Restaurant Buzz!

Looking for unique? Check out The Rabbit Hole in downtown Colorado Springs!

Looking for a new spot to try? Possibly a date night at a restaurant you've never tried? Here are a few highly rated picks for you to think about. If you need a great Real Estate team we got you covered there too! The Springs Summit Group is here and ready to assist you with any transaction, so get in touch with us today! We'll make your home buying or selling process easy and efficient! Now for the food recommendations...

1) Carlos' Bistro

• Continental
• $50 and over
• 5 Stars (845 reviews)

In the beginning there has been one word in Carlos’ Bistro, Beautiful. The excellence and the experience of the best in Colorado Springs. Carlos (Owner, Executive Chef, and Matradee) provides a warm and welcoming experience to all of our customers, making everyone feel special at home and relaxed.

2) Pepper Tree Restaurant

• Steak
• $31 to $50
• 4.8 Stars (1308 reviews)

The Pepper Tree restaurant has been a tradition for fine dining in Colorado Springs since 1983. Serving steaks, seafood, lamb, veal and more, the Pepper Tree is legendary for impeccable cuisine, ambiance, service and breathtaking views of the city. The Pepper Tree"s signature Mango Chutney Pepper Steak and other specialties, including Chateaubriand, Steak Diane, and English Dover Sole, are prepared or finished table side.

3) Jake and Telly's Greek Taverna

• Greek
• $30 and under
• 4.7 Stars (356 reviews)

In 1997, brothers Telly and Jake Topakas moved to Colorado from Philadelphia and opened Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna, then simply known as Jake and Telly's Bar and Grill. Though at the time the brothers were relatively young, they were third generation restaurateurs and had gathered much second hand experience and knowledge from their father, uncle, and grandfather about the restaurant business.

4) The Margarita at Pine Creek  

• Contemporary American
• $31 to $50
• 4.7 Stars (490 reviews)

The Margarita at Pine Creek, named for The Margarita Daisy, has been an independently-owned local restaurant for over 35 years. Known for our Comfortably Contemporary Cuisine, we feature daily changing menus emphasizing on seasonal ingredients with local products being used whenever

possible. Complementing the food, we offer a full bar with specialty margarita and martini menus, 

our Wine List features over 75 bottles of traditional and obscure varietals. The Kitchen's eclectic 

approach to cooking as well as warm service and relaxing atmosphere has earned awards from both critics and customers alike.

Article Content: https://www.opentable.com/s/dinerschoice    Editor: Seth Worthey

What Are You Going To Do?

Every year we have to pay taxes. It's one of those things in life that we have to do. However there is a small bright side (hopefully), and that is your TAX REFUND. But what should you do once you have that refund, that's the question to ask. Now I know it's tempting to just go on a spree and buy a new TV and Xbox, or go crazy at the mall. However, take a second and review a few of these ideas and see if any of them sound like a better use of the returned money from Uncle Sam.

1) Set It Aside As an Emergency Fund

How much you should set aside is entirely up to you (and this BankRate calculator can help you figure it out), but there's nothing like a good windfall of unassigned cash to help bolster your emergency fund against unexpected costs or problems that may come up. If you don't have an emergency fund, consider using your tax refund to start one. Here's a step by step guide to building a healthy one.

2) Take an "All Expenses Paid" Vacation

Getting your tax refund doesn't have to be all work and no play. You need time to recharge, relax, and get away from the day-to-day, right? Consider using your refund as a set budget for a little private getaway. Whether it's a trip to a place you've always wanted to visit, a cruise to a tropical getaway, or just a picnic in the park, if the money is spent on you and your well-being, it's not misspent. Just make sure to stick to your budget, and pick a destination or event that you'll really love. If you plan it right, you can essentially walk away with a free vacation without even touching your regular budget.

3) Treat Yourself to a Modest Upgrade

Slice off around $500 of that refund and treat yourself to something affordable that will also make a big impact in your day to day life, whether it's a new 1080p Apple TV, your own home-built HTPC, or a bicycle to get you out of your seat and into the fresh open air.

