Bombshell, feminist, badass, bike, music & beer lover, world-changer. Freak. Dog mom to #LukasTrilogy, tripod GSP. Official @downtowncs cheerleader. #Resistance
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Carrie Simison
Cocktail Relay: Where We Get a Drink and a Recommendation
Mezcal might be misunderstood, but Jacy Olmos is out to change our minds about it, and about tequila, too. (Tequila belongs to the broader family of mezcal, though in the modern booze world they’re distinct spirit categories … a lesson for another day.) For the November round of Cocktail Relay, Kamryn Marshall at Cork & Cask sent us to Olmos, co-owner, bartender and cocktail designer at Agave Lounge.
First Dates That Won’t Fail
We recently gathered stories of failed first dates in Colorado Springs — with some firsthand proof that not all of them go bad. Maybe sitting across from a stranger for a few hours while you eat dinner feels like too much pressure for a first date. And sitting next to a stranger for a few hours in the dark at a movie does not help you get to know someone — although Carrie apparently found a workaround. So what else is there to do?
First Date Fails: Older, Wiser, Awkwarder
Finding yourself back in the dating scene can shatter your confidence, no matter your age — especially when you find yourself on an awkward first date. In these two authors’ experience, one of the best parts about, ahem, getting a little older is feeling comfortable in your skin (even if it’s not as taut as it once was). Having a larger collection of trips around the sun allows us to move through life with fewer awkward moments and with more grace and confidence.
Cocktail Relay: Pear Potions at Cork & Cask in Colorado Springs
Think of fall and it’s hard to not envision pumpkins and all that spice. Apple is a solid second in the fall flavor race. But when we visited Kamryn Marshall, bartender at Cork & Cask and the October Cocktail Relay nominee, she presented us with Pear Potions. “Some might argue with me that it’s more of a summer fruit,” she says with a smile. After you taste this $14 concoction among their fall specials, you’ll probably be too busy sipping to fight.
How to Do Girl Dinner in Colorado Springs
In one of our childhood homes (Carrie’s), we called it a name borrowed from Shakey‘s famous Supreme Pizza: “Once Around the Kitchen.” It was generally a meal made by finishing jars of pickles and olives, a hunk of cheese, the ends of boxes of crackers, a tin of smoked oysters and whatever else was in the corners of cupboards.
How to Bestie in COS
Reports say that up to 60% of relationships start online. Sure, they’re talking about romantic relationships, but we’re here to tell you about the most successful online hookup ever: our friendship. In this town, we were destined to meet, but it was the good ol’ Twitter that expedited the connection. From online exchanges to Tweetups, it wasn’t long before we had a weekly hiking date at Red Rocks Open Space.
The State of Craft Beer in Colorado Springs
Is there such a thing as too much beer? While your physician might say yes, it seems that the Colorado Springs community doesn’t think so. Though national trends show that alcohol consumption has fallen to near record lows, with a shrinking share of adults drinking and overall volume declining in recent years, the shift is less about abstinence and more about behavior.
How to Celebrate Galentine's Day in Colorado Springs
Leslie Knope is our queen. And once a year, we grab our besties and pay tribute as we celebrate Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13. If you’re new to Galentine’s, it’s the holiday created by Knope, Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation character, during which she celebrates the power of female friendship on the day before Valentine’s Day. We would like to add that: 1. You don’t have to be single — or a woman — to celebrate. 2. While Galentine’s Day is observed on Feb.
Is Bingo Night the New Trivia?
Depending on your age, the mention of bingo night might conjure images of a smoke-filled bingo hall packed with silver-haired women wielding daubers, marking numbers on the array of cards spread in front of them. Or it might take you back to classrooms and various modifications of the classic word game meant to make learning any subject a little more fun and interesting.
The Best Breweries in Colorado Springs
Colorado is undeniably a beer state, and Colorado Springs is a beer city. The Centennial State has been a leader throughout the craft beer revolution — from its emergence out of legalized home-brewing in the 1970s, through its early boom in the ’90s and its exponential growth in the 2010s. While Denver and Fort Collins regularly land on national best beer city-type lists, Colorado Springs holds its own.
