In this edition:

-Colorado Springs Fun Fact

-Weather for this week

-Good eats worth giving a shot!

-Fun activities for the weekend

-Service Projects

Fun Fact!

🌄 The Gift of Garden of the Gods

Did you know the Garden of the Gods land was donated!?!?!?

• Who donated it?
  Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of the Burlington Railroad, originally purchased 240 acres of the land in 1879.

• Why?
  Perkins loved the area’s beauty and wanted to preserve it in its natural state. He often invited friends and family to visit, but he never developed it.

• How it became public land:
  When Perkins passed away in 1907, his children honored his wishes. In 1909, they donated the land to the City of Colorado Springs.

• The condition:
  The Perkins family’s only request was that the land “be kept forever free to the public” — no entrance fees, no commercial development.

• Result:
  Garden of the Gods is now one of the most visited public parks in the U.S., drawing millions of visitors each year, and it’s still free to enter — just as the Perkins family intended.

The Weather

Here’s your weekend weather recap for Colorado Springs:

🌤️ Colorado Springs Weekend Forecast

• Friday (81° / 54°): Warm and sunny — grab your shades and hit a patio before the evening cools down. 😎🍹

• Saturday (76° / 50°): Crisp blue skies and perfect festival weather — sweaters in the morning, t-shirts by noon. 🍂🎶

• Sunday (73° / 49°): A mix of sun and clouds with a chance of a thundershower — keep the umbrella handy, just in case. ⛈️☔

Colorado Springs Specifics:

🎆 Events Overview

🍁 Fall Fun at the Falcon Harvest Festival!

Get ready for a full day of family-friendly festivity at the Falcon Harvest Festival, happening Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Falcon High School (10255 Lambert Rd., Falcon, CO 80831).

This free event, presented by the Meridian Vendor Club and local partners, is one of those seasonal celebrations that brings the Falcon community — and neighbors from around the Springs area — together for good food, music, and fun.

🎪 What to Expect

Here’s a taste of the day’s highlights:

• 120+ Vendors & 15+ Food Trucks — Shop local crafts, fall décor, and savor all sorts of tasty treats.

• Kids Zone — Bounce houses, arts & crafts, face painting, and interactive fun.

• Live Music & Entertainment — Local bands will keep the energy high throughout the day.

• Petting Zoo & Animal Exhibits — Kids (and adults) can get up close with goats, donkeys, and other friendly critters.

• Community & Public Safety Displays — The Falcon Fire Protection District and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office often bring vehicles and gear for families to check out.

• Photo Ops & Games — Expect oversized games like Connect Four, Jenga, and “superhero meets” for memorable snapshots.

In past years, the festival drew big crowds early — by 10:30 AM cars were already spilling into side streets.

Be sure to arrive early enough to find parking and get settled in.

✅ Tips & Notes for Families

• Cost: The event is free to attend (though vendor booths and food offerings are for sale).

• Parking & Access: Held in the Falcon High School parking lot; street parking and overflow areas are often used.

• Plan for the weather: Dress in layers — fall mornings in Colorado can start chilly and warm up midday.

• Bring cash/cards: Many food trucks and vendors accept digital payments, but having cash can speed things up.

• Map out must-see spots: With over 120 vendors, it’s easy to get “festival fatigue” — plan if there’s a vendor or exhibit you especially want to visit.

• Enjoy slow moments: Don’t feel you have to hit it all. Find a shady picnic table, people-watch, enjoy the music, and let the kids explore at their own pace.

Concert of the week!

Red Hot Chilli Pipers
📍 Pikes Peak Center
🗓️ Friday, Sept. 26
🎶 A high-energy “bagrock” show that fuses piping with rock music — a unique, upbeat experience.

