Colorado Springs, CO June 2026

A 124-year foundation. A STRONG COMMITMENT TO COLORADO.

Founded more than a century ago in Jefferson City, Missouri, Central Bank brought its proven approach to Colorado in 2017—supporting local businesses, families, and communities with the same care we’ve always delivered.

Stop by and see how you can Dream Bigger. Bank Better.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE | WESTMINSTER | COLORADO SPRINGS | DURANGO | LITTLETON

OPENING IN MAY! Downtown Littleton Branch

Our 5th Colorado location is opening soon in the heart of Downtown Littleton! Stop by once we open to explore all Central Bank has to offer.

The legendary Sharp Mansion, a 1912 masterpiece by Dutch architect Nicholas van den Arend, stands as the crown jewel of Colorado Springs’ Old North End. Spanning 14,800+ sq ft plus an 1,800 sq ft carriage house, this iconic estate seamlessly blends Gilded Age grandeur with modern luxury. Featuring a meticulously restored Ludovici tile roof, seven Van Briggle fireplaces, and extensive infrastructure revitalization, the Sharp Mansion presents an extraordinarily rare opportunity to steward one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic and historically significant estates.

OFFERED AT $3,590,000

INSPIRED COLORADO SPRINGS DINING

Inspired by the fearless pioneers and trailblazers of yesteryear, we offer travelers and locals alike respite from the elements and a place to relax, rejuvenate, fuel up, connect and raise a glass. Come in for coffee at BLK MGK. Stay for Jazz Thursdays at Golden Hour, curated by Dizzy Charlie’s. Tuck into a meal at Oro. This is a place of good fortune. Get your fill.

Garden

Gentlemen

We dedicate the June issue of Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine to the wonderful gentlemen in our community.

Strong. Steady. Thoughtful.

You are half of what makes the Pikes Peak region thrive.

Are you ready for summer?

Warm days. Cool nights. Loads of outdoor time— hiking, biking, camping, grilling or simply sitting on the back deck with a cold beverage and a few friends.

It's tough to beat the Pikes Peak region in summer.

And... we have a full lineup of stories to help you make the most of every moment!

Foodie? Read about a new brewery loaded with Old West charm, about an upscale, family-style Italian spot and about a business offering boiled-and-baked, sourdough-hybrid bagels.

Adventurer? Check out an article on how you can pedal your way along the second-oldest railroad tracks in Colorado and another about how to meet some of the drivers from the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Military supporter? Read all about the newly opened Hosmer Visitor Center.   Art lover? Learn about an artist who finds his inspiration from a life spent outdoors.

Finally... Get all the details about a local resort that is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

And a quick personal note... After 5 1/2 years as editor of Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine, I am stepping down to pursue new adventures. Don't worry! I'll still be writing for the magazine; I am simply transferring editing duties to veteran writer and editor Linden Butrym. You are in able hands.

Thank you, dear readers, for making this such a wonderful job the last half decade. It has been an absolute privilege to edit this publication.

Keep reading—the best is yet to come!

Signing off,

ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK, EDITOR

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ashley Hamershock ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jacey Blue Renner | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Cara Bukacek, Jacey Blue Renner, Jessi Scoletti, Christa Hays, Brandy Lovelace, Linden Butrym

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trevor Cokley, Ray Bahner, Pat Minor, Spothopper, Colorado Rail Bike Adventure, Bay Water Bagels, Matthew Schniper, Garden of Gods Resort & Club, Sydney Brewer, Mining Exchange Hotel, David Kennedy, United States Air Force Academy, Emily Costa, Blue Rose Photo, Nataliya Zasadko

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

3:5-6

inside the issue

business monthly

Relaunch of Mining Exchange Hotel's Patio

The Mining Exchange Hotel announces the highly anticipated relaunch of its downtown patio, debuting as a vibrant, reimagined gathering destination open May 29 through Labor Day weekend. Tucked just off the street yet shaded, the space blends a lively city vibe with deep Gold Rush roots. Guests can enjoy elevated outdoor fare, cocktails, beer, and yard games. Open Sunday-Thursday 3-9 pm and Friday-Saturday 3-10 pm, the patio invites a bold new way to connect. miningexchangehotel.com

Scan to read more

Pikes Peak Fan Fest

Jay Weets, of Monument, was named the 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Poster Art Contest winner with his piece Legacy. Inspired by this year’s theme, the artwork captures the evolution of the Race to the Clouds through three cars from different eras climbing toward the summit. Fans can pick up a copy of the winning poster at Fan Fest, a 10-block street party in downtown Colorado Springs from 5-9 pm on June 19. ppihc.org/fan-fest