Carrie Simison: Growing up at the Indy
In April 1998, I walked through the doors of the ColoradoSprings Independent alternative newspaper, having faked being cool enough to score the graphic design job I was about to start. I was lost in my new hometown without friends, without a connection to local establishments, desperately wanting to return home to Minnesota where I had people, a purpose, a place. I thought often then of giving up on Colorado Springs.
Teen vaping: what parents need to know - Promoted
click to enlarge Vaping, the act of inhaling an aerosolized liquid from an electronic device, sometimes called an e-cigarette, is the latest trend among today’s teens. While the tobacco industry claims the devices are intended to help people stop smoking, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently called out the industry for marketing their products to youth by using kid-friendly flavors and packaging. Sadly, these marketing strategies seem to have worked.
The Cave and other joys of laying tile
Friday, February 22, 2019 The Cave and other joys of laying tile Posted By Nate Warren on Fri, Feb 22, 2019 at 2:07 PM click to enlarge Nate Warren The Cave is a game for for everyone. Rebel Games of Poland created one of my playgroup’s most durable favorites with The Cave — a tile-laying game wherein you play a team of spelunkers competing to explore and notch scoring achievements in an ever-expanding and increasingly hazardous unmapped cave system.
Owner of Colorado Springs sports store who boycotted Nike now closing up shop - Promoted
Friday, February 22, 2019 Owner of Colorado Springs sports store who boycotted Nike now closing up shop click to enlarge Shutterstock.com After more than 20 years in business, Prime Time Sports in Colorado Springs is closing up shop. The decision to shut down the sporting goods store comes almost six months after store owner Stephen Martin started boycotting one of the biggest brands in the industry.
JUUL, a new and emerging threat to our youth - Promoted
Thursday, February 21, 2019 JUUL, a new and emerging threat to our youth click to enlarge The JUUL, an e-cigarette that looks like a USB flash drive, has been raising concern among parents, schools and community leaders across the nation. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the number of high school students in the United States who reported using e-cigarettes, including JUUL, increased by 78% in just one year (2017-2018).
New Colorado startup will make it easier to rent adventure gear - Promoted
Monday, February 11, 2019 New Colorado startup will make it easier to rent adventure gear click to enlarge A new startup company launching in Colorado will make it easier to rent outdoor gear. Gearo, a startup online marketplace, will be launching in April to offer adventurers the chance to easily rent gear from local Colorado retailers.
Life after the military: How the skills you've learned can help your journey - Promoted
click to enlarge The Day of the Deployed is a nationally recognized holiday honoring those brave souls that spend months and years overseas completely separated from their loved ones to defend this free country. As of August 2017, approximately 1.3 million men and women were stationed far from home.
Innovations in advertising: 2019 digital marketing trends - Promoted
Monday, February 11, 2019 Innovations in advertising: 2019 digital marketing trends click to enlarge Gen Xers remember when the Internet came in the form of an AOL CD-ROM that came in the mail. Millennials will remember when they finally got to sign up for Facebook. And Gen Z can't even remember a time before the Internet. In just a few short decades, the Internet has completely changed the way we interact with the world.
'Ban the box' bill could level playing field for job seekers with criminal histories - Promoted
Monday, February 11, 2019 'Ban the box' bill could level playing field for job seekers with criminal histories click to enlarge Although some may be quick to condemn those with a criminal record, the truth is that more Americans have been arrested for crimes in recent years. In the state of Ohio alone, 1.9 million people currently have criminal records, and every single state has seen a substantial increase of residents with felony convictions.
3 great skiing tips for beginners - Promoted
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 3 great skiing tips for beginners click to enlarge Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are a great way to have some fun when the weather is chilly. Not only that, but these sports can also help you stay in shape during the winter months. This is especially important since less than 5% of adults get 30 minutes of exercise every day. But if you've never skied before, the thought of flying down a snow-covered mountain may seem quite terrifying.
