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New Colorado Lottery Ticket Showcases Colorado’s “Hidden Gems”

May 14th, 2012

New to the Colorado Lottery this month is a Scratch game called “Hidden Gems of Colorado.” The game was developed by the Colorado Lottery and Colorado Tourism Office to boost awareness of things to see and do across the state. The game was inspired by the Colorado Tourism Office’s official vacation guide, “99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado.” The ticket’s graphic elements and unique prize structure; every prize ends in “9,” comes from the 99 Gorgeous Places theme.

“The game encourages players to get out and enjoy the many recreational opportunities partially funded by Lottery proceeds,” said Abel J. Tapia, director of the Colorado Lottery. “The game ties in nicely with the Lottery’s tagline, “Don’t forget to play,” which reminds people to play the games of the Colorado Lottery, and also to get out and play in Colorado.”

Hidden Gems of Colorado will be a $5 game with a $199,999 top prize and a $9 minimum win (a first for a $5 game). Approximately 1.8 million tickets will be distributed to more than 3,000 Lottery retail outlets throughout Colorado. The game will be on the market through August. Overall odds are 1 in 4.28.

Unique to this ticket is a special Second-Chance drawing that features Colorado vacation getaway packages to some of Colorado’s top destinations. The prize packages were submitted by tourism industry businesses and destinations across the state. Some of the many prize packages include a getaway to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, overnight accommodations and spa treatments at a Vail Resort, and a Colorado Wine Country excursion. To enter the Second-Chance drawings, players enter their non-winning Hidden Gems tickets online at www.coloradolottery.com. One prize package will be given away each week during the life of the game.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Colorado Lottery in showcasing some of our state’s most special places. There are far more than 99 gorgeous places in Colorado and we invite everyone to go out and discover the treasures that exist right in your backyard,” said Al White, director, Colorado Tourism Office.

Proceeds from the Colorado Lottery’s games – MatchPlay, Mega Millions, Cash 5, Scratch, Lotto and Powerball – stay in Colorado to improve the quality of life in the state. The Lottery has returned more than $2.3 billion to the state of Colorado since it was established. Through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund and Colorado State Parks, the Lottery has provided funding for new trails, precious open space and wildlife protection. For more information, visit www.coloradolottery.com.

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Whoa Mama – Treat Mom to Something Different

May 10th, 2012

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park located in Canon City has long honored the matriarch of the family. They have been offering free admission to any Mom on Mother’s day for over 40 years. Walk or drive over one of the world’s highest suspension bridges or build some adrenaline by strapping into the world’s highest Skycoaster. Make sure to hit the world’s steepest incline railway and a great view can be seen from the Aerial Tram. www.royalgorgebridge.com

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain welcomes kids of all ages, bring Mom for a day on the 14,115-foot Peak. Mom will get in free of charge with your paid admission. The view is impeccable from the top (and actually inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen the words to America the Beautiful after a visit). Of course you must grab a world famous donut at the Summit House. www.pikespeakcolorado.com

Michael Garman Magic Town – The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery will host a BOGO Event for Mother’s Day Weekend—May 12, 13th. As part of their 50th Anniversary celebration, special exhibits and tours are available. Enjoy viewing over 500 sculptures by Michael Garman that honor everyday America heroes from all walks of life. Tour Magic Town, Michael Garman’s 3,000 square foot, one-of-a kind sculptural theater. Bring the kids for a special scavenger hunt complete with popcorn and prizes. Magic Town Admissions—Buy One, Get One Free*, any Sculpture Purchase—Buy One, Get One Free*. www.michaelgarman.com

Dinosaur Resource Center – Hey, Moms love dinosaurs, too, and they especially love spending time with the family doing something fun AND educational. Bring your mom to the Dinosaur Resource Center and she’ll receive FREE admission to the Center with one paid Adult or Child’s admission. Come in early to shop for her, we have beautiful jewelry and unique home accessories with a prehistoric theme. The Dinosaur Resource Center…a whole new species of FUN! www.rmdrc.com