Old Colorado City Farmers Market

The Old Colorado City Farmers Market, presented by Pikes Peak Farmers Markets, operates seasonally from June through October. Open every Saturday starting June 6-Oct 17 from 7 am-1 pm. Centrally located in Bancroft Park, the market has served Colorado Springs for more than 40 years. Support local farmers and business owners by visiting! The market has everything from local Colorado produce and food trucks to face painting and wine tasting. pikespeakfarmersmarkets.com Scan to read more

A SOARING NEW GATEWAY TO USAFA

The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center: 34,000 Square Feet of US Air Force Academy History + Gifts

ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR COKLEY & RAY BAHNER

Soaring architecture inspired by aircraft in flight now greets visitors at the north entrance to the United States Air Force Academy, where the new General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center stands both as a tribute to Academy heritage and a bold new front door to the region.

The center, which opened in May, was named for Lt. Gen. Bradley C. Hosmer and his wife, Zita. Hosmer was a member of the Academy’s first graduating class in 1959, the Academy’s first Rhodes Scholar and the first Academy alumnus to serve as superintendent.

Nestled just outside the Academy’s North Gate and adjacent to Hotel Polaris, the center serves as a fresh gateway to the city and also as an educational and historic reminder of the traditions and community integral to the Air Force Academy, its community of graduates and the Colorado Springs community at large.

The fifth and final project component of the Colorado Springs City for Champions Project, The Hosmer Visitor Center will undoubtedly attract many new visitors to the area.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The 108-foot grand atrium, a cornerstone of thoughtful architecture, is both visible and distinctive for travelers driving through Colorado Springs on 1-25. The hope? With new roadside signage, increased visibility and no base entry required, increased numbers of visitors will make time to visit the 34,000-square-foot

space and learn about the journey each Air Force Academy cadet embarks on.

“The center is really geared for people of all ages and we’re excited, ultimately, if people can see themselves in the uniform, standing on the footsteps, walking up the ramp, and going through that 47-month journey,” says Lisa Neener, the Air Force Academy’s chief of visitor experiences and STEM outreach.

The center includes seven uniquely themed galleries, five of which include interactive and dynamic components for visitors. Guests can explore the Air Force Academy’s vast and storied history, including what it means to commit to being part of the legacy of the Academy’s Long Blue Line, a tieback to the moment that cadets commit themselves to being part of the Academy’s fellowship of students.

“It’s something they carry throughout their life,” Neener says. “They get a class ring with their crest on it, and that ring is a commitment they made to the Long Blue Line.”

Visitors will have the chance to view and understand the meaning behind those class crests.

Central to the galleries are three beautiful, symbolic and class-color-infused tetrahedra (the shape a nod to

the Academy’s chapel) that are 40-, 45-, and 50-feet tall. Visitors can walk underneath each, listening to differing thematic soundscapes and understanding cadet-life moments: celebrations, ceremonies and unity, bringing visitors into the fold of the United States Air Force Academy experience.

WHEN TO VISIT

The Hosmer Visitor Center will be open daily 9 am to 5 pm daily. Visit the 3,000 square-foot gift shop and team store before heading home.

Address: I-25 Exit 156/North Gate Blvd  |  719-333-2025

Website: usafa.edu/facilities/hosmer-visitor-center

Facebook: @USAFA.Official

Instagram: @AF_Academy

HISTORY, HEALTH + HUMAN CONNECTION

In Colorado Springs, the idea of wellness has long been rooted in aspiration rather than necessity. Since the late 19th century, visitors have traveled west in search of clean air, sunshine, and restorative landscapes. The region has historically drawn those seeking not just to recover, but to thrive. It is a city shaped by intention, where health has been something people pursued proactively, drawn by the promise of vitality found in both climate and terrain.

ARTICLE

That legacy is inseparable from the land itself. Few places embody this connection more fully than Garden of the Gods, where towering red rock formations and sweeping vistas have long been regarded as both geologically extraordinary and spiritually grounding. For generations, the area has been known as a place of energy and reflection, with deep significance to the Ute people. The setting inspires; it also invites stillness, perspective and connection.

BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARDEN OF GODS RESORT & CLUB & SYDNEY BREWER

GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT AND CLUB

Perched above this landscape, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has evolved alongside the city’s wellness identity. Originally envisioned in the mid-20th century by the Hill family, the property opened in 1951 as an exclusive, invitation-only club catering to a highly select membership. It quickly became a gathering place for prominent figures across industries from entertainment to politics, reflecting both prestige and privacy.