Tobacco industry threatens El Paso County kids, this time with vaping - Promoted
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Tobacco industry threatens El Paso County kids, this time with vaping Electronic cigarette use, also known as vaping – the latest dangerous trend in tobacco for teens – is threatening the health and wellbeing of our kids. Recently, the El Paso County Board of Health signed a resolution declaring youth vaping a public health crisis in El Paso County.
Manitou's new incentive program rewards shoppers for spending local
Monday, January 21, 2019 Manitou's new incentive program rewards shoppers for spending local Posted By Alissa Smith on Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 11:32 AM click to enlarge Bryce Crawford/file photo While Manitou Springs undoubtedly attracts its fair share of tourism thanks to its beautiful views, hip local businesses and diverse restaurants, the Westside Avenue Action Plan Project and the closure of the Cog Railway are “impacting our Downtown Businesses,” according to a press release from the...
Remember just how far we've come, and the long journey ahead at the All People's Breakfast
Friday, January 18, 2019 Remember just how far we've come, and the long journey ahead at the All People's Breakfast Posted By Alissa Smith on Fri, Jan 18, 2019 at 1:00 AM click to enlarge Alissa Smith MLK All People’s Breakfast, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Colorado College’s El Pomar Gymnasium, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., $7, facebook.com/COSnaacp.
Womxn’s March draws political and civic leaders to the Springs
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Womxn’s March draws political and civic leaders to the Springs Posted By Alissa Smith on Wed, Jan 16, 2019 at 1:00 AM click to enlarge J. Adrian Stanley Colorado Springs Womxn’s March, 2 p.m., Colorado Springs City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Ave., free, facebook.com/coswomxnsmarch. In 2017, the inaugural People’s March, affiliated with the national Women’s March, became the largest public action in Colorado Springs history, with an estimated 7,000 people attending.
Former Colorado chief justice joins nationwide effort to ban ICE arrests in courthouses
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Former Colorado chief justice joins nationwide effort to ban ICE arrests in courthouses Posted By Indy Promotions on Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 3:08 PM click to enlarge "Protecting National Security and Upholding Public Safety": that's the motto of America's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the branch of government tasked with enforcing immigration laws and investigating the criminal and terrorist activity of foreign nationals residing in the United States.
Read this before selling your home in 2019 - Promoted
click to enlarge The housing market was on fire before 2018, but this year saw a swift cool down, much to the despair of some real estate professionals. Overall, home sellers still have an advantage in the current seller's market, but what does 2019 have in store? It's expected that the housing market will witness rising home prices and higher interest rates in the new year.
When should Colorado police return to work after a shooting? - Promoted
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 When should Colorado police return to work after a shooting? click to enlarge The start of December was tumultuous for Colorado as lawmakers sought to establish better standards for police officers. In particular, a potential new law drafted by Sen. Rhonda Fields could set requirements for determining when officers are able to return to work following a suspension.
Snow Drought Throughout Colorado Causing Landscaping Concerns - Promoted
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Snow Drought Throughout Colorado Causing Landscaping Concerns click to enlarge According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40% of property remodeling activity was minor additions and alterations, 30% were major additions and alterations, and 30% for maintenance and repairs. Additionally, on average, property owners will spend between 1% and 4% of their home's value on maintenance and repairs every year, which tends to increase as the house and property ages.
How one Colorado school district invested in energy efficiency - Promoted
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 How one Colorado school district invested in energy efficiency click to enlarge The Roaring Fork Colorado School District in Glenwood Springs is getting a complete electrical overhaul, focusing on energy drastically improving energy efficiencies. According to American School and University, Riverview School now has a new solar array on its campus, providing a complete electrical offset and saving a significant amount of money down the road.
Skate in the Park hosts some of the Springs' top talent
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Skate in the Park hosts some of the Springs' top talent Posted By Alissa Smith on Wed, Jan 2, 2019 at 11:10 AM click to enlarge Courtesy U.S. Figure Skating Skate in the Park Special Events, Team USA figure skaters: Jan. 3, 4-6 p.m.; CC Tigers hockey team: Jan. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave., free, downtowncs.com/skate.
