Beth’s guidebook
Coffee Houses
Great locally owned coffee house with chic atmosphere, good breakfast choices - try their toast options! YUM!
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Loyal Coffee
408 S Nevada AveGreat locally owned coffee house with chic atmosphere, good breakfast choices - try their toast options! YUM!
Another locally-owned favorite, their breakfast is wonderful as well - try their avocado smash or their amazing waffles!
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Urban Steam
1025 S Sierra Madre StAnother locally-owned favorite, their breakfast is wonderful as well - try their avocado smash or their amazing waffles!
Off the beaten path, but phenomenal breakfast/brunch and coffee. Unique "no-tip" model (tipping is built in to their price structure).
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Good Neighbors Meeting House
505 Columbia StOff the beaten path, but phenomenal breakfast/brunch and coffee. Unique "no-tip" model (tipping is built in to their price structure).
Jives Coffee Lounge
16 Colbrunn CtGreat coffee shop in the heart of Old Colorado City
Food scene
This is our FAVORITE breakfast/brunch place - simply delish! Also check out their market with ready-made meals, bakery items and more!
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Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe
616 S Tejon StThis is our FAVORITE breakfast/brunch place - simply delish! Also check out their market with ready-made meals, bakery items and more!
Award-winning locally owned Italian restaurant. Also check out the wine bar with delicious tapas and dinner above them!
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Paravicini's Italian Bistro
2802 W Colorado AveAward-winning locally owned Italian restaurant. Also check out the wine bar with delicious tapas and dinner above them!
Our favorite mexican! Off the beaten path on Crystal Park Rd in Manitou Springs, but don't let that fool you - this place gets packed, especially on weekends, so plan to go early :)
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Crystal Park Cantina
178 Crystal Park RdOur favorite mexican! Off the beaten path on Crystal Park Rd in Manitou Springs, but don't let that fool you - this place gets packed, especially on weekends, so plan to go early :)
Another of our favorite Mexican restaurants, we love Amanda's for the outside patio creekside dining!
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Amanda's Fonda
3625 Colorado AveAnother of our favorite Mexican restaurants, we love Amanda's for the outside patio creekside dining!
Best Thai food on the Westside! Try their Pad Thai Wild Ginger, or if you like a coconut flavor with a kick, the Chicken Panang is amazing!
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Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant
2628 W Colorado AveBest Thai food on the Westside! Try their Pad Thai Wild Ginger, or if you like a coconut flavor with a kick, the Chicken Panang is amazing!
Greek food; our favorite is the mixed mezze (mixed appetizer) platter and the spanikopita. Bonus: if you order to-go, they give you extra pita and homemade hummus :)
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Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna
2616 Colorado AveGreek food; our favorite is the mixed mezze (mixed appetizer) platter and the spanikopita. Bonus: if you order to-go, they give you extra pita and homemade hummus :)
Locals favorite, simple, cheap, non-fancy breakfast and lunch! Beware their green chili though - they say it's been known to make grown men cry (and John has cried!)!
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Western Omelette
16 S Walnut StLocals favorite, simple, cheap, non-fancy breakfast and lunch! Beware their green chili though - they say it's been known to make grown men cry (and John has cried!)!
The Rabbit Hole
101 N Tejon StOff the beaten path, great food and fantastic drinks.
The Skirted Heifer
204 N Tejon StGourmet burgers with flare!
Fantastic NY style pizza. Don't let the name fool you - it is NOT infused, but it is pretty amazing! Hand-tossed, oven-baked fresh to order. Also try their French-style crepes - perfect ending!
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Slice420
2501 W Colorado AveFantastic NY style pizza. Don't let the name fool you - it is NOT infused, but it is pretty amazing! Hand-tossed, oven-baked fresh to order. Also try their French-style crepes - perfect ending!
This is BY FAR our fave local restaurant/bar-pub. Family friendly, and fantastic food! We love it because we can usually get right in/seated right away on an early weekend evening! You can't beat the historic atmosphere, SUPER reasonable prices, and great location.
