Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado Conference in Golden, CO

We are in wonderful Golden, Co participating in the Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado state conference. This is the 23rd annual conference and we had the largest group of aspiring innkeepers in attendance. A great group of vendors showed up to support the conference. We also had a fabulous set of guest speakers including Acorn Internet Services where we are all learning about the importance of social media.

Colorado Springs Halloween Special at Pikes Peak

1892 Victoria's Keep Bed & Breakfast at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, CO, just 4 miles west of Colorado Springs is offering an extended "Boo-tacular" Halloween special for the dates of October 28th - November 5th. Our expanded Halloween special offers a two night stay! The first night for any room or suite and the second night for $50.00! "Boo-tacular"

Historic Manitou Springs is full of unique boutique shopping and dining establishment. Start your Christmas shopping early. We are only one long block from the main avenue, in front of Miramont Castle and only 5 blocks from the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Garden of the Gods and Academy Riding Stables is only a 5 minute drive away. Come stay and play with us and enjoy one of our scrumptious breakfasts like Eggs Benedict over Savory Waffles or Grand Marnier Stuffed French Toast. We can also accommodate most food allergies.

Events for these dates:

October 28th - Manitou Library Movie Night - "Sleepy Hollow" at 6:45pm
October 30th - Healing Hearts Metaphysical Store - 6:30pm.
Venue 515 Present Zombie Fest & Halloween Party at 6:00pm
Townhouse Lounge presents "John DeHoyos" at 8:00pm
October 31st - Manitou Libary Movie Matinee - Hocus Pocus at 2:00pm
Townhouse Lounge present "The Wheel Billies" at 8:30pm
Ancient Mariner Halloween Bash hosted by "Low Down High" at 9:00pm

Please contact us 719-685-5354 or visit our website at www.victoriaskeep.com. The "Boo-tacular Special" is non-refundable and MUST be mentioned at the time the reservation is made. You must stay during October 28th and November 5th, 2009. Valid on new reservations only. Reservations for more than two nights receive one night for $50, all other nights are booked at our regular rate.

Food Network and Discovery Channel visit Manitou Springs, Colorado for Halloween

Adam Gertler from the Food Network and the Discovery Channel visited Manitou Springs to be a part of the 15th Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races. This small mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak can put on an event for Halloween that is spooktacular! The best event of the year! The town exploded with spooks, goblins, the best Emma, best coffin and ware-wolfs abound. Fun and mayhem was had by all, including the Denver Hearse Society, who showcased a variety of dressed hearses. Adam interviewed Retro Moto Toys coffin entry of Mexican wrestlers complete with Mariachi Band. The Mexican Wrestlers were costumed with avenger masks and leather leggings. They were a bit slower than their competition though. The final winner of the coffin races was the Crystal Hillbillies for the 5th year in a row.

Emma Crawford moved to this mountain town just west of Colorado Springs in the late 1800s in hopes that the water from the famous Mineral Springs would help cure her tuberculosis. Emma died in 1890 just before she was to marry. It gets worse! Her last wish was to be buried atop nearby Red Mountain, which she was until her grave gave way due to terrible rains and her remains slid down the side of the mountain. She was later buried in the Manitou Springs Cemetery. The celebration includes teams of four runners in costume and one coffin-rider (Emma) racing down the street in hopes of finishing first.

Put this event on your calendar for next year, and plan your Halloween stay at 1892 Victoria's Keep Bed & Breakfast. Have a Happy Halloween!

15th Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races at Pikes Peak

Emmas rides again! Manitou Springs celebrates it's 15th year of coffin races in remembrance of Emma Crawford. Emma moved to this mountain town just west of Colorado Springs, and at the base of Pikes Peak in the late 1800s in hopes that the water from the famous Mineral Springs would help cure her tuberculosis. Emma died in 1890 just before she was to marry. It gets worse! Her last wish was to be buried atop nearby Red Mountain, which she was until her grave gave way due to terrible rains and her remains slid down the side of the mountain. She was later buried in the Manitou Springs Cemetery. The celebration includes teams of four runners in costume and one coffin-rider (Emma) racing down the street in hopes of finishing first. Join in the parade and ghost and haunted house tours as well as Emma Crawford's Wake at nearby Miramont Castle on Friday night.

