Colorado Springs, CO

It’s been a few years but one of the coolest places I’ve been to for climbing is the Sport Climb Center over on North Park Drive.

As I recall they seem to have the best options and largest selection of indoor climbing in the area. I need to get back over there but it was a popular destination for serious climbers, beginners, kids and even parties.

Be sure to bring a friend who you can climb with as it typically takes 2. One person to climb and the other to act as the belee-er. Climbing is a sport and should be respected as such. In a very short amount of time, if you’re not experienced, you can tire out and be unable to climb anything!

The right shoes are also important but not necessary if you’re just going to try it out. It is excellent exercise, affordable and fun. Be sure to check out the Sport Climbing Center of Colorado Springs where for the price of a movie and popcorn you have a healthy alternative!

Call them today at 719-260-1050.

*Photo Courtesy of www.ExperientialSystems.com

Since I’m a dog owner I’m often looking for places to take the pooches where they can get off the leash and enjoy the outdoors. I have one miniature Schnauzer and one Boston Poo (Yes, I think I made that up! Boston Terrier mixed with Poodle).

Both dogs are under 25 pounds and while our yard is large they enjoy the stimulation of getting out.

Two places we’ve gone to recently are Boulder Park and Shook’s Run. However, I don’t think that either of these areas are good for off-leash. We always keep them on the leash in these areas.

For total off-leash enjoyment check out Red Rock Canyon over off of Highway 24 and 31st St. This area was acquired by the city in 2003 and is undergoing development over the next several years. They offer many trails for hiking, climbing, biking and running as well as off-leash areas for dogs.

Every July 4th a large celebration takes place. Not for my dad or my friend Gary’s birthdays or for aunt Rosalyn and uncle Barry’s anniversary. The celebration takes place to mark the anniversary of the independence of the United States. This year marks year 231!

In Colorado Springs there are 4 or 5 different celebrations in different parts of the city but the largest party will take place at Memorial Park - 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. As always the event is free.

The official start time is 8pm but crowds will gather much earlier than that to claim preferred seating for the fireworks extravaganza. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture in tandem with 6 Howitzer cannons provided by the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Bring a picnic basket but leave the BBQ grills and pets at home. Also, don’t overlook the fact that any type of firework is illegal to set off in the city limits. Yes, even sparklers!

According to www.springsgov.com Memorial Park offers all of the following:

Aquatics and Fitness Center (indoor pool), fitness room, social/play room; swimming lessons. (Best access off S. Union Blvd. just south of E. Pikes Peak Ave.)
# Prospect Lake and Bath House: swimming beach, boating (motorized and non-motorized), water-skiing, boat rental (paddle, row, sail and canoe), two fishing areas (one wheelchair accessible fishing dock).
# Mark “Pa” Sertich Ice Center: public ice skating, lessons.
# Velodrome: bicycle racing track, roller skate racing track.
# Sports Center: Parks and Recreation’s Sports Division Administrative Offices; three baseball/softball fields, 15 football/soccer fields, 12 tennis courts with Tennis Center.
# Other facilities: picnicking (shelters), large-group picnic area (by reservation), bicycle criterium, horseshoe courts, multi-play court, three playgrounds (including Phil Long/Denver Broncos Community Playground with ADA accessibility), 5.3 miles of trails, 1.6 miles of bikeways, Prospect Lake Fitness Trail (hiking, biking, jogging, fitness), restrooms, public telephones, vending machines, concessions. 196 acres.

One place that can be easy to overlook in Colorado Springs is the United States Olympic Training Center. It sits at the intersection of Union and Boulder. Many famous athletes the likes of Apolo Ohno have trained there and lived in the Springs area over many years while doing so.

The OTC offers year-round free public tours. There are 12-minute and 45-minute walking tours. The majority of both tours are conducted outdoors which is a tribute to the glorious weather in Colorado Springs which, incidentally, has more sunshine days than the so-called Sunshine state.

You can find additional information on the USOTC tours at the usoc.org website along with plenty of other interesting facts, complete athlete bios, a breakdown of all the summer and winter sports and the Olympian Hall of Fame.

Don’t look now but the Beijing games are right around the corner in 2008! You can also buy any part of the Beijing collection of clothing, apparel and even pins at the US Olympic Shop.

Where can you go in Colorado Springs to get in a great hike and also enjoy a great, entertaining day? How about the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!?

As I recall the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountain zoo in the United States and resides at the highest elevation of any zoo in North America. Since the zoo is located on the side of Cheyenne Mountain be prepared for a good hike!

Babies are all the rage at the zoo this summer. 2 of 4 new exhibits for this season are baby gorillas and baby orangutans. The kids are sure to be in awe at the baby exhibits as well as at the “Budgie Buddy” building and wrap it up with a Pony Ride!