4) Stash It Away in a New Car Fund

The folks at Jalopnik asked their readers what car they would buy with their tax refund, and there are some great selections in the comments there. If you're not in the market for a new or used car right now, consider stashing your tax refund away as a down payment on a car you want, or even as the foundation for a fund you can use to buy your next car all-cash.

5) Invest In Your Well-Being

If you've been putting off going to the doctor or the dentist because you were worried about how much it might cost, now's the time to make that appointment. Been meaning to get to the gym but didn't want to buy a membership until you had the money? Grab one now, or head to your local sports equipment store and look at some exercise gear for your home and get in shape. Been struggling with the death of a loved one, or a relationship on the rocks? It might be time to start looking for a good therapist, regardless of whether your insurance covers mental health services.

6) Pay Yourself First

Of course, we can't let you go without suggesting you take your windfall and do something fiscally responsible with it, like putting that money to work for you. It's worth reiterating that your windfall can do a lot for you if you, especially if you use it towards your own financial security.

7) Save For a Down Payment 

I have to also add to this that using your refund towards a down payment on a new house is one of the smartest ways to invest in your safety and well being. The Springs Summit Group team is here to make sure that when you buy a home it's not just the right fit, but the perfect fit for you. So remember that for all your Real Estate needs our team is here for you!

Article Content:https://lifehacker.com/5902603/nine-smart-and-fun-things-to-do-with-your-tax-refundAuthor: Seth Worthey

What's Coming Soon to Colorado Springs?

If you haven't heard this news yet then that's impressive because everyone has been talking about the In-N-Out burger coming to Colorado Springs! The details are still in the works for it but location seems to be settled, the Victory Ridge Development (Interquest and Voyager). To prove it was the real deal In-N-Out Burger Vice President of Development Carl Arena issued the following statement:

"In-N-Out Burger is excited to be in the early planning stages of its expansion to the state of Colorado. We are working on plans to build a patty production facility and distribution center in Colorado Springs to support future restaurants in Colorado. 

Colorado Springs is an ideal community for us to locate facilities to serve surrounding markets with fresh ingredients, including meat patties produced locally.

At In-N-Out, we have always been thoughtful about expansion into new markets because it is very important that we are able to maintain the high quality and service standards established by our founders almost 70 years ago. We are extremely fortunate to have a number of loyal customers in Colorado and they have been encouraging us to open locations there for some time."

This is going to be a very a very tasty opportunity for Colorado as it seems this will lead to more and more locations opening all up and down the I-25 Corridor. I don't know about everyone else but I'm incredibly excited to have this burger franchise in our own backyard.

What can you follow up that delicious burger with? How about some natural, slow-churned ice cream made using turn-of-the-century rock salt and ice freezers to slowly mix ingredients to give it the best flavor. Lindsay Keller, who co-owns Josh & John's with husband John Krakauer, said the couple was attracted to the city's fast-growing north side, where newer residential areas are teeming with rooftops and families.

"There's a need there," Keller said. "If you look at the rate of (home) construction and folks in the surrounding areas, I'm not sure where they're getting ice cream right now. When we looked at the Monument market, the Flying Horse market, the Pine Creek market, the Briargate market, it just seemed like a good place to land."

Between getting a delicious burger and some tasty ice cream it looks like the North part of the Springs is going to have some great options! It's no surprise either, as both articles said Colorado Springs is growing and it's an ideal location for expansion. There are a lot of new builds coming up and people wanting to relocate. So if you are looking to move into a new area and sell your current home contact us today! We have the knowledge of the area and the experience to make it happen! 

Article content: 

http://www.9news.com/article/life/food/persistence-is-key-denver-city-councilman-sent-the-same-email-to-in-n-out-for-years/73-495796458

http://gazette.com/josh-johns-ice-cream-expanding-to-colorado-springs-north-side/article/1616314

Author: Seth Worthey

What's On Your List This New Year?