Ownership shifted in 2007, marking a transitional period for the property. Its most defining modern chapter began in

2013, when local business leaders Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey acquired the resort. Longtime members themselves, they saw not just a business opportunity, but a responsibility to return the property to local stewardship and reimagine its role within the community.

PRESERVATION + EVOLUTION

“When we stepped in, the bones were strong,” stated Mackey, “but it needed care, vision and reinvestment.”

The early years focused heavily on renovations, beginning with guest rooms and expanding into residential and shared spaces. Their approach balanced

preservation with evolution: honoring the original architecture, built with locally quarried stone, while introducing a distinctly Colorado contemporary aesthetic. Metal roofs with natural patina echo the sky above, while interior palettes mirror the reds, blues and earth tones visible just beyond the windows.

Design, for Mackey in particular, became a personal expression. Though her early interest in interior design once took a backseat to a career in healthcare consulting, it now informs every detail, from the layered textures of the Grand View dining room to the carefully curated artwork throughout the property. Each space

was reimagined with intention; familiar enough to honor longtime members, yet refreshed to welcome a broader, more diverse community.

That sense of expansion marks one of the most significant philosophical shifts under Smith and Mackey’s leadership. What was once a private enclave has gradually opened its doors. Families, younger members, and the wider Colorado Springs community are now part of the experience. Public access to dining, wellness services and event spaces reflects a deliberate move toward inclusivity, while still preserving the club’s sense of identity.

STRATA WELLNESS

Central to this transformation is the integration of Strata Wellness, which represents the owners’ broader vision—a model of proactive, holistic health. Drawing from both Eastern and Western practices, Strata blends medical care, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness into a unified approach.

It wasn’t an overnight success. Early on, the concept, particularly as a private-pay model, required patience and education. But over time, engagement grew, beginning internally with employees and expanding outward.

The results were tangible. Improved employee health, fewer emergency visits and a growing acceptance of integrative care validated the concept. Today, Strata has expanded its reach, working with major insurers and extending its footprint beyond the resort itself. Yet, the mission remains consistent: to meet people where they are and guide them toward a more connected sense of well-being—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

HONORING MEMBERS

Through these changes, one priority has remained constant: the members. From the outset, Smith and Mackey recognized that trust would be earned over time.

“Our members are pivotal to this space… we’ve always respected and honored them in every decision, so it still feels like their club,” Smith states.

Renovations were handled with care, even construction zones were thoughtfully designed to minimize disruption. There’s a story still shared among members about a temporarily closedoff space rumored to be the owners’ private office, an idea that, while untrue, became part of the club’s evolving folklore.

Community, in every sense, is now at the heart of the resort’s identity. Events are curated not just for entertainment, but for connection. Spaces are designed to feel both elevated and welcoming. The goal is simple but ambitious: to create a place where people feel known, where they return not out of habit, but because it feels like their space.

ON THE RIGHT PATH

As the resort marks its 75th anniversary, it stands as more than a luxury destination. It is a reflection of Colorado Springs itself. The history, the landscape, and its enduring relationship with wellness. Smith and Mackey describe themselves not as owners, but as stewards. During early renovations, they discovered archival materials from the original founders—documents

that, in many ways, mirrored their own vision. It was, they’ve said, a quiet affirmation that they were on the right path.

Looking ahead, their focus remains forward-thinking yet grounded.

“We still feel so blessed to own the property; it is a community within a community,” Smith says.

They speak of the next 75 years not in terms of expansion alone, but of deepening impact for members, guests, employees and the broader community. The land, they believe, already holds the essence of what makes the place special. Their role is simply to honor it, nurture it, and invite others to experience it.

In a city built on the pursuit of well-being, the resort continues to serve as both anchor and evolution. It is a place where history, health and human connection converge.

Address + Phone: 3320 Mesa Rd  |  719-632-5541

Website: gardenofthegodsresort.com

Facebook: @GardenoftheGodsResortandClub

Instagram: @GGResortAndClub

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD TRULY PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE

THE STRATA FOUNDATIONS PACKAGE

The Strata Foundations Package is designed to give you a comprehensive, whole-body introduction to a better way of caring for your health, and a strong, personalized foundation for lasting results.

Your experience begins with a one-on-one visit with a general practitioner to define your goals and create a customized care plan. From there, explore Strata Med’s integrated approach with both chiropractic care and acupuncture - each working together to support alignment, recovery, and overall well-being.

