADO SPRINGS ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP 1259 Lake Plaza Drive, #100 719-632-7669 csog.net

SILVER: COLORADO CENTER OF ORTHOPAEDIC EXCELLENCE BRONZE: COLORADO ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS

OTOLARYNGOLOGY PRACTICE

GOLD: COLORADO ENT & ALLERGY multiple locations, 719-867-7800 coloradoent.com

SILVER: COLORADO SPRINGS EAR ASSOCIATES

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

GOLD: MILESTONE PEDIATRICS 719-800-7421 milestonepedsconcierge.com

SILVER: IRON HORSE PEDIATRICS BRONZE: MATTHEWS-VU MEDICAL GROUP

PHYSICAL THERAPY

GOLD: STRIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY multiple locations, 719-574-3111 strivept.net

SILVER: COLORADO SPRINGS ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP BRONZE: HOPE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

Dr. Laura Carson & Dr. LuAnne Sperando

The orthopedic practice that Colorado Springs residents have come to know and trust now has a new name. The physicians of Colorado Orthopedic Specialists will continue to provide the same exceptional care to everyone in this community. We are committed to keeping our neighbors active and free from pain.

PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY

GOLD: LOST ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF & ADVENTURE PARK 1825 Dominion Way, 719-599-3466 lostislandminigolf.com

SILVER: URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & ADVENTURE PARK BRONZE: AHA! ESCAPE ROOMS

PRESCHOOL

GOLD: CALVARY PRESCHOOL 4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite A 719-599-5437 calvary-preschool.com

SILVER: GRAND PEAK ACADEMY BRONZE: ROCKY MOUNTAIN CLASSICAL ACADEMY

SLEEP CENTER

GOLD: CERESET GARDEN OF THE GODS 720 Elkton Drive, 719-339-4770 cereset.com

SILVER: BREATHING AND SLEEP CENTER BRONZE (TIE): DELTA WAVES, PENROSE-ST. FRANCIS SLEEP LABORATORY

SUMMER DAY CAMP

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road 719-633-9925 cmzoo.org

SILVER: ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE (ACT) BRONZE: GO WEST CAMPS

WINNERS

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

GOLD: POWER TECHNICAL 2460 Waynoka Place, 719-301-6200 jamesirwin.org

SILVER: VKMD INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS BRONZE: KILROY’S WORKSHOP

TEEN HANGOUT

GOLD: OVERDRIVE RACEWAY 196 Spectrum Loop, 719-473-8930 overdriveraceway.com

SILVER: DART WARS BRONZE: INSIDE OUT YOUTH SERVICES

URGENT CARE/ WALK-IN CLINIC

GOLD: ALLIANCE URGENT CARE & FAMILY PRACTICE 9320 Grand Cordera Parkway #100 719-282-6337 alliancemedicalpractice.com

SILVER (TIE): UCHEALTH URGENT CARE GARDEN OF THE GODS, UCHEALTH URGENT CARE VOYAGER PARKWAY

WELLNESS CENTER

GOLD: CERESET GARDEN OF THE GODS 720 Elkton Drive, 719-339-4770 cereset.com

SILVER: HOPE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS BRONZE: TRUE NORTH HEALTH CENTER

food drink &

EXPERT picks

From cheesecake and coffee to prime rib and pizza, now’s the time to indulge.

pick

BAMBINO’S URBAN PIZZERIA

36 E. Bijou St., 719-630-8121 bambinosurbanpizzeria.com

At Bambino’s Urban Pizzeria, you can build the Neapolitan pizza of your dreams. For me, it’s a classic red, with mozzarella, chicken, spinach and pineapple — yes, pineapple. During summer, I’ll order my pizza and the creamy homemade vanilla custard and sit outside on the patio to take in the beauty of downtown. Bambino’s also offers pasta bowls. A personal favorite is the classic but unforgettable mac and cheese bowl.

K ariacos hides out in a strip mall amid a laundromat, hair salon and tax service office. No pomp and circumstance required. Feast on a savory variety of arepas, wraps and bowls.

A repas, if you didn’t know, are stuffed cornmeal cakes, here involving meats, cheeses and beans. I love the Pepito: a wrap of steak, chicken, bacon, potato, parmesan, gouda and sauce. You can order and eat next door at Metric Brewing, which makes some of the most ambitious beer in town.

1169 N. Circle Drive. 719-351-2190 kariacosfood.com Seth’s pick

KARIACOS

Hidden in a tiny strip mall, Shin Sa Dong Korean Restaurant is my go-to for bibimbap, which translates to mixed rice with meat and vegetables. A tiny, steamy cauldron is filled with crunchy and chewy white rice and topped with seasoned spinach and bean sprouts, slices of carrots and other vegetables, and a fried egg. And at least as delightful as the bibimbap is the banchan, a veggie side dish featuring kimchi, young cabbage and radish salad that arrives before the meal.

Jen’s pick

SHIN SA DONG KOREAN RESTAURANT

3845 E. Pikes Peak Ave. 719 -638-2695 shinsadong.com

Jerry’s pick

TAPATERIA

2607 W. Colorado Ave. 719-471-8272, tapateria.com

Tapateria is just one of several incredible dining options in Old Colorado City. It stands out for 100% gluten-free tapas and a great selection of beverages — perfect for date night or when hosting out-oftown guests. The jamon-wrapped dates, shaved octopus salad, grilled oysters, carne adobada and cedar plank s’more (graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate and cinnamon sugar) are a few highlights from the menu.

Teresa’s pick

KING RESTAURANT

INDIAN KITCHEN & BAR

660 Barnes Road, 719-424-7645

kingrestaurantcos.com

Coconut lamb chops at King

Restaurant Indian Kitchen & Bar is an excellent choice for an entree. The chef has perfected the tandoor oven preparation starting with the yogurt and coconut-based marinade. A platter of steaming, thinly cut chops hits the table with the redolent aroma of fresh garlic, ginger and house-made secret seasoning. A final jolt of spice comes courtesy of the serrano c hiles.

C ome date night, given a choice among the many fine steakhouses around town, my wife and I typically find ourselves returning to MacKenzie’s Chop House. Moments after placing my drink order, I ask for the Beef and Brie appetizer. The savory blend of crostini, beef tips and brie cheese is a succulent delight each and every visit. The steaks, whether ordering filet mignon, prime rib, New York strip or porterhouse, come cooked to perfection.

Hugh’s pick

MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE

128 S Tejon St., 719-635-3536 mackenzieschophouse.com

CELEBRITY picks

Atmosphere Gastropub

1327 Interquest Parkway, atmospheregastropub.com

“Atmosphere Gastropub: I love everything about this restaurant and team. They’re always so accommodating and over the top with service. My wife and I love stopping in for a bite of food and enjoying the vibes. This is a northside gem, and we’re fortunate to have such a great place in our neighborhood.”

– CHEF BROTHER LUCK

Colorado Springs resident since 2006, acclaimed international celebrity chef and owner of Four by Brother Luck and The Studio who’s become a fan favorite on popular reality cooking shows such as “Top Chef,” “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay”

WINNERS

AMERICAN

GOLD: SHUGA’S

702 S. Cascade Ave., 719-328-1412 shugas.com

SILVER: ATMOSPHERE GASTROPUB

BRONZE: BLACK FOREST BISTRO

BAGELS

GOLD: OLDE WORLD BAGELS & DELI 1843 Briargate Blvd., 719-265-6922 1670 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 719-527-9651 oldeworldbagel.com

SILVER: EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS BRONZE: BELLA’S BAGELS

BAKERY

GOLD: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY

610 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-0177 dutchpastry.com

SILVER: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY BRONZE: THE FRENCH KITCHEN

BAR

GOLD: JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

SILVER: ABBY’S IRISH PUB BRONZE: TONY’S BAR

BARBECUE

GOLD: BIRD DOG BBQ multiple locations birddogbbq.com

SILVER: RUDY’S “COUNTRY STORE” AND BAR-B-Q BRONZE: FRONT RANGE BARBEQUE

BARTENDER

GOLD: DENNIS BURG, JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT

21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

SILVER: STEPHANIE McNAMARA, THE PUBLIC HOUSE BRONZE: IVAN RUIZ, COWBOY STAR RESTAURANT AND BUTCHER SHOP

BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS

GOLD: NOTES BAR 13141 Bass Pro Drive, 719-309-9840 notesbar.com

SILVER: SALAD OR BUST (DOWNTOWN)

BRONZE: STREETCAR 520

BREAKFAST

GOLD: URBAN EGG, A DAYTIME EATERY multiple locations urbaneggeatery.com

SILVER: THE OMELETTE PARLOR BRONZE: MOUNTAIN VIEW CAFE AND CATERING

WINNERS

BREWERY

GOLD: GOAT PATCH BREWING CO. 2727 N. Cascade Ave., 719-471-4628 goatpatchbrewing.com

SILVER: RED LEG BREWING CO.

BRONZE: BRISTOL BREWING CO. BREWPUB

GOLD: CERBERUS BREWING CO.

702 W. Colorado Ave., 719-636-2337 cerberusbrewingco.com

SILVER: PHANTOM CANYON BREWING CO.

BRONZE: JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT

BRONCOS SPORTS BAR

GOLD (TIE): BACK EAST BAR & GRILL, WYATT’S PUB & GRILL

9475 Briar Village Point, 719-264-6161, 1455 Cipriani Loop, Monument 719-488-2252 backeastbarandgrill.com 806 Village Center Drive, 719-598-4100 wyattspub.com

BRONZE: BUBBA’S 33 BRUNCH

GOLD: URBAN EGG, A DAYTIME EATERY multiple locations urbaneggeatery.com

SILVER: THE OMELETTE PARLOR BRONZE: 503W

BUFFET

GOLD: THE BROADMOOR — LAKE TERRACE DINING ROOM 1 Lake Ave., 855-634-7711 broadmoor.com

SILVER: ULTIMATE BUFFET BRONZE: KING BUFFET

BURGER

GOLD: SKIRTED HEIFER 204 N. Tejon St., 719-635-3276 5935 Dublin Blvd., 719-421-7182 skirtedheifer.com

SILVER: DRIFTER’S HAMBURGERS BRONZE: IN-N-OUT BURGER

BURRITOS

GOLD: MONICA’S TACO SHOP 5829 Palmer Park Blvd., 719-597-7022 monicastacoshop.com

SILVER: ARLENE’S BEANS BRONZE: VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA

BUSINESS LUNCH

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY 4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776 146 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 719-630-0201 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE

BRONZE: ATMOSPHERE GASTROPUB

GOLD

JACK QUINN’S 21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

BEST BAR

Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant has been a local favorite since 1998.

Not only does the “Public House” serve up authentic Irish cuisine, its two-floor interior is crafted with woodwork, stained glass and decor imported from Ireland. Irish carpenters and painters even did the finishing work inside the pub.