The zoo also features the African Rift Valley that contains a plethora of interactive stations. Plants, animals, trees are only the beginning in what could keep you enthralled for hours. Sticking with the theme of babies there is a baby giraffe spot, a research station and a view tower that will give you an eagle’s eye view of the African Rift Valley site. The African Rift Valley is just a portion of the zoo’s Master Plan that includes lessening the grade of the walking trails and adding people movers to make navigating the zoo a bit less exertion.

Seriously, be prepared for a hike but the increase in heart rate is worth it. The zoo is not just for tourists! In fact, according zoo admission statistics more than 60% of the zoo’s visitors are from Colorado Springs. The zoo is also fairly affordable. The admission rates for 2007 are listed below.

REGULAR ADMISSION
Adults ages 12 to 64 are $12.00
Seniors age 65 and above are $10.00
Children ages 3 to 11 are $6.00
Children ages 2 and under are FREE

Get out and enjoy the day, bring your water bottle and sunscreen and make a day you’ll never forget by feeding a giraffe and touching an 18″ purple tongue!

When was the last time you were out and about in downtown Colorado Springs? I must admit that its been a while for me but in anticipation of getting back there in just a couple of weeks I wanted to refresh myself on the happenings.

One of the nice things about doing the downtown thing is that you can pay just a few bucks to park your car in a central place, say across from the Phantom Canyon on the corner of Cascade and Colorado, and you’re within walking distance of nearly everything in the small but lively downtown area.

In fact, if you like microbrews you can start at Phantom Canyon where you can enjoy a meal and custom brew downstairs or a game of pool upstairs. Right across the street in the Antlers Hilton hotel is Judge Baldwin’s and they also concoct their own beer. For a more casual dining and brew experience walk 2 blocks over to Tejon to Il Vicino…definitely some of the best brews around as well as some great pizza.

Forgetting microbrews but still in the same general area is McKenzie’s Chophouse, a local favorite with an extensive martini menu. Of course, they also do steak and even have brunches for those special occasions. If you’re in the mood for some live music check out the Ritz as they will usually be hosting a band on the weekends.

For some seriously good food its hard to go wrong with Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub. This place has authentic interior decorating imported directly from Ireland that reminds me of the decor at the Golden Bee. Quinn’s has been voted the People’s Choice for Best Bar in Colorado Springs and they have brunch every Sunday from noon to 3pm.

This really is just the tip of the iceberg for entertainment downtown. After having gotten out to explore some of this stuff I’ll feel much more comfortable with where I’d like to hang out when meeting friends down there. By the by - if you have a taste for wine over hops then be sure to check back in a few weeks for a review of place to get good wine in the downtown area.

Its that time of the year when the weather is staying warmer longer, the snow is melting away even on the fourteeners and we can stay outside for prolonged periods of time without a sweater or jacket (though we should always keep them handy). What follows is a short list of things to enjoy both indoors and out during this first month of summer on the front range.

1. Springs Spree - June 16, 2007
Is there a better way to spend a sunny Saturday than hanging out downtown, eating fair food, watching bed races and getting a little exercise at the same time? Don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat as you peruse various food and arts & crafts booths but leave the pets at home on Saturday June 16, 2007 from 9am to 7pm.

2. Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Street Breakfast - June 20, 2007
Even if you don’t like rodeos you’ll get a kick out of the annual street breakfast. Be sure to get there early to rustle up some good grub in the form of pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs as the organizers do start on time and they will run out of food! This annual tradition signals the start of the PPoB Rodeo “season” that runs from June 20 at 6:00am (the day of the breakfast) through July 15, 2007.

3. Donkey Derby Days - Saturday June 23, 2007
You’ll have to go to Cripple Creek to enjoy the plethora of activities at this event. Pack up the family and drive up Ute Pass to participate in Old West Days and watch the burro races. Partake in some refreshments in the beer garden as the kids play games, join in the parade and compete in contests. This can be an all-day affair with the drive so take your time and enjoy the scenery.

4. Sky Sox Baseball - Saturday June 30, 2007
The Sky Sox, amidst a 7-game homestand, take on the Portland Beavers Saturday night at 7:05pm. The Sky Sox continue to be an affordable option for family fun where you can get the whole family in for about the same price as going to a movie. You can even upgrade to a first-class, box seat for just 2 bukcs more per person. Be a witness to high-quality triple-A baseball, enjoy the outdoors and root on the home team.

5. Take a Hike! - Pick a Day, Any Day!
One of the advantages of living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is that there are plenty of mountains, trails, campgrounds and water sport opportunities just out your back door. Whether you live near Palmer Park or the Garden of the Gods, or neither, you’re probably less than a 15-minute drive to some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire United States. Get out and enjoy it! Take the pets and the kids and relax in the park, by the lake or on the trails. Take the time to appreciate this fantastic city!