Every time a new year starts we all get this feeling of it's time to do more, it's time to improve more, or it's time to change more, etc etc etc. But this year I think it's finally time we stop saying we will and start doing what we said. The purpose of this post is to give you information that will help make these decisions easier so that way this year you're ready to conquer and not quit! So now you need to ask the question, what am I looking to do different in 2018?

1. Start Exercising!*

This is the most common goal in a new year but definitely an important one! Your physical health is directly linked to mental health, so happy body equals a happy mind! Here are a few options to think about;

Planet Fitness
From January 1 until January 10, the enrollment fee is just $1. Then, it’s $10 per month for a standard membership or $21.99 per month for the PF Black Card membership. (The PF Black Card includes additional benefits like the ability to bring a guest for free every visit, access to all 1,400-plus locations, use of Hydro Massage beds, massage chairs, and more.)

Gold’s Gym
Starting in January, Gold’s Gym will kick off its signature 12-week body transformation contest at participating gyms across the United States. Exclusively available to members, the contest will not only help improve overall health, but participants will have a chance to win one of many cash prizes totaling $100,000.

Life Time
From January 1 to January 30, all locations will host the Commit to Fit movement for members and non-members, which includes promotions like Yoga Week, Studio Week, and Cycle Week. If you’d like to become a member, talk to them about special pricing.

24 Hour Fitness
Beginning January 2018, there's a $0 initiation fee on select all-club monthly payment memberships. (Initiation fees vary by club, but they range between $39.99-$89.99.) By becoming a member, you'll also get access to two new programs: Strong by Zumba (a 60-minute high-intensity workout) and Team USA Bootcamp (so you can train like an Olympian during the Winter Games 2018).

2. Eat Better!**

The second most common new year goal is also incredibly important for a healthy you! Here are a few great ways to make your food intake smarter and better for you. 

Reduce your sugar intake, little by little.

“Cutting back on sugar is a gradual process and doesn’t happen overnight, but once you start to cut back on it, you’ll realize you don’t need as much of it as you once thought. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. One easy thing I like to do to cut is use Truvia Nectar, because it has 50 percent fewer calories than sugar. I put it in my Greek yogurt, tea, or anything else I usually put honey, sugar, or agave in.”

Add veggies to breakfast time.

“One health-protective habit I often recommend is aim to fill half of every mealtime plate or bowl with non-starchy veggies. For most people (including me!), that’s easier to do for lunch and dinner than for breakfast. So, my eating resolution this year is to include veggies in one way or another at every breakfast. I see plenty of non-traditional breakfasts in the future!”

Finally get into meal prep—seriously, it's a game changer.

“A weekly meal plan can help you eat better, save money, and time during the week. I really like this type of resolution because it is positive, no restriction, doesn’t involve dieting.”

3. Travel More!

How often do we all say, "I want to travel more" or "I want to go see this place" well this year start actually making it happen! I have two big suggestions to make this a reality; budget and plan. Every pay check take an amount (even just $50 dollars) and put it away. Then after a few months see what you have and get to planning! 

The key to planning is do it early. The earlier you book your trip the cheaper it is, and never underestimate using sites like Hotels.com or Orbitz.com they truly do shop around for the best deals so you can save the most money! Another idea is use AirBnB, it can help you save a lot of money so that you can spend more on the experiences and less on the room!

4. Make a Move!

Okay I know that as a Real Estate team we naturally want to talk about Real Estate, but truly a lot of people look for a new home at the start of a new year! Whether it's because someone wants out of an apartment, or their family is expanding, or possibly a new job makes them go to a new area, there are lots of reasons that make someone want/need to move. 

The best part is the Springs Summit Group team is here to make the process the easiest, most enjoyable, and most efficient possible! No matter what kind of property you're looking to buy we have you covered, and if you're ready to sell and upgrade we have the knowledge and experience to get you top dollar!

Article content:*http://www.health.com/fitness/gym-membership-fitness-deals-2018   **https://www.self.com/story/new-years-resolution-ideas-healthy-eating

Author: Seth Worthey