Peak Into COS

Pure Distilling's mission was simple: to create fun and approachable spirits that embody the feeling of Colorado. Founded by two dog-loving Army vets, they were able to assemble a "Colorado Springs Dream Team" of individuals with incredible experience across the community to bring Pure Distilling to life. With a distilling process that utilizes 100% glass, ingredients sourced from around Colorado...

The Visit COS team worked hard this summer to build out a new hub on VisitCOS.com, complete with customizable itineraries for whatever kind of trip you're looking to take. Traveling with kids? Multiple generations of your family? On a solo exploration? There's an itinerary for that! Listen in as Director of Communications Alexea Veneracion and our Content Specialist Kate Hertz discuss the new hub,...

Jordan Malara had an unconventional start in the hotel business. A military Veteran, he first served in the Air Force and Space Force before getting into vacation rentals. He soon realized he had a desire to bring a real sense of community and place to guests by opening a new boutique hotel concept – The Outrider. Located in historic Manitou Springs, The Outrider stays true to the town's core well...

For 50 years, Labor Day Lift Off  has been a treasured Colorado Springs community event. Although the event has changed locations,  names  and format  through  the years, one thing  hasn't  changed – the magic  for people of all ages . Together, the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation and Hot Apple Productions orchestrate this  weekend-long festival that includes  live music, food trucks   and  of...

Across four generations, the Flying W Ranch has connected families and friends over home cooked meals and Western music by the Flying W Wranglers. Since building the nation's original chuckwagon dinner show in 1953, and then rebuilding after a major fire in 2012, the Flying W has remained an iconic Colorado Springs experience. Tune in as Ruth Thurston and Michael Amidei tell us about the Flying W...

For Eliza and John Hill,  it was love at first arrow. Not Cupid's arro w,  but the  flying  arrow of an archery dodgeball  game.  After  trying   this  unique sport, t h e  adventurous couple  decided to open their own  archery dodgeball venue right here in Colorado Springs.  Tune in as they  tell us all about their love for the game,  what players can expect and why  you'll  want to  give it a sh...

Listen in to this special episode of Peak Into Our Week where VCOS Content Specialist Kate Hertz is joined by Nathan Richie, Director of the Golden History Museum and co-chair of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. The two talk all things Colorado history, as well as ways that you can celebrate the dual anniversary around the Pikes Peak Region.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our ne...

Since its arrival to the area in  the  late  1950s, the U.S. Air Force Academy has  shaped  the Colorado Springs community .  Mike Peterson and Lisa Neener   both flew for the Air Force for over 20 years  and  have  a long history with the institution  – and now,  they're  fired up about its future. With the opening of the new Hosmer Visitor Center right outside the  North Gate , visitors can  lea...

Colorado Springs comes alive in the summer time, with so much to do it can be hard to keep track! Listen in as our Content Specialist Kate Hertz and Director of Communications Alexea Veneracion talk about some can't-miss events, important anniversaries and our favorite spots for a sweet treat! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@VisitCO...

With a passion  for  historic artifacts and collections,  S arah Wood s ' path  led her  from  the Midwest  to  the heart of Colorado Springs   –   the El Pomar Foundation.  E stablished by  phi lanthropists  Julie and Spencer Penrose  back in 1937 , El Pomar  continues to make an enormous impact on the community .  Learn about the   legacy of the  Penroses ,  including  the  beloved attractions ...

Sue Grace once taught Lauren Ciborowski in Colorado College's music program. Now, the two work together to support the Colorado College Summer Music Festival each June. The festival, which welcomes advanced classical music students from around North America, lasts three weeks each summer and has been named one of the preferred programs for both students and faculty. Whether it's at this year's 42n...

This year,  the Pikes  Peak or Bust Rodeo celebrates its 85 th  anniversary. Originally started by Spencer Penrose , the rodeo has grown to a legacy event that offers entertainment for the  whole family.  The NFR Open offers some of the best  professional  cowboys and cowgirls  the chance  to compete for the title of Circuit Champion.  From  celebration of our local military to mutton busting for...