“We are thankful to everyone in Colorado Springs for their ongoing support of Jack Quinn’s over the last 26 years. We would not still be here were it not for the community,” managing partner Meredith Klube says. “We also want to thank our fantastic staff; they are the best and we are lucky to have had so many of them stay with us over the years.”

Open daily for lunch and dinner, the pub often hosts live music and Irish cultural events. It also promotes active lifestyles and social interactions each and every Tuesday with its beloved running club.

The building, at 21 S. Tejon St., is one of the oldest downtown, dating to 1883. Throughout the years, it has been home to a drug store, men’s clothing shop and, before owner Bill Sasz and his former partners acquired it in 1997, a flower shop.

CAFÉ

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY 4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776 146 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 719-630-0201 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: WAYFINDER COFFEE CO. BRONZE: BON TON’S CAFÉ

CAJUN

GOLD: MOMMA PEARL’S CAJUN KITCHEN 162 Tracker Drive, 719-964-0234 mommapearls.com

SILVER: SPRINGS ORLEANS BRONZE: PO’ BROTHERS

CAKES/CUPCAKES

GOLD: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY 610 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-0177 dutchpastry.com

SILVER: NOTHING BUNDT CAKES BRONZE: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY

CANDY SHOP

GOLD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY 2431 W. Colorado Ave. 719-635-4131 1605 Briargate Parkway, #111 719-593-0089 rmcfcs.com

SILVER: PATSY’S CANDIES BRONZE: ROCKET FIZZ SODA POP & CANDY SHOP

IRISH DANCING AT JACK QUINN’S

WINNERS

CARRYOUT

GOLD: PANINO’S

1721 S. 8th St., 719-635-1188 westsidepaninos.com 604 N. Tejon St., 719-635-7452 paninosdowntown.com

SILVER: TEXAS ROADHOUSE BRONZE: ROLL UP

CASUAL DINING

GOLD: SHUGA’S 702 S. Cascade Ave., 719-328-1412 shugas.com

SILVER: PATTY JEWETT BAR & GRILL BRONZE: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

CHEAP EATS

GOLD: FELIPE’S 109 TACO BURGERS

3008 S. Academy Blvd., 719-392-0447 felipes109.com

SILVER: TACO BELL BRONZE (TIE): DEL TACO, MCDONALDS

CHEESECAKE

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY

4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776 146 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 719-630-0201 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: DEATH BY CHEESECAKE BRONZE: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY

WINNERS

CHEF

GOLD: BROTHER LUCK, FOUR BY BROTHER LUCK

321 N. Tejon St., 719-434-2741 fourbybrotherluck.com

SILVER: FRANCO PISANI, PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO BRONZE: DEANNA JOHNSON, BLACK FOREST BISTRO

CHICKEN SANDWICH

GOLD: CHICK-FIL-A multiple locations chick-fil-a.com

SILVER: BIRDCALL BRONZE: CLUCKIN’ CHICKEN

CHICKEN WINGS

GOLD: O’FURRY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL 900 E. Fillmore St., 719-634-3106 ofurryscs.com

SILVER: O’MALLEY’S STEAK PUB BRONZE: WINGSTOP

CHINESE

GOLD: SHANGRI-LA 8850 N. Union Blvd., 719-495-1738 6165 Barnes Road, 719-400-1738 shangrilacs.com

SILVER: COAL MINE DRAGON CHINESE RESTAURANT BRONZE: CHINA VILLAGE

COFFEE DRIVE-THRU

GOLD: DUTCH BROS COFFEE multiple locations dutchbros.com

SILVER: STARBUCKS BRONZE: HUMBLE BEE ROASTERY COFFEE

COFFEE SHOP

GOLD: WAYFINDER COFFEE CO. 6140 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-264-2386 wayfindercoffee.com

SILVER: DUTCH BROS COFFEE BRONZE: LOYAL COFFEE

COFFEE SHOP (NON-FRANCHISED)

GOLD: WAYFINDER COFFEE CO. 6140 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-264-2386 wayfindercoffee.com

SILVER: LOYAL COFFEE BRONZE: THE PERK DOWNTOWN COFFEE & TEA HOUSE

COLORADO-INSPIRED CUISINE

GOLD: BLACK FOREST BISTRO 6750 Shoup Road, 719-459-7884 bfbistro.com

SILVER: COLORADO MOUNTAIN BREWERY BRONZE (TIE): THE WAREHOUSE RESTAURANT, WINES OF COLORADO CRAFTED COCKTAIL

GOLD: MAPLE BACON OLD FASHIONED, BLACK FOREST BISTRO 6750 Shoup Road, 719-459-7884 bfbistro.com

SILVER: QUEEN BEE, LA BURLA BEE BRONZE: BOURBON BLUES, UVA WINE BAR

SENIOR CARE

DID YOU KNOW?

• When you start using your policy, you stop paying your premium

• Your benefits have either doubled or tripled while you held onto these policies.

CUBAN

GOLD: “LUCY I’M HOME” — THE FLAVOR OF CUBA 719-439-2367 lucyimhome.co

SILVER: PIGLATIN COCINA BRONZE: RUMBA — LATIN CUISINE

DELI

GOLD: WOOGLIN’S DELI & CAFÉ 4750 Barnes Road, 719-578-9443 wooglinsdeli.com

SILVER: MOLLICA’S ITALIAN MARKET AND DELI BRONZE (TIE): COLONEL MUSTARD’S SANDWICH EMPORIUM, OLIVER’S DELI

DESSERT

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFÉ & BAKERY

4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776, 146 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 719-630-0201 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY BRONZE: THE FRENCH KITCHEN

DINER

GOLD: KING’S CHEF DINER

131 E. Bijou St., 719-636-5010, 110 E. Costilla St., 719-634-9135 kingschefdiner.com

SILVER: BLACK BEAR DINER BRONZE: THE OMELETTE PARLOR

DISTILLERY

GOLD: AXE AND THE OAK DISTILLERY 1604 S. Cascade Ave., 719-368-6100 axeandtheoakdistillery.com

SILVER: BLACKHAT DISTILLERY BRONZE: DISTILLERY 291

ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFE 26 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs 719-685-1430, adamsmountaincafe.com

BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Nestled near Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs, Adam’s Mountain Cafe serves up a variety of dishes, almost all of which are made from scratch.

That includes everything from dressings to teas and soups, which are made in-house from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Not to mention, the vast menu caters to different diets, including those of vegan and vegetarian diners.

The cafe first opened in 1985 at a different location. Since then, it has committed to be as sustainable as possible — starting by recycling cans in the mid-1990s. The cafe has made strides in the past decade, with composting, avoiding plastic packaging found in single-use items, using biodegradable to-go packaging and recycling.

BAR

GOLD: OVERTIME SPORTS BAR & GRILL 2809 Dublin Blvd., 719-531-6032 otsportsbargrill.com

SILVER: TONY’S BAR BRONZE: THE CHICKEN COOP DOG-FRIENDLY BREWERY

GOLD: PUB DOG COLORADO 2207 Bott Ave., 719-375-0771 pubdogcolorado.com

SILVER: RED LEG BREWING CO. BRONZE: CERBERUS BREWING CO.

DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT OR BAR

GOLD: PUB DOG COLORADO 2207 Bott Ave., 719-375-0771 pubdogcolorado.com

SILVER: LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR BRONZE: CERBERUS BREWING CO.

DOUGHNUTS

GOLD: AMY’S DONUTS 2704 E. Fountain Blvd., 719-632-0512 3765 Bloomington St., 719-465-1942 amysdonuts.com

SILVER: MOCHI THAI’M DONUTS & BOBA BRONZE: HURTS DONUT CO.

ENCHILADAS

GOLD: ARLENE’S BEANS 366 2nd St., Monument arlenesbeans.com

SILVER: CRYSTAL PARK CANTINA BRONZE: VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA

VEGETARIAN DISH COMBO

WINNERS

FAST FOOD

GOLD: CHICK-FIL-A multiple locations chick-fil-a.com

SILVER: IN-N-OUT BURGER BRONZE: RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

FINE DINING

GOLD (TIE): THE PEPPER TREE, MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE 888 W. Moreno Ave., 719-471-4888 peppertreecs.com 128 S. Tejon St., 719-635-3536, mackenzieschophouse.com

BRONZE: FOUR BY BROTHER LUCK

FISH TACO

GOLD: FUZZY’S TACO SHOP multiple locations fuzzystacoshop.com

SILVER: DOS SANTOS BRONZE: SALSA BRAVA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL

FOOD TRUCK

GOLD: CHEF BOB’S LOBSTAH TRAP 719-424-7645 thelobstahtrap.com

SILVER: THE CHUCKWAGON 719 BRONZE: MATEO’S

FRENCH

GOLD: LA BAGUETTE (OLD COLORADO CITY) 2417 W. Colorado Ave., 719-577-4818, labaguette-co.com

SILVER: THE FRENCH KITCHEN BRONZE: LA BAGUETTE FRENCH BISTRO (CHESTNUT STREET)

FRENCH ONION SOUP

GOLD: LA BAGUETTE (OLD COLORADO CITY) 2417 W. Colorado Ave., 719-577-4818 labaguette-co.co

SILVER: LA BAGUETTE CAFÉ AND ESPRESSO BAR (DOWNTOWN)

BRONZE: MARIGOLD CAFÉ & BAKERY

FRIED CHICKEN

GOLD: JUNIPER VALLEY RANCH 16350 Colorado 115, 719-576-0741 junipervalleyranch.com

SILVER: RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS BRONZE: POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN

FRIES

GOLD: FIVE GUYS multiple locations fiveguys.com

SILVER: RED ROBIN BRONZE: MCDONALD’S

WINNERS

FROZEN YOGURT

GOLD: LULU’S FROZEN YOGURT 9475 Briar Village Point, 719-445-0734 facebook.com/LuLusFrozenYogurt

SILVER (TIE): ITOPIT, YOYOGURT

GASTROPUB

GOLD: ATMOSPHERE GASTROPUB 1327 Interquest Parkway, 719-354-4764 atmospheregastropub.com

SILVER: ODYSSEY GASTROPUB BRONZE: BLACK FOREST BISTRO

GERMAN

GOLD: EDELWEISS GERMAN RESTAURANT 34 E. Ramona Ave., 719-633-2220 edelweissrest.com

SILVER: UWE’S GERMAN RESTAURANT BRONZE: WIMBERGER’S OLD WORLD BAKERY & DELICATESSEN

GLUTEN-FREE RESTAURANT/BAKERY

GOLD: MOCHI THAI’M DONUTS & BOBA 721 N. Academy Blvd., 719-203-4301 mochithaim.com

SILVER: TAPATERIA BRONZE: MONSE’S TASTE OF EL SALVADOR PUPUSERIA

GREEN CHILI

GOLD: KING’S CHEF DINER 131 E. Bijou St., 719-636-5010 110 E. Costilla St., 719-634-9135 kingschefdiner.com

