Author: By Cassie Heeke The Gazette

Construction began in Village Seven, one of the oldest planned communities in Colorado Springs, nearly 50 years ago. The neighborhood’s cul-de-sacs are filled with ranch-style and two-story homes. Mature trees beautify the area. Garden Ranch residents have easy access to Garden Ranch Park, Pulpit Rock, Austin Bluffs, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and popular…

Briargate encompasses more than 9,600 acres on Colorado Springs’ north side and was master planned about three decades ago. It’s bursting with residential cul-de-sacs, features District 20 schools, and boasts a variety of shops and places of worship. At the Promenade Shops at Briargate, visitors will find higher-end retailers and restaurants including Banana Republic, lululemon…

Look northwest of Colorado Springs and you’ll see the trees of Pike National Forest. The forest is also home to Ormes Peak, which a husband-and-wife duo hopes to turn into a 1,150-acre ski resort. If they succeed, the 9,700-foot mountain will be the closest place for Pikes Peak region residents to hit the slopes. The…

Downtown is the bustling heart of Colorado Springs. Its streets, lined predominantly with locally-owned restaurants and shops, are iced with trendy lofts and apartments. Tejon Street is a hub for community festivities, including parades, a cattle drive, motorcycle shows and sports and arts events. Bars and nightclubs bring the area alive after dark. The weekends…