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center - this special sanctuary located in Divide, CO is treating Mom from 9am-10am on Sunday. Embark on a wolf tour, nosh on some provided snacks and even look into the eyes of these stunning creatures with a wolf ambassador interaction. Reservations are required. www.wolfeducation.org

The Cripple Creek District Museum is giving Mom a break: Give mom a break. All mothers receive complimentary admission to the Cripple Creek District Museum on Sunday, May 13. www.cripple-creek.org

Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast’s Wine Cheese & Chocolate Mother’s Day includes, well Wine, Cheese, & Chocolates as well as a 30 minute massage, Bath “Cupcakes.” Morning coffee service to her room will be provided before breakfast, package $195 plus tax, which includes room. Gift certificates are available for later date. www.avenuehotelbandb.com

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Geocache Adventure Asks Residents to “Live it up Locally”

May 8th, 2012

In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week (May 5 – 13, 2012), the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has partnered with Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association (PPCAA) and the City of Colorado Springs Greener Corners recycling program to encourage the community to “Live it up Locally.”

A total of 35 Greener Corners recycling bins located throughout City parks feature a “Live it up Locally” message accompanied by a Quick Response, or QR, code. Once scanned by a smart phone device, the code will navigate to the CVB’s mobile site listing twelve attractions participating in this geocache adventure. Stops include Cave of the Winds, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Echo Canyon River Expeditions, Royal Gorge Bridge and Cripple Creek Heritage Center among others.

The first geocachers to find these various locations will each uncover a four-pack of admission passes to regional attractions. Amy Long, CVB VP of Marketing & Membership, says, “this partnership brings together the power of travel and sustainability and encourages residents to get out and enjoy the Pikes Peak region for a ‘staycation’ or when entertaining visiting family and friends.”

Michele Starling, Executive Director of PPCAA, points out that this is a new way to showcase to residents all there is to do in the area. “With an abundance of historic and new attractions that are easily accessible from almost anywhere in the region, we hope locals take this challenge to heart and rediscover their own backyard.”

QR codes are scattered throughout these area parks:

  • Acacia Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Goose Gossage Park
  • Red Rocks Canyon
  • Leon Young Park
  • Palmer Park
  • Skyview Park

For more information on participating locations, go to http://m.visitcos.com/55in5challenge.

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Bob Bondurant High Performance Driving Expands to Pikes Peak International Raceway

April 25th, 2012

Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) today announced a new business venture that will strengthen Colorado’s attraction as a destination for corporate and participant motorsports events. The new partnership, Bondurant Performance Driving at PPIR, combines one of the most versatile motorsports venues with the most respected advanced driver training programs in the country.

The Bondurant School, based in Phoenix, is the largest purpose-built driving school in the world, with courses in high-performance driving, advanced road racing, teen driving, karting, highway safety, military training and executive protection. The school is celebrating its 44th year under the direction of Bob Bondurant, world champion driver and internationally recognized leader in advanced driver training.

PPIR, in Fountain, CO., just south of Colorado Springs, opened in 1997 as a venue for international motorsports events. Today the famed raceway hosts year-round racing, high performance testing, and participant events that appeal to all level of motorsports enthusiasts.

“After site visits and a meeting with my team, we voted with enthusiastic high-fives that PPIR is the beginning of the Bondurant expansion plan,” Bob Bondurant said. “The five-star facility has all the parallel benefits of our Phoenix home base, including the ability to race year-round, but to add the opportunity of an oval to our programs is absolutely fantastic!” he said.

PPIR CEO and co-owner John Molloy said, “Attracting Bondurant to PPIR puts a crown jewel of the motorsports industry in the heart of Colorado. By working together, we truly offer a one stop shop for corporations, event planners, team building leaders and individuals looking for exhilarating motorsports entertainment and educational programs,” Molloy said.

The addition of Bondurant’s presence at PPIR elevates the motorsports industry within the cluster of impressive international and national sports organizations in the Region. “This partnership represents a collaboration of the best in  motorsports and fuels enthusiasm and energy for the entire area,” Greater Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation Board Chairman Doug Quimby said.

