24 Hours in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Winter Edition
I started the new year off by crossing a new destination off my travel bucket list: Colorado Springs! This was also my first time in Colorado, and I can’t wait to head back to check out, Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge, Boulder, and Vail.
Not only was this my first visit to Colorado Springs, but this was my first time ever visiting Colorado – or heading out west… hello, altitude. Let me first start by saying, I am not a skier and I did not go to Colorado to ski. Colorado Springs is one of those places everyone wants to visit. With everything from Pikes Peak to old west trails, Colorado Springs is jampacked with history and adventure.
Colorado Springs is located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its beautiful rock formations and one of the highest peaks in the entire state of Colorado. Colorado Springs comes with no shortage of things to do. While you’re visiting Colorado Springs check out museums, zoos, hikes and more.
Pro Tip: Visit https://www.pikes-peak.com/ to grab coupons and tickets to all of these attractions!
Visit Pikes Peak: The Highest Peak in North America
Pikes Peak is located in west downtown Colorado Springs. The mountain is known as the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains in North America at 14,115 feet. Pikes Peak is the second most visited mountain in the world and is a must for anyone’s bucket list. You can reach the summit a few ways, my personal favorite is the 19-mile drive up via Pikes Peak Highway. There are plenty of areas to pull off along the way.
Tips for visiting Pikes Peak
1. Bring a jacket. No matter what the weather is once you ascend to 14,000 feet you’ll be wanting some layers.
2. Drink lots of water. I know, I know. Literally, everyone will be telling you to chug water by the gallons if you aren’t from an area with higher elevation – but they’re not lying. It’s so easy to start feeling a bit woozy at that altitude.
3. Stop and take pictures. Pikes Peak is filled with some beautiful scenery, be sure to stop at all the overlook areas.
4. Get there early. Pikes Peak is a hot spot, and to get the most out of your experience make sure you get there early.
Pro Tip: Head up with a full tank of gas and 2-4 hours to spare.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of the most places that I have ever been and is completely FREE to the public. The red rock formations that fill the Garden of the Gods are breathtaking and draw people from all over the world. If you want more adventure out of Garden of the Gods check out options for hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and even horseback riding.
Pro Tip: Parking is limited at Garden of the Gods and it can be even trickier as the day goes on, be sure to get there early.
Cave of the Winds
If you’re into tight and dark spaces, then Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs is the perfect place for you! This cave gets its name from the cool breeze that emanates from the entrance. Cave of the Winds opened in 1880 and is now home to over 20 massive and lighted rooms. The spaces feature limestone, stalagmites, cave bacon, and other amazing rock features. Cave of the Winds offers two types of tours for its visitors.
The Discovery Tour
The Discovery Tour is the basic walkthrough of Cave of the Winds and provides brief histories about rock formations and caves. Since I was battling an upper respiratory infection while I was visiting Cave of the Winds, this is the tour I opted to do. My tour guide was amazing, informative and lots of fun. At one point in this tour, you will experience total darkness for about one minute, which was a really neat experience.
The Lantern Tour
The Lantern Tour at Cave of the Winds is not designed for younger children or anyone with mobility issues This tour takes you through the undeveloped sections of the caverns with only a lantern for light. At one point, you experience total darkness for about one minute. The caverns are considered to be haunted and feature tons of uneven surfaces, low ceiling heights and tight spaces.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Explore the gorgeous architecture of the ancient Anasazi as well as walk through two museums featuring cultural displays, while overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs.
PS: Notice all that sunshine? Gotta love Colorado!
Alphabet Dating: Winter Date Ideas From A-Z
If you aren’t a fan of winter, know that you are not alone. Don’t get me wrong having all four seasons in Michigan is fantastic, and while I do love snow – I absolutely hate driving in it. Not to mention, winter makes it hard for anyone to get motivated. Since winter has arrived I thought it was the perfect opportunity to share winter date ideas from A-Z. This list is jampacked with plenty of ideas from comedy shows, to quickies a progressive dinner and everything in between. Looking for more ideas? Check out A-Z Summer Date Ideas and A-Z Fall Date Ideas.
A – Arcade, Art Gallery, Airbnb
B – Bowling, Bookstore, Bed & Breakfast
C – Comedy Show,
D – Dance Class
E – Early Bird Specials
F – Fondu
G – Game Night, Go-Karts
H – Hockey Game
I – Ice Skate
J – Junk Food
K – Karaoke, Kickbox
L – Live Show, Laser Tag
M – Massage
N – Netflix, Nerf Gun War
O – Opera
P – Progressive Dinner
Q – Quickie
R – Random Acts of Kindness, Roller Skate
S – Staycation
T – Trivia
U – Use a new ingredient in a recipe
V – Vacation, Volunteer
W – Walking Tour
X – Xtreme Sports
Y – Yaktrax it up and go on an ice adventure
Z – Zoo
Winter Necessities: 11 things you need in your car this winter
It’s beginning to look a lot like winter weather, every single day. Let’s face it, no one plans to slide off the road, get stuck in a snowbank or on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck in subzero temperatures. However, the reality of it, is this could happen to anyone of us and it’s better to be prepared then not prepared at all. Do you have a winter emergency kit in your car? If you don’t I highly recommend creating one! If you already have one, good for you! Just make sure you have these 11 items in it. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this emergency kit stashed in the trunk of your vehicle for those just in case unexpected moments that life may throw at you.
