Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is the quirky, walkable town tucked into a canyon just west of Colorado Springs, and it has been drawing visitors since the 1870s. The town grew around its naturally carbonated mineral springs, which Ute and other native peoples are said to have valued long before settlers arrived. Victorian developers built bathhouses, hotels and a railway to bring health-seekers up from the East. Today the historic district has brick storefronts, galleries, candy shops, restaurants, breweries and a retro arcade, all on a flat main street beneath the red cliffs. The springs remain a highlight, with public fountains where you can taste the different mineral waters, each with its own flavor and fizz. A guided e-golf-cart tour or a walking tour gives visitors the stories behind the buildings, which makes it one of the easiest stops to enjoy without a plan.

Start on Manitou Avenue, the main street, which is lined with historic buildings, boutiques and eateries. A short walk reveals the Penny Arcade, a vintage arcade with old-fashioned games, and the Mineral Springs Foundation's fountains, which are scattered around the district. There are several public springs, and a walking map of them is easy to find in town.

Beyond the springs, the town has plenty to do. Miramont Castle Museum is a sprawling Victorian mansion with a surprising mix of architectural styles and a tea room. The Manitou Incline, a steep former cable-railway bed, is a famous fitness challenge for hikers who like a very tall staircase, though it requires a reservation system and preparation. Seasonal events include fall festivals and the quirky Emma Crawford Coffin Races, a Halloween tradition in which teams race decorated coffins down the main street.

Art galleries, cideries and craft breweries give the town an easygoing afternoon feel. Families enjoy the arcade, the candy and the cliff dwellings nearby. Couples tend to settle on a patio at the end of the day and watch the light fade on the cliffs.

Logistics are simple. Manitou Springs is a ten-minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs and next door to Garden of the Gods. Parking can be tight in summer, so look for lots on the edge of town and walk in, or use a free shuttle where available. The Cog Railway depot and the Cave of the Winds are a few minutes away, so the town is a natural base or lunch stop for a Pikes Peak day.

Guided options include a historic e-golf-cart tour and walking ghost and history tours, which are good ways to learn the stories. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a refillable bottle for the springs and plan on at least two to three hours, or an evening if you want to eat and drink well.

Seasons change the town's character. Spring brings blossoms and quieter streets, summer brings crowds, music and long evenings, and fall brings golden aspens on the surrounding hills and the festivals that locals love. Winter is calm, with cozy cafes and sunny afternoons, though some shops keep shorter hours. Whatever the month, plan to linger over a meal, because the restaurants and patios are a large part of the pleasure of an afternoon here.