This Weekend: Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off

September 2, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

The 2020 Labor Day Lift Off Celebrates City-Wide on September 5th and 6th!

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off will take place this Labor Day Weekend in a heavily modified form. With this in mind, event organizers Hot Apple Productions, LLC and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation plan to bring hot air balloons to residents across Colorado Springs with an innovative twist.

“The Colorado Springs community will be able to experience early morning balloon launches while balloons fill the city skyline, launching from numerous locations around town,” said Hot Apple Productions Managing Member, Scott Appelman. “Additionally, we will have a pop up Balloon Glow, weather permitting. Locations to be determined for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.”

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off continues a 43-year tradition of a hot air balloon event in Colorado Springs. “I am happy to see this beloved event continue to make a positive impact during this difficult time,” said Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off Founder, Dewey Reinhard.

Labor Day Lift Off’s usual donut eating contest, lake events, and field activities will not take place and no vendors will be available. No events will occur at Memorial Park.

“Our goal is to create a unique community event that allows residents to continue to enjoy the tradition of the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off,” said Sports Corp President and CEO Tom Osborne. Residents are encouraged to visit ColoradoSpringsLaborDayLiftOff.com and join the event’s Facebook page for updates and the latest event information.

Both partners are thrilled to be able to do this under the environment we are all experiencing. The Labor Day Lift off will be one of very few balloon events that will take place in the world this year. It will look different not being held at Memorial Park, but available for the community to watch with balloons launching from different locations in Colorado Springs.

Article originally published online at https://coloradosprings.macaronikid.com/articles/5f4678bde31e703f53f1b896/the-2020-labor-day-lift-off-celebrates-city-wide-on-september-5-6.

Spacious and Updated 3 Bedroom Home

August 28, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

5233 Smokehouse Lane, Colorado Springs CO, 80917

3 Bed • 2.5 Bath • 2310sf • 2 Car

Offered at $350,000

Impressive modern updates in this spacious home!

The kitchen was recently opened up and remodeled with new everything to include: new painted cabinets with pot drawers, quartz countertops, black stainless double door fridge, counter-to-ceiling tile backsplash, granite under-mount sink, floating shelves, gold fixtures, recessed lighting, pergo floors, wine station, and built-in bench with storage.

The family room has new pergo floors and brick fireplace with wood burning stove; Master and half bath have also been updated with new vanities, flooring, and toilets. Generous master suite with wide closet and private bath with shower. Full hall bath upstairs.

Fenced low maintenance backyard. Basement is a huge open multi-purpose space with room for a pool table, gaming, office, entertainment area, crafts or workshop – you name it! Easy access to Powers or Academy; so close to shopping and restaurants. This home will go fast!

Schedule a private tour today! (719) 425-8929

www.BlessingsRealty.com

Top 5 Scenic Drives Near Colorado Springs

August 25, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

The Colorado Springs area encompasses a wide variety of scenic drives in the region from pristine pine and aspen forests along Pikes Peak to twisty canyons and winding mountain passes.

1. GOLD BELT SCENIC BYWAY

Our most famous route is the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. This scenic drive takes you along the historic railroad and stagecoach routes where the most prominent, populated mining towns were located: Florissant, Victor, Canon City, Florence and nearby Cripple Creek. These scenic drives can take anywhere from two to eight hours and is about 135 miles total. Drive part of it or drive it all, but don’t forget to stop and take in each of the areas main attractions.

2. GOLDEN LOOP HISTORIC PARKWAY

We also recommend the Golden Loop Historic Parkway, which was made famous during the gold rush in the 1890s. This area includes the Cripple Creek and Victor mining areas and takes you through historic mining backcountry roads.

3. PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY

Another one of our favorite scenic drives near Colorado Springs is the Pikes Peak Highway. Take the trip up to the mountain’s summit and overlook the city. This 19-mile road starts at 7,400 feet and climbs up to 14,115 feet at the top of the mountain. On your way up, you’ll see beautiful trees, serene lakes, hills and mountaintops.

4. SKYLINE DRIVE

Drive your passenger car on a road that ascends and follows the top of a high razorback ridge overlooking Cañon City. Skyline Drive is a one-way, paved road from US 50 on the west edge of town. Soon the landscape falls away hundreds of feet on both sides, which is just a bit hair-raising. The city spreads out on both sides of you and there are pullouts to enjoy the view. Towards the top, there is an interpretive display to help you see the ancient dinosaur tracks embedded in the cliff face.

5. RUSSELL TUTT SCENIC HIGHWAY

A “hidden gem” is the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway. It takes you to the Will Rodgers Shrine inside the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It’s only a 1.4-mile drive up the mountain and it provides amazing views of Colorado Springs. The cost is included in your zoo admission for that day.

The fall months are especially pretty for these Colorado scenic drives, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the golden hues of the trees and other foliage.

Enjoy these breathtaking drives near Colorado Springs!

Article originally published at https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/outdoors/scenic-drives/.