The guest comments and notes on this page came to us via e-mail, notes in the Room Books, and notes in the breakfast baskets.

In addition, we include four professional reviews:

Our latest review is from the Denver monthly lifestyle and dining periodical 303 Magazine (303 is the Denver area code). The short (but sweet) article was accompanied by three pages of pictures.

We are also especially pleased with the review we received from Kim Lipker's The Unofficial Guide to Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns in the Rockies, one of the "Unofficial Guides..." series you may have seen for sale at all major book stores.

The Denver Post published Doris Kennedy's "Inn for the Night" column weekly in its Travel section. Her review is below.

As an association member, Blue Skies is subject to periodic inspections from the Inn Inspector of the Bed & Breakfast Inns of Colorado (BBIC), and we include her review below.

Just southward of Denver, along I-25
Beneath Pikes Peak mountain, by the arch of Blue Sky
We arrived at our suite, and there we did sigh,
“Our retreat is so wonderful!” as we stood there wide-eyed.

The touches were perfect, the atmosphere glowed -
Our fast-paced existence immediately slowed,
And nestled in comfort, a peace seemed to flow.
Relaxed and romantic, we found our love grow.

Did I mention the breakfast that arrived at the door?
Did I mention the muffins, egg quiche, fruit and more?
Did I mention jacuzzi, our fire-light chat?
My compliments to you - we’ll soon be right back.

Bill & Susan
Denver, CO

Dear Sally & Mike,
We stayed here at your beautiful bed & breakfast on our honeymoon before he ships out to Iraq. What a wonderful place to get away from the troubles of the outside world and be able to concentrate on each other. In this beautiful [Starlight] room, we were able to bask in the love and peace that has gotten so hard to find elsewhere. finding this place has made a dream become a memory. Thank you SO much!

Brad & Karma
St. Paul, MN

This Christmas my family decided to come to Colorado. This is the first time I've ever seen snow, and to be able to stay here has been absolutely incredible. This is a first stay (for me) at a B&B, and it is a really amazing thing! I loved the Dot Matrix suite, and my parents' suite (Starlight) was also just as amazing. I love the friendliness, the breakfasts, the decor... what's not to love? Thanks for making my last Christmas at home so memorable!

Danielle

Thank you, Mike and Sally, for making my family feel so wecome in your beautiful Blue Skies Inn. Our daughter, Danielle, will be graduating from high school this coming May, and we wanted her to have an extra special Christmas before leaving to college. She said yesterday that this was her best Christmas ever. The days were busy shopping and seeing this area's amazing sights. And then to return to our rooms and relax for the evening made our trip perfect.

For the past four days, this has been our home away from home - we all enjoyed the yummy breakfasts and the many special touches in both of our rooms. Christmas in Colorado was perfect.

The Smiths
Naples, FL

We stayed in the Starlight room last night for our first Valentine's celebration as a married couple. We just wanted you to know how much we loved it here. The room was most tastefully and creatively decorated and the breakfast was superb. We had the most romantic and relaxing night. We appreciate the hospitality we felt as soon as we got here. We will definitely be back again!

Claire and Justin
Denver, CO

Sally and Mike,
My partner and I recently arrived home after staying at your Inn last night. Just wanted to say thank you for your services and hospitality. It was a wonderful and perfect experience for us. Everything you stated in your web site seemed too good to be true, but proved to be. Sally, you're an absolutely great artist. It's obvious what care and devotion you have taken to these beautiful rooms and we hope people appreciate and see that.
Mike, thank you for the tour, you both make people feel like they are welcome in your own home. It's obvious how much you enjoy what you do and care about each and every couple/family. Thank you for making this the best experience we've had at any b&b and we will absolutely make plans for our next anniversary. Right now we're just trying to think of more friends to tell and excuses to return sooner! Thank you both,

Jamie and Kelly

A weekend of tranquility,
We found at Blue Skies Inn,
Among the changing Fall leaves
And Autumn's cooling wind.
The eggs and muffins heavenly,
Our parting such sweet sorrow.
(If only we could find a way
To stay until tomorrow.)
If I offend my dear, sweet Lord,
I must humbly beg His pardon,
But surely Eden, in all its splendor
Has nothing on Ferdinand's Garden.