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Thunder and Buttons II
2415 W Colorado AveThis is BY FAR our fave local restaurant/bar-pub. Family friendly, and fantastic food! We love it because we can usually get right in/seated right away on an early weekend evening! You can't beat the historic atmosphere, SUPER reasonable prices, and great location.
Colorado Springs has a chic upscale yet casual rooftop restaurant and bar! New in 2022, great food and ambiance, and the views can't be beat. Reservations highly recommended and can be made via the OpenTable app.
Lumen8 Rooftop Social
402 South Tejon StreetColorado Springs has a chic upscale yet casual rooftop restaurant and bar! New in 2022, great food and ambiance, and the views can't be beat. Reservations highly recommended and can be made via the OpenTable app.
Looking for something more romantic and an amazing dinner experience? This is the place.
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Pepper Tree Restaurant
888 W Moreno AveLooking for something more romantic and an amazing dinner experience? This is the place.
Locally owned and worth the higher price tag, Carlos will usually greet you himself. Great for special occasions. Reservations required.
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Carlos' Bistro
1025 S 21st StLocally owned and worth the higher price tag, Carlos will usually greet you himself. Great for special occasions. Reservations required.
Upscale fondue restaurant located in historic Manitou Springs (just minutes away). For a more casual and lighter option, check out their "wine and tapas" bar downstairs.
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Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant
733 Manitou AveUpscale fondue restaurant located in historic Manitou Springs (just minutes away). For a more casual and lighter option, check out their "wine and tapas" bar downstairs.
One of our go-to lunch spots and also great for dinner, this casual and creative place has an Asian-inspired menu with American flare. Try their burger, Gangnam fried chicken, beet salad, or butternut sage squash ravioli.
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503W
503 W Colorado AveOne of our go-to lunch spots and also great for dinner, this casual and creative place has an Asian-inspired menu with American flare. Try their burger, Gangnam fried chicken, beet salad, or butternut sage squash ravioli.
This is actually supposed to be Mountain Shadows Restaurant but the name keeps defaulting to Meadow Muffins (which is now called Mother Muffs) just down the street.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant has been Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! This small, locally-owned breakfast/brunch spot is a local fave. Good food, priced just right.
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Meadow Muffins
2223 Colorado AveThis is actually supposed to be Mountain Shadows Restaurant but the name keeps defaulting to Meadow Muffins (which is now called Mother Muffs) just down the street.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant has been Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! This small, locally-owned breakfast/brunch spot is a local fave. Good food, priced just right.
Hiking/Running
One of our favorite hiking areas - great views and not as crowded as Garden of the Gods can get!
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Red Rock Canyon Open Space
3550 W High StOne of our favorite hiking areas - great views and not as crowded as Garden of the Gods can get!
A must-see destination, but also check out the single-track hiking trails that go around the entire park - the center is the most crowded, but a few steps on the outside of the road, and you're on nice hiking trails with great views. Just beware of rattlesnakes!
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Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
A must-see destination, but also check out the single-track hiking trails that go around the entire park - the center is the most crowded, but a few steps on the outside of the road, and you're on nice hiking trails with great views. Just beware of rattlesnakes!
Absolutely our favorite hiking and running trail. The 5.5mile roundtrip singletrack is beautiful and not as crowded as some other trailheads can get. Going counter-clockwise, the steepest part is the first 2 miles, then it gently goes downhill back to High Drive and then to the parking lot. Stunning views!
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Section 16 Trailhead
Gold Camp RoadAbsolutely our favorite hiking and running trail. The 5.5mile roundtrip singletrack is beautiful and not as crowded as some other trailheads can get. Going counter-clockwise, the steepest part is the first 2 miles, then it gently goes downhill back to High Drive and then to the parking lot. Stunning views!
