1. Lewis-Palmer School District 38
City: Monument, CO
Category: Education
Telephone: (719) 488-4700
Address: 146 Jefferson St.
Description: The Lewis-Palmer School District has roots in one-room school houses of the late 1800s. Now the district, which sits in northern El Paso County, has some of the newest, most modern, and advanced schools in the region. The approximately 5,800 students consistently rank high in the state in both state and national standardized testing. The high school graduation rate is over 95 percent and approximately 85 percent of those graduates continue on to college. The district provides bus transportation and a hot lunch program to its five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. There is also one charter school, which serves students preschool through grade 9. Elementary schools cover K–6, and grades 7–8 are at the one middle school. Athletic programs are available in the middle and high school, and there are special education, gifted and talented services, and English as a Second Language. Additional co-curricular programs are also offered.
2. The Divide At Kings Deer
City: Monument, CO
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (719) 481-1518
Address: 19255 Royal Troon Dr.
Description: Kings Deer, a semi-private club that allows the public, sits at 7,400 feet above sea level and has been likened to Scottish courses—rolling hills, high grasslands, open space, and wetlands. With views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range from nearly every hole on the course, this is one majestic spot that offers something for every ability level. Opened in 1999, this 18-hole course can be very challenging, with narrow fairways and a layout that can be trouble. Green fees are $8 to $45, and carts are available for an additional fee (and are required for non-members on weekends and holidays). Shirts with collars are required, and jeans are allowed if not torn. Shorts are allowed, but not cut-offs. There is a clubhouse and restaurant, golf shop, putting and chipping area, large elevated practice range, and an indoor video teaching area.
3. Fusion World Cuisine
City: Monument, CO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (719) 488-3900
Address: 15910 Jackson Creek Pkwy., Suite 100
Description: This relative newcomer to the dining scene in the Pikes Peak region has come on with the heat of a fire-breathing dragon. Located in relative obscurity within the Monument Marketplace strip mall, the Asian-inspired dining is anything but common. Dishes offered run from the traditional won ton and miso soups to some very eclectic choices, such as the Tom Yum Goong soup, a complex seafood concoction reminiscent more of Bangkok than Tokyo or Peking. Entrees cover curry to udon to steak. Especially good is the Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry, made with lemongrass, Thai basil, and a generous amount of veggies, such as asparagus. Also popular is the Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry, which uses rib eye steak and enoki mushrooms. The staff is open to turning the spice up or down, as requested. The interior design makes a worthy effort at elegant dining, but that isn’t really why people walk in the door. The extensive sake and beer lists support whatever tastes are ordered, and a good wine list also is available. This is a good place for groups, families, or couples. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
4. Covered Treasures Bookstore
City: Monument, CO
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (719) 481-2665
Address: 105 2nd St.
Description: The entrance to this store is right off the street and up a few concrete steps. From the quiet wood shingle/sign above the door, it’s hard to guess what kind of store this might be, but the surprise for bookies is close to enlightenment. This is a big, smart bookstore in a small bookstore’s skin. The new books offered are inspired choices, both bestseller and mid-list, underground goodies. There are also a number of Colorado hiking guides, a fine selection of greeting cards, all categories of new and used books, and a coffee if you choose. Open 7 days a week.