Peak Into COS

Dianne Hartshorn has had a love for cemeteries from a young age . With a passion and curiosity surrounding history, she founded Evergreen Heritage with the intent of helping to care for the cemetery and to preserve the stories within. From Helen Hunt Jackson to William Jackson Palmer, key players in the history and development of the Pikes Peak Region are laid to rest just inside the gates. Whethe...

When Kent Sturman came to Colorado Springs to run the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, it wasn't his first rodeo. Born and raised on a ranch in Wyoming, the Western rodeo culture has surrounded him since the beginning. While he never imagined himself as a museum director, he quickly found his passion for preserving and honoring the athleticism and accolades of American cowboys (and girls!). Tune in to learn...

A thriving arts & culture scene creates a thriving community. Whether it's a film festival, the opera or a new culinary experience, the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region works diligently to cultivate and promote creative opportunities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Listen in as Angela Seals and Dylan Craddock discuss Arts Month , the importance of arts and culture for a destination...

From a band kid to the President of the Philharmonic, Nathan Newbrough has always been passionate about music. Over the last 16 years he has propelled the Colorado Springs Philharmonic into a cornerstone of the community. With a focus on philanthropy and community engagement, they encourage symphony fans new and old to immerse themselves in the magic of live music. Learn more about his journey and...

Listen in as Kate chats with one of the Visitor Information Specialists at Visit COS - Doris McCraw. As the resident office historian, Doris has spent the last 20 years researching, writing about and reeancting Colorado Springs history.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@VisitCOS.com . 

As a pioneer in the Colorado Springs music scene, Amy Whitesell has truly made her mark on live music in the Pikes Peak Region .  She worked closely with local artists and entrepreneurs to launch the Pikes Peak Blues Community, the Meadow Grass Music Festival and no w Blues on the Mesa, she believes strongly in the power of local, accessible music for a community. Be sure to subscribe so you don't...

From the beaches of Miami to the mountains of Colorado, Flip and Maritza Aguilera fell in love with Colorado Springs on their first visit. What was once a personal mission to find the best chicken wings, soon turned into the Best of the West Wing Fest - a chance to cast your vote for the best wings in town, test your spice tolerance and enjoy a day of festivities with the whole family. Learn all a...

Martin Lays started working at the Cliff House over 20 years ago and quickly learned how special the property is. Located in Manitou Springs, the Cliff House just celebrated its 150-year anniversary, making it the oldest operating hotel in Colorado – older than the state itself! Martin takes listeners through a journey of this historic property – everything from notable guests like Buffalo Bill an...

Richard Skorman moved to Colorado Springs in the 70s, eager to get out of the Midwest . Little did he know, over the decades he would become deeply engrained in the Colorado Springs community . It all started because of a small business he opened after college involving books and food – now a multi- concept establishment we know as Poor Richard's , ran by Richard and his wife Patricia . Listen in...

Listen in as members of the Visit COS team talk about their favorite spots around the Pikes Peak Region to grab a post-work drink, redeem their Crafts & Drafts Passport and taste local beverages.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com .  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Cerberus Brewing Company . 

Jake Weien first visited Colorado Springs in 1995. After convincing friends and family to move, he and his wife Abby soon followed suit. 1350 Distilling, named for the 13 stripes and 50 stars of the American flag, honors each branch of the military throughout their distilled spirits. Community minded, they've dedicated themselves to giving back to Colorado Springs and our military members and fami...

Growing up with three brothers, Noelle Lambert was born with a competitive fire within her. A college athlete and now a Paralympian, Noelle carried that spirit even following the loss of her leg. Now a Paris Paralympic hopeful, she has broken down barriers at every turn. Not only is she member of Team USA, she also competed on season 43 of Survivor as the show's first above knee amputee. Be sure t...

Bella's Bagels started in Jason and Michelle Stele's kitchen. Inspired to bring authentic New York bagels to the Pikes Peak Region, they made the journey from the kitchen to farmers market stands to brick and mortar. With the goal of fueling memory making, Bella's Bagels are truly baked for boosting happiness.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquirie...

Inspired by a dog at a restaurant in Italy, Tara Downs had an idea to build a restaurant back home in the West side of Colorado Springs where dogs could dine with their owners. Seven years later, Pub Dog Colorado is serving up bowls of delicious food and craft beverages for furry friends and their humans . Listen in and learn how Tara turned her vision into a booming business that's now on the bri...

Terry Bramschreiber spent nearly 3 decades as a public educator before landing at the Space Foundation Discovery Center. As a lifelong space nerd, science enthusiast and kid at heart, Terry now spends his days making sure our younger generation knows: there's a place for everyone in space. Tune in to hear about the exciting things happening at the Space Foundation Discovery Center and beyond.  Be...

Mariah Kercher had a dream to own land where people could gather, and in 2023, she and her partner Jack Hoesly turned that dream into a reality when they acquired Pikes Peak Ranch. Located north of Woodland Park, the ranch is a place visitors can truly connect with family, community and the beauty of Colorado and leave with their cups filled to the top. Tune in and learn how this ambitious couple...

The owners of Bread & Butter Market believe every community deserves a market like theirs. With a focus on community, convenience and reliability, Aubrey Day and her business partner Stacy Poore opened a grocery market in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs. Listen in as Aubrey discusses the power of supporting local through food. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send an...

Listen in as members of the Visit COS team talk about the Arts and Culture community in Colorado Springs. Whether you're looking for somewhere to catch your next concert or a fun date night idea, we've got you covered!  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com .  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Sweet Shenanigans Bake Shop!...

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, affectionately known as America's Mountain Zoo, offers one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors and locals alike. Walk amongst the penguins, feed the giraffes and marvel at the talented mountain goats all in one spot. Listen in as Bob Chastain, CEO of the Zoo, reminisces on his 30 years with the organization and their recipe for success. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss...

Nestled in Cañon City, just an hour south of Colorado Springs, is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park - one of our region's most iconic attractions that houses the highest suspension bridge in North America. Listen in as Peggy Gair and Vickie Roberts, who have worked at the park for decades, reveal history about the park that runs as deep as the canyon itself.    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss...

When life gives you lemons - make wine! In 2023, Matthew and Melanie Hexter took their lemon wine business to the next level by opening a ski bar. With alpine on demand and aprés all day, they're making snow sports accessible to everyone right in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com...

Listen in as members of the Visit COS team talk about our destination's efforts to improve accessibility. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com .  Episode Social Handles:  @visitcos

As the owner of the only food tour business in Colorado Springs, Samantha Wood knows the food and beverage scene like the back of her hand. What started as a family business in 2010 has flourished into an opportunity to tell the story of Colorado Springs through food and beverage. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com .  Epi...

Don Sanborn's family has been a major part of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for more than 60 years. Don's father was both a mechanic and competitor, as was his uncle Nick. Sanborn now is president of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Historical Association as well as a member of the Pikes Peak AdAMan Club. He is joined by the new Executive Director of the Hill Climb, Melissa Eickoff, w...

Adam Vernon started Colorado Ski Furniture out of his garage in small town Manitou Springs. 16 years later, his team of over 25 staff members is crafting high-quality, custom furniture for customers ranging from locals to famous celebrities. Tune into this episode of Peak Into COS and learn how Adam and his General Manager Jul ian take memories and make them useful instead of collecting dust.   Be...