WHAT’S INCLUDED | $300 (valued at over $500)

• (1) General Practitioner Visit

• (1) Chiropractic Appointment

• (1) Acupuncture Appointment

CALL STRATA’S WELLNESS COORDINATORS AT

OR SCAN

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Driver Meet & Greet

Meet the Drivers Who Will Race Up America's Mountain at Porsche Colorado Springs

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

PAT MINOR PHOTOGRAPHY

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is just around the corner, and Porsche is helping the local community gear up for the 104th running.

The annual Porsche Colorado Springs Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Driver Meet & Greet will be held Wednesday, June 17 at Porsche Colorado Springs, 917 Motor City Drive. The free event starts at 5:30 pm and longtime moderator Jeff Zwart will host a Q&A with drivers at 6 pm.

Everyone is welcome!

The race up America’s Mountain will take place June 21, featuring about 75 participants in various divisions and a wide variety of vehicles, including about 10 Porsches. Competitors will tackle the 12.42-mile course, navigating 156 turns and climbing more than 4,700 feet to the 14,115-foot summit.

A GOLD NUGGET

IN COLORADO SPRINGS DINING

Oro: Upscale, Family-Style Italian with a Colorado Twist

Colorado Springs’ dining scene is leveling up, and Oro is right in the middle of it— in the best way. Connected to the Mining Exchange Hotel property, this upscale, family-style Italian spot opened in April 2025, and has been building steady buzz ever since.

It’s not just another hotel restaurant—Oro is very much its own special place.

Executive Chef Noah Siebenaller has helped shape the restaurant into a spot that feels equal parts welcoming and elevated. Oro, meaning “gold” in Italian, actually ties back to the city’s history, pulling inspiration from the Italian influence during the gold rush days.

“We want Oro to be a unique, authentic Italian restaurant that is connected to Colorado Springs’ history. I think we hit on both,” Siebenaller says.

At its heart, Oro is all about delicious Italian food—served the way it’s meant to be shared… family style. Eating here is an experience, not just another routine outing.

“It’s not just a transactional meal, it’s relational,” he says.

LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS + GREAT WINE

The menu leans into classic Italian recipes while keeping things traditional to Colorado. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, with partners like Rock River Ranch providing bison and Provision Bakery supplying fresh bread. The result? Dishes like Bison Carpaccio and Rigatoni Bolognese—Italian, but with a familiar feel due to the Colorado twist.

Oro also brought on a sommelier to build out a wine list that pairs perfectly with the food rather than just a random collection of bottles. Whether you know your wine or simply want a great recommendation, it adds another layer to the Oro experience.

ENJOYING THE MOMENT

What really stands out, though, is the atmosphere. Oro isn’t trying to rush you in and out. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, order another glass, and enjoy the people and the moment. The Oro team wants you to walk out feeling like you just celebrated an occasion.

“It’s not just another dinner out,” Siebenaller says. “It’s an experience from start to finish.”

It also fits into a bigger shift happening around Colorado Springs, where dining is starting to feel a little more like Denver—more intentional, more diverse, a bit elevated. But Oro isn’t chasing trends or trying to keep up with the Denver food scene; it’s focused on creating its own unique experience and being one-of-a-kind.

GO-TO FOR LOCALS

It’s open to everyone, not just hotel guests. In fact, Noah and the Oro team really want locals to claim it as their own.

“Whether it’s for a date night, a group dinner or just a good meal on a random weeknight, we want to be a go-to for locals,” he says. “Our goal is to be frequented by the locals!”

If you haven’t tried Oro, add it to your dinner plans. Oro is truly a gold nugget in downtown Colorado Springs; serving up family-style Italian and an experience you won’t soon forget.

Address + Phone: 123 E Pikes Peak Ave.  |  719- 520-0123

Website: orocoloradosprings.com

Facebook + Instagram: @OroColoradoSprings

COLORADO... FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT

COLORADO RAILBIKE ADVENTURES: SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE RIDE

ARTICLE BY JESSI SCOLETTI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLORADO

RAILBIKE ADVENTURE & NATALIYA ZASADKO

Colorado is filled with stunning skylines, winding trails and towering mountains, but have you considered seeing its beauty from a completely different angle?

Located in Erie, Colorado, Railbike Adventures is a family-friendly outing that invites you to do just that: slow down, take a chance and enjoy the ride.

THE STORY BEHIND THE ADVENTURE

What began as a simple conversation about railroad mechanics between a grandfather and his grandkids quickly grew into a thriving business that blends history, engineering and community set against Colorado’s breathtaking backdrop. Bob Rummer was inspired to create something that would demonstrate the principles of mechanics, teamed up with his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Rachel to research and develop the fast-growing recreational activity of railbiking.

