Duty Station Bucket List Archives

75 Things You Have To Do When You’re Stationed At Colorado Springs

April 9, 2018 By Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Your Colorado Springs House. All opinions are entirely my own.

75 Things You Have To Do When You're Stationed At Colorado Springs

by Susanna Haynie, Guest Contributor

Have you ever met someone from the same place you used to live? One of the first things you do after getting all, “NO WAY!” excited, is you compare notes by asking, “Did you ever_________?” or “Have you had/done________?” Or maybe you meet someone who is moving to your old stomping grounds and you excitedly declare, “Oh! You just have to_________.”

Whether your PCS orders are taking you away or bringing you to Colorado, this is our list of 75 “you just HAVE to do this!” activities in Colorado Springs.

Treat this like your duty station bucket list. Print it out and check off each activity you do. Don’t be shy about adding your own experiences as well! This is a great way to keep fond memories of Colorado before your next adventure in a new location.

75 Things To Do When You’re Stationed In Colorado Springs

1. Ride the COG Railway up Pikes Peak. Take a camera and some friends!

2. Get up in the morning, throw your kayak in the car and enjoy an hour on the Catamount lakes on Pikes Peak before work.

3. Bike down Pikes Peak and stop at the Colorado Wines restaurant, sit creekside and enjoy a yummy veggie burger. (They have other tasty food too.)

4. Release your inner child by playing in the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs and enjoying candy and ice cream from Patsy’s (you can tour their candy factory as well!).

5. Dance in the water at the Uncle Wilber water fountain in downtown Colorado Springs (Acacia Park)

6. Eat breakfast at the famous King’s Chef Diner (cash only!)

7. Hike around Garden of the Gods, take a selfie at Balance Rock, hunt for The Scotsman and find the infamous “window” photo op at the Siamese Twins formation.

8. Take a selfie on the Garden of the Gods overlook on Mesa Road.

9. Run a 5k on a Tuesday night with the Jack Quinn’s Running Club. Walkers and strollers are welcome.

10. Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Peak.

11. Climb the Manitou Incline.

12. Hike Barr Trail. (This needs planning and preparation.)

13. Fish in 11-Mile-Canyon for the best Brown Trout Fishing in the country!

14. Pack a cup and enjoy a taste of the free-flowing spring waters in Manitou Springs.

15. Attend the annual Territory Days Festival in Old Colorado City. Enjoy funnel cakes, vintage gunfights, music, shopping and giant turkey legs.

16. Enjoy the Rodeo Days Western Street Pancake Breakfast. Kids under 5 eat free.

17. Don’t miss the Longhorn Cattle Drive on Tejon street.

18. On a Sunday morning, load up the kayaks or a canoe, drive to Woodland Park, stop at the Hungry Bear Restaurant for breakfast, then spend a lazy afternoon on Rampart Range Reservoir.

19. Shop the summer farmers market in Old Colorado City.

20. Attend a Simpich marionette show.

21. Tour the Michael Garman Museum and Gallery.

22. Listen to the Symphony Above the Clouds in Woodland Park on July 5.

23. Visit the Pioneer’s Museum.

24. Stroll the Folk Art Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch. Make sure to stop by the blacksmith, watch them at work, visit the homestead and enjoy the smells of freshly baked cookies or applesauce.

25. Drive out to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park for some awesome photo ops, climbing on rocks and beautiful red colors of the earth.

Photo credit VisitCOS.com

26. Visit the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.

27. Tour the Olympic Training Center.

28. Take the day off for the AFA graduation in May. Pack a picnic and find a spot on the eastern side of I-25, across from the Academy and watch as the Thunderbirds buzz your head. They’re so close you can see the pilot’s face as he whizzes by!

29. Visit the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

30. Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and walk up to the Shrine of the Sun.

31. Bundle up for Boo at the Zoo or the Christmas Electric Safari.

32. Plan a girls night at the Broadmoor during the holidays. Admire the giant gingerbread house, walk around the lake and then sit by the fire at Bar del Largo while sipping your favorite hot beverage.

