Advice on local favorites! (coffee shops, restaurants) (Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs: low crime, get credit)

[jmb5677]

My husband and I are planning to move to COS in June and will be visiting for one week in March. I am trying to make the most out of our visit and really want to get a feeling fo the town. Any suggestions on great places to eat, have coffee, bars? Hot spots in town we don't want to miss? We're early thirties, no kids, pretty casual people.

[Mike from back east]

First two blocks of S. Tejon St is known in our house as The Street of Many Restaurants. This is in the heart of what passes for a downtown here. A lovely walkable area, very low crime, friendly people.

There's an Irish pub, a Frenchie place, an organic foods place, steakhouses, deli, Starbucks, brew pub, etc. Lots to choose from.

A bit west of downtown, is Old Colorado City. Nice funky vibe, neat shops and places to eat, walk, take a carriage ride.

Further west is Manitou Springs, very bohemian or hip with eateries & shops and a park or two.

Lots here, all within easy reach. For planning purposes with Mapquest, the downtown exit off I-25 is Bijou St, now closed while they build a new bridge. Plan to come in off Uintah St or Cimarron St (exit 141) or come up Nevada St from the southside, somewhere down around exit 138 or so.

s/Mike

[bashep]

I agree w/ Mike, Old Colorado City is really neat, they have a restaurant called La Baquette. The best Cheese Fondue and French Onion Soup!! That is probably my favorite. I love to go to Garden of the Gods too, take a hike or just drive through, beautiful! Where are you guys staying when you come? bashep

[jmb5677]

We are staying at Hampton Inn located on Commerce Center, 80919. We really have no idea what to expect of the area. I have read that the north side is a nice part of town so hopefully we are staying at an ok location.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by jmb5677

We are staying at Hampton Inn located on Commerce Center, 80919. We really have no idea what to expect of the area. I have read that the north side is a nice part of town so hopefully we are staying at an ok location.

Hamptons are fine places, we stay there often. That's a good one, right off I-25 and Woodmen. But its a very busy area, way too close to I-25 for my liking due to noise. Can walk to Old Chicago, Outback and one other eatery.

Since you're weeks away, you may want to cancel and re-book at Homewood Suites, off exit 151. Far enough off the exit that you won't get highway noise, and a whole lot less traffic on Briargate Pkwy than on Woodmen. We stayed here 3 times while house hunting...Jan, Mar & Jun 2005. Great place, with a really good free breakfast every day and a free light dinner Mon-Thur evening...with beer and wine on tap..all free. Our realtor got us a good rate there and we are Hilton Honor "frequent travelers" so we get credit at any Hampton, Homewood or Hilton property. This location is in the Briargate / Pine Creek area, which we think is the best area in town and we've lived here for 1.5 years now. Right across the street from Homewood Suites are the Shops at Briargate, with many eateries (Panera, Qdoba, Cal Pizza Kit, PF Chiangs, Biaggi's, Champs, Ted's Montana Grill, Maggie Moo's ice cream, and Starbucks) plus all sorts of shopping. It may cost a few bucks more but you WILL love it. See:
http://www.homewood-suites.com/en/hw...tyhocn=COSNOHW

I have no deal with them whatsoever. If you have a realtor, they may be able to get you a better rate... I hear that occupancy rates are off around town, so they may be willing to make a deal....

s/Mike

[jmb5677]

Thanks for all the great advice. We will look into it. We can't wait to get there.

[bashep]

Mike was right on! Such a smart guy!! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! There is so much to see here, you will love it! bashep

[ceadda]

If you really want to get a feel for Colorado Springs you need to visit some outdoor venues. Colorado Springs has always been and outdoor city. That is the real feel of the town. Visit Palmer Park and Garden of the Gods if you get a chance.

The rest of the previous advice is really good.

I believe the Hampton Inn is the highest rated place to stay according to Travelocity.

[toxicavenger]

A great hang out is Suga's on South Cascade or Monteagues on South Tejon. Also there is Dog Tooth Cafe, Dale Street Cafe, Woolgins (spelling?) which is N.Tejon and I sure I am missing a few more.

[SaxLuva]

Wade's Cafe, 3858 Village Seven Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 has the best breakfast in the city. It's close to Bennigan's on N Acadmeny across from Penrose Community Hospital.