“After three years of working with Denver RTD, the family acquired a lease to operate on a section of a track, and Colorado Railbike Adventures was born,” says General Manager Isaiah Farr.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Colorado Railbike Adventures offers several family-friendly tours, along with group and private experiences designed to get everyone moving and engaged. Each railbike seats two to four riders, with a minimum of two and yes, guests pedal for power.

Whether you choose a morning, daytime or sunset ride, each four-mile round-trip delivers an open-air experience with sweeping views, and your family will leave with something to talk about long after the journey ends. Guests can enjoy an optional audio tour or set the tone with their own music as they ride. Along the way, you’ll take in stunning sights of Longs Peak and the Flatirons while learning about the area’s rich history from its coal mining roots to the story behind the railroad tracks, an optional treat on the guided tour.

“A fan favorite is our Rails & Ales tour, which includes a stop at the local brewery Handlebar Factory at the halfway point,” Farr shares.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Looking to celebrate a special occasion? Colorado Railbike Adventures offers themed rides throughout the year. In honor of Independence Day, rides are available on July 3 and 4.

Planning ahead for fall and winter?

“In October and December, we host our most popular rides: Haunted Holiday and Illuminated Christmas Rides,” Farr explains. “We decorate the tracks with lights and animatronic characters.”

Hot chocolate is available to keep you warm and cozy.

ENTER THE DEPOT

To round out the experience, the Depot provides an open, welcoming space where guests can relax and extend their adventure. Fire pits, cornhole, grills, tents, concessions, horseshoes, bocce ball, tetherball, and gaga ball are all available, making it easy to turn your outing into a full-day celebration.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Set along some of the second-oldest railroad tracks in Colorado, Colorado Railbike Adventures is deeply rooted in the Erie community.

“We’re all about hospitality and have a strong commitment to Erie,” Farr says.

The organization supports the community through donations and frequently collaborates with the Erie Historical Society.

Mark your calendars: on June 27, in honor of Erie Railroad Days, Colorado Railbike Adventures will host Colorado’s first annual Handcar Derby. Teams of four will race handcars over a 300-meter course.

With a passion for creating a place where families can connect, explore, and have fun together, Colorado Railbike Adventures offers something for everyone.

Address + Phone: 4121 County Road 3, Erie  |  303-351-2800

Website: coloradorailbikeadventures.com Facebook + Instagram: @GoRailbike

616 SOUTH TEJON

THE ART OF DINING MULTIPLIED BY THREE

the ON HORIZON

To paint one of his scenes of the New American West, artist and fourth-generation Coloradan Dave Kennedy simply reaches into his memories for inspiration from a life spent outdoors. Years of competitive road cycling, trail wrangling, working in fields and as a rodeo hand shape his singular point of view, which is depicted in acrylic images of vast plains, peaceful rivers and soaring mountains where the horizon is painted low on the canvas. This immediately draws the eye upwards to Kennedy’s skies and cloudscapes.

“All of these life experiences required my attention to be focused on the weather changes above the broad horizon,” he says. “When I paint, I recognize the smells, feel the dry air, hear the natural sounds and recognize the awesome beauty Mother Nature provides.”

A DESIRE TO CREATE

Born in Greeley, Kennedy grew up surrounded by ranchers, farmers and prairie preachers. He realized he wanted to pursue art at just eight years old, when his family temporarily relocated to California.

“My three sisters would head for the ice cream shop while I would stare into the windows of the world-class art galleries lining Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea,” Kennedy recalls.

He sharpened his skills on countless paint-by-number kits before winning first place in a California poster competition—awarded to him by then-governor Ronald Reagan. After returning to Colorado, he immersed himself in the ranch lifestyle that would become one of his biggest artistic influences. Kennedy’s recent work has been exhibited at fine art festivals in Denver, Golden, Boulder, Vail and Crested Butte, one his favorite places.

“The drive there is stunningly beautiful,” he says. “The ranching community in the valley is a true representation of the culture I love and the New American West I paint.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH ART

Kennedy now lives in Boulder, where he owns and operates Wilderness Art Studios, a nonprofit studio collective. It provides 28 local artists with affordable space to create, located next door to the Boulder Art Association and Boulder School of Fine Art.

“I find deep satisfaction in mentoring other artists who want to take those first steps into the commercial world of selling their art,” Kennedy says. “It has become my happy place, my community, my tribe.”