SILVER: THE ORIGINAL WESTERN OMELETTE BRONZE: THE OMELETTE PARLOR

GYROS

GOLD: HEART OF JERUSALEM CAFÉ multiple locations heartofjerusalemcafe.com

SILVER: JAKE & TELLY’S GREEK TAVERNA BRONZE: GYROS PLUS AT CHAPEL HILLS

HAPPY HOUR

GOLD: JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

SILVER: COWBOY STAR RESTAURANT AND BUTCHER SHOP BRONZE: ATMOSPHERE GASTROPUB

HAWAIIAN

GOLD: L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE

11010 Cross Peak View, 719-623-6886 5850 Barnes Road, 719-570-1888 hawaiianbarbecue.com

SILVER: ROOTS CAFE BRONZE: JULIE’S KITCHEN

HIDDEN GEM

GOLD: BLACK FOREST BISTRO 6750 Shoup Road, 719-459-7884 bfbistro.com

SILVER: MONSE’S TASTE OF EL SALVADOR PUPUSERIA BRONZE: MOUNTAIN VIEW CAFE AND CATERING

HOT DOG

GOLD: COSTCO WHOLESALE

5050 N. Nevada Ave., 719-264-5010 5885 Barnes Road, 719-591-3002 costco.com

SILVER: DOG HAUS BRONZE: MARGO’S VIENNA STATION

RESTAURANT/BAR

GOLD: GOLDEN BEE 1 Lake Ave, 719-577-5776 broadmoor.com

SILVER: LUMEN8 ROOFTOP SOCIAL BRONZE: HOMA CAFE + BAR HUEVOS RANCHEROS

GOLD: URBAN EGG, A DAYTIME EATERY multiple locations urbaneggeatery.com

SILVER: THE ORIGINAL WESTERN OMELETTE BRONZE: THE OMELETTE PARLOR

ICE CREAM/GELATO/ FROZEN TREATS

GOLD: JOSH & JOHN’S multiple locations joshandjohns.com

SILVER: BJ’S VELVET FREEZ BRONZE: RIZUTO’S ICE CREAM & SWEET SHOP

INDIAN

GOLD: LITTLE NEPAL INDIAN RESTAURANT & BAR 4820 Flintridge Drive, 719-598-3428 1747 S. 8th St., 719-477-6997 lnepal.com

SILVER: URBAN TANDOOR INDIAN LOUNGE BRONZE: TURMERIC INDIAN CUISINE

IRISH

GOLD: JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

SILVER: ABBY’S IRISH PUB BRONZE: ALCHEMY

WINNERS

ITALIAN

GOLD: PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO

2802 W. Colorado Ave., 719-471-8200 paravicinis.com

SILVER: LA BELLA VITA

RISTORANTE ITALIANO

BRONZE: BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

JAMAICAN

GOLD: RASTA PASTA 405 N. Tejon St., 719-481-6888 realrastapasta.com

SILVER: HIGH GRADE FOODS

JAMAICAN RESTAURANT & BAR BRONZE: DAINTY’S JAMAICAN KITCHEN

JAPANESE

GOLD: AI SUSHI & HIBACHI 4655 Centennial Blvd., 719-266-5858 aisushiandgrill.com

SILVER: SUSHI ATO BRONZE: KURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

JUICE BAR

GOLD: OLA JUICE BAR

27 E. Kiowa St., 719-633-3111, 1025 Garden of the Gods Road 918-497-9158 olajuicebar.com

SILVER: CLEAN JUICE BRONZE: NEKTER JUICE BAR KOMBUCHA

GOLD: SPRINGS CULTURE KOMBUCHA 3105 N. Cascade Ave., 719-210-8844 springsculture.com

KOREAN

GOLD: TONG TONG KOREAN RESTAURANT 2036 S. Academy Blvd., 719-591-8585

SILVER (TIE): SAN CHANG HOUSE KOREAN RESTAURANT, SEOUL BBQ KOREAN CUISINE, HAPPY TIME KOREAN BBQ

LOCAL BEER

GOLD: LAUGHING LAB SCOTTISH ALE, BRISTOL BREWING CO. 1604 S. Cascade Ave., 719-633-2555 bristolbrewing.com

SILVER: HAZY IPA, GOAT PATCH BREWING CO. BRONZE: WINTER WARLOCK OATMEAL STOUT, BRISTOL BREWING CO.

LUNCH SPECIAL

GOLD: FUJIYAMA 22 S. Tejon St., 719-630-1167 fujiyamasushi.com

SILVER: THE BRIT BRONZE: LEBOWSKI’S TAPROOM

MARGARITA

GOLD: THE LOOP 965 Manitou Ave., 719-685-9344 theloopatmanitou.com

SILVER: CRYSTAL PARK CANTINA BRONZE: FUZZY’S TACO SHOP

WINNERS

MEXICAN

GOLD: VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA 9605 Prominent Point, 719-900-7862, 261 Kaycee Case Place, 719-375-5037 vaquerosmexican.net

SILVER: JARRITO LOCO BRONZE: PUEBLO VIEJO FAMILY MEXICAN RESTAURANT

MIDDLE EASTERN/GREEK

GOLD: HEART OF JERUSALEM CAFÉ multiple locations heartofjerusalemcafe.com

SILVER: JAKE & TELLY’S GREEK TAVERNA BRONZE: CASPIAN CAFE

NEW RESTAURANT (NON-FRANCHISED)

GOLD: MOCHI THAI’M DONUTS & BOBA 721 N. Academy Blvd., 719-203-4301 mochithaim.com

SILVER: THE CHUCKWAGON 719 BRONZE: MUNCHIES 719

PANCAKES

GOLD: URBAN EGG, A DAYTIME EATERY multiple locations, 719-598-2969 urbaneggeatery.com

SILVER: BLACK BEAR DINER BRONZE: SANDY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

PASTA

GOLD: PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO 2802 W Colorado Ave., 719-471-8200 paravicinis.com

SILVER: RED GRAVY BRONZE: LA BELLA VITA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

PATIO/AL FRESCO

GOLD: PATTY JEWETT BAR & GRILL 900 E. Espanola St., 719-385-6908 pjbarandgrill.com

SILVER: BLACK FOREST BISTRO BRONZE: WESTSIDE CANTINA

PIZZA

GOLD: SLICE 420 2501 W. Colorado Ave., #108, 719-368-6977, 3725 Oro Blanco Drive, 719-375-0393 slice420.com

SILVER: WALTER’S303

PIZZERIA & PUBLIK HOUSE BRONZE: LOUIE’S PIZZA

PIZZA DELIVERY

GOLD: LOUIE’S PIZZA multiple locations louies-pizza.com

SILVER: BLACKJACK PIZZA & SALADS BRONZE: JOEY’S NEW YORK PIZZA

A tale of two breweries

BY STEPHANIE EARLS stephanie.earls@gazette.com

Ten years ago, craft brewing’s soaring story arc felt rich with the promise of endless sequels and spinoffs.

Skip ahead a chunk of chapters, over boom times

and a pandemic plot twist no one saw coming, and the story’s decidedly less rosy. The past few years in Colorado Springs have seen more breweries close than open — for the first time in, well, ever?

While 2024 is poised to buck that brief trend — with Fairplay’s South Park Brewing Co. taking over the

former Smiling Toad Brewery in Old Colorado City and Lakewood-based WestFax Brewing Co. finally wrapping construction on its taproom on the far west side — opening and operating a brewery isn’t what it once was in a city that helped put craft beer on the map.

“It has definitely become more difficult; everything has gone up pricewise,” says Kat Hess, head brewer at Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

Across-the-board price increases, including on ingredients such as grain, have been especially hard on smaller brewing operations that can’t afford, or don’t have the storage space, to buy in bulk, Hess says.

“This really is the first time that the brewing industry has seen a market correction,” she says. “And I think that there will be some more downturn in the industry before we kind of level out and start seeing that growth again.”

a prior profession that paid well but failed to inspire. That previous career, as a vice president at a financial company, also taught Kilman some critical lessons that carried over.

ONCE BURGEONING

“You always have to have a business plan, and you always have to plan on bad times,” he says. “You can’t look at one day like, ‘Oh gosh, no sales today. Big trouble.’ You can’t think that way. You’ve always got to keep looking at the big picture.”

CRAFT BEER SCENE HAS SEEN ‘MARKET

CORRECTION’ IN THE

SPRINGS

The city’s oldest brewery, Phantom Canyon celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. PCBC still doesn’t sell its beer in liquor stores, but it does offer to-go sales from its 10,000-plus-square-foot historic building downtown, with a brewery, full kitchen and restaurant on the ground floor, banquet space on the third, and pool hall in between.

Hess says having those diverse revenue streams — plus filial and financial ties to Denver’s Wynkoop Brewing Co., one of the state’s older and more established craft brewing brands — has helped PCBC ride out the rough patches.

Pete Kilman of Storybook Brewing runs a small enough operation that every bump has brought a jaw-rattling jolt. But he’s managed to hold on.

It helps when your current dream job is underwritten by

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t had to make some tough decisions about how best to invest in the future. Kilman says he had to dip into a retirement savings account to buy the canning equipment that allowed him to continue selling beer during the pandemic shutdown.

“I was lucky that I was in a place where I could do that,” he says. “Not everybody was as lucky as we were.”

Kilman opened Storybook Brewing in 2014, early on in a decade that saw the Springs’ brewery count more than dou-

ble. Since then, he’s grown the original 1,700-square-foot space off East Fillmore Street into two adjoining units, tripling what began as a nook into one big enough to host larger gatherings for fundraising events with partner nonprofits as well as public meetings and even occasional performances including live music.

Success might be less about rolling with whatever plot twists are thrown your way than staying true to your original expectations about how the story would play out.

“I don’t need to make a bunch of money so I can retire and move to some place in Florida,” Kilman says. “Our mission statement and our goals were to be part of the community. It’s nice to actually have something to do, and people to know, and we’re going to keep doing it as long as we can.”

