Colorado Springs, CO + Add a trip

Downtown

Small downtown has relaxed feel. View of Pikes Peak a constant. Monument Creek Trail a pleasant run, walk or mountain bike opportunity. Go north from behind Colorado College, starting at Monument or Cache La Poudre streets. Fine Arts Center there ideal for a culture stop. Parkway adjacent to trail has many benches facing west for view of the mountain. Trails north of Bijou the most safe and active. You may see red foxes, Northern Flicker woodpeckers, and the usual canine suspects. Tejon Street has restaurants offering breakfast, lunch & dinner. Rico's a nice spot for coffee, short menu, and occasional live music of jazz or folk persuasion. La Creperie truly cozy dinner spot (think tight seating & small tables) with good food. Fratelli on Nevada St. near Bijou a great Italian spot.

In Downtown "the Springs" go to Nosh, Jack Quinn's Irish Pub, or (just five minutes south on Tejon) the Blue Star (one of the top 5 eateries in Colo. Springs.)

Mackenzie's Chophouse has nicely cooked and well priced steaks.

This is a gem of a place; great breakfasts, great lunch, their dinners can stand up against any you get anywhere at any price. Go...try the butternut crepes (wife & daughter's fav) or the Brazilian Barramundi (my favorite)...either way, get the appetizer of goat cheese, figs, onions & spinace to share...you'll be in Heaven!

MacKenzie's is a great night out. Very good steaks, chops, and fish...good desserts....great salads. I've been there four times and each one has been terrific, indicating their attention to detail and quality. A bit pricey, but not by big-city standards. Try it with a group, they do a good job!

Two locations, on Tejon (downtown) and on N Powers about Stetson Hills. Both are terrific. This is best deli you can find outside NYC, Philly or surrounding area. The pastrami and spicy mustard are great; they make their own knishes, salads are good, and portions are for the hungry!

Multiple locations: I've been to S Circle Dr and also to N Carefree. This place has amazing hamburgers, fries, chili, cheesesteak, and bean soup. Old-time service, large servings (you can even get a half-hamburger), consistent quality. Eat like the locals....go to Conway's! A bona fide piece of Americana!

Delicious local brews in a very low-key in-brewery pub; taco stand inside sells a few snacks, or you can get fancy take-out from next door, they don't mind. Take a jug home to your hotel room to get you through your trip!