BoomerGirl Diary

You could spend two or three days just enjoying Manitou Springs, Colo., and all it has to offer. Its main street is filled with art galleries and unique shops with beautiful jewelry, native crafts, clothing and more. Sandy and I browsed almost every shop — and sampled homemade fudge along the way. We particularly liked the beautifully handcrafted turquoise and onyx jewelry.

The Avenue Hotel — A Victorian B&B

At the end of one block, we ran across a lovely B&B that was actually on my agenda to find. It belongs to a friend of a friend. We stopped in for a tour. The Avenue Hotel — A Victorian Bed & Breakfast dates back to 1886 and has been lovingly restored and maintained. It has seven or eight guest rooms and suites plus a carriage house. We found the rooms large, some with multiple beds and all with private bathrooms. It's very well suited for a group of gals out on the town for a few days. This B&B, by the way, was immaculate and nicely decorated. The innkeeper, Kevin, is also a massage therapist and esthetician. Consequently spa services are also offered to guests at the inn — which I believe is unique in the B&B type of accommodations.

Room rates, as well as spa services, are very reasonable and affordable. For example, the Meadows Room with both a king and single bed and private bath is just $115 in season and $99/night in the off season.

Next: More Manitou Springs Adventures

Tips:

1. Dining. I’m giving you a link to the many area restaurants — it will be tough to choose. We enjoyed lunch at Adams Mountain Cafe. I really wanted to return to the Mission Bell Inn, where I had dined on a previous trip, but it was not open for lunch. It has been owned by the same family for more than 30 years and has always been good.

2. Park your car and stroll. Manitou Springs offers you the opportunity to park (for free) and stroll down its streets, stopping in shops and cafes along the way. If you’re staying at the B&B, all the shops are right out your door.

3. Natural springs. These towns are called “springs” for a reason. There really are springs in and around town, several in Mantiou Springs itself. You can sample the water from convenient fountains. We tasted the “soda” water from Cheyenne Springs. It was good, had a slightly sweet flavor.