Jumper cables
Jumpers cables are a must. Keep them stashed in your truck, you never know when you or someone else may need them.
Flashlight with fresh batteries
You’ll want to make sure you have a working flashlight.
Pro Tip: Keep it in your glove box, center console or door compartment so you do not have to dig around for it.
Portable phone charger
When heading out into dicey road conditions – or any time really, you will want to make sure your phone has a full charge. Phones typically die quickly when it is cold outside. Having a portable phone charger that is fully charged as a backup is important, especially if your vehicle loses power and you cannot charge your phone.
First aid kit
You always hope that you will not need a first aid kit, however accidents do happen, so it’s best to have one in your car.
Pro Tip: Stock your first aid kit with bandages, gauze, pain reliever and disinfectant.
Emergency roadside flares
You make think this is overkill, however, it will be easier for drivers to see your vehicle pulled over on the side of the road when you have flares and reflective triangles out.
Extra mittens, hat, and warm clothing
Even though you may have your winter jacket with you, if you have to wait in a cold vehicle for any length of time you will be thankful for a little extra warmth. This will also be especially helpful if you have to walk to get help.
Blankets or a sleeping bag
Having an extra blanket or even a sleeping bag can provide extra warmth while you wait for help.
Kitty litter or sand
Keep roadside sand or a container of kitty litter in your trunk during this winter months. If you get stuck and need some traction simply sprinkle the sand or kitty litter around your wheels for instant traction. This inexpensive solution could be the difference between getting back on your way or calling a tow truck.
Snacks and water
Put small snacks such as granola bars, nuts, Snickers and more in a Ziploc bag for those just-in-case instances. Remember, water freezes so this is something that you want to bring with you on every trick. Especially if you are going on a long road trip.
Ice Scraper
Make sure to always keep an ice scraper in your car. Keeping it in your garage doesn’t do you any good when you’re away from home.
Shovel
Yes, shovels are typically for driveways – but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I used to keep one in my car just so I could shovel my car out at work.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
Coming to Detroit: Dear Evan Hansen
Individual tickets to see the Detroit premiere of Dear Evan Hansen will go on sale Friday, January 17 at 10:00 AM, and will start at just $39 each. Tickets to see Dear Evan Hansen can be purchased online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. You can also purchase tickets to see Dear Evan Hansen by calling 800-982-2787 as well as at the Fisher Theatre box office.
- Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 26 matinee at 1:00 p.m.
31 Things to Do in January
With the holidays behind us and the new age roaring 20’s ahead of us, I am sharing 31 ways to celebrate January. I am not a fan of resolutions, however, I am a big fan of lifestyle overhauls and simple changes. Let’s prioritize ourselves in 2020.
1. Create a vision board. I was recently told that when creating a vision board you should be very specific and keep it in a place that you can see. You don’t have to cut out pictures and words from a magazine, you can simply write sentences or words down onto a piece of paper.
2. Select one word or motto to focus on in 2020. This word should be something that will help keep you focused and your priorities in order throughout the year.
3. Grab some takeout or junk food, change into pajamas and put on a movie.
4. Shop post-holiday sales for major savings. This is the perfect time of the year, save some money, since stores are will be going through their inventory they will be dropping prices.
5. Get active and do some indoor rock climbing.
6. Head to a hotel for the weekend just so you can go swimming.
7. Try out a new recipe. Pinterest is a great place to find an abundance of new recipes.
8. Host a board game night.
9. Learn a new hobby. I really want to take a refresher crocheting class.
10. Go ice skating.
11. Visit a museum.
12. For many places, it is off-season, which means you can score some really get deal on a spontaneous weekend getaway.
13. Head to an arcade, bowling alley or play some indoor mini-golf.
14. Go to a candle-lit snowshoeing event.
15. Celebrate national hat day today. From Panama hats to beanies you’re sure to have one to live up the moment in.
16. Head to the hills and go tubing, sledding, skiing or snowboarding.
17. Have a spa day, after all, you work so hard you definitely deserve one.
18. Binge watch a new show on Netflix or see what Disney+ has added to its lineup.
19. It’s national popcorn day. I recommend adding some to your favorite bowl of soup.
20. Go through your closet and donate any clothes you did not wear in 2019.
21. Pick a room in your home to reorganize.
22. Visit a local art gallery.
23. For many places, it is off-season, which means you can score some really get deal on a spontaneous weekend getaway.
24. Refresh your look and try a new shade of nail polish.
25. Go for a snowy hike.
26. Head to the library and find a new book to read.
27. There’s no better time than now to book that vacation that you have always dreamed of – or start saving money for that dream vacation. What’s on my list? Iceland, Vancouver, and Scotland are high on my list currently.
28. Do something nice for a friend, family member or neighbor.
29. Get a house plant to lift your spirits during the dreary months.
30. Get up early and watch the sunrise.
31. Go hot tubbing.
Fashion meets Food 