Community Blog

Hey Talon Hill! The summer is alive with wine tastings galore, and Colorado Springs is definitely keeping you up to date on all there is. This week, there is a lovely summer seafood and wine reception at Gertrude’s on Wednesday, July 28 from 6 to 7:30 pm.

There’s nothing that I love more than a nice grilled salmon at a family cookout during the summer, or a plate full of Shrimp Alfredo or scampi! At Gertrude’s (2625 W. Colorado Blvd), I’m sure you will have an amazing dinner that will put my favorites to shame.

At the seafood and wine reception, you will taste 6 delicious white and red wines along with immaculate seafood and other fun treats. The price of the meal is only $30, and that includes tax and tip. Isn’t that amazing? For reservations, be sure to call 471-0887.

Go out in Colorado Springs and taste the summer!

When one thinks of Aspen, they immediately think of snow-capped mountains and prime skiing locations. But when the snow melts, and the lush green seeps through, it’s a totally different experience.

Instead of skiers, you have the outdoor enthusiasts, music and food lovers, and writers coming to town. There are also some very good places to shop and hike when the weather is nice. Check some of them out below:

• Shopping:
  • Susie’s Limited, 623 E. Hopkins Ave. A cute shop housed in an old Victorian in the downtown core. You’ll find gently used purses, designer jeans or the perfect summer dress.
  • The Ute Mountaineer, 308 S. Mill St. Anything you need for hiking (maps, shoes, camping stuff and cool clothes). Visit utemountaineer.com.
• Food:
  • Specialty Foods of Aspen, 601 E. Hopkins Ave. Picnic and party provisions, and wine. The Cheese Shop, a hidden gem, is attached to the main store. It’s a great place to get the best bang for your buck on panini (there’s a lunch menu). There are also a hundred fine cheeses available. Visit  specialtyfoodsofaspen.com.
• Upcoming Event:
  • Aspen Music Festival and School has dozens of free or nearly free arts events happening through Aug. 22. Whether your taste runs to opera or orchestras, you’ll find the concert or show you’re looking for. For reviews from the festival, see an upcoming edition of GO! Visit aspenmusicfestival.com.

If you’re looking for a spot that has everything, but sure to check out Aspen in the warmer months. Yes, it is a bit of a drive; this is why it’s a prime road trip location. Be prepared to spend about 3 to 4 hours behind the wheel. When you get there, you’ll definitely be glad  you went.

source: coloradosprings.com

Colorado Day

Hey Talon Hill! Do you have pride in your city? What about the state? Well if so, you can bring the whole family out to celebrate ‘Hooray for Colorado Day‘ on August 7th at 10 am at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum!

This event is for everyone! There will be games for kids of all ages; music featuring New Horizons Band, Black Rose Society and more; historic demonstrations about the great state of Colorado; free ice cream, lemonade, and Columbine flower seeds; food (of course); and much more!

So save the date Talon Hill, and get ready to celebrate your state!

Spa of the Rockies

If you need a little you time, then the Spa of the Rockies is the way to go. It’s exactly what you need to melt away the stresses of your day. A beautiful spa, in the mountains, in the healing mineral waters of Glenwood Hot Springs. It’s very zen centered and extremely gorgeous; in between treatments you can chill on a private balcony overlooking the pool. What could be better? Check the website for the price list and make your appointment today.

Hey Talon Hill! Colorado Springs is often buzzing with different things to do. They range from pricey to free, hype to relaxing. The only question for you, is what do you do first?’

There are a few events that are going on this weekend, and they are at all corners of the entertainment spectrum. One weekend activity that those of legal drinking age can participate in is Wine Sampling at Swirl Wine Bar Emporeum (717 Manitou Ave. in Manitou Springs); it’s now open, and only about 20 minutes away from Talon Hill.

At the Swirl Wine Bar Emporium you can sample wines and microbrews, along with artisan-cured meats and cheeses. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, and 4 to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Now you can find a wine that you may really like.

Another event going on this weekend is the Unique Step and Dance Team Talent Show at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. This is for those that don’t really want to spend money and still have a good time. This event will be a chance for high school students, UCCS students, and members of the community to showcase their talents. There is so much talent floating around high school and college campuses, so this is sure to be a treat.

These are only a few things going on this weekend in Colorado Springs. If you want more events, check out Colorado Springs.com. They have a ton of happenings around town. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the happenings around town.

Of course we’re not telling you to ‘take a hike’ as in leave, We’re telling you to take a hike as in get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! OutThereColorado.com is organizing their first hike, and they want you to participate.

Hiking is very popular in Colorado Springs. This is mainly because of the many beautiful hiking trails around the area. For the first OutThereColorado.com hike, they are traveling up Intemann Falls.  The  hike is only 2 miles with an elevation of about 800 ft. This would be a great endeavor for a group of friends. Furry friends are welcome as well.