CONTINUED >

Kennedy buys all of his art supplies—and donates the studio’s reusable materials—within a two-mile radius. He spends each winter creating 20-25 paintings to bring to summer markets. His 2026 collection, “The New American West Reflected,” was displayed last month in Denver’s D’art Gallery. This summer, these works will be shown at Denver’s Cheesman Park Art Fest (July 24-26) and Crested Butte Arts Festival (July 31-August 2). Kennedy says that his art resonates because the appeal of the West’s expansive skies and impressive cloud formations is universal.

“Most everyone can relate to experiencing them, and people buy art because they can relate to it,” he says.

Address + Phone: 2810 Wilderness Place, Boulder  |  303-547-6000

Websites: kennedystudioart.com and wildernessartstudios.com Facebook: @profile.php?id=100054318829356# Instagram: @KennedyStudioArt

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

SADDLE UP

TO THE BAR

GUNSLINGER BREWING COMPANY: REIMAGINING THE OLD WEST, ONE PINT AT A TIME

ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPOTHOPPER

“I laughed and said that since we brewed at his house on Gunslinger Drive, we could name it Gunslinger Brewing Company.”

The transition from military service to civilian life often follows a familiar path, one typically paved with contracting roles.

But for Daniel Hays, the next chapter was more inspired. It traced back more than a decade after returning from a deployment in Afghanistan, when a documentary about brewing sparked something deeper—an appreciation of the balance between science and art. The very next day, joined by his father and in possession of newly purchased brewing supplies, that spark turned into action. What began as a single successful batch of beer would eventually lead to a passion-led second career.

“After my dad and I created our first batch of beer, my dad jokingly asked me when we were going to open a brewery,” Hays says. “I laughed and said that since we brewed at his house on Gunslinger Drive, we could name it Gunslinger Brewing Company.”

LIFE AFTER THE MILITARY

After 25 years of service in the Air Force, Hays retired in December of 2024. He began considering his next steps. His passion for brewing remained strong and he selected an opportunity through Skillbridge, a transition program that offers service members civilian work experience in a specific industry during

their last 180 days of service. Hays began working alongside and learning from a brewer in Albuquerque, NM, where he was stationed at the time.

After his retirement, Hays and his family moved to Colorado Springs to begin their next adventure.

In March of 2025, Hays found a space in the downtown area that once housed a brewery; it came with all the brewing assets he would need. Last June, keys in hand, Hays began a three-month renovation to transform the space to match his vision of an Old West saloon.

GUNSLINGER BREWING COMPANY

Labor Day weekend marked the official opening of Gunslinger Brewing Company. The brewery offers 14 taps with six core beers called The Long Guns and eight rotating taps called The Revolvers. The Old West charm doesn’t stop at the saloon doors—it rides straight onto the tap list. Each beer is cleverly named to match the theme, with monikers that feel like they came from a dusty frontier town. It’s a lineup full of personality and a variety of beer styles to please every palate.

The food program is modest, but delivers in all the right ways. Without a full kitchen, the menu is intentionally simple—a small but mighty lineup of paninis

and bar snacks like warm soft pretzels that pair effortlessly with a pint. On Tuesdays, they offer a selection of smoked favorites including brisket, pulled pork and chopped chicken sandwiches from the award-winning Chuckwagon 719.

DOWNTOWN BEER COLLABORATION

Downtown Colorado Springs isn’t just home to great beer—it’s home to a full-blown brewmance. With several breweries, collaboration isn’t just common, it’s part of the downtown culture. It’s less “every brewery for itself” and more “a rising tide lifts all pints,” giving the local scene a tight-knit, neighborly vibe that’s as refreshing as the beer itself.

“We recently did a brew collab with three downtown breweries: Urban Animal, Mash Mechanix and Phantom Canyon,” Hays says. “Initially, it was a self-serving idea because we all love smoked beer. We weren’t sure if the public would like it and didn’t want to get stuck with a bunch of beer we couldn’t sell. To solve the problem, we decided to brew and split the beer amongst our breweries. To our surprise, the beer was a hit with our customers, too!”

FUTURE GOALS

Gunslinger Brewing has been open for just under a year and can proudly boast a perfect 5/5 Google review average. As their success grows, Hays would love to eventually offer local distribution and potentially a second location on the east side.

Address + Phone: 318 E. Colorado Ave.  | 719-735-1447

Website: gunslingerbrewing.com

Instagram + Facebook @GunslingerBrewingCompany

Boiled, Baked and Built to Last

Bay Water Bagels: Owner Gabrielle Rossignol Brings her Unique Sourdough-Hybrid Bagels to Colorado Springs

Gabrielle Rossignol, owner of Bay Water Bagels, loves to geek out over baking. She’s passionate about the Maillard reaction that gives her bagels their deep golden color. She and her husband installed a whole-home humidifier to help achieve consistent results in dry Colorado. She folds in sourdough starter like a mad scientist— kneading, boiling, then baking.