WINNERS

POKE BOWL

GOLD: PIKES POKÉ BOWL 9290 Highland Ridge Heights, #110 719-896-5563 pikespoke.com

SILVER: MUGI RAMEN & POKE BRONZE (TIE): DOZO SUSHI, MAMA POKE, NINJA BOWL XPRESS

PRIME RIB

GOLD: MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE

128 S. Tejon St., 719-635-3536 mackenzieschophouse.com

SILVER: PATTY JEWETT BAR & GRILL BRONZE: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

PUB

GOLD: JACK QUINN’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 21 S. Tejon St., 719-385-0766 jackquinnspub.com

SILVER: ABBY’S IRISH PUB BRONZE: WYATT’S PUB & GRILL

RAMEN

GOLD: O’SAE SUSHI RAMEN BISTRO 1825 Peterson Road, 719-570-0543 osaesushiramenbistro.com

SILVER: SUSHI ATO BRONZE: MUGI RAMEN & POKE

RESTAURANT FOR A FIRST DATE

GOLD: THE RABBIT HOLE 101 N. Tejon St., 719-203-5072 rabbitholedinner.com

SILVER: BLACK FOREST BISTRO BRONZE: DRIP QUEEN COFFEE

RESTAURANT FOR AN ANNIVERSARY

GOLD: THE PEPPER TREE 888 W. Moreno Ave., 719-471-4888 peppertreecs.com

SILVER: THE MONA LISA FONDUE RESTAURANT

BRONZE: BLACK FOREST BISTRO

RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

GOLD: PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO 2802 W. Colorado Ave., 719-471-8200 paravicinis.com

SILVER: BLACK FOREST BISTRO BRONZE: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

RESTAURANT FOR KIDS

GOLD: FARGO’S PIZZA CO. 2910 E. Platte Ave., 719-473-5540 fargospizza.com

SILVER: RED ROBIN BRONZE: THE AIRPLANE RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT FOR LATE-NIGHT DINING

GOLD: THE RABBIT HOLE 101 N. Tejon St., 719-203-5072 rabbitholedinner.com

SILVER: CHIBA BAR

RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

GOLD (TIE): SHUGA’S, MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY 702 S. Cascade Ave., 719-328-1412 shugas.com 4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

BRONZE: PANINO’S

WINNERS

RESTAURANT SERVICE

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFE & BAKERY

4605 Centennial Blvd., 719-599-4776 marigoldcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: BLACK FOREST BISTRO BRONZE: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

GOLD: VIEWHOUSE

7114 Campus Drive, 719-394-4137 viewhouse.com

SILVER: PATTY JEWETT BAR & GRILL BRONZE: THE STEAKHOUSE AT FLYING HORSE

RESTAURANT WITH BEST MILITARY DISCOUNT

GOLD: ARLENE’S BEANS

366 2nd St. Unit D, Monument arlenesbeans.com

SILVER (TIE): BIRD DOG BBQ, LEBOWSKI’S TAPROOM

RIBS

GOLD: FRONT RANGE BARBEQUE

2330 W. Colorado Ave., 719-632-2596 frbbq.com

SILVER: RUDY’S “COUNTRY STORE” AND BAR-B-Q BRONZE: THE CHUCKWAGON 719

SALAD

GOLD: TUCANOS BRAZILIAN GRILL

3294 Cinema Point, 719-597-3800 tucanos.com

SILVER: FARGO’S PIZZA CO. BRONZE: MODERN MARKET EATERY

SALSA

GOLD: SALSA BRAVA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL 5925 Dublin Blvd., Unit A, 719-591-6177 salsabravacolorado.com

SILVER: VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA BRONZE: CHUY’S TEX-MEX

SANDWICHES/SUBS

GOLD: CHEBA HUT “TOASTED” SUBS multiple locations chebahut.com

SILVER: JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS BRONZE: COLONEL MUSTARD’S SANDWICH EMPORIUM

SEAFOOD

GOLD: BONEFISH GRILL 5102 N. Nevada Ave., 719-598-0826 bonefishgrill.com

SILVER: BONNY AND READ BRONZE: CHEF BOB’S LOBSTAH TRAP

SMOOTHIE

GOLD: JAMBA

1708 E. Woodmen Road, 719-593-5889 3730 Bloomington St., 719-574-8787 jamba.com

SILVER: SMOOTHIE KING

BRONZE: TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

SOUP

GOLD: SHUGA’S 702 S. Cascade Ave., 719-328-1412 shugas.com

SILVER: LA BAGUETTE (OLD COLORADO CITY) BRONZE: POOR RICHARDS

RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

SPORTS BAR

GOLD: BACK EAST BAR & GRILL 9475 Briar Village Point, 719-264-6161 backeastbarandgrill.com

SILVER: BUBBA’S 33 BRONZE (TIE): TONY’S BAR, VIEWHOUSE

STEAKHOUSE

GOLD: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

3120 N. Powers Blvd., 719-638-8050, 595 S. 8th St., 719-473-9711 texasroadhouse.com

SILVER: COWBOY STAR

RESTAURANT AND BUTCHER SHOP BRONZE: MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE

WINNERS

SUSHI

GOLD: SUSHI ATO 2245 Voyager Parkway #148, 719-694-8936 sushiato-cs.com

SILVER: JUN JAPANESE BRONZE: AI SUSHI & HIBACHI TACOS

GOLD: TORCHY’S TACOS

358 Interquest Parkway #100, 719-235-5000, 3015 New Center Point #150, 719-425-8581 torchystacos.com

SILVER: DOS SANTOS BRONZE: FUZZY’S TACO SHOP

TAMALES

GOLD: LA CASITA MEXICAN GRILL multiple locations, 719-578-1730 lacasitamexigrill.com

SILVER: THE OMELETTE PARLOR BRONZE: ARLENE’S BEANS

TAQUERIA

GOLD: TLAQUEPAQUE 911 N. Murray Blvd., 719-597-4727 tlaquepaque.co

SILVER: WESTSIDE CANTINA BRONZE: TACOS EL PAISA

TEA SHOP

GOLD: GLEN EYRIE CASTLE 3820 N. 30th St., 719-634-0808 gleneyrie.org

SILVER: TEAPIOCA LOUNGE

BRONZE: YELLOW MOUNTAIN TEA HOUSE

THAI/PAD THAI

GOLD: THAI MINT RESTAURANT

725 Briargate Blvd., 719-598-7843 thai-mint.com

SILVER: NARAI THAI RESTAURANT BRONZE: THAI BASIL

VEGAN RESTAURANT

GOLD: BURROWING OWL

1791 S. 8th St., 719-434-3864 burrowingowllounge.com

SILVER: THE JOINT VEGAN STREET FOOD BRONZE: SANTANA’S VEGAN GRILL

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

GOLD: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFE

26 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs 719-685-1430 adamsmountaincafe.com

SILVER: BURROWING OWL

BRONZE: THE JOINT VEGAN STREET FOOD

VIETNAMESE/PHO BOWL

GOLD: PHO-NOMENAL 5825 Stetson Hills Blvd. #100, 719-597-0277

SILVER: SAIGON CAFE BRONZE: PHO & GRILL

VIETNAMESE CUISINE

WINNERS

WHISKEY BAR

GOLD: AXE AND THE OAK WHISKEY HOUSE 1604 S. Cascade Ave., #80, 719-660-1624 axeandtheoak.com

SILVER: CORK & CASK BRONZE: BOURBON BROTHERS SMOKEHOUSE & TAVERN

WINE BAR

GOLD: UVA WINE BAR 1268 Interquest Parkway, #160 719-598-1990 uvawinebarcos.com

SILVER: WINES OF COLORADO BRONZE: SWIRL WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT

WINE LIST

GOLD: WINES OF COLORADO 8045 U.S. 24, Cascade, 719-684-0900, winesofcolorado.com

SILVER: UVA WINE BAR BRONZE: BLACK FOREST BISTRO

WINERY

GOLD: MANITOU WINERY 34 Manitou Ave., #108, Manitou Springs, 719-685-1030 winerymsprings.com

SILVER: ANTELOPE RIDGE MEAD BRONZE: EVERGOOD ADVENTURE WINES

servicesprofessionals &

Presenting Excellence in Real Estate

People and businesses you can turn to when you want the job done right.

A s a parent to two fur babies, I expect nothing but the best service for my pets. Bijou Animal Hospital always delivers. Whether my pets are going in for a routine checkup or an emergency room visit, they always leave with tails wagging. Hospital staff members tend to my dog and cat with as much care as I do and make their health a priority. I’ve been entrusting my fur babies with their care for years and continue to recommend them to friends and family.

S ince forming as a nonprofit in 2004, Concrete Couch has made its presence known around town with colorful sculptures (including “couches”), murals, community gardens and foot/ bike paths. They’ve all been made with the help of kids and strangersturned-friends as part of a mission to foster community through creativity and nature. It was a mission that began, in the nonprofit’s own words, with a bunch of “teachers, artists, builders, optimists, pragmatists, environmentalists and superheroes.”

Seth’s pick

CONCRETE COUCH

702 E. Boulder St. concretecouch.org

I s farm life the best life? One visit to this community learning garden on the outskirts of Manitou Springs and you’ll chuck your city slicker self in the recycle bin. During warm months, the farm plays host to hundreds of kids who come to learn how to work the land. Adults visit, too, including Fort Carson soldiers in recovery for traumatic brain injuries. The public is welcome, though staff members recommend you first attend a public event or volunteer opportunity.

Jen’s pick

FLYING PIG FARM

102 Crystal Park Road, Manitou Springs flyingpigmanitou.wordpress.com

Jerry’s pick

I appreciate it when an auto shop let’s me know that a potential repair of the costly variety is not worth the steep price and that it’s probably time to move on from the vehicle. Honest Accurate Auto Service, with east and west locations, also provides detailed communication during basic repair and maintenance appointments plus shuttle rides as needed. Honest Accurate has been cited multiple times by the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado for its service.

pick

TOSSED FOOD TRUCK

tossedfoodtruck.com

Tossed is a food truck that also provides catering and meal prep services. The truck menu is a collection of salads, which also can be made into wraps. Our go-to is the Thai Peanut, with carrots, radishes, cabbage, cilantro, basil, jalapenos, tri-colored bell peppers, green onions and toasted peanuts tossed with Thai peanut vinaigrette. The meal prep options include fresh lunches to take and meals to take and bake when ready to serve.

We bought our home in 2019, and I can’t imagine life without Cut and Care LLC. From landscaping the backyard to installing the sprinkler system, Joseph and his friendly team have taken care of all our needs. They’ve been there for repairs as well, including rebuilding a fence door after the foundation settled and replacing a broken sprinkler after my wife ran over it with a lawn mower. Locally owned and operated, Cut and Care is just a call away for affordable service.

facebook.com/CutAndCareLLC

CELEBRITY picks

Massage Fitness

1255 Lake Plaza Drive, mymassagefitness.com

“It’s been called Massage Fitness, but they’re changing their name to Restorative Bodywork. I’ve seen them for massages for about 10 years now. It’s kept me healthy through all my running.”

– ALLIE McLAUGHLIN

Lifelong Colorado Springs resident, 2009 Air Academy graduate, world champion mountain runner, Manitou Incline record holder.

WINNERS

ACCOUNTING FIRM

GOLD: YOUR TAXLADY 401 Windchime Place, 719-548-4924 taxladyllc.com

SILVER: ACCOUNTING PROS

AIR-CONDITIONING/HEATING

GOLD: OLSON PLUMBING & HEATING CO. 2500 Centennial Blvd., 719-635-3563 olsonph.com

SILVER: HOME HEATING SERVICE INC.

