Family-owned shop now open in Evergreen Station, Florissant
There’s a new reason to get up early in Florissant. HolyMoly Doughnuts, a family-run breakfast spot, is now open at 8722 County Road 1 in Evergreen Station. They are serving up homemade doughnuts, breakfast bowls, and burritos with a warm welcome and a strong sense of community.
This is not your average doughnut shop. HolyMoly is built on faith, family values, and the belief that good food can bring people together. The menu features yeast-risen doughnuts, buttermilk bars, apple fritters, sugar cookies, and hearty breakfast burritos and bowls to help you start your day right.
“We’re here to start your day right, with a hearty breakfast and a healthy dose of community spirit,” says their website.
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, HolyMoly is already becoming a local favorite. The food is homemade, the service is genuine, and the atmosphere is just what you want in a mountain-town breakfast stop.
Whether you are swinging through Florissant or live nearby, HolyMoly Doughnuts is worth the visit. It is a place that serves more than food. It serves a little joy with every bite.
Games, parades, pie, and patriotism in Memorial Park
There’s no better place to spend Independence Day than Memorial Park in Woodland Park, where the 59th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration is set to bring the community together for a full day of family-friendly fun.
This year’s celebration takes place on Friday, July 4, 2025, and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (note the earlier start time for this year only). The change is to accommodate two exciting partners — the Arts & Crafts Market and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, both running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Farmers Market will take this weekend off.
This hometown favorite offers a mix of small-town charm and big summer energy, with games, vendors, live music, great food, beer, and margaritas all packed into one festive day.
Games and Activities
Get ready to compete, cheer, or just laugh along at a full lineup of old-school games and contests, including:
Pie Eating Contest
Watermelon Eating Contest
Tug of War
Sack Races
3-on-3 Basketball
Karaoke
Line Dancing
Fishing Derby
Dunk Tank
New this year: All American Costume Parade
Firework Show (Starts just after sunset)
Whether you’re there to win the pie-eating crown or just want to see someone get dunked, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Community-Focused and Fundraising-Driven
In true Teller County fashion, this celebration is also about giving back. Proceeds from the event support Divide Mountain Explorers, the Lions Club, and the Colorado Phoenix Project. So every funnel cake, raffle ticket, or cold drink helps support a good cause.
Between the local vendors, homemade crafts, and entrepreneurial kids showing off their business skills, this year’s celebration is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
Come early, bring sunscreen, and enjoy a classic 4th of July the Woodland Park way.
Three days of racing, music, and mountain-town fun, all for a good cause.
One of Teller County’s most beloved summer traditions is trotting back into town. Donkey Derby Days returns to Cripple Creek from June 27 through June 29, 2025, bringing three days of street festivals, live music, family activities, and the crowd-favorite donkey races.
Now in its 94th year, Donkey Derby Days is the main fundraiser for the Two Mile High Club, the nonprofit that has cared for Cripple Creek’s famous free-roaming donkeys since 1931. The event celebrates the town’s gold rush history and honors the hardworking donkeys that helped build it. Today, those animals are as much a part of Cripple Creek as the casinos and historic storefronts.
The Main Event: Donkey Races
It may sound easy, but it’s anything but. Each race pairs a donkey with two teammates, one handler and one runner, who try their best to guide the donkey to the finish line on Bennett Avenue. Of course, donkeys have minds of their own, which leads to a lot of laughs, a few surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments.
Saturday features a full slate of racing action, including two qualifying heats, a media race, a military race, and the trophy race for the top finishers. Sunday keeps the energy going with themed races like the Businessman’s Race and a pair of fun runs.
Music, Food, and Fun for the Whole Family
Throughout the weekend, the streets of Cripple Creek will be filled with the sounds of live music on multiple stages, food vendors, and craft booths. The Kid’s Zone will be open every day near 2nd and Bennett, and there will be gold panning, beer gardens, and even a silent auction on Saturday at the Double Eagle Hotel.
Bands scheduled to perform include The Flying W Wranglers, Austin Ross Band, McDeviants, and many more. Whether you’re into country, rock, bluegrass, or just good tunes, there will be something for everyone.
Schedule Highlights
Friday, June 27
Event opens at 2:00 p.m.
Street Fair, Kids Zone, and Beer Gardens
Live music by Maddox Ross and Meghan Clarisse
Saturday, June 28
Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Parade down Bennett Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
Donkey Derby Races begin at 12:30 p.m.
Live music on three stages until 9:00 p.m.