33. Plan a brewery tour with your friends.

34. Hike up to Helen Hunt Falls.

35. Drive Gold Camp Road (make sure you have 4WD)

36. You have to attend at least one night at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo!

37. Descend 1,000 feet into a mountain during the Mollie Kathleen Mine Tour.

38. Treat the kids to a night at the Great Wolf Lodge. Don’t forget to ask for their military discount.

39. Drive up to Divide, Colo., to the Wolf Wildlife Refuge and then hike the Fossil National Monument.

40. The Dinosaur Resource Center is a must for your littles!

41. Meet Hiking Bob and get a sticker.

42. In the fall, spend the day driving to Cripple Creek for the views and amazing aspen leaves!

43. Enjoy the history of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

44. Pick the hottest summer day and go to Cave of the Winds.

45. Surprise your kids with a visit to the North Pole in the middle of summer.

46. Rent costumes at Zeezo’s and attend the Renaissance Festival.

Photo credit VisitCOS.com

47. Eat brunch at the Broadmoor.

48. Have a drink of whiskey in the Principal’s Office. (Shhhh! Actually, it’s ok)

49. Pack a blanket and a bottle of wine for the St. Stephens Jazz in the Garden or at Hillside Gardens.

50. Get fresh roasted chilies and fabulous wine tastings at the Holy Cross Abbey Harvest Fest.

51. Sign up to run one of the many races around the city.

52. Ride a Segway through the Garden of the Gods

53. Enjoy a winter day at the Cripple Creek Ice Fest

54. Get up early on Labor Day to watch the hot air balloon launch

55. Attend a Murder-Mystery dinner at the Briarhurst Manor

56. Gather a group of friends and race with a coffin through Manitou Springs.

57. Participate in a wild donkey race at Donkey Derby Days

58. Dress up for a night at the new Ent Center for Performing Arts

59. Bike the Santa Fe Trail

60. Take your best friend to the Beauty Bar.

61. Go ahead and fall down The Rabbit Hole.

62. Experience the Gold Room.

63. Take a train ride through the Royal Gorge.

64. Eat a home-cooked chicken dinner at a little adobe house, Juniper Valley Ranch. (Reservations required.)

65. Take your dog for some play time at Bear Creek Dog Park and then stop for a cold one at Pub Dog Colorado.

66. Plan a day trip to Bishop Castle.

67. Drive one hour west on a cold, snowy day and soak in the mountain creek at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.

68. Mark your calendar for some good ‘ol summer music festivals like Bands In The Backyard.

69. Raft the Arkansas River.

70. Experience the quaint shopping and whitewater park at South Main, Buena Vista.

71. Attend a Sky Sox baseball game on a Friday night.

72. Sing a few tunes and enjoy a yard of beer at the Golden Bee.

73. Experience high tea at the Glenn Eyrie Castle.

74. Have a latte in a tiny house at Story Coffee Co.

75. Admire the Big Horn sheep through binoculars at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center.

I’m sure you can add so much more to this list! The sky is the limit. Climb, bike, hike, eat, drink, and drive your time away in Colorado Springs.

Related: Moving To Colorado Springs? Here’s What You Need To Know

Susanna Haynie is a veteran’s spouse and Realtor in the Colorado Springs area. She’s passionate about serving the military community – especially when it comes to making sure military families with special needs children are taken care of – and just “gets it.” Check out her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to catch up with or reach out to her.

How You Can Live a Kinder, Sweeter, More Satisfying Year

January 16, 2017 By Katie Phillips Leave a Comment

Since I read that only 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually keep them, I no longer make resolutions.

I do, however, take time at the start of each new year to see how I can improve not just my life, but the lives of everyone who interacts with me, from my husband to the lady who bags my groceries.

In a life that can seem so challenging, I consider it an unexpected gift to be able to reinvent myself every couple of years.

In 2017 I want to radiate so much kindness that cartoon birds land on my shoulders.

I want my time with with family and friends to be so sweet that I get a cavity.

I want 2017 to be more satisfying than a warm brownie sundae with homemade whipped cream and candied walnuts.

I want these things, not just for myself, but for everyone in my NextGen tribe. Milsos, if you haven’t heard:

2017 is the Year of You!

With the help of some very smart military spouses, here are my 5 tips for living your kindest, sweetest, most satisfying year yet.

Define Your Year

This is like one of those “What’s the thing that comes to mind?” word association games. When you think about 2017, what word, phrase or image comes to mind?

For me, it’s a relaxing image of a tropical beach. Not just because the beach is my ideal vacation spot, but because that image is how I want life to be in 2017: peaceful.

When things go sideways, I take a beat, and summon that image. How would I react if I were on that beach, listening to the waves lap up to the shore?

I probably wouldn’t yell at the movers for breaking my brand-new wedding china, that’s for sure.

That serene beach image is how I am defining my year.

How will you define yours?

Is it a phrase or a word?

Define your year, and then really commit to living that in your daily life.

Write Your Experiences and Memories List

If you just rolled your eyes and thought, “Yeah right, like I have time for one more list,” I sympathize. But hear me out. This is not a laundry list of all the errands, chores and appointments you have for the upcoming year.

Take a moment and write down all of the places you want to visit, experiences you want to have and memories you want to make in the coming year. Place this list somewhere you can see it every day and try to do as many of them as you can with people you love.