Gregg & Patty Stouffer

We are certain we could travel far and wide and not discover a more adorable or pristine place than Blue Skies Inn. This Starlight suite is truly enchanting ~ we admired your artistic talent in moonstruck detail throughout our stay. And breakfast in the Secret Garden was out of this galaxy!

May you live long & prosper.

The Fisk Family
Hank, Janeen, Dylan & Hanna
Lakewood, CO

My boyfriend and I have had the most stressful time recently. We decided to get away for a night and remember what life is really supposed to be about. Blue Skies, you have made this an absolutely blissful time away. Everything was beautiful. It's good to know that beauty and magic like this really exists & not just in the romance movies.

For this beautiful, stress-free, cloud-9 of a place, and blissful experience, we say "Thanx!"

Sara & Armando
Pueblo, CO

We had a wonderful time during our stay at the Blue Skies Inn. As you know, I had just returned from a Navy deployment, involving Operation Enduring Freedom. The quiet and peacefulness of the location, the beauty of our room and your outstanding breakfasts ensured a wonderful reunion for us. We enjoyed being in Manitou Springs, where we could take advantage of that scenic little town. The in-room whirlpool bath was also a surprising plus for us. Highlighting this all was your desire to do whatever it took to ensure that we would cherish our time at the Blue Skies Inn. Now that we are back home, which is not that far from the Inn, we can honestly say that not only did we thoroughly enjoy our stay, but we also made two new friends. Thank you very much for all that you did to ensure that our stay would be a great one!

Richy & Joanie

Thanks for Sally & whoever supports her to make our first anniversary very romantic and unforgettable!

Ahmad & Alfi
Denver, CO

This is a very classy place. You've done such a nice job designing and decorating. Everything is well done and beautiful. The Rock Art room even blends with the clay in the hill behind it. The room is warm and homey. And oh my gosh, the breakfast was fantastic. You thought of everything -- nothing was missing. We truly appreciate all the time and love you put into this place.

Tom and Diane Waller

Undoubtedly the very best.
Never seen anything like it.
Individual beyond compare.
Quaint - it ain't, but quite a dream maker.
Unusual - thank heaven!
Everyone should experience it -

[Dot Matrix is a] haven of imagination, talent, humor and beauty is way beyond classy. You have given a wonderful new meaning to B&B's in every possible way. All of which is to say - Thanks ever so to a team that seems doomed to perfection and success, Sally and Mike.

Camille and Wilton Hammond
Fort Worth, TX

The room is beautiful! The breakfast was wonderful! We enjoyed every moment of our stay. This will provide many fond memories as I head to the deserts of Kuwait. I look forward to my return to Colorado and another stay at Blue Skies!

Grant and Roxanne

Thank you for a wonderful stay at your beautiful B&B in the Indian Rock Art II suite. Even though we saw some of the area’s great attractions, our girls (3 & 5 years old) said numerous times, “Let’s go back to the hotel.” Our youngest added, “Let’s buy this house.” We appreciated all of the special touches ~ the great breakfast, the comfortable beds, the clean and nicely decorated rooms, the wall lamps on dimmers that made perfect night lights. We will be back, and we will spread the word about this fabulous place!

Diane, Dave, Claire & Kimberly
Littleton, CO

The April 2005 edition of Denver's 303 Magazine did a three page spread on Blue Skies Inn in it's print and on-line editions. The text of the review follows:

[pages 18-21]

Everday cultures, lifestyles, and luxuries:

CITY GETAWAY: BLUE SKIES INN

by Megan Garrison

As a native Coloradoan I forget just how lucky we are to have beautiful blue skies most of the year. A visit to Manitou Springs's Blue Skies Inn was a quick reminder. With spring approaching, to get away to toward the mountains, to somewhere suitable for a wedding, family reunion, or just a weekend escape.

