Colorado Springs 2023

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Shuga’s

Eclectic globally inspired eats plus creative cocktails & coffee served in a slick, retro-feel room.

702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: (719) 328-1412 | Web: www.shugas.com

Edelweiss German Restaurant

Rustic Bavarian beer garden & eatery where folk music accompanies the classic dishes like schnitzel.

34 E Ramona Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Phone: (719) 633-2220 | Web: edelweissrest.com

Carlos Bistro

Popular, upscale restaurant serving creative global fare & drinks in a warm, atmospheric space.

1025 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Phone: (719) 471-2905 | Web: www.carlosbistrocos.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

The Rabbit Hole

Late-night New American haunt crafting creative bites & cocktails in a sleek, subterranean space.

101 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO

Jack Quinn’s

Comfy Irish pub home to traditional cuisine, grog, sing-alongs & a local running club’s home base.

21 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO

Jax Fish House & Oyster

Bar

Upscale chain serving gourmet seafood dishes & creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting.

11 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO

Streetcar 520

Cozy, relaxed pub offering Irish & local beers, a sizable bar-bites menu & live music nights.

520 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO

Bonny and Read

Thoughtful selection of seafood & steaks, plus creative cocktails, in a modern setting with a patio.

101 N Tejon St #102, Colorado Springs, CO

Four by Brother Luck

Unique Southwestern-style dishes & creative cocktails served in relaxed digs with craft beer on tap.

321 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro

Rustic trattoria with a lively atmosphere doling out classic Italian dishes with homemade sauces.

2802 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO

Caspian Cafe

Casual yet elegant eatery with a mix of Greek & Middle Eastern dishes accompanied by belly dancers.

4375 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO

La Bella Vita Ristorante

Lauded fine-dining locale specializing in elevated Italian offerings with old-world charm.

4475 Northpark Dr, Colorado Springs, CO

May 3-7

Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival

The Cañon City Blossom Festival is four days full of a variety of events and fun featuring music, rodeo, 5K run and much more! The festival is the city’s largest and continues to grow in popularity every year. The Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival provides nationally recognized competitions for elementary, junior high and high school bands in marching, jazz band, and orchestral music. Learn more at visitcos.com

Jun 10-11

Pikes Peak Pride Fest

Pikes Peak Pride 2023 is a community event expected to gather thousands of visitors together from across the state and Pikes Peak Region into downtown Colorado Springs. There will be two full days of vendor booths, food trucks, beer garden and high energy entertainment to include a fabulous parade on Sunday. Complete details at visitcos.com.

Jul 21-23

Rocky Mountain State Games

The Rocky Mountain State Games (RMSG) is Colorado’s largest multisport festival for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities, including those with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). The Rocky Mountain State Games is held primarily over the last two weekends in July in various premier venues across the Pikes Peak region. Learn more at visitcos.com

Aug 11-13

Donkey Derby Days

People from all over the world descend on downtown, drawn by a chance to watch a race inspired by the town’s resident donkey herd, believed to be distant relatives of the original donkeys from the town’s Gold Rush days. Enjoy games, live entertainment, heritage competitions and other fun family activities that will make your visit one to remember! Visit us online at visitcos.com

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Sep 2-4

Labor Day Lift Off

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off brings fun and excitement for the entire family throughout the Labor Day Weekend. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with the 2023 Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off from Memorial Park September 2-4. With early morning balloon launches and evening balloon glows, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Complete details at visitcos.com

Oct 28

Emma Crawford Coffin Races

The story of Emma Crawford lives on in the wacky Emma Crawford Coffin Race up Manitou Avenue. Costumed impersonators of Emma ride on coffin-like contraptions pulled by teams of four “mourners.” A Parade of Coffins and awards for the best Emma and Most Creative Coffin complete the day-long event. Stay in town for the Emma Crawford Estate Sidewalk Sale hosted by participating local businesses in Downtown Historic Manitou Springs. Learn more at visitcos.com.

Nov 22-26

Thanksgiving Package at The Broadmoor

This Thanksgiving weekend, let the Broadmoor host a grand array of food and fun designed to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. They have an exquisite fare, family events and activities for everyone. Visit visitcos.com

Dec 1-22

Christmas at Flying W Ranch

The Cowboy Christmas Jubilee, set in a festival of twinkling white lights at the stunning, well-lit rock formations at the Flying W Ranch, will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. You will be captivated with a musical show performed by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers. Details at visitcos.com

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

ONE COLORADO

One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.

Web: one-colorado.org | Location: 303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203

THE CENTER ON COLFAX

Engaging, Empowering, Enriching & Advancing the LGBTQ Community of Colorado. The Center on Colfax provides a host of free services, targeted programs, enriching cultural events, and more! Web: lgbtqcolorado.org | Location: The Center on Colfax, 1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218 | Phone: 303-733-7743

PFLAG COLORADO SPRINGS

Promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) persons, their families and friends. Web: www.CSPFLAG.org

PIKES PEAK METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

A progressive community of faith, welcoming all people, with special outreach to the LGBTQ communities of the Colorado Springs area. Web: www.PPMCC.org

QUEER ASTERISK

A nonprofit organization guided by queer and transgender leadership and rooted in community. We provide counseling services, educational trainings, and therapeutic programs centering queer and trans experiences. Web: queerasterisk.com

NORTHERN COLORADO EQUALITY

Northern Colorado Equality seeks to empower the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies through activities, programs, services and education. Honoring, promoting and celebrating our community’s diversity is our central organizing principle. Web: www.nocoequality.org

Jan 28 2024

Fruitcake Toss

Watch hated holiday treats fly at this quirky local event.The fruitcakes will fly once again in downtown Manitou Springs! Join in for some oldfashioned tossing of those maybe not so beloved holiday desserts. There will also be a fruitcake costume competition, libations and a fruitcake bake-off! Learn more at visitcos.com

Feb 18-26 2024

Cripple Creek Ice Festival

Join the Cripple Creek community for the return of the Cripple Creek Ice Festival! Join us to witness the carving of fantastic sculptures, live Carver vs Carver competitions, an ice slide, and more! The event will run Saturday, February 18th-Sunday February 26th, with the Ice Sculptures on display every day. Visit visitcos.com for more info.

Mar Spring Break 2024

GOA Spring Break

Bring your family and friends on a memorable adventure they will cherish. Enjoy exceptional experiences in the latest Polaris UTVs or Jeep vehicles. Choose between a self-guided tour with the freedom to explore independently or with a professional guide. Receive a free gift, hot drinks, and a warming bonfire. We look forward to hosting your spring break excursion! Learn more at visitcos.com.

Apr 22 2024

Earth Day Silent Disco

Celebrate Earth Day with UpaDowna at OCC Brewing, and wear your favorite nature-themed costume! Get creative and enter the costume contest as the top three costumes will win groovy swag from Fjällräven! No nature suits, please. Details at visitcos.com