Her laboratory is her home in Briargate. And her customers are her gleeful test subjects.

FROM BOSTON TO HAWAII TO COLORADO SPRINGS

Growing up in Boston, Gabrielle was used to really good bagels. When her husband was stationed in Hawaii, she struggled to find anything that measured up. So, she decided to make her own.

After a few rounds of practice, she knew she’d nailed it when her husband—a self-proclaimed non-bagel guy—took a bite and begged her to make more.

“He said it was something he wanted to keep eating,” Gabrielle says with a laugh.

When the family was stationed in Colorado Springs, Gabrielle brought her business with her. With plans to settle here permanently, she immediately set to work building a brandnew customer base.

WHAT MAKES BAY WATER BAGELS DIFFERENT

The honey Gabrielle adds to her dough, combined with her boil-and-bake method

ARTICLE BY BRANDY LOVELACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAY WATER BAGELS & MATTHEW SCHNIPER

and high baking temperature, creates a deep golden, crackling crust with a fluffy interior. But it’s the sourdough starter that does something equally magical.

“Because they’re a sourdough hybrid, they don’t sit heavy in your belly,” she explains. “People will buy one at the farmer’s market and come back for a second one—because they don’t feel overly full, and because they love them so much.”

That same drive for perfection extends to her creative offerings. Gabrielle is currently experimenting with Thai-inspired bagels and a birria cream cheese, and this summer she’ll launch a shaved pastrami sandwich on a cheddar bagel with horseradish and chive aioli at local farmers’ markets.

“Most of my customers are women, but the guys really seem to like this one,” she says.

Gabrielle also understands that taste and creativity don’t matter if people don’t feel safe eating your food. Gabrielle spent four years

as a certified ServSafe proctor and currently serves as HR director for a McDonald’s operator overseeing 30 locations. Safe food handling isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation. Bay Water Bagels has its designated workspace in her home, and not even her kids are allowed to enter it. She partners with a local commissary kitchen to create her cream cheese offerings.

“My number one priority will never change,” she says. “If I don’t have food safety, I don’t have anything.”

BAY WATER… BAKERY?

While this summer will be filled with farmers’ markets and front-driveway pickups, Gabrielle is already dreaming bigger.

“This isn’t—and never was intended to be—just bagels,” she says. “I imagine that one day, when I open a shop, it may not be called Bay Water Bagels. It may be called Bay Water Bakery.”

Until then, she’ll keep rising at 3 a.m., handing warm bagels out her front door, and greeting the long lines at the farmers market with a smile.

“Seeing people willing to wait in line for what you made, and then come back for more? There’s nothing like that feeling.”

WHERE TO FIND THEM

• Year-Round Pickup: 4550 Bayswater Drive (near Powers & Briargate), 7 days a week

• Farmers Markets (Summer 2026): Acacia Park: Sundays 9 am-2 pm

Black Forest Market: Saturdays

• Delivery zone: Monument to Broadmoor, Black Forest to Peterson Space Force Base

Address + Email: 4550 Bayswater Drive Bay  baywaterbagels@gmail.com

Website: baywaterbagels.com

Facebook: @Bay-Water-Bagels

Instagram: @BayWaterBagels

SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 4TH

Stars and Stripes

ENT Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM

A Patriotic and exciting ballet featuring more than 70 young Colorado Springs dancers with a patriotic zest that will make your own heart swell for the Stars and Stripes. Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America! Bonus pre-show to include performances from The Greatest Showman. Military and Veterans are free. Bring the whole family! tickets.entcenterforthearts.org/5833

JUNE 5TH

Pikes Peak Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

Norris Penrose Event Center | 10:00 AM

For three days in June, the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society sponsors the annual Pikes Peak Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show. From June 5-7, discover stunning pieces from talented artisans, and learn about minerals, fossils, jewelry making and rockhounding. Young prospectors will enjoy gold panning, exploring, and learning through a scavenger hunt, and connecting with our Pebble Pups group. pikespeakgemshow.com

JUNE 6TH

The Olympics that Never Happened: Denver ’76

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum | 2:00 PM

If you don’t recall the 1976 Denver Olympic Games, it’s because they never happened. The Mile-High City won the right to host the winter games and then was forced by Colorado citizens to back away from its successful Olympic bid through a statewide ballot initiative. Adam Berg details how it all happened and why. $5 suggested donation. Registration required. secure.qgiv.com/for/coloradospringspioneersmuseum/event/2026lectureseries