Find more about this high-speed experience at www.PPIR.com.

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Colorado Springs Gets Dirty this Summer

April 23rd, 2012

Colorado Springs is stacked with annual events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and Colorado Balloon Classic, but this summer proves to be one of the dirtiest and most intense. Four rip-roaring challenges will drag competitors and spectators through the mud, really. Whether it’s a mythological Spartan Challenge, a Dirty Dash or a 1,400-foot elevation climb with an elephant-sized reward, there’s no reason not to get a little filthy this May and August. For more Colorado Springs area events, visit www.peakradar.com.

Spartan Race – Hades on Earth
May 5-6, 2012
Spartan Race is the world’s leading obstacle race series of pure primitive craziness. Spartan Race will take place at Fort Carson Army Base. The event is Military Sprint distance (approximately four miles) with a few extra “surprises” compliments of the 4th Infantry and Special Forces units. This Spartan-style race has its own unique rules, rankings and Military medals. Be warned, there is fire, muddy water, barbed wire and a veritable hell, or Hades, on earth. If the courses don’t damage entrants psyche, the clock will. Mud, bruises and awesome stories are free. www.spartanrace.com

Dirt Around the Collar
May 19, 2012
While there isn’t exactly dirt involved, competitors will be rewarded with a poo-tacular prize. It’s a run like no other, so the medallions should be unique, too. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo called on Lucky and Kimba, African elephants, to help make a special memento for the winners of the 4th annual Run to the Shrine. First the elephant poop was dried, then molded and cured with epoxy resin. This event is the only day of the year foot traffic is allowed on the breathtaking road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. Runners tackle the nearly 1,400-foot elevation gain that winds through the zoo with giraffes, tigers and grizzlies lining the course. All proceeds help feed and care for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 800+ animals. www.cmzoo.org 

Brag like the Big Dogs
August 4, 2012
Let’s face it, not everyone is a Greek-sized competitor. Not excited by electrocution? Then the inaugural Big Dog Brag is the mud run of choice. Don’t be fooled, the Big Dog Brag isn’t a Saturday Stoll. There’s no lack of mud pits, walls to scale, cargo net climbs or boulders. The course was designed for participants 13 and up and all fitness levels by a master challenge course architect and national rock crawl track designer. This event lets the whole family feel like a big dog. Proceeds support year-round programs for Extreme Impact and Adventure With A Purpose. www.bigdogbrag.com

Dirty Dash Mud Run
August 11, 2012
Defy the basic laws of running and relationships: push friends in the mud and drag their names through it. The Dirty Dash will take entrants and their friends to a Rocky Mountain High that doesn’t require an intervention or a visit from a friendly DEA agent. Crawl through pipes, launch down giant slip ‘n slides and navigate balance beams. This dirty endeavor even includes a beer (or root beer) chug to finish. Not only can spectators come for free, but they can buy water balloons at the Hog Wash obstacle to pummel runners as they pass. All the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society’s Climb for the Cure. www.thedirtydash.com

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Colorado Springs Offers a Tank Full of Summer Savings

April 19th, 2012

Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump. Colorado Springs area lodging, restaurants and attractions have joined forces to help ease the sting of filling up this spring and summer. The destination has launched a “Tank Full of Summer Savings”, offering fuel-friendly prices on anything from a pint of microbrew to a $50 gas card. Start planning an affordable and memorable escape that is easy on the wallet. Click on www.VisitCOS.com/fuel to view all fuel-friendly deals.

 Lodging

 Ann’s Sanctuary of the Rose

Fill up the gas tank with $50 off when booking four or more nights at this private luxury adobe guesthouse located in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains May-October. Must ask for discount at time of booking. www.sanctuaryoftherose.com

Comfort Inn South

Stay three nights at $89 per night and receive a $50 gas card free upon departure. Package includes free breakfast, wi-fi and indoor pool and spa. Offer expires May 31, 2012. Must mention CVB at time of reservation. Advance reservation required. Rates do not include tax. www.comfortinn.com/hotel-colorado_springs-colorado-CO190

The Village at D&B Ranch

Set 15 feet from a roaring creek in the middle of 12,000 acre Mueller State Park, the Ranch offers a spring special for anyone traveling more than 100 miles from their original location. Stay for two nights and get the third night free. Offer expires May 30, 2012. Call Jerry at 719/686.9004 or e-mail village@dbranch.com. www.dbranch.com

Sundance Mountain Lodge

This family-owned, full-service hotel sits in a natural and artistic setting. Located in the quiet town of Monument, CO the Lodge enjoys view of Pikes Peaks and the foothills and will offer a $25 discount on any stay. Must be booked directly. www.sundancemountainlodge.com

Attractions and Dining

 American Adventures Rafting

Don’t get hot about rising gas prices. Stay cool with 20% off an American Adventures Rafting trip. Valid on any rafting adventure Sunday through Friday until September 3, 2012. Discount must be mentioned upon booking. Use code GAS2012 when booking. www.americanadventure.com

The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum

This Victor, CO museum full of history about the 1890’s gold rush days knows gas prices can get travelers down. Print the page at VisitCOS.com/fuel and bring it to the Museum June 1-30,2012 to receive $2 off admission for two. http://victorcolorado.com/museum.htm

Colorado Vertical Helicopter Tours

Fill up on thrills with a helicopter tour of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Park or the Royal Gorge.  Mention fuel-friendly deals when booking to receive 10% off a helicopter tour. Call 719/648.5580 for more information. www.coloradovertical.com

Colorado Springs Food Tours

Visit six local restaurants without getting in the car. Save $10 on two tickets when using the online discount code “savefuel” for one of the weekly walking food tours in downtown Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City. www.coloradospringsfoodtours.com

Salsa Brava & Sonterra Grill

Show a gas receipt at either of these locations from the last 10 days and receive $5 off any appetizer with the purchase of two entrees. Offer expires August 31,2012. www.rockymtnrg.com

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

Bring in a fuel receipt from the same day and the good ‘ole boys and gals at Phantom Canyon will buy the first beer. www.phantomcanyon.com

* All deals are subject to availability and cannot be combined with other deals and discounts. Black-out dates and restrictions may apply.

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Sky Sox to Feature “Where’s Sox the Fox” Promotion in 2012 Season

April 13th, 2012

Friday, April 13 will mark the home opener for the AAA Sky Sox Baseball’s 25th Season. The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association have partnered with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox for a new “Where’s Sox the Fox?” promotion to highlight area attractions.

This new sponsorship will have Sox making appearances at popular regional attractions and random guests from the crowd will have to guess his correct location. Winners will receive one Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association “VIP” pass that provides complimentary admission and discounts to 24 regional attractions. This new promotion will take place during half of the 2012 Sky Sox home games.

VP of Marketing & Membership for the CVB, Amy Long, enthuses that this program is a great way for locals to experience the Colorado Springs region like a visitor. “This partnership is a natural platform to speak to our residents about the new Colorado Springs logo and brand as well as encourage them to enjoy attractions here in their hometown. Being a part of the Sky Sox 25th Anniversary season is just the cherry on top.” The first “Where’s Sox the Fox?” promotion will take place during this Saturday’s home game. Visit the Sky Sox website to purchase tickets.

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Colorado Springs into Easter Weekend

April 4th, 2012

Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s Easter Bunny Train – April 7 & 8

Hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s Easter Bunny Train for a true family event featuring the Easter Bunny himself.  Take in the scenes of the Royal Gorge in spring while your children enjoy a reverse hunt as the Easter Bunny hands out eggs with chocolate treats and Depot dollars – good for food on board and gifts in the Santa Fe Depot train shop. Capture the memory with a family photo in front of the #8 train bedecked with festive Easter decorations. The Royal Gorge Route’s Easter Bunny Train departs at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7th and Sunday, April 8th, 2012. Order your favorites from the Vista Dome, bar car or concession menu or enjoy our chef-prepared Prime Rib lunch, including potatoes, dinner roll and asparagus, for just $17.95 in Vista Dome and Sunshine Falls bar car. Note that children must be at least 3-years of age and well behaved on the lunch train.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s EGGStravanganZOO – April 7

Visit the Lodge at Moose Lake between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to color a hard boiled egg at one of the special decorating stations, then check the feeding schedule to watch as zookeepers distribute the eggs to the animals between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Special treats like this enrich the animals, promote mental and physical exercise, and stimulate the natural behavior of foraging for food. For the health and safety of the animals, all eggs and decorating supplies will be provided by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Normal admission rates apply.

