It's officially fall in The Springs. The leaves are changing, days are getting shorter, and residents are starting to trade in their shorts and T-shirts for pants, boots, and sweaters. Colorado Springs has had some pretty great weather so far, with only a mild sprinkle of snow on Pikes Peak in recent weeks, but that could all change in the coming weeks as we transition into October. Winter is coming, and here's how to get your home in great shape before it arrives.

Your Home's Pre-Winter Checklist

Inside Your Home

1. Check Your Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Before you turn on the furnace for the first time and start to heat up your home again, it's a good time to ensure that all of the safety equipment in your home is ready

One of the most important, and yet often overlooked, aspects of your home is the front yard, which also happens to be the part everyone sees first. Whether you're happily invested in your home for the long-term or are thinking about selling it in the near future, it never hurts to put some time and elbow grease into it each year.

Here are the best and most economical ways to make your front yard shine year after year.

Say Buh-Bye To Weeds

One the fastest and easiest ways to refresh your front yard is to spend an afternoon whacking and pulling every weed in sight. You can also apply some gluten pre-emergent herbicide to help destroy weeds before they take root. If you have any weeds popping up in the driveway, a solution of vinegar with

Shopping at a farmer's market in Colorado Springs is an experience that every homeowner should try at least once. As soon as you step into the market, your senses will be overloaded with bright colors, amazing smells, and the sound of cheerful locals enjoying the day.

Farmer's markets are a great way to support local farmers and artisans by purchasing goods right from the source. Many Colorado Springs residents take some time on the weekend to head to the farmer's market to stock up on fresh produce and homemade goods. Shopping at a market is also beneficial for the buyer. Since you are not purchasing produce from a store, where markups are inevitable, you are able to get a better price for most things.

So where do you find the best

For those who love to hit the slopes, it just doesn't get any better than the challenging downhills offered by the Rocky Mountains. Residents of Colorado Springs are just a few hours away from some of the best alpine resorts in the country. What's even better than a powder day? A cheaper rate for your lift ticket –something that many resorts currently offer for active duty military members.

The season typically runs from now until the end of April, so military families still have plenty of time to take advantage of these great discounts!

Always Check The Base First

The ITT office on base is always a good place to start if you're planning a trip to the mountains. In addition to hooking you up with a cheaper lift ticket, they can also

Memorial Day is one of those holidays that hits near and dear to the heart for many, and it's also considered to be the unofficial kickoff to summer. The Gazette reported that, thanks to low gas prices and a strong economy, there will be more tourists than ever hitting the roads and traveling this weekend.

If you want to celebrate the lives of those who have fallen for our everyday freedoms and make the most of the endless things to do this weekend, then here are a few events and suggestions of ways you can pay your respects and enjoy this fun-filled holiday long-weekend. What’s more, they’re nearly all located in-town, so you don’t have to fret the frantic highway frenzy that’s projected to ensue.

Memorial Day Commemoration

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In Colorado Springs, there's never a bad time of year to cheer on a local sports team, and we do mean local. With the multitude of NCAA Division I teams at the U.S. Air Force Academy and University of Colorado Colorado Springs—not to mention the minor league baseball and football teams in the city—you don't have to drive to Denver to cheer on high-quality teams. You also don't need to pay anywhere near as much money to score great tickets in Colorado Springs.

Whether you're new in town or you're just looking to reinvigorate yourself with a new team to cheer on, there are plenty of options within the Colorado Springs area.

United States Air Force Academy Falcons

Falcons Football

Where do we begin with all the Air Force Falcons teams you can

Colorado Springs real estate offers a number of winning features, not the least of which is the astounding scenery. This area is a hub of natural wonder, boasting beautiful impressive views of snowy peaks and ski slopes.

Now that the colder season is upon us, it's time to plan your next alpine adventure…

… Whether you're looking for a renowned winter hotspot or a lesser-known gem, there is ample slope selection to choose from near Colorado Springs.

So why wait?

In today's guide, we list some of the most distinct ski resorts near Colorado Springs, and the pros and cons of visiting each slope. While there are certainly other glorious mountains in the area, this shortlist offers a lot of variety, and even more fresh powder for you and your

From telecommuting to freelancing, more people are working from home than ever before. Unfortunately, it's also one of the first areas to get neglected in terms of décor and upkeep. Regardless if you're working remote or just occasionally paying some bills and checking the internet, you deserve to have a home office that's both pretty and productive – and you don't have to break the bank to get it.

Here are some tips to help create the perfect home office:

Location Is Key

Location is the foundation to success. If you're easily distracted, try setting up in a room that's away from the main living area. If you're going to have client's coming by, it might be best to position yourself somewhere near the main door and make sure you have plenty of

For somewhere with such a diverse climate, it may come as a surprise that a number of homes in Colorado Springs don't come equipped with air conditioning. If the hot summer weather has you feeling a little uncomfortable in your home, here are some tips that are not only easy on the wallet, but the environment too!

Close Your Blinds, Windows, and Doors

A considerable amount of heat is generated from light as it passes through glass, which is one of the biggest sources of natural heat in your home. As nice as it is to let the natural light illuminate your space, try keeping your blinds closed during the day, at least while the sun is shining directly on that area. If you don't already have them, it might be worthwhile to invest in white blinds and

For many fitness enthusiasts, staying in shape isn't limited to visits to the gym. Building a home training studio is a rewarding project that involves careful planning before plugging in that treadmill. Here's what to keep in mind for this home improvement.

Location, Location, Location

An effective home gym is more than an empty room full of equipment here and there. Start by picking the best room in your residence. It should be large enough to hold the equipment necessary and situated in a spot that discourages noise transmission. An 8-foot ceiling is ideal to accommodate headroom for tall equipment and for stretching. A basement is often the first choice. A second option might be a guest bedroom. Since working out generates significant