Good morning, Colorado Springs! In today’s edition: A zero-waste coffee shop, a four-course fondue feast, a blood moon viewing forecast, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Rethinking to-go culture: A new zero-waste coffee shop, Misty Mountain, has opened north of downtown Colorado Springs, serving drinks in mason jars with a $10 refund for returns. It partners with Humble Coffee — read the full story.

Tax season changes ahead: Colorado’s e-filing opening is expected to be delayed again after One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes, with a higher child tax credit and small TABOR refunds, a tax expert says — see what’s changing for filers.

High-elevation viewing advantage: Colorado is expected to have prime views of a blood moon in March, with clear skies favoring Denver and Colorado Springs. Another lunar eclipse is expected later in 2026 — see which cities are included.

What buyers should know now: Colorado’s new transparency law took effect January 1, requiring all-in advertised prices. Food businesses must disclose service charges, and hotels and rentals must include add-on fees — learn what the law requires.

Family sanity saver: When the kids need to burn energy without screens, Play Street Museum Colorado Springs delivers pretend camping, treehouse climbs, and general-store play that spark real imagination. Rotating art and discovery spots keep regulars curious, so a visit feels fresh… and gives your week a welcome reset.

Elevate your swing today: D-BAT Colorado Springs offers a 22,000 square foot indoor facility with 19 batting cages, plus group and private lessons and party rentals. Classes focus on fundamentals, fun, and muscle memory — get all the details.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🍽 Winter Fest 4 Course @ The Melting Pot | Monday (1/12) at 4:00 PM – If your idea of winter sports is dunking bread into molten cheese, this chef-created four-course fondue feast has your number. One week only, $49 gets you broccoli cheddar or pesto Swiss, steak and shrimp to swirl, and Caramel Nut Choccocino finish. Reservations, of course.

🎨 Grandparent & Me Art Event @ The Playful Palette Co | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:30 AM – Round up the grandkids and your best storytelling, and make a frame-ready fingerprint tree that deserves wall space. No experience, no glitter explosions, just a guided session in a calm studio, all supplies, and memories that outlast snack time. Spots go fast, so register ahead.

🍲 Soup Blend Workshop @ Pikes Peak Library District | Tuesday (1/13) at 2:00 PM – Whether you doctor store-bought or simmer from scratch, this hands-on workshop lets you build a custom dry soup blend, aka peak winter competence. Supplies provided, registration required, space limited, with sessions popping up at libraries around town. Register at tiny.ppld.org/soup-blend, then confirm details at ppld.org/programs.

🤝 Mesa Valley Volunteer Day @ Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve | Wednesday (1/14) at 9:00 AM – Grab gloves, help Palmer Land Conservancy, Colorado College, and RMFI give Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve TLC. We’ll thin fuels, tune up trails, and oust invasive weeds in that small but crucial preserve off Mesa Road, so wildlife and walkers breathe easier. Cardio with a purpose.

🎨 Watercolor on Fabric Workshop @ The Quilted Cow Colorado Springs | Thursday (1/15) at 10:30 AM – Now on January 15, this watercolor-on-fabric class lets you paint freehand and on an embroidered square without stress or glitter. Bring a 10×10 cotton square, they provide paints, fabric medium, and an extra 6×6 piece. Leave with two finished squares, $6 supplies.

🏔 First Descents @ Ivywild School | Thursday (1/15) at 6:30 PM – Think your weekend hikes are a challenge? Settle into Ivywild for a big-screen double bill from The North Face that trades Garden of the Gods for the Himalayas and Great Trango. Grab tacos, a pint, and popcorn, no altitude sickness required.

🏠 The Springs Home Show @ Colorado Springs Event Center | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – If your to-do list has lived on the fridge longer than your kid’s art, hit the free Springs Home Show at the Colorado Springs Event Center. Face time with local and national pros, big savings, and ideas for kitchens, yards, and all those “someday” fixes.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Colorado Springs report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 40°F – Low: 20°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 49°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. West northwest wind around 5 mph.

Most popular house this week

Prime SW Colorado Springs sets the scene, with the Broadmoor Hotel nearby and Ivywild’s breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops minutes away. Historic charm meets modern cool on every block. Epic access to everything on the southwest side, plus award winning School District 12, puts daily errands and weekend adventures within easy reach.

Inside, the vibe is sleek, functional, and move-in ready. The kitchen shows off quartz countertops, while hardwood floors run underfoot. Updated windows frame the mountains like art, and floor-to-ceiling glass turns sunsets into a nightly show. Two cozy spots by the fire add warmth, balancing clean design with Colorado character.

Take a peek inside →