DECOR & ORIGINALITY

Sally Thurston, the innkeeper, has a true gift for design. Her themed suites Deep Blue, Morning Glory, Starlight, Dot Matrix, and Sunset combine innovation with traditional elegance, and there is a suite for almost anyone. Lovers or honeymooners will want to investigate Morning Glory and Sunset, romantic suites with fireplaces, king beds with floral vines overhead, and whirlpool tubs. If the getaway is a family affair, most rooms have an extra trundle or daybed as well. A whimsical canopy for each bed accentuates the theme.

AMENITIES & SERVICE

After eight years as innkeepers, the Thurstons know that it takes attention to detail everywhere from the comforts in the rooms to the unique services to create the perfect stay.

Blue Skies Inn offers an array of original amenities. At the top of the list would be their breakfast. At 8:30 a.m. there will be a soft knock on your door; when you open it you will find a large picnic basket filled with coffee, juice, fresh fruit, a hot egg dish, and freshly baked muffins to enjoy in the privacy of your room. Or if the weather is warm and you are feeling social, you may opt to enjoy breakfast in the Secret Garden behind the Inn. Opt for as much or as little privacy as you like.

MORE...

• A beautiful gazebo and hot tub outside (open 24 hours).
• In your room you will find an informative book with information on the features and history of the Inn, local restaurant menus, elopement packages at Blue Skies Inn, and area attractions. There are a lot of beautiful spots to visit in and around Manitou Springs, like Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, & Garden of the Gods.
• The book also lists titles of over 750 videos & DVDs you can have brought to your room.
• Keep in mind if you are setting up a romantic retreat or special surprise, Blue Skies has extra perks you can order to have in your room: flower bouquets, a massage, Birthday balloons, decor and a cake, bath basket, candles, and chocolate dipped strawberries.

A MUST STAY?

A lot of people dream of owning their very own bed and breakfast, but very few turn out to be as good at it as the Blue Skies Inn; the hospitality is just what it should be.

WOW! This is amazingly beautiful! These were my words when we walked into our beautiful Morning Glory suite. Cheryl and I loved the room, with its beautiful bed and marvelous canopy. My favorite part of the room is the beautiful garland and wonderful jetted tub. The bath is perfect after a long, fun day of hiking and exploring the wonderful mountain scenery. Manitou Springs is a great place to “get away from it all,” and Blue Skies Inn is definitely the only place to stay! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and for welcoming us as a couple.

Kareen & Cheryl
Aurora, CO

This was our first B&B experience. I wager it will remain our most memorable. This will be the standard by which all B&B's are to be measured in our minds. Thank you for setting the bar so high. You are hospitable, generous, & your caring about your guests' visit shows in everything you do. We happened upon you by chance this weekend. We are planning to come back. Thank you very much.

Danny & Brenda
Lakewood, CO

Finally, a bed & breakfast that welcomes kids. Food, rooms, amenities were fantastic...
We were looking for a Colorado experience -- unique, beautiful and kid-friendly. Blue Skies Inn was perfect. The kids loved the movie selections, and the Secret Garden. We slept better here wilth soft sheets and quiet rooms. This was a perfect 2 night stay before heading back to Michigan. Thank you for your hospitality, and congratulations on being experts in what you do.

The Wysocki Family
Karin, Dane, Cam (8) and Ryan (6)
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you so much for making our honeymoon so wonderful. The rooms were absolutely beautiful. It made us feel comfortable that you knew our names from the moment we arrived. We appreciate everything you did for us each day. Breakfast was great and the recommendations on restaurants were perfect. Your inn was beautiful and peaceful. We will share our experience with others. Hope to see you again in the future. Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,
Matt and Kim Loveless

WOW and WOW! This was the most amazing stay - I've never experienced anything like it. Sally your courage to dream and perseverence to make it happen truly inspire me. I hope you have time to fully enjoy such an accomplishment.
Thanks,

Condice Czuberent
San Diego, CA

Anne and Walter
Ocala, FL

Ahhh! The ambiance, the romance... the cleanliness! Our room is always so well-kept, we feel as though we are the first to enter this spicy retreat.

Thanks for all your efforts in making this such an allergy-free environment. Our hearts & spirits are renewed!

Barbara & Richard,
Rio Rancho, NM

We loved the room & lovely breakfasts in the garden was such a special way to start our days. My nine year old son said, "They should call this Breakfast of the Gods!" We all agree.