BRONZE: FALLING STAR HEATING AND COOLING

AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY

GOLD: USAA 719-244-9041 usaa.com

SILVER: STATE FARM BRONZE: CARNEY INSURANCE

BANK/CREDIT UNION

GOLD: ENT CREDIT UNION multiple locations ent.com

SILVER: USAA BRONZE: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BARBER SHOP

GOLD: THE CAVERN MEN’S BARBER LOUNGE 4035 Tutt Blvd., 719-465-2454 thecaverncos.com

SILVER: DAPPER BARBERSHOP BRONZE: THE POLISHED BLADE

CLASSIC HOMES

2138 Flying Horse Club Drive 719-592-9333, classichomes.com

BEST HOME BUILDER

Classic Homes laid a solid foundation around the Pikes Peak region in 1989 and has been building on it for more than a third of a century. As a local residential developer, Classic Homes prides itself in quality builds and has been recognized time and again among the city’s top home builders in Best of the Springs.

In addition to pre-designed homes, the developer offers custom builds. Currently, Classic Homes has more than 50 pre-made floor plans that include styles such as ranch, traditional, two- and three-story family homes, as well as townhomes. The developer is known for neighborhoods such as Timber Ridge, Flying Horse, Forest Lakes, Wolf Ranch and Sanctuary Pointe.

Classic Homes announced this year that it will be adding 300-400 homes per year as the market improves — a pace that is much faster than its development of Flying Horse, where 1,800 homes went in over a period of 22 years. The new homes are set to be built for Sterling Ranch, a community planned on Colorado Springs’ northeast edge.

LUXURIOUS AMENITIES AT FLYING HORSE COMMUNITY

WINNERS

BODY SHOP

GOLD: CALIBER COLLISION multiple locations caliber.com

SILVER: KARLE COACHWORK BRONZE: CLEAR MAX COLLISION CAR WASH

GOLD: QUICK QUACK CAR WASH multiple locations dontdrivedirty.com

SILVER: BIG SPLASH CAR WASH BRONZE: MISTER CAR WASH

CARPET CLEANING

GOLD: PREMIER CARPET CLEANING 4655 Park Vista Blvd., Unit B, 719-268-1611 thepremierclean.com

SILVER: BELIEVE THAT CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING BRONZE (TIE): DEPENDABLE & PROFESSIONAL CARPET CARE AND WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION, MARIUS CARPET CLEANING INC.

CARPET INSTALLATION

GOLD: FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL 975 Garden of the Gods Road, Unit G, 719-308-2835 coloradosprings. floorcoveringsinternational.com

SILVER: FLOOR CRAFT BRONZE (TIE): IQ FLOORS, CARPET WORLD

CLEANING COMPANY

GOLD: VETTER CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 4575 Hilton Parkway, #101 719-284-0025 vettercleaning.com

SILVER: INTEGRITY CLEANING SERVICES BRONZE: ABUNDANT CLEANING

COMPUTER REPAIR/ IT SERVICES

GOLD: THE MAC CORNER 2950 Janitell Road #113, 719-368-2114 themaccorner.com

SILVER: FLAIR DATA SYSTEMS BRONZE: COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & UPKEEP

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

GOLD: CLASSIC HOMES 2138 Flying Horse Club Drive 719-592-9333 classichomes.com

SILVER: GOETZMANN CUSTOM HOMES BRONZE: CALTON HOMES

DAY SPA

GOLD: MATEO’S SALON & DAY SPA 5919 Delmonico Drive, 719-266-9295 mateosdayspa.com

SILVER: BEAUTY BAR SALON & SPA BRONZE: THE SPA AT FLYING HORSE

DOG TRAINER

GOLD: ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING 410 1/2 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-6460 haveanicedog.org

SILVER: ZOOM ROOM DOG TRAINING

BRONZE: UNDER THE SUN DOG TRAINING & DAYCARE

DRY CLEANERS

Our professional team makes sure your pet always gets the highest level of care, because we treat all pets as if they were our own! We groom all pets on the Front Range — All animals! Most common pets we groom are dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and some exotic animals.

We love your pets more than you do! Make an appointment today!

GOLD: SUPER QUALITY CLEANERS 2340 Montebello Square Drive, Suite A 719-278-2643 sqcleaners.com

SILVER: TIDE CLEANERS BRONZE: DELMONICO CLEANERS

ELECTRICIAN

GOLD: APACHE ELECTRIC & MAINTENANCE INC. 553 E. Cimarron St., 719-208-4161 facebook.com/apacheelec

SILVER: THE WIRE WIZARDS BRONZE: WHITE RHINO ELECTRIC EVENT DJ

GOLD: SPRINGS SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT 3617 Betty Drive Suite B, 719-232-6038 springssounds.com

SILVER: HEPS DJ & PHOTO BOOTH BRONZE: BOOGIE ON DOWN PRODUCTIONS LLC

FINANCIAL PLANNER

GOLD: UPSTREAM INVESTMENT PARTNERS 7035 Campus Drive, #802, 719-422-8959 upstreamip.com

SILVER: ADVENIRE WEALTH MANAGEMENT BRONZE: 56 CAPITAL PARTNERS

FUNERAL SERVICES/CEMETERIES

GOLD (TIE): SWAN-LAW FUNERAL DIRECTORS, THE SPRINGS FUNERAL SERVICES

501 N. Cascade Ave., 719-471-9900 dignitymemorial.com 4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-653-0132 3115 E. Platte Ave., 719-653-0092 afterall.com

BRONZE: EVERGREEN CEMETERY

GARAGE DOOR COMPANY

GOLD: OVERHEAD DOOR CO. OF COLORADO SPRINGS 1205 Ford St., 719-596-2171 overheaddoorcoloradosprings.com

SILVER: FATHER & SON GARAGE DOOR CO. BRONZE: TRI-LAKES GARAGE DOORS

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

GOLD: ALPINE CONTRACTING 5482 Tomah Drive, 719-574-9676 alpine-contracting.com

SILVER: HOMEFIX BRONZE: CALTON HOMES

GUTTERS

GOLD: HOMEFIX 5975 N. Academy Blvd. #208, 719-749-1788 homefixcos.com

SILVER (TIE): BEST BUY GUTTER, OLD WORLD ROOFING

HAIR SALON

GOLD: SALON KREED 1828 Spring Water Point #100 719-413-4920 salonkreed.com

SILVER (TIE): GL’AMOR BEAUTY ARTISTRY, SPIRAL EVOLUTION

A YOUNG HEART NEVER GROWS OLD.

Whether you want to learn a new hobby or learn how to relax, there’s no one way to retire. But there is one place to do it best. Welcome to MacKenzie Place, where it’s all about living each day with purpose while contributing to your community in new and exciting ways and, most importantly, on your own terms. Call 719-745-5172 today for more information and to schedule your visit.

JOSH AND JOHN’S multiple locations joshandjohns.com

BEST ICE CREAM/ GELATO/FROZEN TREAT GOLD

Back in the 1980s, Boston transplants John Krakauer and Josh Paris were walking around downtown Colorado Springs when they noticed something odd: There weren’t any ice cream shops, whereas East Coast cities were full of them.

So the pair opened a sweet shop on Kiowa Street before moving to their longtime location on Pikes Peak Avenue next to the former Kimball’s Peak Three Theater. In 2020, they moved to their current storefront on Tejon Street. There are now five locations in Colorado, three of which are in the Springs.

Upon opening in 1986, the downtown shop was a hit for several reasons: no competition, midnight closing times and high-quality ice cream. Paris moved back to the East Coast about 25 years ago. Krakauer now owns the shops with his wife, Lindsay Keller. They offer 18 flavors, including four vegan options, and one rotating seasonal choice. Krakauer’s favorite is Malted Mazel Toff. “When I got married, I developed it for Lindsay,” he says. “It’s a vanilla malt flavor with chocolate chips and toffees.”

HOME BUILDER

GOLD: CLASSIC HOMES 2138 Flying Horse Club Drive, 719-592-9333 classichomes.com

SILVER: CHALLENGER HOMES BRONZE: COVINGTON HOMES

HOME DEVELOPER

GOLD: CLASSIC HOMES 2138 Flying Horse Club Drive, 719-592-9333 classichomes.com

SILVER: CHALLENGER HOMES BRONZE: TOLL BROTHERS

HOME INSURANCE

GOLD: USAA 719-244-9041 usaa.com

SILVER: MAIN STREET INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES INC. (PATRICK MURAKAMI) BRONZE (TIE): AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE (KENDRICK DAVIS), STATE FARM (SARA COLANGELO)

HOUSE PAINTER

GOLD: AMC PAINTING 3923 Maizeland Road, 719-574-3018 amcpainting.com

SILVER: ACROSS COLORADO RESTORATION BRONZE: ALMIGHTY JOBS

HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

GOLD: VIDA HR 1685 W. Uintah St., #103, 719-623-5005 vidahr.com

SILVER: RISE EXECUTIVE COACHING BRONZE: NORTHEND NOTARY SERVICES

PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTY IN A WAFFLE CONE

WINNERS

MORTGAGE COMPANY

GOLD: REICHERT MORTGAGE TEAM

12323 Sleeping Bear Road, 719-205-0413 reichertmortgageteamco.com

SILVER: TRINITY HOME LOANS BRONZE: EDGE HOME FINANCE (DARCY HIGHFILL)

MOVERS

GOLD: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

3220 Fillmore Ridge Heights, 719-602-5735 twomenandatruck.com

SILVER: ARROW MOVING & STORAGE CO. BRONZE: LITTLE RED WAGON MOVING

NAIL SALON

GOLD: ARTIVA NAILS & CO. 2215 N. Weber St., 719-300-7819 artivanailsandco.com

SILVER: BEAUTY BAR SALON & SPA BRONZE: HELEN’S NAILS

NEW HOME COMMUNITY

GOLD: FLYING HORSE Colorado 83 and Flying Horse Club Drive, 719-389-0700 flyinghorsecolorado.com

SILVER: BANNING LEWIS RANCH BRONZE: THE ENCLAVES AT MOUNTAIN VISTA

PATIO/DECKS

GOLD: MOSAIC OUTDOOR LIVING 3255 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-573-6000 coloradodecks.com

SILVER: UPRIGHT OUTDOOR LIVING

BRONZE: HINER OUTDOOR LIVING

GOLD: FREDERICK | GANDERTON 6745 Rangewood Drive, #107, 719-888-6118 frederickganderton.com

SILVER (TIE): MALNAR INJURY LAW, MCDIVITT LAW FIRM PET

GOLD: TUMBLEWEED COUNTRY KENNELS 12599 Jordan Road, 719-382-1126 tumbleweedcountrykennels.com

SILVER: UNDER THE

DOG TRAINING & DAYCARE BRONZE: SUNRISE & WOODMEN KENNELS

GOLD: HAPPY HOUNDS PET GROOMING 2330 Vickers Drive, 719-593-1012 happy-hounds.org

SILVER (TIE): DOGGY N STYLES, REPUBLIC OF PAWS

PET RESCUE

GOLD: NATIONAL MILL DOG RESCUE 5335 Johnson Road, 719-683-3334 nmdr.org

SILVER: HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION BRONZE: ALL BREED RESCUE & TRAINING PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING GOLD: PLAYTIME PET SITTERS & DOG WALKERS 719-475-7297 playtimepetsitters.com SILVER: ALISHA’S PET PLAYCATIONS

BRONZE: UNDER THE SUN DOG TRAINING & DAYCARE

A

Detail Oriented Company

Calton Homes is a new builder to Colorado, with over 40 years of combined experience.