Indy Give! nonprofits host fundraisers and thank-you events as campaign comes to a close
Friday, December 28, 2018 Indy Give! nonprofits host fundraisers and thank-you events as campaign comes to a close Posted By Alissa Smith on Fri, Dec 28, 2018 at 2:29 PM TMDexter Photography Ormao Dance Company and other Give! nonprofits will host year-end events. The 2018 Indy Give! Campaign will end at midnight on Dec. 31, but it hasn't wound down yet.
Seven NYE events you won't regret attending New Year's Day
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 Seven NYE events you won't regret attending New Year's Day Posted By Alissa Smith on Wed, Dec 26, 2018 at 1:00 AM click to enlarge Mere Photography All That ‘90s New Year’s Eve Bash Gatsby’s New Year’s Eve Gatsby New Year's Eve @ Motif Jazz Cafe 182 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs,
CO When: Mon., Dec.
Winter lovers have every reason to celebrate at this year's Snow Dance
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Winter lovers have every reason to celebrate at this year's Snow Dance Posted By Alissa Smith on Wed, Dec 19, 2018 at 1:00 AM click to enlarge Courtesy Monarch Mountain Heuberger Monarch Snow Dance, 6-8 p.m., Heuberger Motors, 1080 Motor City Drive, free, RSVP on Facebook: tinyurl.com/MonarchSnowDance.
On to the next great stage, Carrie Simison says goodbye after two decades at the Indy
click to enlarge File photo Carrie Simison I grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota, and my grandparents, as well as most of my extended family, had a summer home on Pelican Lake, a popular spot about 45 minutes from town. Every weekend from at least May through October, my family would make the drive down, suitcases packed with just a couple swimsuits, to spend the weekend days swimming, water skiing, boating and eating fresh strawberries.
Visit Comanche National Grassland
The premise of the trip went this way: Front Rangers generally head west, where the mountains and many rivers are, for most of their outdoor adventuring. There's often a bit of northward or southern drift along those paths, but rarely do you hear your friends, even the fishermen and -women, talk of going east. Yes, Springs folk do make the Calhan drive regularly for the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, but what else? What's worthwhile on all the rest of that map — nearly half the state?
11 whitewater parks in Colorado to cool off this summer
11 whitewater parks in Colorado to cool off this summer Whitewater parks, consisting of playholes or waves, are man-made obstructions in a river built to hold a floating object. Sounds counterintuitive as far as the river is concerned. To whitewater enthusiasts, however, it offers the benefits of the sport without the burdens of going downstream.
DIY Drink 2018
Around this time of year, we usually honor the state of craft beer in advance of American Craft Beer Week with a special publication that's dedicated to our amazing local breweries, their beverages and events. But as our community's beverage scene explodes, adding not only breweries, but cideries, wineries and distilleries as well as top-notch coffee houses, kombucha companies and more, we just couldn't help ourselves.
Welcome to Colorado Springs!
ey locals, newbies and tourists!Welcome to the’s Insider, your guide to all things must-do, must-see, must-eat and must-drink in the Pikes Peak region.Think of us as your best friend, someone who’s lived here forever... and you’re our bestie who just moved here or blew into town to catch some mountain sun, culture and fine eats.
Is VDARE a white supremacy organization? | Publisher's Note | Colorado Springs Independent
Independent published VDARE attorney Randy B. Corporon subsequently contacted us asking for an apology for the characterization. The following is our response to him: On August 16, 2017, thepublished a blog on our website referring to white identity group VDARE’s efforts to hold a conference locally . In that blog, we described VDARE as advocating ”white supremacy.”VDARE attorney Randy B. Corporon subsequently contacted us asking for an apology for the characterization.