Colorado Easter Sunrise Service Hosted by Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and the Ministerial Alliance of Canon City – April 8

The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and the Ministerial Alliance of Canon City are hosting the annual Easter Sunday Sunrise Service April 8, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. The service is free to the general public, and guests are asked to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to families in need. The main gate to the park will open at 5:45 a.m. and the sun will rise at 6:35 a.m. just as the service starts. There will be seating for 500, and guests are encouraged to dress warmly as the mornings can be “chilly.” Special music performed by the Mountain View band. Complimentary coffee and hot cocoa will be served before the service and guests may bring their own lawn chairs.

Victorian Easter Egg Hunt and Luncheon Tea – April 7

Join Miramont Castle for a Victorian Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2 through 10 accompanied by an adult. A generous supply of eggs will be hidden for the children to locate and a special basket will delight the child who finds the golden egg! Following the egg hunt, retire to the beautiful Tea Room for an abundant luncheon, with special treats to delight the little ones. Reservations are required. Seating is limited and fills up early. There will be three seatings: 10:00 am, 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm.

Chocolate Bunny Walk & Egg Hunt at Bear Creek Nature Center – April 7

Meet a live rabbit and learn about these furry hoppers at the Bear Creek Nature Center, then join the Bunny Guide as you hike to look for goody-filled eggs along the trail. Children ages 2 – 10 with an adult. Reservations Required-$5/member, $7/non) For more information call 719.520-6387.

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World Speed Stacking Comes to U.S. Air Force Academy

March 23rd, 2012

The World Sport Stacking Association’s (WSSA) biggest event will land at the United States Air Force Academy this weekend bringing together hundreds of sport stackers from around the country competing for state, national and world records.  To top it off, all competitors and spectators can enjoy a unique interactive fan experience throughout the weekend called StackFest .

“We’re happy to be returning to the Air Force Academy after a 10-year hiatus.” said Bob Fox, WSSA Executive Director.  “It’s a terrific venue, and we look forward to hosting our premier event of the year at a facility with such national pride.”

The US National Championships encourages all US stackers, regardless of their age or ability, to compete.  It will draw participants from around the country to compete in up to eight individual, doubles and relay events. StackFest is a series of interactive stacking stations that will take place throughout the weekend.  This is a great fan stacking experience for the whole family that includes stations such as: Build-a-Stack, Jumbo Stacking, Mini-Stacking and more.

Sport stacking is an individual and team sport where participants up stack and down stack 12 specially designed high-tech cups (Speed Stacks®) in pre-determined sequences with lightning quickness. Stackers compete for time in individual events and on relay teams in head-to-head competition. This unique sport promotes hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, concentration, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Events will take place S in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Gymnasiums Saturday, March 24th from 8am-6pm and Sunday, March 25th from 8am-3:30pm

Go to www.theWSSA.com/usnationals for all US National Championship details.

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U.S. News & World Report Names Colorado Springs “Best Weekend Getaway”

March 7th, 2012

According to a recent U.S. News & World Report Travel article, Colorado Springs has been named the #6 “Best Weekend Getaway.” The destination is highlighted for having “prime picture-taking real estate” and being home to true American institutions such as the U.S. Olympic Training Center and United States Air Force Academy.

Readers have the ability to vote yes or no on each city choice. They can view Colorado Springs photos, top and free things to do and the area’s best hotels. Some other cities included on the list – Sedona, Monterey, Vancouver and Charleston.

Read the full article here.

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