The Shekuts
Perrysburg, OH

We are very honored to be one of only four Colorado B&Bs that received five stars in Kim Lipker's guide.

In addition, Blue Skies Inn is reviewed twice in the text, first on page twenty where Ms. Lipker lists things she likes about various Rocky Mountain Inns, and in the "official" Unofficial review, which follows.

[page 20]
A Few of My Favorite Things about Rockies Bed-and-Breakfasts and Country Inns...Colorado...

■ My # 1 favorite place: Blue Skies Inn (Manitou Springs)

[pages 134-135]
BLUE SKIES INN BED & BREAKFAST

OVERALL
QUALITY
VALUE

Imagine a bed-and-breakfast in an ocean aquarium, or an art museum, or in the middle of a history museum. Wouldn't it be neat to sleep among the fish or next to an ancient Native American sandstone wall? Travelers can now realize all of their creative fantasies at the Blue Skies Inn. Sally envisioned, constructed, and put all of her imagination into one of Colorado's absolute finest bed-and-breakfasts. Each suite is a trip into another land, with pottery-tile montages, custom tile work, creative painting, and jeweled accents throughout. Absolutely no detail was overlooked in this bed-and- breakfast venture. Breakfast is even a luxurious treat; it's usually served by Mike as he hunts guests down with an individual basket brimming with goodies. Sally has plans to add a spa and common areas in the former Buffalo Bill Wax Museum on the property, so look for that endeavor in the future. It is sure to be quite amazing.

Sally & Mike,

What a special place you have created! Our visit to Blue Skies Inn is an "All Around Winner."

Best Room
Best Attention to Detail!
Best Grounds!
Best Breakfast!
Best Hosts!
Best B&B in town!

We will certainly tell our friends!

Tom - Atlanta, GA
Bryan - Birmingham, Alabama

What a great romantic experience. This was our first real night away since becoming parents four and a half years ago. We thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance, the breakfast being delivered hot to our room, and the time away to focus on each other.

A nice break from the typical B&B - much more privacy and a large room and the delivery of breakfast! A retreat!

Dawn & Scott
Colorado Springs, CO

Wow, what a way to end our week in Colorado! We feel so lucky to have found you... Thank you for helping our teenagers realize that not all B&Bs are stuffy and sterile. The breakfast was fantastic, our best one all week. Loved the colorful sheets and bedding too!

The Foss Family
Columbia, MO

Ma'am,
I just wanted to send a short note thanking you for a wonderful stay at your establishment recently. What a beautiful place and the perfect end to our vacation! Now that we are back in Alabama and people ask my wife and I about our trip they are surprised when we speak of the Blue Skies B&B first and skiing last. The food was great. The room was fantastic, and Mike was a wonderful tour guide.

Thanks again,
Chris & Wendy Smith

Thank you both for the lovely breakfast. This is a real treat and those muffins are wonderful. Look forward to tomorrow's breakfast.

The Gees

Thanks for a wonderful honeymoon at your bed and breakfast. You are very talented and we will share our experience with our friends. Thanks again.

Patty and Dustin Stull

Your B&B is incredible. The tile work is what makes it special. I wish I had more time to spend at Blue Skies. You have enormous talent and energy. I hope to see you again someday.

Jeff Kates

We truly enjoyed our suite and the bed and breakfast hospitality of Blue Skies. It was much more than what we expected. It was roomy and cozy and comfortable and the girls loved it. That awesome bathroom is just...!! And we loved having the fresh baskets of breakfast delivered to the room every morning. (How does she do that?) Anyway we are so sad to leave but are leaving with some great memories. Thank you for everything!!

The Marks Family

Today was my birthday! 39 years old, best birthday I've ever had. I felt like a queen tonight! This suite was the perfect place for my celebration. It's wonderful to be surrounded by such creativity and imagination! This place was the topping on my cake. I loved it!!

Patti and Roger Penninger

Blue Skies Inn helped make our honeymoon perfect! "So unique" & very clean. Very "story bookish." : ) Loved it!

Greg & Pam Smith

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place with us. Can't wait to see the gardens in the summer. Breakfast blows every other B&B out of the water!