WARNING: "This is considered an extreme trail and is an advanced hike! The Manitou Incline gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over less than 1 mile. It's not for the faint of heart, but people from all walks (or climbs) of life have successfully conquered it. It is, perhaps, the most unique and challenging trail in the country, attracting runners, military, Olympic athletes, and hiking enthusiasts from around the world. More than anything, the Manitou Incline is famous for dishing out a tough workout." Bring plenty of water, snacks, and leave no trace - it is carry-in, carry-out for trash. Please don't litter our trails.
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The Incline
The InclineWARNING: "This is considered an extreme trail and is an advanced hike! The Manitou Incline gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over less than 1 mile. It's not for the faint of heart, but people from all walks (or climbs) of life have successfully conquered it. It is, perhaps, the most unique and challenging trail in the country, attracting runners, military, Olympic athletes, and hiking enthusiasts from around the world. More than anything, the Manitou Incline is famous for dishing out a tough workout." Bring plenty of water, snacks, and leave no trace - it is carry-in, carry-out for trash. Please don't litter our trails.
There are many trails up in Cheyenne Canyon: You can start at the nature center at the base of the road and take the Columbine Trail all the way up (7.6 mi out and back), or drive up to Helen Hunt falls and take that short hike, or drive to the dirt lot at the top of the Canyon and hike the Seven Bridges Trail among many many others! Bring plenty of water and snacks and plan to carry out what you pack in. Dogs are welcome on-leash.
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North Cheyenne Cañon Park
15220 S Cheyenne Canyon RdThere are many trails up in Cheyenne Canyon: You can start at the nature center at the base of the road and take the Columbine Trail all the way up (7.6 mi out and back), or drive up to Helen Hunt falls and take that short hike, or drive to the dirt lot at the top of the Canyon and hike the Seven Bridges Trail among many many others! Bring plenty of water and snacks and plan to carry out what you pack in. Dogs are welcome on-leash.
This is the "flattest" trail in Colorado Springs, and generally follows Fountain Creek North through the Air Force Academy and Monument and South through the heart of Colorado Springs all the way to Fountain. It also provides several connection points to other major trails throughout the city, making trail commuting easily doable.
New Santa Fe Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA
This is the "flattest" trail in Colorado Springs, and generally follows Fountain Creek North through the Air Force Academy and Monument and South through the heart of Colorado Springs all the way to Fountain. It also provides several connection points to other major trails throughout the city, making trail commuting easily doable.
Great short waterfall hike located in the beautiful Cheyenne Cañon area in Colorado Springs. Tip: there are LOTS of other trails in this area too that are beautiful and worth exploring!
Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USA
Great short waterfall hike located in the beautiful Cheyenne Cañon area in Colorado Springs. Tip: there are LOTS of other trails in this area too that are beautiful and worth exploring!
Sightseeing
"America's Mountain" is right in our backyard and worth a visit if you can fit it in! Be sure to go earlier in the day if you can - the drive and/or shuttle can take a while and later in the day you also run the risk of afternoon storms rolling in.
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Pikes Peak Summit House
"America's Mountain" is right in our backyard and worth a visit if you can fit it in! Be sure to go earlier in the day if you can - the drive and/or shuttle can take a while and later in the day you also run the risk of afternoon storms rolling in.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds RdGreat for families and rainy days!
Great museum to take in all things historic about this area, good rainy day activity!
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Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
215 S Tejon StGreat museum to take in all things historic about this area, good rainy day activity!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
10 Cliff RdRoyal Gorge Brücke und Park
4218 Co Rd 3AA nice day-trip, worth seeing!
We love our zoo (and we're members!), it's award-winning and you can feed the giraffes for a small extra fee. Pro tip: book online tickets early in advance for a reserved entry time, as it gets busy and walk-ins are not guaranteed. Note that in the summer, Colorado has a tendency to get afternoon storms, so earlier in the day is usually better, but plan ahead.
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdWe love our zoo (and we're members!), it's award-winning and you can feed the giraffes for a small extra fee. Pro tip: book online tickets early in advance for a reserved entry time, as it gets busy and walk-ins are not guaranteed. Note that in the summer, Colorado has a tendency to get afternoon storms, so earlier in the day is usually better, but plan ahead.
