Tag Archives: Colorado Springs

Pourtales Library

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If you are fortunate enough to be a guest at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs and are a book lover, there’s a very special place to see. It’s called Pourtales Library and it’s located just off the main mezzanine in the resort’s main building. 

I had seen a photo online but was still delighted and enchanted to see it in person for the first time. We were fortunate to be there for the first time when no one else was around.

It’s a small place with big character and an elegance that comes from something that feels both timeless and almost medieval. There’s a massive fireplace with a crest. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are stuffed with books that were donated by a longtime Broadmoor guest.

There are delightful reading nooks built into bookshelves and a warmth that makes you want to sit down and stay. There’s even a ladder!

Time didn’t allow me to sit and stay but I did take time to browse the collection a few times. It’s an eclectic assortment of old and new available to guests on the honor system. Some of the books are truly strange and others are perfect for browsing at a place like this.

I liked everything about this place including the name. Incidentally, it was named for Prussian Count James Pourtales who was a driving force in the development of Colorado Springs and the construction of Broadmoor Casino. That casino no longer exists but was the precursor to the hotel that exists today.

It’s like something from a storybook. If you ever get to stay at the Broadmoor, I hope you will seek out this space and rest a while amongst the books. You will love it!

PS: If you’re into woodworking, you might find this 2020 article about the redo of this library interesting. The woodwork is pretty special!

The Mecca Motel

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Location is everything according to this fabulous sign at the Mecca Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel dates to 1930 when its traditional motor court design was popular with a growing group of tourists who had automobiles and leisure time,

The sign, though, is classic mid-century. My only regret is that I had to snap this picture from the car while snow swirled around us on a very gray morning. I would love to see it on a blue sky day.

But you get the gist. Ain’t she a beaut?

In case you’re in the market, you can still stay at the Mecca. Book your room or get more info here.

Mule Deer

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Southern Ohio is known for its prolific population of white tailed deer. Hunters come from all over to take part in deer hunting season. Most of us have inflicted damage to our vehicles by hitting at least one deer. They traipse through my yard and are an ever constant presence in our world.

In other words, I’m familiar with deer. Yet I squealed like a toddler every time I saw a mule deer in Colorado Springs.

They were everywhere.

Mule Deer are a little bigger and stockier than the White Tailed Deer we have here at home so they’re kind of a novelty.

There’s a small herd that lives at the Broadmoor Resort and in the surrounding neighborhood. Locals lookout for them and even give them names. They walk down the streets and across grocery store parking lots.

They act like they own everything and it’s pretty awesome!

Silent Sunday: Garden Of The Gods

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Merry Christmas

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I was obsessed with this tree outside our building at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

We were fortunate enough to see their holiday light spectacle in snow. From both Scout and I, Merry Christmas!

Christmas At The Broadmoor

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I attended a conference in Colorado Springs earlier this month. It was held at the Broadmoor Resort which opened in 1918 as a European style resort that feels a little like stepping back in time.

The words dignified, genteel and stately come to mind. 

The Broadmoor has attracted presidents, royalty and celebrities and has a hall of fame filled with pictures of some of those famous folk. Of course, being me, I was more interested in the art, architecture and library.

I was also more interested in the Christmas decorations. They are all dolled up for the season everywhere you look with trees, lights and festive decor to magnify the beauty of this place. 

This was the view from my room before the snow. Isn’t it gorgeous? 

Since I stayed on Ohio time, I sat here to read and write in the early morning hours. Some hotel staff were around and a few early risers were up and about but it was reasonably peaceful.

One of my favorite things about this place was the quiet of the rooms and guest hallways. From my room, I didn’t hear a hair dryer or people passing by in the hallway. But take the elevator to the ground floor and wait for the doors to swoosh open. The minute you step out of the elevator, there’s Christmas music playing. And none of this modern stuff either. Think Bing Crosby. 

All of this combined with an incredible snowfall we received our first night there and the whole experience was absolutely mesmerizing. Here’s my room view in the daytime with all the snow! 

You know how I like details so stay tuned for more observations from this place.