Helping our clients create the home of their dreams is our passion. We thrive on working closely with our clients to ensure every detail is perfect, and the project is on schedule and budget. We bring our family values of integrity, innovation, passion, and fun into our daily activities and company standards. Our company has grown quickly due to the relationships we have formed and the referrals we have received. Let us help you create a home you love.

Mention Best of the Springs and get 10% OFF any Wedding Service or 15% off any two services! Or 20% OFF any Studio Photography Package!

PLACE TO GET PIERCED

GOLD: THE HOLEY GRAIL TATTOOING & BODY PIERCING 1015 S. Tejon St., 719-309-6352

SILVER: THE HIVE BODY PIERCING BRONZE: WORK OF HEART TATTOO

PLUMBER

GOLD: OLSON PLUMBING & HEATING CO.

2500 Centennial Blvd., 719-635-3563 olsonph.com

SILVER: BILL’S PLUMBING & DRAIN SERVICE BRONZE: SOCO PLUMBING

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

GOLD: LIFE’S A SNAP, PHOTO BOOTH AND PHOTOGRAPHY CO. 3812 Surrey Lane, 719-619-7555, lifesasnapphotoboothandphotograph mypixieset.com

SILVER (TIE): TINA JOINER PHOTOGRAPHY, WHISKEY SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

PRODUCTION HOME BUILDER

GOLD: CLASSIC HOMES

2138 Flying Horse Club Drive, 719-592-9333 classichomes.com

SILVER: CHALLENGER HOMES BRONZE: VANTAGE HOMES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

GOLD: BIJOU PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 428 East Bijou St., 719-473-1007

SILVER: THE PROPERTY GROUP — HERMES BRONZE: PINK REALTY

WINNERS

REAL ESTATE OFFICE (FRANCHISED)

GOLD: COLDWELL BANKER BEYOND 2702 West Colorado Ave., Suite A 719-577-4300

cbbeyond.com

SILVER: ERA SHIELDS REAL ESTATE BRONZE: RE/MAX PROPERTIES INC.

REAL ESTATE OFFICE (INDEPENDENT)

GOLD: THE CUTTING EDGE REALTORS

5881 N Academy Blvd., 719-999-5067 thecuttingedgerealtors.com

SILVER: PINK REALTY BRONZE: THE PLATINUM GROUP, REALTORS

REAL ESTATE RELOCATION

GOLD: COLDWELL BANKER BEYOND 2702 W Colorado Ave., A 719-577-4300 cbbeyond.com

SILVER: (TIE): AFFINITY HOME PARTNERS, PINK REALTY REALTOR

GOLD: BAYLEE CARTER 2702 W. Colorado Ave., Suite A 719-433-1862 bayleecarter.com

SILVER: KIESHIA MACE BRONZE: JANET MCMONIGAL

RESIDENTIAL REMODELING

GOLD: ALPINE CONTRACTING 5482 Tomah Drive, 719-574-9676 alpine-contracting.com

SILVER: HOMEFIX BRONZE: CALTON HOMES

We’re proud to offer residential, commercial, facilities maintenance and solar services throughout the Colorado Front Range and beyond. We, Apache Electric & Maintenance, Inc. are a purpose-driven company. A collaborative effort from a team composed of Colorado’s top electricians. A collection of motivators, project ignitors, and professors of preservation. Individuals who believe your knowledge and input is critical, practicing the skills of listening.

Whatever you think an electrical company is, we are not it. Come and join the tribe.

pEPIC WINS

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST IN THE SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS IN A ROW

A place for life’s FAVORITE MOMENTS

At Banning Lewis Ranch, we believe that every family deserves the space to play, explore, and grow. With over 75 acres of parks and trails, we offer just that. Inspiring moments of new friends and endless adventures. Welcome to a place where your neighbors become family, and where the amenities are only outmatched by the memories.

WINNERS

RESTORATION

GOLD: CMS RESTORATION 2676 Durango Drive, 719-538-5607 cmsrestorationco.com

SILVER: HYDROCLEAN CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY BRONZE: TRUE NORTH RESTORATION

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

GOLD: REGENCY TOWER

921 Green Star Drive, 719-633-2112 regencytowersllc.com

SILVER: MACKENZIE PLACE BRONZE: MELODY LIVING

ROOFING

GOLD: TRITON ROOFING & SOLAR 3330 Fillmore Ridge Heights, Suite B 719-322-3673 tritonroofing.com

SILVER: HOMEFIX BRONZE: STORM GUARD ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION

SECURITY COMPANY

GOLD: COLORADO COMPLETE SECURITY 3346 Adobe Center, 719-505-3903 coloradocompletesecurityco.com

SILVER: BAKER & KING SECURITY SERVICES BRONZE: VIGILANT TIGER SECURITY

SPECIAL EVENT CATERING

GOLD: PICNIC BASKET CATERING COLLECTIVE 1701 S. 8th St., 719-635-0200 pbcatering.com

SILVER: YOU & I CATERERS BRONZE: SUMMIT CATERING

WINNERS

STAFFING AGENCY

GOLD: ADD STAFF

3246 Centennial Blvd., 719-528-8888 addstaffinc.com

SILVER: FRONT RANGE STAFFING BRONZE: GOODWILL STAFFING

STORAGE FACILITY

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS SELF STORAGE

4905 N. 30th St., 719-265-5900 gardenofthegodsselfstorage.com

TAILOR AND ALTERATIONS

GOLD: MADE BY TERI 10441 Mount Lincoln Drive, 719-623-7711 madebyterillc.com

SILVER: MARIA’S TAILOR SHOP BRONZE: MYRNA’S TAILOR SHOP

TATTOO SHOP

GOLD: TIMELESS BODY ART 23 E. Kiowa St., 719-237-5553 timelessbodyart.com

SILVER: FALLEN HEROES

TATTOO & PIERCING BRONZE (TIE): RU TATTOOED, WEST SIDE TATTOO

TAX PREPARER

GOLD: YOUR TAXLADY 401 Windchime Place, 719-548-4924 taxladyllc.com

SILVER: BRW TAX & ACCOUNTING BRONZE: ACADEMY ACCOUNTING & TAXES

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

GOLD: ASK CRAIG TEE

2720 E. Yampa St., #9, 866-517-4949 askcraigtee.com

SILVER: FLAIR DATA SYSTEMS BRONZE: THE MAC CORNER

TIRE SHOP

GOLD: DISCOUNT TIRE multiple locations discounttire.com

SILVER: TIRE WORLD AUTO REPAIR BRONZE: BIG O TIRES

TITLE COMPANY

GOLD: EMPIRE TITLE 5555 Tech Center Drive #110 8605 Explorer Drive #250, 719-884-5300 etcos.com

SILVER: LAND TITLE GUARANTEE CO. BRONZE: CAPSTONE TITLE

TRASH COMPANY

GOLD: INFINITE DISPOSAL 1809 N. Circle Drive, 719-999-0500, infinitedisposal.com

SILVER: SOCO WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES BRONZE: CAREFREE DISPOSAL

TRAVEL AGENCY OR AGENT

GOLD: CRUISE PLANNERS — DAWN LINGOLD

3515 N. Chestnut St., 719-455-4400 dawn.abctravelpros.com

SILVER: CRUISE PLANNERS — CHRISTI ESTERLE BRONZE: INTEGRITY DESTINATIONS

VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL

GOLD: BIJOU ANIMAL HOSPITAL PC 123 Swope Ave., 719-471-4457 bijouanimalhospital.com

SILVER: TIMBERVIEW ANIMAL HOSPITAL BRONZE: WESTSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WEDDING CAKES

GOLD: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY 610 E. Fillmore St., 719-264-0177 dutchpastry.com

SILVER: THE SUGARPLUM CAKE SHOPPE & BAKERY BRONZE: ICED AND DAZZLE

WEDDING CATERING

GOLD: PICNIC BASKET CATERING COLLECTIVE 1701 S. 8th St., 719-635-0200 pbcatering.com

SILVER (TIE): SUMMIT CATERING, YOU & I CATERERS

local, family owned and not too big to do anything but install a new system or fix your problem right the first time.

WEDDING DJ

GOLD: SPRINGS SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT 3617 Betty Drive, Suite B, 719-232-6038 springssounds.com

SILVER: HEPS DJ & PHOTO BOOTH BRONZE: BOOGIE ON DOWN PRODUCTIONS

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

GOLD: LIFE’S A SNAP, PHOTO BOOTH & PHOTOGRAPHY CO. 3812 Surrey Lane, 719-619-7555 lifesasnapphotoboothandphotography. mypixieset.com

SILVER: CAIN’S CANDIDS BRONZE: TINA JOINER PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDING PLANNER

GOLD: LIFE’S A SNAP, PHOTO BOOTH & PHOTOGRAPHY CO. 3812 Surrey Lane, 719-619-7555 lifesasnapphotoboothandphotography. mypixieset.com

SILVER: ERIKA WEEKS, HILLSIDE GARDENS BRONZE: SYDNEY CATHEY, THE PINERY

WEDDING VENUE

GOLD: SPRUCE MOUNTAIN EVENTS 14771 S. Spruce Mountain Road 719-484-0800

sprucemountainevents.com

SILVER: HILLSIDE GARDENS BRONZE: THE CLUB AT FLYING HORSE

WINDOW WELLS

GOLD: 83 METAL CRAFT 2725 Clarendon Drive, 719-493-4104 reinventthemetal.com

CELEBRITY picks

Carlos’ Bistro

1025 S. 21st St., carlosbistrocos.com

“For a special occasion restaurant, Carlos’ Bistro is hard to beat. The quality and freshness of the food combined with the creative blend of flavors and the always incredible service make this a great choice for a date night. They also have an extensive wine selection.”

– TROY CALHOUN

1989 Air Force Academy graduate who returned for a stint as a Falcons’ assistant coach in 1993 and since 2007 has served as the program’s head coach

Downtown Colorado Springs

downtowncs.com

“Downtown Colorado Springs is alive at all hours of the day and night. There is something for all interests, whether it is the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, our parks and trails lacing the downtown area, or the many restaurants and bars. The vibrancy in downtown Colorado Springs is exciting.”