JUNE 6TH

Manitou Springs Wine

Festival

502 Manitou Avenue (Memorial Park), Manitou Springs | 12:30 PM

Head to Manitou Springs for one of their biggest events of the year—the 23rd Annual Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival. This festival features only wines and meads made in Colorado, with 30-35 local wineries pouring tastings for attendees, who will each receive a signature wine glass and have access to convenient water flushing stations. manitousprings.org/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival

JUNE 9TH

Colorado College Summer Music Festival

Colorado College, Packard Hall | 7:00 PM

Now entering its 42nd season, the Colorado College Summer Music Festival is an intensive three-week program for 52 advanced student musicians. Festival participants work closely with faculty, and all students participate in a concert series including formal and informal chamber music concerts, four orchestra performances, including a free children's concert, and several off-campus outreach concerts. Various concerts June 9-26. coloradocollege.edu/other/summermusicfestival/concerts/2026-season.html

JUNE 13TH

History Day

Western Museum of Mining and Industry | 10:00 AM

This guided tour offers a unique blend of storytelling, machine demonstrations, and Colorado history that brings our mining heritage to life. Experience working with machinery with experienced guides, each with a special story to share. Engage with unique exhibitors to unlock pieces of history. Machine demonstrations will occur twice throughout the day! wmmi.org/news-events/events-wmmi.html/ event/2026/06/13/super-saturday-history/542980

JUNE 16TH

Mamma Mia

Pikes Peak Center | 7:30 PM

A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. Set on a Greek island paradise, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island. June 16-21. pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/bway-mammamia

JUNE 17TH

Western Street Breakfast

Downtown - Pikes Peak & Tejon | 5:30 AM

Bring the whole family to this fun street breakfast. Entry is free, and breakfast is just $5 for pancakes, eggs and sausage. This beloved community tradition brings thousands of locals and visitors downtown for a lively celebration of the cowboy spirit and Western heritage that helped shape Colorado Springs. Live entertainment, hands-on activities for kids and more. cswesternstreetbreakfast.com

JUNE 17TH

Wildflower Walk

Garden of the Gods | 10:00 AM

Wildflowers in the park can come in many different varieties and colors. Join this guided wildflower walk to see and learn more about local flowers. The walk will follow the Gateway Trail from Parking Lot 1 at the park’s main entrance. Distance is about 1 to 1.5 miles, mostly along paved trails. Registration required.  gardenofgods.com/events/calendar/wildflower-walk-gog/#mec-events-meta-groupbooking-5737

JUNE 18TH

Sushi Class at The Club

5:00 PM

Turn date night into something unforgettable at Hotel Polaris with Sushi Class at The Club - an interactive couples' experience designed to spark connection, conversation, and a little friendly competition. Begin the evening with a welcome cocktail and warm edamame before joining our chef for a hands-on sushi rolling class in the Club Lounge. thehotelpolaris.com/experiences/#!/e/sushi-making-classes7c264922?from=2026-06-01&to=2026-06-30

JUNE 21ST

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Pikes Peak | 2:00 AM

Gear up for the The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's 104th running. Presented by Gran Turismo and also known as The Race to the Clouds, the race is an invitational automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak. Divisions feature a variety of vehicles, all challenging the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course in pursuit of victory. ppihc.org

JUNE 25TH

Moonlight

on

the Mountain

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 6:00 PM

Kick off your 2026 summer with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo during the first adults-only event of the season. Enjoy all-inclusive samples of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks while tasting delicious eats from area restaurants. Local musicians will have you dancing the night away until 9:30 pm. This evening is for adults 21 and older. IDs required. cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/moonlight-on-the-mountain

J U L I E K A Y D E S I G N S T U D I O + S t o r e f r o n t

Porsche performance lives on every road.

Not every Porsche is built to win the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but every Porsche carries the same spirit, precision, and performance DNA as the cars that have claimed more than 30 victories on America’s Mountain. Since Porsche’s first win at Pikes Peak in 1960, the brand has continued to prove itself on one of the world’s most demanding roads, where elevation, weather, engineering, and courage all meet at the summit. That same commitment to performance can be felt in your Porsche everyday, navigating the streets of Colorado Springs, visiting the top of Pikes Peak, or taking the kids to the pool. Visit Porsche Colorado Springs today and experience the road like a legend.

Porsche Colorado Springs 917 Motor City Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-219-1911

www.porschecoloradosprings.com