Buy Tickets Here

3 Restaurants worth giving a shot!

1. Front Range BBQ | Menu

(4.6 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  Out of 4,393 Google Reviews)

Front Range Barbeque (FRBBQ), founded in 2000 by two brothers from Alabama, brings authentic Southern cooking traditions to Old Colorado City. Using recipes passed down from “mom’s kitchen and dad’s smoker,” they’ve built a cozy neighborhood spot inside a historic house, later expanding in 2018 with additional nearby properties. The menu centers on hand-crafted Southern barbecue — smoked meats like pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and catfish — paired with scratch-made sides such as mac ’n’ cheese, greens, and cornbread, along with rotating specials like hickory smoked wings or pork shanks over poblano mac. Craft beers on tap complete the experience.

More than just a restaurant, FRBBQ has become a community hub, hosting regular live music and events on its patio stage under the motto: “our home is your home.” Recognized on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives for “amazing flavors, smoked to perfection,” and named a go-to for Southern BBQ by The Gazette, the spot is celebrated for its large portions, friendly service, and a touch of New Orleans flair that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

2. Roots Cafe | Menu

(4.9 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  Out of 377 Google Reviews)

It doesn’t get much more hole in the wall than this place! 🌺 A Taste of the Islands in Downtown COS

It doesn’t get much more hole-in-the-wall than this spot — no website, no frills, just delicious Hawaiian comfort food. The Kalua Pig Plate, Mac Salad, and Kale Rib Plate were absolute standouts!

Tucked at 330 E Colorado Ave, this casual eatery dishes out family-style favorites like crispy katsu chicken, savory pork, and fresh shrimp, all served up by a super friendly staff.

With outdoor seating and a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy good food with friends or family. Just a heads-up: they don’t take reservations, so get there early to snag a table.

📞 (719) 394-6540

3. Felipes 109 “Home of the Taco Burger | Menu

(4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  Out of 920 Google Reviews)

Please give this place a try, you won’t regret it! My favorite is the Jalapeño Burger! A family-run, fast‑casual spot specializing in inventive comfort food—combining classic burgers served in crisp taco shells (“Taco Burgers”), hearty chili, and flavorful tacos. Their tagline: “Burgers for the mind, Tacos for the heart, and Chili for the soul.”

Fun activities for the weekend!

🌄 Trail Spotlight: Perkins Central Garden Trail – Garden of the Gods

Want the best introduction to Garden of the Gods? The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you right through the park’s most iconic red rock formations on a flat, paved loop — perfect for families, strollers, or anyone wanting the classic views with minimal effort.

📝 Trail Highlights:
🥾 Length: 1.5-mile paved loop (easy)
⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~30 ft
📸 Main Attraction: Towering sandstone fins and spires up close, with panoramic photo spots along the loop
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
🕒 Time to Complete: ~20–30 minutes
🚗 Parking: Main lots near the Visitor & Nature Center or P2/P4 (lots fill quickly — arrive early or late for best luck)

💛 Why We Love This Trail
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is the perfect way to experience the heart of Garden of the Gods without breaking a sweat. Its flat, paved path makes it accessible for all ages, and every step offers a new angle of the park’s towering red rock formations. It’s the best spot for first-time visitors, family outings, and those iconic Colorado Springs photo ops.

Service Projects

Monday Funday Volunteer Opportunity
Spend a few hours making a difference by volunteering at a fun, community-focused event designed to uplift and support individuals with disabilities. Volunteers help facilitate games, crafts, and positive interactions in a welcoming and inclusive environment. A great way to start your week with purpose!

📍 Location: Colorado Springs
📅 When: Mondays, flexible shifts available
🔗 Learn more or sign up on JustServe

Volunteer Opportunity: Spanish Translator/Proofreader (Remote)
Help make a difference from anywhere by volunteering your Spanish language skills! Assist the American Red Cross by translating or proofreading critical documents to support disaster response and humanitarian efforts. This flexible, remote role is ideal for bilingual volunteers who want to give back on their own schedule.

📍 Location: Remote
🕒 Flexible Hours
🔗 Learn more or sign up on JustServe

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