5-BULLET FRIDAY – April 25, 2025

#1 – QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey

#2 – COLORADO’S PLAYGROUND MAKES WEEKEND WORKOUTS A GAME-CHANGER FOR YOUR HEALTH

Living in Colorado means having access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country—and now, science says your weekend hikes, bike rides, or ski days are doing more for your health than you might think. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even if you only work out on weekends, you can still lower your risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and all causes—just like someone who exercises regularly throughout the week. This “weekend warrior” approach offers hope for those who face barriers like time, equipment, or motivation during the busy workweek. With national guidelines recommending 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, weekend adventurers in Colorado can easily meet that by exploring our scenic trails, paddleboarding on mountain lakes, or getting active with family in the fresh mountain air. So go ahead and make your weekends count—your heart and body will thank you.

#3 – AVALANCHE RETURN HOME WITH SERIES TIED, LANDESKOG’S COMEBACK SPARKS PLAYOFF HOPES

The Colorado Avalanche have kicked off their 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs campaign with a tightly contested series against the Dallas Stars. After a commanding 5-1 victory in Game 1, led by Nathan MacKinnon’s two goals and an assist, the Avalanche faced a setback in Game 2, falling 4-3 in overtime despite strong performances from Logan O’Connor and MacKinnon. The series is now tied 1-1 as it shifts to Denver for Game 3, scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at Ball Arena. Notably, team captain Gabriel Landeskog has been activated from long-term injured reserve, potentially providing a significant boost to the Avalanche lineup. With both teams demonstrating resilience and depth, fans can anticipate a thrilling continuation to this first-round matchup.

#4 – DENVER’S MILLION DOLLAR STARTER HOMES: WHERE PRICES SOARED- AND WHERE YOU CAN STILL FIND A DEAL

Buying a starter home in the Denver area has become a seven-figure challenge in some neighborhoods, with new data from Zillow showing that Cherry Hills Village, Bow Mar, and Columbine Valley now have entry-level homes priced at over $1 million. These eye-popping figures highlight just how much the pandemic-era housing boom has reshaped affordability, not just in coastal cities but across the country. While California still leads the pack in cities with million-dollar starter homes, Colorado has now joined the ranks with three of its own. Fortunately, not all hope is lost for buyers—more listings and extended market time are giving home seekers a bit of negotiating power this spring. And for those looking to stay in the Denver area without breaking the bank, there are still more affordable neighborhoods like Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, and Aurora that offer entry-level homes at a fraction of the cost—providing a realistic path to homeownership for first-time buyers.

#5- 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE DENVER AREA THIS WEEKEND

Spring weekends in Denver are full of energy, culture, and family-friendly fun—and this one is no exception! Whether you’re into monster trucks, fine art, nature, or delicious cuisine, there’s something happening that’s sure to bring a smile to your face (and maybe even give your family a much-needed break from the usual routine). Here are five exciting things to do in and around the Denver area this weekend:

1. BrickSlopes LEGO Fan Expo
If you have LEGO lovers in your home (young or young-at-heart), BrickSlopes is a must-see! This vibrant expo showcases jaw-dropping custom LEGO creations by talented builders from across the country. Kids can enjoy interactive build zones, games, and vendors.
📍April 27–28 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort
🔗 brickslopes.com

2. Monster Jam at Ball Arena
Get ready for high-flying stunts and jaw-dropping action! Monster Jam is rolling into Ball Arena with its world-famous monster trucks, freestyle competitions, and edge-of-your-seat races. It’s loud, exciting, and perfect for thrill-seeking families.
📍April 27–28 at Ball Arena
🔗 monsterjam.com

3. National Parks Week at Rocky Mountain National Park
Celebrate National Parks Week with free admission on Saturday, April 27 to Rocky Mountain National Park! On Sunday, the park continues the celebration with family-friendly activities, educational programs, and nature experiences that will create lasting memories.
📍Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park
🔗 nps.gov/romo

4. Día del Niño Free Days at Denver Museums
In honor of Día del Niño (Children’s Day), both the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science will be offering free admission on Sunday, April 28. Enjoy music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on art activities while exploring these local cultural gems.
📍Various Denver locations
🔗 denverartmuseum.org
🔗 dmns.org

5. Mile High Asian Food Week
Treat your tastebuds to a culinary journey through Denver’s vibrant Asian food scene during Mile High Asian Food Week. Enjoy special menus, limited-time dishes, and events at local favorites like Meta Asian Kitchen, Tea Street, and more.
📍Now through April 27 at participating restaurants
🔗 milehighafd.com

No matter what your schedule looks like, there’s something special happening in the Denver area this weekend for every kind of family. From outdoor adventures to cultural celebrations and action-packed events, now’s the perfect time to explore, make memories, and support your local community.