Just a  20-minute  drive from downtown Colorado Springs, you  will  find the  beautiful   haven of Green Mountain Falls. This charming and  tight knit community  has  blossomed  into a hub for the region's arts and culture offerings – including the annual Green Box Arts Festival which draws visitors from around the world.  As a twice-over NYU graduate, Executive Director Scott Levy knows the  impo...

Between the two of them - Alex Kovacs and Jon Jager have more than  40  years of airport experience.  Together  and  with the help of a mighty team,  they continue to guide the growth and evolution of  the  Colorado  Springs  Airport , where travel  is made  easy .  Listen in as the  two  discuss how COS continues to attract new airlines,  routes  and businesses, as well as the continued importanc...

Once a self-described "workaholic," Erika Lehmann made an abrupt career change in 2021  following an unexpected injury.   As she took the time to slow down and heal, she found herself  benefiting  from interacting with  her  family's horses. From there she began to imagine a space where people could interact with her horses and reap those same benefits – and with that, Mustang Wisdom was born.  Li...

The news  is out – the Michelin Guide  will now consider restaurants across the entire state of Colorado.   As avid travelers understand, food is a key motivator for where  to visit and how to experience a new place  – and credibility and consistency matter .  In this episode, local Chef Brother Luck and food reviewer Matthew  Schniper   discuss  the evolution of the food scene in  the Pikes Peak...

In celebration of Women's History Month, Content Coordinator Kate Hertz sat down with Kristen Faith of Boss Babe Networking. The pair played some Colorado Springs Women's History Trivia before diving into more about Boss Babe Networking and influential women in the Colorado Springs community.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitC...

Mike and Amanda Bristol started brewing beer in their home in  North Florida in  the early 90s .  But  soon  beer  transitioned from a hobby to a  vocation  when they opened Bristol Brewing here in Colorado Springs.  W hen the nearby Ivywild School  announced it was  clos ing ,  the  pair  helped rescue the neighborhood centerpiece and turn ed it into the space we know today. Now offering a variet...

The Colorado Springs Conservatory offers arts education to kids of all ages .  Serving everyone "from  curious to serious, "   they  emphasize   the importance of  the  arts  for all ages   while  also  providing  additional  avenues for local artists to teach and  earn income . Listen in as  Nathan  discuss es  how the appetite for arts and culture in the Pikes Peak Region continues to grow and e...

Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region have a rich history rooted in the pursuit of wellness. Our crisp mountain air and ample sunshine have been healing for hundreds of years. Listen in as our Content Coordinator Kate Hertz sits down with Tonia McCorkle of Strata Integrated Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort and Rochelle Janecek of Colorado Salt Cave Wellness Center to chat all things health an...

The  historic  City of Cripple Creek , Colorado   was born from the gold rush  in the 1890s . It  soon bred the state's first millionaires , and t oday, visitors can still strike it rich via the area's many casinos .  Beyond the gold, Cripple Creek is rich in  cultural and family-friendly adventure. Listen in as Michelle Rozell and Marie Rieger from the City of Cripple Creek share  what makes the...

Gigi Turner  grew up in a large family in Brazil before  making Colorado Springs her home.  She holds her  Doctorate in Psychology and spent years as a professor  -  now, she owns and  operates   Singing Bowls of the Rockies -  a sound bath studio where she truly harnesses the vibrations of the mountains. Learn about her journey  of  turning her studies of the mind into a wellness experience  that...

Leif  Anderson  identifies as a  lifelong learner  with a thirst  for knowledge  (and good beer) .  For years, he  leveraged  his passion for learning  to  t each  middle school  science .  Then  h e decided to  test the science behind something  he enjoyed – beer.  A home brewing hobby soon  grew  into  the possibility of  more. With encouragement and support from his friends and family, Leif ope...

There's always plenty of things to do around the Pikes Peak Region during the holidays. Whether you're looking for fun events, gift inspiration or ways to catch the holiday spirit, we've got you covered. Listen in as Content Coordinator Kate Hertz and Director of Communications Alexea Veneracion chat about some of their favorite annual events, places to find the best gifts, and even tips for navig...

October is Arts Month! All month long you can enjoy events, exhibits, classes and more around the Pikes Peak Region. Listen in as Kate Hertz chats with representatives from the Pikes Peak Arts Council about upcoming events, involvement opportunities and what makes the Colorado Springs arts community so special.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiri...