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

It’s not difficult to understand why Colorado Springs has the appeal it does for new homebuyers. It offers all the amenities and conveniences of bigger urban areas in the state but with a more affordable cost of living and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many others reasons why we meet so many people looking to buy a home in Colorado Springs and the folks who move here tend to rave about what it’s like to live here. It's no surprise Colorado Springs is known as one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country. 

There are many people who enjoy views of Pikes Peak and the entire Front Range every day of the year, and with its clean, crisp fresh air, this area can’t be beat. Colorado Springs residents are certainly lucky

The VA loan is the most incredible loan program available in the market today.  With a VA loan, veterans can purchase a home with no money down! That means you can buy a home and finance 100% of the purchase price, up to $417,000, in El Paso county.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

VA Mortgage Guidelines & Requirements

What is even more incredible is that active duty service members are eligible for VA financing after just 90 days of service! Specifically, you are eligible for a VA loan when you meet ONE of the following criteria:

• You have served 90 consecutive days during wartime.
• You have served 181 days during peacetime.

Deciding whether to buy or rent is one of the first things that crosses one's mind when they're told they're PCSing, and it's not always an easy decision. You have to take stock of your personal finances, consider what the housing market is like where you're moving to, and decide if it makes sense for you and your family. For those given orders to PCS to Colorado Springs and the rate at which rents are increasing, this decision is becoming less hard to make, especially if you can take advantage of a VA loan.

Colorado Rents Are On The Rise

According to an article in the Denver Post in 2016, 40% of working Colorado renters spend more than 1/3 of their pre-tax income on rent and utilities. What is even more alarming is that one in every four

Buying a home is often a stressful experience. Not only do you want to make sure you are purchasing the right home for you, but there could be other external factors that make homebuyers easier or more complicated. For example, if you have children, you may want to consider the time of year that you move. A growing trend that many real-estate experts once discouraged is purchasing a home during the winter. This was once frowned upon by the industry, but the benefits and advantages are making winter purchases ideal for many homebuyers.

Winter is actually a great time to be shopping for a home, but it can come with its own set of challenges as well. Since November, the average home price in The Springs has cooled slightly and the average