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Shopping in Colorado SpringsSometimes the best way to enjoy a vacation is just to sip a coffee drink, people-watch, and do some shopping. In Colorado Springs, you have several options. If you’re looking for "stroll-and-browse" shopping--to take in the local flavor--then Old Colorado City historic district, Downtown, and Manitou Springs are for you. All three of these areas offer plenty of shops, adjacent parks, and great restaurants. If you want major chain retail shopping, the Chapel Hills Mall and The Citadel Mall are your ticket.
OLD COLORADO CITY
The shopping is focused on four blocks of Colorado Avenue--from 24th Street to 28th Street. Stores vary from art galleries and jewelry shops, to boutique clothing and souvenir shops. There’s also a BBQ specialty shop, and a little hole-in-the-wall shop that specializes in honey. Tree-lined and paved with brick sidewalks, Old Colorado City gives you that small-town Western charm feeling. Keep an eye out for the horse-drawn carriage. Bancroft Park is on the East end of the strip--a wonderful place to rest under mature trees, listen to music at the band shell, stare at the foothills, or people-watch. If it’s between June-October, the Saturday morning farmer’s market here is a great place for deals on fresh produce, salsa, and hot tamales. There’s also stand that serves fresh coffee and macaroons too. You will love the macaroons. Old Colorado City has two ice cream parlors, a handful of restaurants, and even a couple of “saloons.” That should keep you fueled up for more shopping.
DOWNTOWN
The downtown area is more upscale, with broader streets and taller buildings. Modern art sculptures and bronze historical statues decorate the sidewalks. For shopping, you’ll find a myriad of boutique clothing stores, art galleries, and outdoor gear shops. There are also more shops to choose from, as there are more streets to cover, but the focus of shopping in Colorado Springs’ downtown is squarely on Tejon Street and its east/west cross-streets, from Boulder St on the north to Colorado Ave on the south. There is a good mix of local and chain coffee shops, a plethora of restaurants, and several pubs and nightclubs. You’ll also find the Twin Peaks movie theatre, where you can order food & drinks while you watch your favorite flick. Getting around is simple because there are permanent easy-to-use maps cemented upright into the ground at intersections. Acacia Park is on the corner of Tejon & Bijou, offering festivals and activities throughout the summer. Downtown is definitely lively, day or night. Another thing we’ll tell people who are looking to do some shopping in Colorado Springs is to go to Manitou Springs!
MANITOU SPRINGSManitou Springs is its own city a few minutes from Colorado Springs, but it’s really kind of connected on the west side of town. (Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs turns into Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs). For shopping, you’ll want to find a parking spot on Manitou Avenue, the main street through town. For about a half-mile stretch, you will find shopping galore on both sides of the street. The buildings are a mix of Victorian B&Bs and shops with the feel of the Old West. This is a haven for art galleries! You will find all types of artisans:
You’ll also find:
And several restaurants and cafes. (Two of our favorite restaurants are here: Adam’s Mountain Café, and Keg Lounge.) While Colorado Springs is extremely close to the mountains, Manitou Springs is on the mountain. The foothills rise high on the horizon, and the Manitou Incline is clearly visible. Adjacent Soda Springs Park is a wonderful place to sit in the shade and listen to the mountain stream rush by... There are several natural mineral springs on this thoroughfare. Try some of the healing waters right out of the spigot! Manitou Springs is quirky, eclectic, mountain-y (is that a word?), lively, colorful, and active. This place is hopping in the summertime, and there are often unique festivals going on—from authorfest and casket races to farmer’s markets and parades. People-watching is a great activity in Manitou Springs.
RETAIL MALLSRetail malls and strip malls also make for abundant shopping in Colorado Springs. There are shopping squares and strips all up and down Academy Blvd, but the two main malls in town are Chapel Hills and The Citadel. THE CITADEL MALL - www.shopthecitadel.com Home to Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenny’s, and over 150 other retail stores. Located on the near east side, at the intersection of Academy Blvd & Platte Ave. Monday-Saturday 10am to 9pm 750 Citadel Drive East CHAPEL HILLS MALL - www.chapelhillsmall.com Home to Macy’s, Sears, Dillard’s, JCPenny’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and over 155 other retail stores. Located on the north side, off I-25 at exit 150. Monday-Friday: 10:00am-9:00pm 1710 Briargate Blvd. Do you have stores or ideas you’d like added to our “Shopping in Colorado Springs” page? We’d love to hear from you. << From Shopping in Colorado Springs back home
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