The profound prevalence of the #MeToo movement | Publisher's Note | Colorado Springs Independent
“I’m heading to lunch.”“Me too.”“I’m so excited for the weekend.”“Me too.”“I’m going to my boyfriend’s place for the holidays.”“Me too.”Until it’s not:“I’ve been sexually harassed” … “I’ve been sexually assaulted.”“Me too.”ast month when the #MeToo movement resurfaced on social media, I wish I could say I was surprised by how many of my friends and colleagues across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram could — and did — respond with those two usually casual words.
#WhoHasn’t? | Semi-Native | Colorado Springs Independent
didn’t join the ranks who posted their stories last month, but yes: #MeToo.I was 22 years old. I was a waitress at a popular downtown restaurant and had finished my shift. I decided to stick around and listen to the band that was playing for the Halloween weekend.
One chronicle of street (and other sexual) harassment in Colorado Springs | Editor's Note | Colorado Springs Independent
he doesn’t feel safe walking in downtown Colorado Springs in broad daylight.This isn’t a new feeling, and she doesn’t expect it’ll go away, ever, based on weekly, sometimes daily harassment.It’s not her fault. She doesn’t invite attention. She can’t help that she’s 5 feet tall, a size that attracts mistreatment beyond that which her friends regularly endure. But her size and appearance should be irrelevant.
Everybody bikes, or can | Publisher's Note | Colorado Springs Independent
In the grand scheme of things I'm a relative newbie cyclist, but after 22 years off the saddle, I've circled back around to loving life on two wheels. In May of 2014 I was looking for a new "something" to train for — a physical activity of some sort — and everywhere I looked, there was excitement and challenge involving a bike.
Welcome to summer in Colorado Springs | Summer Guide | Colorado Springs Independent
As kids, we stared out the windows during those last spring days of school in anticipation of a season of freedom and adventure known as summer. Here in our 300 days of Colorado sunshine, we're lucky. Even though the season doesn't officially begin until June 21, we've already had that vibrant sun heating us up, plenty of opportunities to slather on sunscreen and get excited about the next couple months of outdoor bliss.
Visit Colorado Springs: Insider 2017 | InSider | Colorado Springs Independent
Welcome to the 2017 Indy Insider, our annual guide packed full of insider tips for newcomers, visitors and locals alike. Whether you're coming through town not knowing a soul, or your best friend persuaded you to move here, we want to make sure we point you to the must-sees and the can't-miss local landmarks, as well as give you the smart back-door tour of lesser-known gems.
Winter 2016 Education Guide | Education Guide | Colorado Springs Independent
Welcome to the Winter 2016 Education Guide, full of resources that will help you learn more about educational opportunities and institutions in our region. For this Ed Guide, we've once again reached out to trusted community members to have them share their expertise on topics that affect our students and provide valuable, first-hand information for our readers.
Meet the new editor at the Indy: Matthew Schniper | Publisher's Note | Colorado Springs Independent
That's our history — the chronological list of the talented, dedicated editors who have led the Colorado Springs Independent from a scruffy start-up more than two decades ago to the award-winning alternative newsweekly it is today. When I came to work here 18 years ago, Vasich was the editor.
Ex-Memorial employee sues UCH
A former employee of Memorial Hospital is suing the hospital's operator, University of Colorado Health, which has leased Memorial from the city since 2012, alleging she called attention to a patient-safety issue last year and then was fired because of her report.
Indy: Printer error delays July 27 issue
Due to a printer error, the last eight pages of the July 27, 2016 Independent are missing. The weekly edition is being reprinted and will be delivered beginning Wednesday afternoon/evening and completed Thursday morning. Please read our digital flip edition for the time being. click to enlarge
The importance of local food hubs
Hobbs Family Farm'shas long been a familiar face on the area's agriculture front.The purveyor of organic seeds and early CSA participant explained his view of a " local food system " for thein 2009, and he remains a key member of the Arkansas Valley Organic Growers More recently, Hobbs and his AVOG cohorts established thein a former school district building outside Pueblo.wrote a piece here in April on the venture, and formereditorjust contributed this feature formagazine.“The idea,” Hobbs...
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Carrie
Contact Carrie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack