Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community

Colorado Springs parents...this episode is a must-listen.

Carly sits down with Chris Aaby of Generation Wild/Great Outdoors Colorado and Maury Peterson of The Catamount Institute to talk about what’s really happening with kids and screen time, why unstructured outdoor play matters more than ever, and how getting outside impacts everything from mood and resilience to creativity and confidence. They dive into the science behind nature’s benefits, the concept of “safe risks,” and why even 20–30 minutes outside can make a meaningful difference.

You’ll also walk away with practical, realistic ideas for busy families (no epic hikes required), plus local resources, programs, and hidden gems right here in the Pikes Peak region that make it easier than ever to get kids outdoors, year-round, even (or especially) in winter. If you’ve ever felt like screens are winning or wondered how to make outdoor time feel fun instead of forced, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.

Download "100 Things To Do Outdoors Before You're 12"

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Sondermann Park
• Latin Social
• bird tree cafe

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co.
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

If you’ve ever saved a home photo on Instagram and thought, “Love this…but why doesn’t it work in my house?”...this episode explains exactly why.

On this week’s Springs and Things, we sit down with Elisha Niebuhr, CEO of Modern Interior Company, to unpack what actually works in Colorado Springs homes, and what we should probably stop copying from New York, Austin, and Pinterest altogether.

Elisha shares her unexpected path from professional ballerina to luxury interior designer, then gets very real about the most common design mistakes she sees across the Springs. She explains how our light, landscape, and lifestyle completely change how trends show up here, and why homes should feel lived-in, layered, and personal instead of themed.

We also cover the easiest upgrades with the biggest payoff (paint, lighting, and furniture that actually finishes a space), underrated neighborhoods with serious design potential, and what a true Colorado-inspired color palette looks like heading into 2026.

Fair warning: you may finish this episode looking around your house thinking, “Okay…we need to talk about this wall.”

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Prime25
• Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery
• Modern Interior Co Design Day and Furniture Sale

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

We’re throwing it back to our very first episode of Springs & Things, with an updated Pick of the Week for today.

In this re-release, we reintroduce ourselves and share how this podcast came to life, why Colorado Springs deserves its own hype girls, and what listeners can expect from the show. From growing up here versus moving here, to leaving, exploring the country, and choosing to come back home, this episode sets the foundation for lighthearted, local conversations rooted in community.

You’ll hear how a custom itinerary idea sparked the podcast, how we became unlikely friends, and why Springs & Things is for people who live in, love, and want to feel more connected to Colorado Springs.

If you’re a Colorado Springs resident looking for a fun, approachable way to stay plugged into your city, this is where it all started.

PICK OF THE WEEK

• House of GOCA: STARDUST

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

We’re bringing back one of those episodes that still makes us smile. This conversation with Bonnie Goff is full of heart, laughter, and the kind of holiday traditions that remind you why this season feels special in the first place. From creative family rituals to uniquely Colorado Springs ways of celebrating, it’s cozy, funny, and packed with ideas you’ll want to borrow.

If you’re looking for an episode that feels like a warm drink with friends and zero pressure to “do the holidays perfectly,” this favorite from last year deserves another listen.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Mill Hill
• Skate in the Park by Downtown Colorado Springs
• Story Coffee
• NORAD Tracks Santa
• Chistmas Storytime at Cave of the Winds
• Santa Express Train
• Why Wait Stories

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

What if the best gifts this year aren’t things, but experiences you’ll actually remember? In this episode of Springs & Things, Carly and Lauren swap their favorite local finds, meaningful experiences, and sneaky-good gift ideas that go way beyond candles and socks. 

From adorable local jewelry and art you’ll obsess over, to food tours, scavenger hunts, spa-level skincare, and a Penrose Room dinner deal that feels unreal, this episode is basically your shortcut to gifting like a genius.

Whether you’re shopping for someone else or quietly building your own wish list, these are the Colorado Springs favorites worth knowing about and stealing for yourself.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Three Wild Geese Studio by Josie Presley
• Alysia Loerch Photography
• Pasture Revival
• The Look Up Gallery
• Yobel
• Heidi Almosara
• Surface Gallery
• Caroline Clark Prints of Long Lost Studio
• Broadmoor Colorado Appreciation Days
• Clara Skincare
• Rocky Mountain Food Tours
• Let's Roam Scavenger Hunt
• Melanzana

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Massage by Nicole (719)237-3321
• Caroling and Cocktails

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

Colorado Springs is glowing this time of year, and this week on Springs & Things we’re diving straight into the moments that make the season feel downright magical. 

From unexpected tears at local theater, to first-time traditions like the Christkindlmarket, to skating downtown and cozy nights at the Broadmoor, we’re rounding up the holiday experiences that remind you why you love living here.