When you accomplish one of the things on your list, you’ll feel motivated, inspired and refreshed.

Your list doesn’t have to be extravagant. One of the experiences on my list was talking more to my college bestie. We don’t have to make a cross-country trip to see one another, that’s virtually impossible, because you know – life. But we can make it a goal to Facetime monthly. I come away from those conversations feeling happier every time, and I have the memories to look back on when I need a little boost.

Radiate Love Daily

This has been a divisive, tumultuous year for our country. That’s why, in 2017, it’s more important than ever to show love whenever you can. It’s easier to do than you think. I have a friend who has been such an example of this to me this past year, that I am trying to be more like her in everyday life.

For example, when she goes through a checkout line, she asks how the cashier’s day is going and sincerely thanks them for their work. She compliments strangers on the street. She’s always ready with a kind word.

We need more of that in 2017. We don’t have to agree with everyone all of the time but we can agree to just be nicer and radiate love to those around us.

You Own Your Challenge

The Year of You is all about setting and achieving personal milestones. It could be finding a career that works for you or getting back in shape. Often, our challenges are given to us without our permission, like making it through a long deployment.

Whatever your challenge in 2017, milsos, I want you to own it. Taking ownership puts you in control and that’s totally empowering. Set small milestones for motivation and reward yourself when you achieve those goals.

There’s nothing sweeter or more satisfying than the feeling of success and you’ll find that you’ve developed skills you never knew you had.

Stop Saying ‘I’m Sorry’

Far too often, I find myself saying I’m sorry for things that are completely beyond my control. I’m sorry the mail didn’t come on time. I’m sorry the restaurant I picked is out of your favorite item.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

Well not anymore.

This year, don’t say you’re sorry (unless you said something really uncalled for, in which case apologize immediately). Instead, turn whatever situation you’re in into a positive one with just a few words. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry the coffee’s not ready yet,” to your boss, trying saying something like, “The coffee is still brewing, but I’ll bring you a fresh cup in just a moment.”

When you stop saying “I’m sorry” you’ll realize how many ridiculous things for which you were taking responsibility for with those 2 silly little words. You’ll also start to notice a positive effect when you remove them from your vocabulary altogether, saving them only for situations in which they are truly warranted.

There are a lot of ways to live a more satisfying life, but none of them are a magic bullet. You, dear milso, are the only one who can decide to have a kinder, sweeter, more satisfying year.

But you don’t have to do it alone. This may be the Year of You, but NextGen will be right with you all year long.

What are you doing to make this year more sweeter and satisfying for you?

10 Things Every Military Spouse Needs to Start Doing Right Now

October 22, 2015 By Rachel 2 Comments

Military spouses know that the military takes a huge precedent in our marriages. It’s been said before that if the military wanted our service members to have a spouse, the Department of Defense would have issued a military spouse to them.

It wouldn’t be a joke if there isn’t some truth behind it.

Their duty sometimes outweighs the things that we might have wanted them to do like attend a friend’s wedding, be there for a birthday or travel with during the holidays. Those are a couple of circumstances that my husband had to miss.

Stop focusing on all the ways the military is holding you back.

Start grabbing life by the horns and make the most of this military lifestyle!

Grab a pen and paper and personalize these 10 things every military spouse needs to start doing right now.

10 Things Every Military Spouse Needs To Start Doing Right Now

Start Accepting Military Life

It’s one of the first things newbie military spouses are encouraged to do, but oftentimes is difficult to actually fulfill. The military can do things that holds us back like deployment or TDY. Despite the negatives, it IS the life we chose and our relationship with our spouses makes every hardship worth it.

Start Living For Yourself

The military will give you lots of opportunities to be alone. Take advantage of this alone time by reading a book at a local coffee shop, binge-watching your favorites on Netflix or finishing that online college degree you’ve had your eye on.

Start Realizing Your Full Potential

You can do it. Seriously, it’s mind over matter. I believe military spouses are capable of anything we set our minds to, so whatever is on your dream list, remember it is possible.

Start to Say “No”

This is something that I have trouble with doing because I always say “yes.” Even if you can actually do it all, you might be overworking yourself and it could result in unhappiness. Think about what it is that really makes you happy and then know it’s OK to say no to those things that aren’t making you happy.

Related: 6 Things Every Military Spouse Needs to Stop Doing Right Now

Start To Get Involved In Your Military Community

Spending time giving back to the community gives me a sense of fulfillment. Check out your local MWR or ACS office to see if you can volunteer a hour or two, if it works in your schedule.

