Sept. 9, 2013
Crystal Chilcott
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Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, coffee and a quiet place to study or some nature appreciation, Colorado Springs offers plenty of opportunities.
One little-known fact is Colorado Springs boasts the world’s largest trampoline gymnastics center in Art Sports Trampoline World.
Located on Vondelpark Drive, the gym is only an exit away from campus. On Friday and Saturday night, a gym is open to the public. It costs $15 for a non-member or $13 for a member for two hours of channeling your inner child.
“I love going to Trampoline World to hang out with my friends. It is also a great way to relieve stress from throughout the week,” said Melin Craze, a sophomore health science major.
If you still feel nostalgic for childhood, head to PB and Jellies New York Deli on Kiowa Street downtown. Established just two years ago, the deli store makes all-natural peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The most popular sandwich is The Elvis, grilled and made of crunchy peanut butter, bananas, bacon and honey.
With flavors like cookies and cream peanut butter to heart berry jelly, PB and Jellies has a variety of options to try and is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. For $4-$5, enjoy a taste of childhood while using the free Wi-Fi.
“It’s a different style of restaurant plus the people working were so friendly,” senior anthropology major Raechel Honabach said.
For a more grown-up study spot, try one of Coffee and Tea Zone’s four Colorado Springs locations. All offer free Wi-Fi, and the downtown and Powers locations do not close until 10:30 p.m. The menu includes smoothies with boba in exotic flavors like avocado or red bean.
Additionally, they have an extensive menu including hot and cold coffees, smoothies and “fancy smoothies,” which include flavors like Freeze Willy and Mickey’s Magic. Prices vary depending on the beverage and size, but plan for about $5.
If college leaves you wanting to escape to another world, check out Gamer’s Haven on North Academy. The store includes board games, tabletop war games, role-playing games, hobby supplies and graphic novels. The store includes a game room where you can meet other gamers or bring friends.
If reading is more your interest, visit Poor Richard’s bookstore downtown on Tejon Street. The store is crammed chock-full of used books and also offers cash or store credit for books. In addition to the bookstore, Poor Richard’s has a toy store, coffee and wine bar and restaurant.
The store provides plenty of “meeting space” for paying customers, so buy a coffee and used book and escape for a couple hours.
When all else fails, a meme from the Colorado Springs Meme Facebook page says it best. It features a photo of the incline with the words, “Most people watch TV when they get bored. Coloradans run up freaking mountains.”
Converted from railroad ties, the Manitou Springs Incline is now a mile-long hiking trail that increases 2,000 feet in elevation.
For those in reasonable shape, the ascent usually takes an hour plus another one to two hours to take the Barr Trail down. Though it is grueling, it is a must-do for all.
“The incline isn’t fun. No one thinks it’s fun. It just makes you skinnier,” freshman marketing major Chase Belmontes said.