– PAM SHOCKLEY-ZALABAK

Chancellor of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs from 2002 to 2017, former CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

shopping

THANKS COLORADO SPRINGS!

At Denver Mattress, we consistently strive to give you the very best mattress shopping experience possible. Come in and let one of our knowledgeable sales consultants custom fit you to the mattress that is exactly right for you.

QUALITY Products you can trust and our customers love SERVICE Nationally recognized for years as one of the very best

SELECTION The best selection of the best brands

VALUE Our 365-Night Guarantee plus prices that can’t be beat

Why shop anywhere else?

Denver Mattress also carries the best selection of the best mattress brands including Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Sealy®, Purple®, Aireloom®, and Doctor’s Choice®.

We’ve mined the shopping scene in the Springs — these are the hidden gems.

Looking to buy freshly baked bread? Or perhaps a handmade candle? The Backyard Market at Park Union is a year-round indoor market featuring a wide variety of local vendors. Located at the Meanwhile Block downtown, you can find handmade tamales, fresh produce, sweet treats and much more. The friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant shopping experience.

With the outdoors calling in Colorado Springs, we’re fortunate to have two shops selling clothes and gear we need at a discount. Those are Mountain Equipment Recyclers and Gearonimo Sports. The consignment stores specialize in lightly used, quality brands. They’re locally owned with all of your hiking, biking, camping, climbing and skiing needs — and at prices much lower than the big-box outdoor retailers of the world.

Seth’s picks

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT RECYCLERS

2222 Bott Ave., merecyclers.com

There’s always room for another plant, right? And even if there isn’t, you can still visit The Living Room — with its hundreds of tropical indoor plants — and walk away freshly oxygenated and rejuvenated. Choose from the succulents, mother fern, rosemary, lavender and so many more. And if you’re not sure what might work in your particular space, consult with owner Rachel Young. The fourth-generation greenhouse woman knows her flora.

Jen’s pick

THE LIVING ROOM

22 E. Rio Grande St., 12229 , Voyager Parkway, Suite 100; thelivingroomplants.com

GEARONIMO SPORTS

1401 S. 8th St., gearoninosports.com

Jerry’s pick

2531 W. Colorado Ave. squashblossom.com

Squash Blossom always surprises, and it’s a go-to when I’m in search of gifts for people who seemingly have everything. The Old Colorado City store, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, carries Native American and contemporary jewelry along with art, bronze sculptures and home accessories at a wide range of prices. You might even find a solid book.

BREAD & BUTTER

NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET

602 S. Nevada Ave., breadandbuttermarket.com

Bread & Butter Neighborhood Market is a locally owned shop in the heart of downtown offering food, beer, wine and spirits to those who live, work and play nearby. The shelves are stocked with mostly locally produced foods made by food artisans from Colorado. There’s a nice selection of grab-and-go snacks, lunches and full meals.

When it comes to home improvement stores, it’s tough to beat Ace Hardware. For me, it’s the friendly employees who routinely surprise with their intricate knowledge of the tools I need to get the job done. I’m amazed at how I can enter the store with a screw from a piece of equipment and the folks at Ace tell me the exact size after just a quick glance. Their expertise is unmatched.

Multiple locations acehardware.com Hugh’s pick

ACE HARDWARE

CELEBRITY picks

L adyfingers Letterpress

113 E. Bijou St., ladyfingersletterpress.com

“Ladyfingers Letterpress has one of the most inclusive spaces for shopping for gifts and yourself. They support local artists, and I love that they have classes where people can improve on their crafts. It’s beautiful to have a queer-owned print shop that supports not only fun and silly things but beautiful ways of expressing one’s self.”

Colorado Springs resident since 1994, Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate, co-director of Poetry719, a poetry movement that uplifts the voices of the marginalized and people of color

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WINNERS

ANTIQUES

GOLD: AMERICAN CLASSICS MARKETPLACE

1815 N. Academy Blvd., 719-596-8585 americanclassicsmarketplace.com

SILVER: SWEET WILLIAM ANTIQUE MALL

BRONZE: CULTURE CAVE VINTAGE GOODS

AUCTION

GOLD: SCHUR SUCCESS GROUP

366 2nd St., Monument, 719-667-1000 schursuccessgroup.com

SILVER: ROSS AUCTION

BABY SHOP

GOLD: ONCE UPON A CHILD

6948 N. Academy Blvd., 719-599-5966 onceuponachild.com

SILVER: TERRA VERDE BOUTIQUE BRONZE: LALA + KOKO

BEER SELECTION

GOLD: CHEERS LIQUOR MART

1105 N. Circle Drive, 719-574-2244 cheersliquormart.com

SILVER: COALTRAIN FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS

BRONZE: APPLEJACK WINE & SPIRITS

BIKE SHOP

GOLD: CRITERIUM BICYCLES

6150 Corporate Drive, 719-599-0149 criterium.com

SILVER: OLD TOWN BIKE SHOP

BRONZE: ASCENT CYCLING

GOLD

PIKES PEAK STATE COLLEGE 5675 S. Academy Blvd. 719-520-2000, pikespeak.edu

BEST COLLEGE

FOR AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE

In a society where student debt can accrue so rapidly, Pikes Peak State College offers plenty of relief, with semesters that are often less than half the price of other local and regional colleges and universities, according to data from 2022.

“The cost, by far, is the most affordable option in the Pikes Peak region, with scholarships and financial aid if they can’t afford tuition,” says Matt Radcliffe, the college’s executive director of marketing and communications. “Most programs are designed to get people into the workforce as quickly as they can.”

More than 17,000 students enrolled at PPSC for the 2022/2023 school year. Of the school’s 89 programs, business and health sciences, such as nursing, are most popular, though the new cybersecurity program is growing quickly. A series of engineering degrees with transfer agreements to UCCS soon will launch.

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS STUDIO WEST

WINNERS

BOOKSTORE

GOLD: POOR RICHARD’S BOOKS & GIFTS

320 N. Tejon St., 719-578-5549 poorrichardsbookstore.com

SILVER: BARNES & NOBLE BRONZE: HOOKED ON BOOKS

BOUTIQUE

GOLD: TERRA VERDE BOUTIQUE

208 N. Tejon St., 719-444-8621 terraverdestyle.com

SILVER: SPARKLES & LACE BOUTIQUE BRONZE: THE FAERY GROVE

BUTCHER

GOLD: RANCH FOODS DIRECT 1228 E. Fillmore St., 719-623-2980 4635 Town Center Drive, 719-559-0873 ranchfoodsdirect.com

SILVER: COWBOY STAR RESTAURANT AND BUTCHER SHOP BRONZE: CENTENNIAL CUTS

CAR DEALER (NEW)

GOLD: HEUBERGER SUBARU 1080 Motor City Drive, 719-475-1920 bestbuysubaru.com

SILVER: PHIL LONG DEALERSHIP BRONZE: THE FARICY BOYS

CAR DEALER (USED)

GOLD: SPRINGS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 3499 E. Platte Ave. 925 N. Powers Blvd., 719-477-0900 springsautomotivegroup.com

SILVER: HEUBERGER SUBARU BRONZE: AUTOSEARCH USA

WINNERS

CARPET

GOLD: PROSOURCE OF COLORADO SPRINGS

3109 N. El Paso St., 719-209-4474 prosourcewholesale.com

SILVER: CHOICE FLOORS BRONZE (TIE): FLOOR CRAFT, O’BRIENS CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

GOLD: ONCE UPON A CHILD 6948 N. Academy Blvd., 719-599-5966 onceuponachild.com

SILVER: ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF COLORADO SPRINGS BARGAIN BOX THRIFT STORE BRONZE: LALA + KOKO

CUSTOM FRAMING

GOLD: ROSS STUDIOS 2712 North Gate Blvd., 719-635-5085 rossartstudios.com

SILVER: ACADEMY ART & FRAME CO. BRONZE: MIKE’S CAMERA

DEPARTMENT STORE

GOLD: KOHL’S multiple locations kohls.com

SILVER: MACY’S BRONZE: DILLARD’S

EYEGLASSES

GOLD: COSTCO WHOLESALE 5050 N. Nevada Ave., 719-264-5010 5885 Barnes Road, 719-591-3002 costco.com

SILVER: ABBA EYE CARE BRONZE: ROCKRIMMON VISION SOURCE

FARMERS MARKET

GOLD: OLD COLORADO CITY FARMERS MARKET 2407 W. Colorado Ave., 719-574-1283 shopoldcoloradocity.com

SILVER: BACKYARD MARKET BRONZE: FARM & ART MARKET

FLOORING INSTALLATION

GOLD: G3 HARDWOOD FLOORING 2283 Waynoka Road, Unit G 719-437-7732 g3hardwoods.com

SILVER: FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL BRONZE: HOLLOWAY CUSTOMS

FLORIST

GOLD: SWEETWATER, A FLOWER MARKET multiple locations sweetwaterflowermarket.com

SILVER: SKYWAY CREATIONS BRONZE: SPRINGS IN BLOOM

WINNERS

FURNITURE STORE

GOLD: AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

2805 N. Chestnut St., 719-633-4220 afw.com

SILVER: PLATTE FURNITURE BRONZE: AMERICAN FURNITURE GALLERIES

GIFT SHOP

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS TRADING POST 324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs 719-685-9045 gardenofthegodstradingpost.com

SILVER: WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED BRONZE: SPARKLES & LACE BOUTIQUE

GRANITE

GOLD: PLANET GRANITE 3020 N. Stone Ave., 719-522-0748 planetgranite.us

GUNS/AMMO

GOLD: MAGNUM SHOOTING CENTER 13372 Meadowgrass Drive, 719-487-3193 2050 Southgate Road, 719-357-5911 magnumshootingcenter.com

SILVER: SPRINGS ARMORY BRONZE: TRIPLE J ARMORY

HARDWARE STORE

GOLD: ACE HARDWARE multiple locations acehardware.com

SILVER: LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT BRONZE: THE HOME DEPOT

ABY O’DELL ISAAC odell.isaac@gazette.com

ir Force 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh, a 2023 Air Force Academy graduate, says she doesn’t see herself as “conventionally talented.”

“I can’t sing or dance,” Marsh says. She can, however, fly an airplane. She can establish and run a nonprofit, conduct research with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, lobby members of Congress for increased funding for pancreatic cancer research and study for a Master’s degree at Harvard University.

Marsh also can wear a sash and a crown as the newest Miss America. “It’s a lot of work, but I think doing all this is what really fills my cup,” Marsh says. Marsh fulfills her many roles with a passion born of heartache. In 2018, Marsh’s mother, Whitney, died of pancreatic cancer.

“She was only 41 years old. She didn’t show any signs of illness,” Marsh says. “She was very healthy. She was a runner. She didn’t smoke, didn’t have any risk factors. She only lasted nine months after her diagnosis.”

The tragedy left Marsh without a mother at age 17, but it also infused her with purpose and a hard resolve. In 2019, she and her family founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation, an organization focused on pancreatic cancer awareness and research funding.