Start Doing Something New

A new activity is a great way to keep our minds sharp and gives us something fun to do. I began scrapbooking as a way to chronicle our time at our duty stations and it’s awesome to see all the different things we’ve managed to do in just a year and a half.

Start Meeting New People

A scary thing at first, but putting yourself out there to meet new people can actually help you with achieving your goals. Keep an open dialogue with everyone that comes your way because you never know who can scratch your back, while you scratch theirs.

Start Your Duty Station Bucket List

If you haven’t done a duty station bucket list, do it! It’s a great way to make sure you get to do everything your location offers.

Start Your Marriage Bucket List

This can be broad from vacations you want to take or activities you and your husband enjoy. For example, make sure you have a dedicated date night or cook dinner together. It’s the little things that add up.

Start Truly Being Yourself

Stop worrying what people have to say about you, especially your decision to marry someone in the military. Be yourself and only yourself and it really make you happy.

All the things above will help you engage and embrace military life!

18 Experiences You Must Experience When You’re Stationed in Virginia

September 28, 2015 By Jo Leave a Comment

From the quiet Blue Ridges, to the Chesapeake Bay, to the hubbub of northern Virginia, to its southern beaches, if you’re stationed in Virginia, you’ll quite literally be able to find something entertaining and exciting for your family.

These cultural experiences are ones that you’ll definitely want to check out during your time in the commonwealth:

Farmers Markets, Throughout Virginia

Virginia has a fantastic network of farmers markets throughout the week and weekend. Shop local and enjoy the delicious fruits and veggies from the state.

Blackfriars’ Playhouse, Staunton

Tucked into the sleepy town of Staunton, the Blackfriars’ is America’s most renown Shakespearian theater troupe and has the distinction of being one of the best in the world. They perform in the only replica of the Globe Theater in the country.

Not fond of Shakespeare? Their seasons always include a variety of works from different playwrights. Tickets begin at $15.

International Sandsculpting Championship, Virginia Beach

View museum-worthy sculptures made out of nothing but sand and water from some of the world’s best sand sculptors! Tickets benefit a nonprofit, cost $5 for adults and are free for children 12 and under.

Strawberry Festival, Pungo

Just a few miles outside of Virginia Beach, walk the small town streets of Pungo while eating a strawberry taco, strawberry shortcake or strawberry milkshake. The festival is one of the largest dedicated to the delicious strawberry in the U.S. There is no entrance fee and happens every May.

Wine Tasting and Brewery Tours, Western Virginia

Virginia has an outstanding amount of local wineries and craft breweries. From ones that are military-affiliated like Fidelis Beer Co. and Young Veterans Brewing Co., to those that are regionally and nationally known, like Devil’s Backbone, you’ll want to put together a few tours for yourself.

Mount Vernon, Alexandria

Tour the beloved home of George and Martha Washington on the outskirts of Alexandria. Pro tip: Enjoy the attraction on the tourist off-season and during the weekday if possible.

You’ll also want to grab brunch, lunch or dinner at the restaurant on the complex. If you want to get a full picture of George Washington’s life from child to adult, visit Ferry Farm and Pope’s Creek, his childhood home and birthplace, both of which are in Virginia.

Fredericksburg Downtown, Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a little town located off I-95, almost smack-dab between D.C. and Richmond. It’s a historic town that has been well-preserved, despite 4 years of being heavily occupied by both the Yankees and Confederates during the Civil War. Now, it plays host to gorgeous small businesses (quite a few of which are veteran-owned) and delicious local eateries.

You’ll also want to visit the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Wilderness National Battlefields while you’re there.

The President’s Own Concerts, Throughout Virginia

For the music-lovers, you’ll want to make sure to catch a concert played by The President’s Own. The Marine Band tours Virginia (and the world) playing traditional and innovative concerts. Make sure you check out their schedule and head to at least 1 performance.

National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico

Need a break from the traffic on I-95? (Who doesn’t?) Pull off at Quantico and visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps (which is located next to, but not on, the Marine Corps base). The museum is both a solemn memorial and celebration of the USMC and is interactive and educational. Little-known fact: the building’s spire is built at the same angle of the flag raised at Iwo Jima.

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg

Wander the recreated streets of one of the colonies’ most powerful cities as you stroll through Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is military-friendly and will have no-fee days for military members during the year with discounts through MWR. Make sure you walk the campus of William & Mary, where Thomas Jefferson went to school. While you’re in the area, you can make use of free military tickets to Busch Gardens too.

Other Virginia Experiences of Note:

Civil War Battlefields, throughout Virginia
Skiing in the Blue Ridges, throughout Virginia
Monticello, Charlottesville (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County
Shenandoah National Park/ Skyline Drive
Canal Walk, Richmond