Kevin & Mike

Thank you for the great stay. We enjoyed our honeymoon and the Morning Glory suite was wonderful. You have a great B&B. The food was great, too. When we come back to the area, we know where we will stay. Thanks!

Clay and Andie Moseman

"Inn for the Night" is a column regularly run in the "Travel" section of the Sunday Denver Post that reviews inns and B&Bs throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana. In the March 7, 1999, edition, Blue Skies Inn was reviewed.

Guests who have an appreciation for original art, exquisite useof color, and superb bed and breakfast accommodations are going to love the luxurious Blue Skies Bed & Breakfast, Manitou Springs.

Innkeeper, artist and craftswoman Sally Thurston has created a unique 12-room inn on the former estate of Dr. William Bell, the founder of Manitou Springs. The three recently constructed Gothic revival-style structures contain four guest rooms each. The inn's architecture was inspired by the circa-1873 carriage house that stands on the property.

The room called Indian Rock Art, with a queen-size bed, apricot carpeting and huge bathroom with oversize shower, features delightful Native American pictograph symbols, hand-painted on sandstone-colored walls. This room meets ADA requirements.

Named in honor of the estate's former gardener, Ferdinand's Garden has lavender walls accented by hand-painted bouquets of Scottish thistle, pink bleeding hearts and rose lilies. Plush plum carpeting, an oval tub-for-two and a gas-log fireplace add warmth and romance to the room.

Of all the guest rooms, Sunset may be the most romantic. Highlighted by fleecy white clouds, the wall colors here softly flow from ceiling to floor, blending pale pink with lilac and creamy yellow. White chiffon, entwined with rose-hued silk flowers, canopies the wrought-iron, four-poster bed. A gas-log fireplace stands in one corner, an oval whirlpool tub-for-two and a separate shower are featured in the bathroom, and a sitting alcove invites quiet conversations.

Thurston, a licensed building contractor, designed her inn, supervised and assisted in its construction, hand-painted and laid all the tiles in the oversized bathrooms, applied the original art to the walls, and acted as interior decorator. Her creative efforts have produced one of Colorado's finest inns.

This B&B, besides being a favorite among honeymooners and those seeking a restful getaway, works well for families with children. The walls and floors are sound-insulated, each unit has its own private or semi-private entry, and most rooms have a daybed or sofa sleeper that will accommodate youngsters.

Each morning, picnic-basket breakfasts of individual egg and cheese casseroles, homemade carrot or blueberry muffins, fresh fruit, juice, milk or coffee are delivered to the guestrooms.

The Inn For The Night column spotlights bed-and-breakfast and historic lodgings in the Rocky Mountain region. Each one described has been visited by the columnist and is mentioned on merit. Comments may be sent to Inn For The Night, Travel Section, The Denver Post, 1560 Broadway, Denver 80202.

Thank you for the most relaxing and enjoyable two days. Twenty-five years ago today we were married, and we never had a honeymoon. You made this a honeymoon to remember.

Mitzie & Craig
Manhattan, KS

We were in much need of a "mini" vacation & found the perfect B&B to have it in!

Loved the blue & the clouds & mood lighting!

Watching the sun rise on the mountain while lying in bed -- Wow!And eating breakfast in bed, having homemade CHOCOLATE muffins -- does it get any better for a true "chocoholic"?! I don't think so!

We'll be back! Thanks for a wonderful stay -- GREAT JOB!

Nanc & Scott Spencer

Sally and Mike - This was our first stay at a B&B, and it was so fun. We love [Deep Blue]. the hospitality and especially the breakfast. I better learn how to make quiche for my husband now, because I don't think plain eggs will cut it any more. I can only imagine the time & effort and love that went into the decorating of these rooms. You go girl!

Thanks again,

The Seiferts

Our first stay in a bed & breakfast together -- quite a wonderful experience! A beautiful room ~ we shut the door and forgot about reality until it was time to check out! What a fabulous place to spend a weekend away!

Kelli & Eric
Loveland, CO

Thank you for a most enjoyable stay at your inn. We live locally but felt hundreds of miles away from home. What a wonderful escape for our 6th anniversary! Everything was perfect! Thanks again!