“I know how precious life is and how fleeting it can be,” she says. “Any moment I spend not pursuing my dreams is a moment wasted. I don’t want to waste any of it.”

Not long after enrolling at the Academy, Marsh decided to follow in a relative’s footsteps and try her hand at pageant competitions. When she was crowned Miss Academy during her senior year, she realized she had a unique opportunity to advocate for something about which she was passionate: pancreatic cancer awareness.

“Pageantry allows me to focus on other people’s success,” she says. “That’s where I feel a sort of release and happiness — helping other people.”

Last May, in Marsh’s third try in the Miss Colorado competition, she beat out about 20 local pageant winners for the crown.

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Staying to her roots True

“I decided I was going to arrange my schedule to practice every day and give myself the best possible chance and then just show up and hope for the best,” she says. “I knew that I had prepared to the best of my ability with the time that I had.”

Marsh didn’t have a lot of time to bask in her Miss Colorado victory. Days later, she commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force and graduated from the Academy with a physics degree. Soon after, she began preparing for the Miss America competition.

In January, Marsh surprised even herself when she became the first active-duty service member to win the Miss America crown. Marsh barely had time to comprehend her

milestone moment before flying to New York for interviews with national news outlets. When she returned to Colorado Springs, her first official visit was to Jackson Elementary School, where she talked with youngsters she used to read to as a cadet.

“I couldn’t wait to come back so I could see you guys again,” she told the students.

During an assembly, Marsh encouraged the children to follow their dreams.

“You can be anything you want to be,” she said that day. “You can be an athlete or a pilot or an astronaut or a doctor. You can do all of it ... and more.”

“I know how precious life is and how fleeting it can be. Any moment I spend not pursuing my dreams is a moment wasted. I don’t want to waste any of it.”

WINNERS

HOBBY SHOP

GOLD: HOBBY LOBBY multiple locations hobbylobby.com

SILVER: WHO GIVES A SCRAP BRONZE: WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

HUNTING SUPPLIES

GOLD: SCHEELS

1226 Interquest Parkway, 719-220-6444 scheels.com

SILVER: SPRINGS ARMORY BRONZE: MAGNUM SHOOTING CENTER

JEWELER

GOLD: REVOLUTION

JEWELRY WORKS

5928 Stetson Hills Blvd., #110 719-650-6000 revolutionjewelryworks.com

SILVER: LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS BRONZE: LANE MITCHELL JEWELERS

JEWELRY REPAIR

GOLD: REVOLUTION

JEWELRY WORKS

5928 Stetson Hills Blvd., #110, 719-650-600 revolutionjewelryworks.com

SILVER: LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS BRONZE: TED BLUM JEWELERS

KITCHEN STORE

GOLD: SPARROW HAWK COOKWARE

120 N. Tejon St., 719-471-3235 sparrowhawkcookware.com

SILVER: WILLIAMS SONOMA

WINNERS

LIQUOR STORE

GOLD: CHEERS LIQUOR MART

1105 N. Circle Drive, 719-574-2244 cheersliquormart.com

SILVER: COALTRAIN FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS BRONZE: APPLEJACK WINE & SPIRITS

MATTRESS STORE

GOLD: DENVER MATTRESS CO.

6320 Corporate Centre Circle, Suite D, 719-266-8383, 4331 Integrity Center Point, 719-380-7541 denvermattress.furniturerow.com

SILVER: SLEEP NUMBER BRONZE (TIE): AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MATTRESS FIRM

MEN’S FASHION

GOLD: YOBEL 11 E. Bijou St., 719-374-5106 shopyobel.com

SILVER: GENTLEMEN’S CHOICE TUXEDOS BRONZE: MOUNTAIN STANDARD GOODS

MILITARY-FRIENDLY CAR DEALER

GOLD: SPRINGS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

3499 E. Platte Ave., 925 N. Powers Blvd. 719-477-0900 springsautomotivegroup.com

SILVER: MCCLOSKEY MOTORS BRONZE: MILE HIGH CAR CO.

BEST BEER SELECTION GOLD

BEER & WINE SELECTION IS PLENTIFUL

CHEERS LIQUOR MART 1105 N Circle Dr., 719-574-2244

cheersliquormart.com

Cheers Liquor Mart opened in the early 1970s as one of the state’s first bigbox liquor stores.

Now, as the largest liquor store in southern Colorado, the 36,000-squarefoot center offers more than 8,000 wine selections, 3,500 spirits and 1,500 brews. The market underwent remodeling in 1995 after switching ownership and has gone on to become a regular Best of the Springs winner.

“We strive to keep our prices low and our selection second to none,” marketing director Kim Green says. “We spend hours sampling wines, spirits and beers to bring Colorado Springs the selection they deserve.”

But it’s not all about booze for Cheers Liquor Mart. The business is active in the community and has supported hundreds of charities and organizations over the years.

“Cheers believes that to be part of a community, it is important to give back through charitable giving,” Green says. “We proudly support over 30 community charities such as Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, National Mill Dog Rescue, numerous military charities and more. We are proud to be part of this wonderful community.”

MOTORCYCLE/OFF-ROAD

GOLD: PIKES PEAK HARLEY-DAVIDSON 5867 N. Nevada Ave., 719-278-2300 pikespeakharleydavidson.com

SILVER: PIKES PEAK INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

GOLD: GRANER MUSIC 4460 Barnes Road, 719-574-2001 granermusic.com

SILVER: MEEKER MUSIC INC. BRONZE: MUSIC GO ROUND

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET

GOLD: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET multiple locations, 719-590-8890 sprouts.com

SILVER: NATURAL GROCERS BRONZE: MOUNTAIN MAMA NATURAL FOODS

NEW STORE

GOLD: BRICKS & MINIFIGS 5730 N. Academy Blvd., 719-309-6196 bricksandminifigs.com

SILVER: PLAYTIME PET SITTERS & DOG WALKERS OF COLORADO SPRINGS (ROCKRIMMON LOCATION) BRONZE: CIRCA BY ECLECTIC CO.

NURSERY/ GARDENING CENTER

GOLD: PHELAN GARDENS 4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 719-574-8058 phelangardens.com

SILVER: RICK’S GARDEN CENTER BRONZE: HEIDRICH’S COLORADO TREE FARM NURSERY

WINNERS

ORGANIC MEAT SELECTION

GOLD: RANCH FOODS DIRECT

1228 E. Fillmore St., 719-623-2980 4635 Town Center Drive, 719-559-0873 ranchfoodsdirect.com

SILVER: WHOLE FOODS MARKET

ORTHOPEDIC SHOES

GOLD: THE GOOD FEET STORE 1739 Briargate Blvd., 719-599-9033 goodfeet.com

SILVER: AUDUBON ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC SERVICES

BRONZE: VALENTINE COMFORT SHOES

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

GOLD: SCHEELS 1226 Interquest Parkway 719-220-6444 scheels.com

SILVER: REI BRONZE: MOUNTAIN CHALET PET STORE

GOLD: PETCO multiple locations petco.com

SILVER: REPUBLIC OF PAWS BRONZE: WAG N’ WASH

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO STORE

GOLD: MIKE’S CAMERA 5420 N. Academy Blvd., 719-597-1575 mikescamera.com

SILVER: DAWN CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BRONZE: CAMERAWORKS

WINNERS

PLACE FOR RECORDS/VINYL

GOLD: TIGER RECORDS

1625 W. Uintah St., 719-471-3183 tigerrecordscolorado.com

SILVER: THE LEECHPIT RECORDS & VINTAGE BRONZE: WHAT’S LEFT RECORDS

RESALE/ CONSIGNMENT SHOP

GOLD: ELECTRIC GOODIES 501 W. Colorado Ave.

SILVER: WHO GIVES A SCRAP BRONZE: ASHLEY’S ATTIC

SHOE STORE

GOLD: BROWN’S SHOE FIT CO. 119 N. Tejon St., 719-635-1575 brownsshoefitco.com

SILVER: SPARKLES & LACE BOUTIQUE BRONZE: YOBEL

SHOPPING CENTER

GOLD: THE PROMENADE SHOPS AT BRIARGATE 1605-1925 Briargate Parkway 719-265-6264 thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com

SILVER: UNIVERSITY VILLAGE COLORADO BRONZE: CHAPEL HILLS MALL

SKI SHOP

GOLD: THE SKI SHOP INC. 1422 S. Tejon St., 719-636-3355, theskishopinc.com

SILVER: EPIC MOUNTAIN GEAR BRONZE: SENDICATE SKI

SPICE STORE

GOLD: SAVORY SPICE 110 N. Tejon St., 719-633-8803 savoryspiceshop.com

SILVER: CENTENNIAL CUTS

SPORTING GOODS

GOLD: SCHEELS 1226 Interquest Parkway 719-220-6444 scheels.com

SILVER: DICK’S SPORTING GOODS BRONZE: MAGNUM SHOOTING CENTER

SUPERMARKET

GOLD: KING SOOPERS multiple locations kingsoopers.com

SILVER: BREAD & BUTTER NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET BRONZE: SAFEWAY

TACKLE SHOP

GOLD: ANGLER’S COVEY

295 S. 21st St., 719-471-2984 anglerscovey.com

SILVER: SCHEELS BRONZE: BASS PRO SHOPS

THRIFT STORE

GOLD: ARC THRIFT STORES multiple locations, arcthrift.com

SILVER: WHO GIVES A SCRAP BRONZE: GOODWILL OF COLORADO

TOY STORE

GOLD: LITTLE RICHARD’S TOY STORE

324 N. Tejon St., 719-578-5549 littlerichardstoystore.com

SILVER: SCHOOL CROSSING TOY STATION BRONZE: BRICKS & MINIFIGS

VAPE SHOP

GOLD: ABSOLUTE VAPOR LOUNGE

5010 N. Academy Blvd., 719-377-8817

308 S. 8th St., Suite J, 719-398-8273 absolutevaporcs.com

SILVER: CHIEF VAPOR BRONZE: FREAKY’S SMOKE SHOP & TATTOO

WINNERS

WINDOW COVERINGS/BLINDS

GOLD: GOTCHA COVERED 6638 Charter Drive, 719-249-1125 gotchacovered.com

SILVER: BUDGET BLINDS BRONZE: ELEVATED VIEWS

WINE STORE

GOLD: CHEERS LIQUOR MART 1105 N. Circle Drive, 719-574-2244 cheersliquormart.com

SILVER: COALTRAIN FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS BRONZE: THE WINE GALLERY WINE & SPIRITS

WOMEN’S FASHION

GOLD: SPARKLES & LACE BOUTIQUE 2150 Garden of the Gods Road 719-888-9772 sparklesandlaceboutique.com

SILVER: TERRA VERDE BOUTIQUE BRONZE: JORDIE’S EMBROIDERY CO.