Carrie and Kelsee from the Downtown Partnership talk with Renee Behr from Behr and Behr Real Estate Team about holiday traditions in Downtown Colorado Springs - from ice-skating and parades, to shopping and experiences. If you’re still looking for the perfect holiday way to engage with friends and family for the holidays, you’re gonna want to give this special episode a listen. We talk holiday season — gift giving and beyond!

LINKS:

Skate in the Park: https://downtowncs.com/skate

Holiday Coupon Book: https://downtowncs.com/coupon

Behr and Behr Team: https://behrandbehr.com

Good Intentions: https://www.goodintentionscos.com

MENTIONED:

Cronk Art & Curiosities

Toodles Tearoom

PikeRide

Bristol Brewing Company

Adventures Out West - Cozy Coach and the Holly, Jolly, Christmas Trolley

Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware

The Mining Exchange

The Platinum Group, Realtors

Acacia Park

Green Mtn Haven

Pikes Peak Center

Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale

Pikes Peak Lemonade – Cocoa Bar

Solar Roast Coffee

Story Coffee

Bloom Ultra Lounge

RM Soap Market

Terra Verde

Savory Spice

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Yobel

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

Cast member and UCCS theatre professor Birgitta DePree and Ent Center for the Arts Executive Director David Siegel fill us in on the Ent Center, Theatreworks, and an exciting 50th season of professional theatre. The Importance of Being Earnest opens in a few days. It’s “a trivial comedy for serious people.” David and Birgitta give us all the colorful details.

We also chat briefly about:

Our first live, on-location episode (Brit Pub Grand Opening, episode 31)

Bicycle speed limit signs going up on area trails

Colorado Springs Vibes played their last season

New offices for Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR)

A noteworthy new episode of Pedal the Springs podcast

LINKS:

Ent Center for the Arts

https://entarts.org

Brit Pub Grand Opening, episode 31 of Loving the Springs

https://studio809podcasts.com/brit-pub/

Westside Bicycle Service – episode 36 of Pedal the Springs podcast

https://studio809podcasts.com/westside-bicycle-service/

MENTIONED:

Oscar Wilde

UCCS

Ent Center for the Arts

The Next Us

Theatreworks

Bee Vradenburg Foundation

Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR)

Green Box Arts Festival

Grass It Up

Mango fan Django

Jeremy Facknitz Band

Auric Gallery

Chriz Alvarez Gallery & Art Studio

The Sluice in Old Colorado City

Cottonwood Center for the Arts

Millibo Art Theatre

LART

Lulu’s

Poor Richard’s

Galleries of Contemporary Art

Cabaret

The Importance of Being Earnest

Romeo and Juliet

The Garbologists

Max Shulman

Kathleen Fox Collins

Manitou Springs

Brit Pub

Weidner Field

Downtown Colorado Springs

Experience at Epicenter Apartments

Ivywild School

The Principal’s Office

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Pedal the Springs podcast

Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates

COS Racing

Terry Gross

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

Bundle up and follow the twinkle of Downtown’s lights where shop windows glow, and every block feels like a snow globe come to life. Even big downtown fans like us were amazed at the vast array of events, experiences and shopping options revealed in this conversation – as Kelsee Swenn, Marketing Manager for the Downtown Partnership and shop owner of Good Intentions, joined Carrie in the studio for a special Downtown holiday episode. More than 85 charming boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops offer treasures big and small: cozy sweaters, clever gifts, unique jewelry, artful keepsakes, and perfect stocking stuffers.

Looking for memory-making experiences? Come down for the holiday parade, character stroll, festive events and even outdoor ice skating. And, when it’s time to warm up, choose from more than 130 spots to dine, drink, and celebrate, from festive cocktail lounges to cozy coffee shops. Carrie advises us to create our traditions in Downtown Colorado Springs.

LINKS:

Downtown Colorado Springs: http://downtowncs.com/

MENTIONED:

Festival of Lights Parade

Terra Verde

SparrowHawk

Mountain Standard Goods

Eclectico

Little Richard’s Toy Store

Savory Spice Shop

Cacao Chemistry

Abbey Mobolade

Auric Gallery

Vintage Relics

Yobel

Pure Elegance

Oak and Axe

The Trolley Block

Ashley’s Attic

Paint Splatter Room

Good Intentions

Comfort and Joy Cat Café

Teller County Animal Rescue

Novis Mortem Collective

Toodles Tea Room

Provision Bakery

Third Wave Chocolate

Chocolate Café on Friday Nights

Pikes Peak Center

Shop Local, Win Local (SLWL)

Bank of Colorado

Warm lemonade at Pikes Peak Lemonade

Skate in the Park

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

Sure, PikeRide puts ebikes you can borrow at over 90 rental hubs throughout central Colorado Springs and Manitou, but did you know they also have programs to make it affordable for low-income residents to get to work? This treasured community nonprofit is on a mission to close the transportation gap. Learn all about PikeRide as we visit with Executive Director Tara McCarthy.

More than a bikeshare program, PikeRide is a catalyst for change. They provide low-cost, sustainable transportation that empowers people to show up for job interviews, keep steady employment, maintain housing, and access vital services like healthcare and education. They also help reduce traffic, improve air quality, and foster community connections through access to places like libraries, community centers, and local events. Right now, during the annual Give campaign, it’s an especially great time to make a donation to PikeRide: https://www.pikeride.org/give

And…in this episode, Carrie offers to take anyone on a PikeRide, anytime. Listen to get the tea.