If you’re looking for charming, heartwarming, only-in-the-Springs ideas to make December feel special, this episode is your festive roadmap

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Mary Poppins at The Fine Arts Center
• Icons
• Traditions episode with Bonnie Goff
• The Grinch at Buell Theater
• The Importance of Being Earnest at Ent Center for the Performing Arts
• Christkindlmarket
• Hotel Polaris - Be sure to listen to our episode about this great place
• Skate in the Park
• Play at The Broadmoor
• The Penrose Room at The Broadmoo
• The Golden Bee at The Broadmoor
• Shugas
• Timberline Landscaping Christmas lights guide
• Kinship Landing
• Local Motive

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Roth's Sea and Steak (follow @actuallyitsmeagan and see her Reel on the restaurant)
• The Nutcracker Tea at Toodle's Tearoom
• Santa Brunch at Homa Cafe and Bar

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Vanguard Aesthetics
Vanguard Aesthetics helps clients discover their most radiant selves by blending expert care with individualized beauty. Since 2013, they’ve offered medical-grade skincare and tailored aesthetic treatments that enhance natural features while prioritizing comfort and safety. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, skin goals, and vision so every visit leaves them feeling refreshed, confident, and authentically themselves.

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

It’s Giving Tuesday, and we’re sharing the Colorado Springs nonprofits that make our community stronger, safer, and a whole lot more connected.

From organizations keeping families safe, to programs teaching kids confidence and personal safety, to the foster community getting wrapped in love, to the hospital caring for thousands of local children, to the cycling advocates who help us enjoy the outdoors we always rave about,  we’re sharing the groups that truly matter to us and why we think you should know about them.

If you’ve been wanting to give back, get your kids involved, or just discover some incredible local organizations doing powerful work, this episode will fill your heart.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• TESSA
• Kidpower
• Fostering Hope
• Children's Hospital of Colorado
• Goodwill of Colorado
• Bike COS

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Skills Sessions at Fountain Valley School
• Cookies with Santa
• Carols, Cocktails, and Cocoa at The Mining Exchange

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30! Vote for them in Best of the Springs!

We invited Megan Thomas back on the show for the third time to settle the real Colorado Springs debates: beans or no beans, potatoes as hero or filler, handheld vs smothered, and whether french fries belong anywhere near your breakfast. 

Megan walks us through her wildly popular Breakfast Burrito Series, shouting out spots like Azada, Luna Market, Roll Up, Tacos El Amigo and more, while sharing why she’s so passionate about getting locals out of their neighborhood bubbles and into Southeast side gems. 

We also get into what it’s like to go “viral,” dealing with spicy TikTok comments, and why you should never, ever “yuck someone’s yum.” 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Actually It's Meagan on Instagram
• Actually It's Meagan on TikTok
• Actually It's Meagan on YouTube
• Tacos El Amigo
• Monica's Taco Shop
• Azada Mexican Grill
• Luna Market
• Roll Up
• Dos Dos
• Alfonsos
• Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe
• King's Chef Diner
• El Chapin
• La Casita
• Tacos Del Gordo
• Zapata

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Mary Poppins at the Fine Arts Center
• Buffalo Lodge Holiday Roll and Stroll

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

What happens when a luxury hotel just outside of the Air Force Academy is packed with Easter eggs, hidden nods, and “if you know, you know” details that locals walk right past every day? You get Hotel Polaris, one of the coolest spots in Colorado Springs.

This week, Kevin Barosso, Director of Sales & Marketing, reveals the biggest misconception about the property, why locals absolutely should be hanging out there, and how the entire hotel is loaded with clever architectural secrets honoring the Academy. From class-color mosaics to terrazzo-inspired tile to cocktails rooted in Air Force lore, we dive into the thoughtful touches that make Hotel Polaris unlike anything in town...plus the simulators, rooftop bar, spa, brunch, Yappy Hour, and all the reasons locals are quickly becoming regulars. If you love hidden gems, great stories, and discovering your next favorite place in the Springs… this one’s for you.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Pamelas
• The Aviator
• Doolies
• Flight Simulators
• Experiences at Hotel Polaris

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• A Doll's House at Millibo Art Theater
• Bristol Beer Choir

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

What started with 60 pedal bikes has become one of the most heart-warming success stories in Colorado Springs. PikeRide isn’t just about e-bikes. It’s about connection.

In this episode, Carly sits down with Tara McCarthy from PikeRide to talk about how the city’s bike-share program has exploded across Colorado Springs and Manitou, growing from a visitor amenity into a life-changing community service. From helping a man rebuild his life and reconnect with his daughters to giving a 72-year-old daily independence, PikeRide is quietly transforming lives one ride at a time.

You’ll laugh at the story of a late-night “ride to Pueblo” gone wrong, tear up at the impact stories, and leave feeling proud of what community can do when it gets rolling.

Tune in for local love, big heart, and a reminder that sometimes, a simple bike can take you exactly where you need to go.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Vanguard Aesthetics
• Stellina Pizza Cafe
• Mash Mechanix
• Fine Arts Center

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Sunday FunDay Farmer's Market
• JC Beauty Bar

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Modern Interior Co
Modern Interior Co. is a full-service interior design firm based in Colorado Springs that specializes in creating beautiful, elevated homes without the stress. Known for delivering seamless, high-touch design experiences from concept to completion, they help busy professionals and high-end homeowners create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!