Manitou Springs is a historic town at the foot of Pikes Peak, located in the Rocky Mountains. Underneath the town lies mineral springs, which are drawn up in different fountains throughout the city, that you can drink from.
Manitou Springs is well-known as a hippie community. You will likely see quite a few dreadheads. A popular bumpersticker says: 'Keep Manitou Weird.'
Don't miss: 1. Black Cat Books is a bookstore that sells wine as well.
2. The public library is really friendly and beautiful.
3. Stagecoach Inn is a great family restaurant that isn't that expensive.
Quick Tips:
Just like anyplace else, be careful of your belongings, although crimes don't happen often. The Manitou Springs police are really friendly and really bored, so they may patrol for no reason. If anything bad happens, let them know and they will be soooo happy to help.
Some money-saving tips: if you want souvenires, skip all the popular tourist shops and head to the Ten Spot. Everything is ten dollars. A cheap place to get food is The Loop. This is a mexican restaurant that has sides as big as meals for just a couple dollars.
Weather in Colorado can change drastically within just 5 minutes. Even if you aren't far from your hotel-and it is sunny-bring a jacket or sweater. Sunhats and sunscreen are a must. Water bottles are good (you can fill them from your favorite mineral spring). Most places in town take credit/debit cards, although The Mate Factor (a really nice 24/6 cafe and sandwich shop)only takes cash. Best Way To Get Around:
If you wish to rent a car, you will have to do so in Colorado Springs, the city adjacent to Manitou Springs. If you do drive a car, wear your seatbelts, drive the speedlimit, and take care of all the road laws. As it states above, the police are bored and always ready for anything. They crack down pretty hard.
Many people would rather ride their bikes, walk, or take the bus. Riding bike can be difficult, especially if you are not used to the altitude, and is forbidden on the sidewalks. Walking around the shops is fun, but if you are staying someplace farther east along Manitou Ave., you might catch a bus to the shops.
The bus runs west along Manitou Ave., turns right on Park, loops back and runs east along Manitou Ave. There is a bus every half hour during the day. Sunday schedules may be different. Fares: Children ride free; Students, Seniors and Disabled ride for .75; Adults ride for .50. Drivers do not handle cash - you enter your money into a machine. If you need to transfer to another bus, ask upon boarding for a 'Transfer.' These are good for two additional buses, for two hours. Buses are run by Colorado Springs Metropolitan Transit.