Stay, play, dress up and join the fun. We still have rooms available for the weekend, call 800-905-5337 or visit www.victoriaskeep.com

Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs offers the Halloween Emma Crawford Wake and Coffin Races

The legend of Emma Crawford lives!

The 15th annual Emma Crawford Coffin races are underway. The entrants are working towards the required specification for their coffin race along with their signature entourage and prepared for the run up Manitou Ave to the round about. This should be interesting; this is the first year for the round about. I wonder what’s going to happen.

First join us for the Emma Crawford wake in celebration of her death.
In 1889 Emma Crawford came to Manitou Springs in search of her health. She enjoyed the benefits of the crisp mountain air and Manitou Springs famous mineral waters. Emma succumbed to her illness and as she wished was laid to rest on top of Red Mountain. Years later her coffin washed down the granite cliff from torrential rain storms.

Admission includes entrance into Miramont Castle, Victorian wake and among the other guests include Buffalo Bill Cody and his wife, Lillian Russell (aka Diamond Lil), Dr. Davis and of course the original Miramont Castle residents Father Francolon and his mother Madam Marie Francolon.

The event is graced in pure Victorian splendor and you will enjoy Victorian food and beverage in the great hall. Space is limited and reservations are required. For pricing and more information call 685-1011 for reservations. Location: Miramont Castle, 9 Capitol Hill Date: Friday, October 23, 2009 Time: 11:00am-2:00pm MDT

Parade and Coffin races are on Saturday, October 24th beginning at 12pm. We are located right in front of Miramont Castle and only a block from the coffin race track. Stay with us at 1892 Victoria's Keep and join the fun.

High Altitude Happy Hour - Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Want to stay and play in Manitou Springs? The summer rains have left the mountains verdant, lush and inviting---a perfect setting for the upcoming High Altitude Happy Hour on Friday, August 28. A fundraiser for the Manitou Springs Economic Council, the event offers a combination of socializing, noshing and sightseeing, starting at the Cog Railway Depot and ending after a spectacular train ride to the summit of Pikes Peak.

“The event will begin with a reception hour at 4:15 in the Cog Railway Depot, and then will proceed to the train at 4:45,” says Kitty Clemens, Director of the Economic Development Council. “For $50 per person, guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres and refreshments from the new Red Mountain Bar and Grill at the Cliff House, and wine tastings from D’Vine Wines of Manitou Springs.” Guests will also receive a special behind the scenes presentation from Cog Railway general manager, Spencer Wren. The train will arrive back at the Depot at 7:50 p.m. Door prizes will also be given away throughout the train ride up. For train schedule information go to: www.cograilway.com

The Colorado Springs Business Journal has come on board as a sponsor of the event, and will offer a special subscription rate to attendees of 1 year for $89. The offer includes a $10 Starbucks gift card, the CSBJ special report, “New Marketing” ($29.99 value), the Book of Leads and the CSBJ how-to-guide.

After the Happy Hour, participants are encouraged to extend their stay in Manitou Springs by dining to live music at the Red Mountain Bar and Grill at the historic Cliff House Hotel. This new addition to the Cliff House Hotel includes a fun new feature, the outdoor fire pit. A relaxed atmosphere and casual dining menu is offered. Reservations are not required. www.thecliffhouse.com/html/RedMountain.html

Advanced reservations for the special Cog train ride are required (call 685-9741) and because this event is a fundraiser, all tickets purchased may be taken as a tax deduction. Why not reward yourself with a relaxing evening of socializing and taking in the view from the Cog train?”

Pikes Peak Race Internation Hill Climb - Manitou Springs

Today racers prepare for the 87th Annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb - the Race to the Clouds!

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America and a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. The race first competition was in 1916.

In 2009, the race will take place on Sunday, July 19 with race related events all week long. Fan Fest, on Friday, July 17 in downtown Colorado Springs, will feature motorcycle jumpers, two beer gardens, a chili cook-off, live bands and the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and is expected to draw over 35,000 spectators.

The race is run on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of America’s Mountain; Pikes Peak! As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength. The thin air also robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish...let alone win!

Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and shares the beautiful mountain side on the eastern side of the race course. Come enjoy the fun!