Kate and Pat Atkin

Just wanted to say again how much we enjoyed your delightful B&B. Ferdinand's Garden was such a peaceful home away from home for three restful nights. Such talent that you have displayed in all your rooms can only be an inducement to restfulness. The breakfasts were such a joy to enjoy under the blue skies of Colorado. We wish you many guests to enjoy your talents in decorating and cooking and making your guests comfortable. Hopefully we will be down your way again.

Warren and Ella Dartez

Ric and I would like to express our sincerest thanks for your outstanding hospitality and assistance during our stay at your inn. (The innkeeper drove across town to collect the slip for the bridal gown.) Your kindness, patience and delicious food made for a very memorable occasion. We look forward to returning to HAPPY TRAILS and BLUE SKIES.

Dot Hoeflich

Thank you so much for all of your hospitality. We stayed in Starlight suite the night of a meteor shower and it just made the evening perfect. I wish you the best of luck running this place and to all who stay here -- make the most out of this unique and beautiful B&B.

Misty Klimas

Thank you! It was simply delightful!

Jane Bourgoin

Thank you for such a wonderful stay. We had a really relaxing time at your inn. The room was lovely and the hot tub -- fabulous. Will definitely recommend the place to my friends.

Regina and Michael Reyes

We both so much appreciate the beautiful space you have crafted here. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cheryl and Madeleine

Great accommodations. Delicious breakfasts. And a terrific time.

Ruth, Carolyn and Tina

We had a blast. We'll be back and back again, then back again. Thank you for a memorable honeymoon and "to die for muffins."

Debby and Fred Martin

Thanks again for the red carpet treatment. Our experience at the Blue Skies Inn helped make our vacation extra special. We definitely will be coming back sometime. Thanks!

Dave, Carole and Mary Boesdorfer

Thank you for a wonderful stay... the breakfast in bed was outstanding!

Pam and Richard Oliver

BBIC is the statewide organization for Colorado B&Bs. Inn inspections are conducted every other year.

Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado
(BBIC)

Inn Inspector Laura Clark
June 12, 2001

What comes to mind every time I visit Blue Skies Inn is that I am extremely impressed with the skills of Sally Thurston, owner and builder of this reputable bed & breakfast in Manitou Springs. I was lucky to spend the night in Ferdinand's Garden Suite, the focal point and highlight being the beautiful hand-painted flower bouquet tiles (Sally's artistry, of course) showcased in the spacious bathroom. Sally's past life was that of an artist producing wonderful tiles and pedestal sinks in Delaware. Her talents are shown throughout Blue Skies Inn, as each and every bathroom is an individual marvel.

But the strength of Blue Skies does not lie alone in the baths. Each guest suite has a queen or king bed, most with an additional trundle bed in an adjacent sitting area with table and chairs. Perhaps your room will have a soaking or jetted tub. Lights on dimmer switches make the bathing experience even more romantic. All rooms come with TV/VCR combos and the list of movies available rival any selection I've ever seen at a B&B. A most delightful addition to the inn since my last visit is "The Secret Garden" -- a hidden retreat behind the middle building of the inn's compound.

A full breakfast is cleverly served in a wicker basket to your room or to any of the various outdoor seating areas. Sally and Mike have a system worked out for delivery at your chosen time that is poetry in motion. It was fun to see the action as pampered guests relaxed and savored the homemade treats. Privacy, pampering and personalized attention make it easy to choose Blue Skies Inn for the night.

Sally and Mike, your artistic gifts are in abundance from your gardens and decor to those delicious breakfasts. Thank you for being so welcoming to children at your B&B. My nine year old son experienced more "magic" here because of what you have created than he did in a DisneyWorld suite.

The Matlock Family
Delafield, Wisconsin

The food was delicious and the stay was indeed enchanting Thank you for your ideas and topnotch service.

Meghan Sisson

Thank you for the wonderful and beautiful accommodations. We enjoyed our visit very much and hope to return. May you get lots of guests in the future. They will be blessed to have stayed here.

Joanna Jestings Phillips & April Jestings-Brown

Thank you very much, we had a wonderful time. Because of this place, we will always remember our honeymoon.