I think that Intemann Falls is a wonderful exhibition hike. Actually, I like anything that takes me by a waterfall; I really love the subtle beauties of nature. It’s funny how something as simple as water falling over rocks is so appealing.

The waterfall is the most appealing prospect of the hike. Even when the fall is dry, you can still sit on a log and just listen to the sounds of nature; ultimate relaxation. Even the smallest trickle of water will bring around different types of moths, butterflies, and a few hummingbirds. Just be sure to wear some repellant to keep away other unwanted critters that tend to flock around water.

This is a morning hike, scheduled for Thursday, July 22nd at 9 am. The first 10 hikers will receive gifts courtesy of OutThereColorado.com. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Do you like to hike?

Directions to Intemann Falls

From U.S. Highway 24, take 26th Street south, drive 1.4 miles past the cemetery, up two switchbacks to a stop sign at Gold Camp Road. Turn right (west) onto Gold Camp and drive 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Hey Talon Hill! You like free food right? Who doesn’t? Well, Chick-fil-A is giving away free food today in honor of ‘Cow Appreciation Day‘. All you have to do is dress up in all of your bovine finery.

Rules state that if you dress fully like a cow, then you will recieve an entire meal free for breakfast, lunch or dinner,  from participating Chick-fil-A locations. For those a little more reluctant to go all out with the cow costume, Chick-fil-A will still give you a complimentary entree if you sport some kind of ‘cow like’ accessory. They even have a starter kit available on the website in order to urge you along. You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.

Luckily for you Talon Hill, there’s a Chick-fil-A right not too far from the complex on Briargate Blvd. Directions are listed below:

Directions from Talon Hill (11 min)

Head east on Ramtron Dr toward Lily Lake Dr. Take the 1st right onto Voyager Pkwy. Turn left at N Academy Blvd. Turn left at Briargate Blvd. Make a U-turn. Destination will be on the right.

Hey Talon Hill! With summertime comes a good amount of free time. If you are dating or are in any kind of relationship, you know that it also means more chances for quality time with your partner. If you’ve been in the dating game a while, then you know that the usual dinner and a movie routine gets kind of stale. Spontaneity keeps the relationship fresh, so why not try something different? One idea is that you can visit North Cheyenne Canon Park right here in Colorado Springs for a change of pace.

The North Cheyenne Canon Park is really beautiful. It’s great for biking, hiking, and the Helen Hunt waterfall is gorgeous as a backdrop for photography. You can get closer while biking and hiking, and have the memories captured on film in front of the waterfall. As an added bonus, on a hot day, the mist from the falls feels great. You can also ride horses up the trail for a more rustically romantic date.

This is just one of the many options around Colorado Springs to plan a great date. What are some destinations that you like to visit?

photo credit: andrusdevelopment

What’s your plan for this coming 4th of July? You should definitely go to watch the fireworks at  the Air Force Academy this Sunday, July 4th.  The event will begin at 4 p.m. You could also enjoy many family-oriented games and music brought by Colorado Springs Philharmonic.  The fireworks would actually start at 9:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the fireworks, don’t worry, at least you can watch it here.

Pikes Peak Arts Fest 2010

Date: Saturday, July 3
Time: 10:00 am
Venue: America the Beautiful Park
Address: 126 Cimino Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80905 (direction)
Website: http://pikespeakartsfest.com/

Enjoy the shady-grassy-grounds downtown Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak Arts Fest 2010. It is one of my premier event this summer. It is an annual event that attract thousand of people for its craft displays, music concerts, activities, rides, and many more.

This year’s musician will include:
John “Skylark” Skrivan
Grant Sabin
BJ Estares & Route 61
King of Clubs
Big Jim Adam & John Stilwagen
Crosser-Davis

Photo courtesy of nickdigital.

Granite countertops in a kitchen gives you kitchen an upscale, luxurious feel. Talon Hill residents are fortunate their apartments come equipped with this desirable feature. However, its a good idea to be familiar with the care of the granite to protect it from damage.

Although, granite is extremely strong and durable, certain precautiions should be take to keep tthe countertops from becoming damaged or stained. If you pay attention to the care of your granite countertops, they will remain beautiful for many years to come.

Spills Should Be Cleaned Up Immediately
Beverages that are acidic, such as orange juice, alcoholic beverages and softdrinks, may cause damage to the countertop. Be sure to clean the spill up quickly with a damp paper towel or soft cloth. Water or a mild cleaner made specifically for granite countertops will work fine.

Avoid Putting Unnecessary Weight on Countertop Edges
Don’t put heavy items on the edges of the countertop. Granite is a durable product, but you still want to lower the chances of damage occuring to them. Don’t allow children to hang on them or use them to stand on when trying to reach items in a high cabinet.

Hot Dishes Need Protection Under Them
No countertop, whether it be granite or laminate, should have hot dishes placed on them without first putting down a trivet or hot pad.

Read the entire article here.

Photo courtesy of  Granite-Charlo

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