Vendors, food, gold panning, and more
Sunday, June 29
More donkey races starting at 11:00 a.m.
Live music, vendors, food, and kids activities until 6:00 p.m.
Whether you come for the music, the food, or the four-legged chaos of the donkey races, Donkey Derby Days is one of the best weekends of the year in Cripple Creek. It brings together history, fun, and community spirit in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Pizzabirria, papas locas, and more are on the way to Teller County.
Woodland Park is about to get a fresh dose of flavor. Sofia’s Antojitos, a popular Mexican street food spot with two highly rated locations in Colorado Springs, is expanding to Teller County with a brand-new restaurant set to open at 727 Gold Hill Place South, the former home of Mountainara Cucina.
While the official opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but a liquor license has been issued, the remodel is progressing, and hiring is underway. Sofia’s is known for its bold, crave-worthy menu and its signature take on Mexican street fare. If you’ve never been, “Antojitos” translates roughly to little cravings, and the menu is full of exactly that.
Expect a variety of tortas, flautas, elotes, papas locas (a loaded fries dish that lives up to the “crazy” name), and fan favorites like birria tacos and the now-legendary pizzabirria, a cross between a quesadilla, and pizza (with birria, of course).
Both existing locations in Colorado Springs carry 4.6+ star ratings on Google, and locals swear by the food. This new Woodland Park location marks the restaurant’s first move above 8000 feet, and it’s already generating buzz from locals eager to try something new in town.
Sofia’s is currently hiring, though no wage info has been shared publicly yet. Whether you’re looking for a job or just a plate of papas locas, it’s a spot worth keeping an eye on.
We’ll share opening details as soon as they’re available.
Fresh air, good views, and trails built for dad-level adventurethroughout Teller County.
Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you’re looking to swap neckties for trail miles, you’re in the right place. Teller County is packed with hiking spots that offer everything from calm pond loops to elevation-gaining leg-burners. All within an easy drive from the backyard barbecue.
Whether you’re planning a full-day trek with your old man or just looking for a low-key morning stroll before firing up the grill, here are five local hikes that’ll make this Father’s Day one to remember.
Location: Hwy 67, 7 miles north of Woodland Park Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy
If dad’s more into laid-back walks than steep climbs, this loop around Manitou Lake is an ideal pick. It’s a flat, scenic trail with big mountain views, the occasional osprey overhead, and plenty of spots to stop for a snack or sandwich. Small bridges with informational plaques surround the lake. Bring a folding chair, binoculars, and a thermos of coffee. You might just stay a while, especially if dad wants to cast a fishing line. Note: There is an $11 day use fee per vehicle.
Location: Near Divide, off CO-67 and FS Road 383 Distance: ~5 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate
This one’s a Teller County classic. The Crags Trail winds through shady forest and opens up to massive granite spires and sweeping views of the western slope of Pikes Peak. It’s the kind of trail where you catch your breath not just from the altitude, but from the views.
Location: Cripple Creek, Off Hwy 67 Distance: ~7–8 miles round trip Difficulty: Intermediate
This two-for-one hike starts with a gentle climb to Horsethief Falls and continues to Pancake Rocks. These are named for their wild, flat rock formations that look like a stack of flapjacks. Expect a decent workout and plenty of brag-worthy views. Bonus points if you actually bring pancakes for the top.
Location: Mueller State Park Distance: ~3.3 miles Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful option tucked into Mueller State Park, this loop offers dense forest, wide meadows, and, if you’re lucky, some surprise wildlife sightings. Elk, turkey, and even the occasional bear wander this area, so keep your camera (and your trail snacks) ready.
Location: Mueller State Park Distance: 3.7 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Outlook Ridge is a solid pick if you’re looking to pair sweeping views with the chance to explore a few hidden gems along the way. The main trail connects with three short spurs—Raven Ridge, Red Tail Overlook, and Lone Eagle—each leading to huge granite outcrops that overlook Rock and Brook Ponds far below. You can see for miles to the south and west, making this a top-notch spot to stop, breathe, and take it all in.
There’s drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables at the trailhead parking lot during summer months. No pets are allowed in Mueller, so leave the pup at home for this one. And fair warning, the return trip is uphill, but it’s worth every step.
After the Hike
Cap off the day with a cold one from a local favorite like BierWerks in Woodland Park or Paradox in Divide. Or swing through historic Victor and let dad talk your ear off about mining history. Either way, you’ve earned it.
Here’s to hitting the trail, making memories, and giving dad the gift of a day well spent.
thetellertimes.com 