Josh and Jennifer Myers

Thank you for your great rooms and hospitality! We had a great time. We are excited to try your other rooms. We'll be back, only next time with more guests!

Eric and Brenda Roth

We certainly enjoyed our stay here. What a beautiful place to spend our 4th anniversary. The room is truly breathtaking and what a breakfast! Thank you for what you do. Keep up the good work.

Louis and Dianne Smith

We really enjoyed our stay to celebrate our 8th anniversary! We live in the Springs and relished the chance of a night away from the kids! The room is beautiful, especially the huge bathroom. The bed was so comfy. The breakfast was perfect. Best of all was the hot tub.. you may never leave it!

Michelle and Rob Rolley

We loved staying at Blue Skies on our 49th anniversary! A neat spot, charming decor.

Jim and Esther Tavares

Thank you -- everything was wonderful. We left Blue Skies feeling rested, relaxed and reassured that art and business can collide without compromise! Thanks again.

Julie and Brad

(Not to worry, Julie & Brad. Sally recently got an "A" on her
business final exam. A little validation, at last!)

You have proved that Art and Business can successfully be combined by appealing to a well-defined "niche" market. You obviously have developed a strong mission with a well thought out strategy and great implementation based upon extraordinary attention to detail. If this isn't a great "business plan," I don't know what is!

Hope we can come back every year. This is livin'!

Gano S. Evans, Ph. D.
Professor Emeritus of Business Strategy and Policy
University of North Carolina

We walked into your establishment and everything fell away, it was like walking into Peace!
And the service! Ya'll thought of everything!! From the bubblebath to the chocolates to the delicious breakfast to the room to the loving kindness. Thank you so much for making this the perfect weekend! See you next year.

Paul and Lee Laney

Thank you for a wonderful visit! We enjoyed our retreat to your mountain "oasis." We'll be sure to spread the word about Blue Skies, and hopefully, someday we'll be back for our honeymoon.

Danielle and Christine

This weekend has been just what my husband and I needed -- and it has been the best experience to introduce our son to the mountains. We love your beautiful town and appreciate all of your hospitality. The rooms look awesome! We hope to be back again -- real soon. Blue Skies ahead!

Tania, Mike and Mogen Haggerty

Hello, Sally-
I just can't stop thinking about how beautiful your b&b is, and all the original design and craftsmanship it holds. Great!

Lisa Beyerle

Dear Sally and Mike,
Thank you for the lovely time we had at the Inn. The room was lovely, the breakfasts were delicious and the service was excellent. We will certainly recommend the Blue Skies Inn. Thank you for a lovely Christmas.

Janeice & Harry Rathke

Good Morning!
Thanks again for the great weekend and if you get a chance would you send me the recipe for those awesome pineapple muffins? Thank you so much!

Mary Horning

Hello Sally,
This is Tony Delk. Mary and I got engaged while staying in Ferdinand's Garden the weekend before Valentine's day 2000. Well, we decided to have a private little wedding on Jan. 20th and have the actual ceremony in September. I would like to talk to you about staying there ,once again, to celebrate our being married.

Elwyn A. Delk Jr.

Sally and Mike,
Our stay at Blue Sky on September 9 was one of the highlights of our trip to the western US. We have told many of our friends if they are EVER in Colorado Springs that they should stay at your Inn. You have a WONDERFUL concept for the Inn and our stay was a lifetime memory.

Sincerely,
Bill (and Loretta) Murray

Hello, you fascinating, artistic, creative, wacky people you! I finally visited your web site. Boy, do I miss the beauty of your surroundings, the peaceful atmosphere, great service, and remarkable artwork and decorations.
We were the 25th anniversary celebrants who were there the 27th and 28th of August. We really enjoyed our stay and are telling everyone about you and your place. Hope it generates more business for you. We hope to return for the Pike's Peak marathon. We'll only do half--the way up and hope they will gently carry us down again. Thanks a lot for a fantastic time. We are glad we were in your lovely state and appreciated your care of us.

Jack and Sandra Achilles--

Many thanks for your hospitality and fabulous accommodations! We look forward to our next stay in the "starlight" of Manitou. To your success!!

Patrice and Karen