LINKS:

PikeRide: https://www.pikeride.org/

MENTIONED:

Garden of the Gods

Colorado College

Trader Joe’s

UCCS

Manitou Springs

Old Colorado City

The Exchange

University Village

The “ebike smile”

Taylor Swift

Downtown Colorado Springs

KRCC

Will Toor

Colorado Energy Office

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

We went live and on-location to get acquainted with downtown’s newest pub, a true community gathering spot next to Weidner Field. Two of the co-owners, Meredith Klube and Nova, sat down with us the day before The Brit Pub’s grand opening on October 24, as we gazed at footballers on the field. The pub is located on the lower two floors of Experience at Epicenter Apartments at 645 S. Sierra Madre St.

Just as in England, The Brit Pub aims to be the center of the community, a great place for darts, futbol on the telly, quiz nights, board game nights, special events and “Proper Sunday roast.”

LINKS:

The Brit Pub: https://greatbritish.net/

The live video of this podcast: https://youtube.com/live/okOHztE_wBU

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor:

Weidner Norwood Center for Real Estate & Property Management at UCCS College of Business

https://business.uccs.edu/academics/property-management-bs

MENTIONED:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club

Experience at Epicenter Apartments

Weidner Apartment Homes

Premier League

El Clásico

Formula 1

American Outlaws

Hogshead Brewery

Downtown Partnership

The Warehouse

Phil Griffin

Marco Pierre White

Gordon Ramsay

Cheers (the TV series)

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

A super fun family bike ride is coming up, benefitting cancer patients and their families. Get the details in this conversation with Todd Haller. The 3rd Annual Colorado Springs Witches, Warlocks, and Ghouls Bike Ride happens October 18, 2025, almost entirely on paved bicycle path, from Stir in the Bon Shopping Center, to Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs.

It’s a 3.5 mile affair. Decked out bikes and spooky attire will be on full display (Loving the Springs co-host Al Brody promises to be a standout). The ride benefits the Circle of Hope Fund at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation. The Witches, Warlocks & Ghouls Family Fun Ride was organized by Mackenzie Daly, associate professor of radiation oncology and practicing radiation oncologist, and Tecie Haller, a nurse practitioner in radiation oncology, both at UCHealth.

Witches, Warlocks & Ghouls Family Fun Ride

Registration and Information: https://coswitchesride.com

MENTIONED:

UC Health Memorial Central Foundation

Stir Coffee & Cocktails

Mash Mechanix Brewing Co.

Millibo Art Theatre

Kids on Bikes

U.S. Space Command

Ute Valley Park

Stratton Open Space

Rampart Range Road

Palmer Park

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

Get the scoop on changes in bus routes and schedules in this conversation with Mountain Metropolitan Transit Planning & Operations Supervisor Jacob Matsen. Changes include improvements to the free bus service through Manitou Springs so you can skip parking at the Manitou Incline and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. We also discuss bus stops for the UCCS campus and neighborhood, the free downtown shuttle (Zeb) and hybrid and electric buses.

LINKS:

Mountain Metro service changes: https://coloradosprings.gov/service-changes

Mountain Metro Mobility ADA Paratransit Service: 719-385-RIDE (7433) https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro-mobility-hub

Regional Transportation Planning Update - EP 140 of Peak Environment podcast: https://studio809podcasts.com/regional-transportation/

MENTIONED:

Manitou Springs

Manitou Incline

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Hiawatha Gardens

Manitou Chamber

Barr Trail

Free Downtown Shuttle (Zeb)

UCCS

Robson Arena

Weidner Field

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Downtown Colorado Springs

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com

We never thought “dick pic” would be part of a film festival, but it did “come up” in this conversation about the 38th annual Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival. Don’t worry, you won’t see one at the festival. You will experience a powerful weekend of films that spark conversation, ignite change, and celebrate storytelling through the female lens. Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Executive Director Nicole Nicoletta spills the tea about the festival – including details about some of the interesting films. She also shares about the year-round events hosted by the organization. The festival takes place October 17-19, 2025 on the Colorado College campus. There will also be a Virtual Encore October 23-26.

LINKS:

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film: https://rmwfilm.org/

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival: https://rmwfilm.org/festival/

Marcy Morrison – Community Leader Making a Difference - Episode 16 of Making Democracy Work: https://studio809podcasts.com/16-marcy-morrison/

MENTIONED:

Donna Guthrie

Rocky Mountain Highway Music Collaborative

Manitou Springs

Marcy Morrison

Matt Carpenter

Robert Redford

Kimball’s Peak Three Theater

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Institute

Denver Women’s Correctional Facility

Diane Warren: Relentless (film)

Colorado College

Patsy’s Candies

Ruby Greenberg

It’s Dorothy! (film)

Judy Garland

Icons

Girl Climber (film)

The Secret of Me (film)

Baby Doe (film)

The Pic (film)

Lincoln Center

Goat Patch Brewing Co.

Nightingale Bread

Building 3 Coffee Roasters

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Pop Up Cinema at Ivywild

Manitou Art Center

Westside Community Center

Garden of the Gods Resort & Club

Mining Exchange Hotel

Jere Martin

Telluride Film Festival

Thomas Dambo trolls

Mayor Yemi

Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and elevates the rest.

Plug into what’s happening in the Pikes Peak region, learn about awesome people, places and happenings, and explore opportunities to make life here even better. Longtime Springs booster Carrie Simison co-hosts with local gadflies Al Brody and Dave Gardner. All three love our two springs – Colorado and Manitou, so they give them the mic in this twice-monthly podcast. Nothing’s off the table – recreation, the arts, government, business, politics – if it touches your life, they’ll talk about it. We’ll invite the movers and shakers, conspiracy theorists, NIMBYs, YIMBYs, yaysayers and naysayers to join them.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and give us feedback and suggestions via comments at https://studio809podcasts.com/loving-the-springs or lovingthespringspodcast at gmail.com