The stores are filled with chocolates, florists are filling their shelves with roses, and everywhere you go there seems to be subtle and not-so-subtle reminders that Cupid's big day is just around the corner.

This year, treat your significant other to an amazing day they won't soon forget. Here are a few fun date ideas for you and your honey this Valentine's Day weekend in Colorado Springs.

For The Outdoorsy Duo

Nothing says I love you for outdoorsy couples like some quality time together in the great outdoors. Although Valentine's Day is officially on Tuesday, celebrating on the weekend would allow you to take full advantage of an entire day together.

On February 12, start your day off at 8:30 A.M. with a trip to the Colorado Wolf and

Some of the greatest perks to living in The Springs are the craft beer, fine dining, and cool coffee shops that can be found in town. People here work hard, play hard, and love to gather over good food in their down time. So, what makes a good coffee shop great? For starters, it all comes down to the beans. A good environment, friendly staff, and house-made snacks also go a long way.

Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just enjoy it for its warmth and energizing effects, these five shops in Colorado Springs are a must-visit for residents and tourists alike!

Switchback Roasters

Inspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the importance of social interaction, Switchback Roasters is a locally owned and operated shop that aims to create an

No matter how new or old your home is, you will most certainly require help from a handyman at one point or another. Whether it's fixing a leaky pipe or installing a new roof, regardless of the scope of the project, you want to make sure you hire someone who can get the job done efficiently and affordably.

Finding a good contractor or hiring a handyman is especially important when you're taking care of the house alone if your partner is away or deployed. In these cases, getting some extra help from someone who knows what they're doing is vital.

Here are a few things to look for when hiring a good handyman or contractor:

Check the Contractor's Reviews

In today's digital age, it's easy to find out everything you need to know about a

With the rising cost of rent in Colorado Springs, you might be thinking this year is finally the year you're going to buy a home. This is an exciting time for anyone, but there's one big thing that stands between you and your dream of owning: a mortgage.

While you might feel financially ready to take on a mortgage, it's ultimately up to the lender to deem you responsible and financially stable. One of the ways they do that is to take a peek into your credit history. Maxing out your credit card in college or forgetting to pay a bill here and there might not seem like a big deal at the time, but it could come back to haunt you later in life when trying to apply for a large loan.

If you've been informed you have imperfect credit and need to

The purchase of your first home can be an exciting and exhilarating process. Homeownership is something that many people dream of. Owning your own home means not being held accountable to a landlord. It means the freedom to paint, remodel, and redecorate your space how you like. It means creating the perfect space for you and your family to build a life together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For most people, the purchase of a home is also the largest transaction they will make. This can be daunting. Few buyers have the resources to buy a home outright, and this can make the buying process even more complicated because lenders are involved too. One of the biggest challenges that new home buyers face is understanding the buying

Home insurance is single-most important thing you can have to protect your largest investment, and if you're financing a home with a mortgage, there's a very good chance you'll be required to have it. However, not every insurance policy is created equal and it pays to do your homework. If disaster strikes, you don't want to be left wondering: am I really covered for that?

Here are some things to watch for if you're in the market for home insurance:

Know What You Need

The foundation of every insurance policy is its level of coverage. A twenty year-old home is going to require a different policy than a new construction one, as will mobile homes and condominiums.

For many homeowners, insurance is one of those things they buy once and forget

When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, the saying, "you get what you pay for" rings true. We see many Realtors® advertise their services online offering rebates and discounts for homebuyers— especially here in The Springs. If you think these Realtors sound too good to be true, they definitely are.

Discount Realtors are easy to find but they are also something you should avoid if you are selling or buying a home. The initial discount or rebate is not worth the hassle and trouble of working with an inexperienced and unprepared individual.

Here are 3 reasons why you should avoid working with a discount real estate broker:

They Can Lack Proper Training and Experience

Training to be Realtor takes time and money. Offering reliable

As you wind down from the excitement of a summer that was filled with family gatherings, nights out with friends, barbecues in the backyard, and weekends floating peacefully in a lake somewhere, it's time to focus your thoughts on buying that new home that you have been thinking about. Why would you want to do this in the fall I can hear you thinking! There are many reasons for listing in the fall and after this blog post, we know you'll be ready to run out and buy your first or next home! Ok, maybe not run out, but at least be more informed after reviewing the following 6 reasons for listing in the fall.

Homes Are Priced Lower

Realty Trac states that October is actually the best time to purchase a home. They looked at over 32 million home

Many seasoned home buyers have been through the process and already know what they want and need. But if this is your first rodeo, you may not know what to look for when buying a home or where to even start. The home buying process can be emotionally charged at the best of times, so to help you stay on track and find exactly what you're looking for, here are a few things to think about before you start shopping.

Find Out How Much You Can Afford

Before you start perusing the listings and falling in love with house after house, it's time for a reality check. It's better to find out what you can really afford before you get your heart set on a particular home. This is one of the most common mistakes of first-time buyers and it's heartbreaking to

Thanks to the annual amount of sunlight the city receives, Colorado Springs may seem like a great place for a garden to succeed, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges as well. The Pikes Peak region is home to several little microclimates, all of which make gardening a totally different experience from one end of the city to the other. However, with a little bit of hard work, the right conditions, and some persistence, you can achieve the beautiful backyard vegetable garden you've been dreaming of.

If you're looking to start your very own vegetable garden in Colorado Springs, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Find The Perfect Spot

You'll want to find a spot that typically receives around 10 hours of sunlight per