New in 2021! Interactive Olympic experience, state-of-the-art museum. Good "rainy day activity"!
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U.S. Olympisches und Paralympisches Museum
200 S Sierra Madre StNew in 2021! Interactive Olympic experience, state-of-the-art museum. Good "rainy day activity"!
Groceries and more
This is our favorite grocery store on the Westside. Great selection of fresh produce, organic options and more (we're actually even impressed with their sushi section!). There's a liquor store and Walgreens pharmacy in the same plaza, which is very convenient too :)
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King Soopers
6030 Stetson Hills BlvdThis is our favorite grocery store on the Westside. Great selection of fresh produce, organic options and more (we're actually even impressed with their sushi section!). There's a liquor store and Walgreens pharmacy in the same plaza, which is very convenient too :)
Another grocery and supply option closeby in case you forget something more ;)
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Walmart Supercenter
707 S 8th StAnother grocery and supply option closeby in case you forget something more ;)
If you're looking for the best selection with "fixings" and more, this is our fave. Usually always a wine expert on-hand to help you find something a little more special if needed.
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Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits
330 W Uintah StIf you're looking for the best selection with "fixings" and more, this is our fave. Usually always a wine expert on-hand to help you find something a little more special if needed.
Plaza 21 Discount Liquor
1014 S 21st StOur fave "discount" liquor and wine store with great selection
Great selection of organic, gluten-free, etc groceries and more, plus their additional wine shop!
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Trader Joe's
5342 N Nevada AveGreat selection of organic, gluten-free, etc groceries and more, plus their additional wine shop!
Breweries
Colorado Springs has a great brewery scene, and Red Leg tops them all in our opinion. Conveniently located right on one of our major trail systems, killer views, great beer, but also a selection of wine and liquor as well, there's something for everyone. They've also partnered with local food vendors to bring you delicious munchie and meal options while you take in their unique ambiance.
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Red Leg Brewing Company
2323 Garden of the Gods RoadColorado Springs has a great brewery scene, and Red Leg tops them all in our opinion. Conveniently located right on one of our major trail systems, killer views, great beer, but also a selection of wine and liquor as well, there's something for everyone. They've also partnered with local food vendors to bring you delicious munchie and meal options while you take in their unique ambiance.
One of the original "staple" breweries in Colorado Springs, the location is unique in a "reimagined" elementary school. The brewery is just one of the tenants; while you're there, check out the food scene, or if beer isn't your thing, there's also Axe & Oak Distillery for the whiskey connoisseur.
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Bristol Brewing Company
1604 S Cascade AveOne of the original "staple" breweries in Colorado Springs, the location is unique in a "reimagined" elementary school. The brewery is just one of the tenants; while you're there, check out the food scene, or if beer isn't your thing, there's also Axe & Oak Distillery for the whiskey connoisseur.
Great beer (also great selection of wine & liquor), fantastic food! Even if you don't drink alcohol, the food here is spot-on, and the ambiance is welcoming.
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Cerberus Brewing Company
702 W Colorado AveGreat beer (also great selection of wine & liquor), fantastic food! Even if you don't drink alcohol, the food here is spot-on, and the ambiance is welcoming.
Located in the heart of historic Manitou Springs at the base of Pikes Peak, they have a great selection of beer and more. Their food is delicious as well!
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Manitou Brewing Company
725 Manitou AveLocated in the heart of historic Manitou Springs at the base of Pikes Peak, they have a great selection of beer and more. Their food is delicious as well!
City/town information
This little town on the far west side of Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and has several naturally occurring springs throughout the city. Rich with history and an abundance of eclectic shops, restaurants, trails and more, this is a great area to check out.
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Manitou Springs Colorado
606 Manitou AvenueThis little town on the far west side of Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and has several naturally occurring springs throughout the city. Rich with history and an abundance of eclectic shops, restaurants, trails and more, this is a great area to check out.