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Favorite Places
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Renaissance Fairgrounds
- 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur (map)
- Out-of-Town
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Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison (map)
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Out-of-Town
720/865-2494
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Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- 3615 W. High St. (map)
- West side
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Raven's Nest Coffee
- 330 N. Institute St. (map)
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Downtown
632-3433
- (based on 2 user reviews)
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Pueblo's Riverwalk
- 101 S. Union St. (map)
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Pueblo
719/595-0242
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Rico's Café and Wine Bar $
- 322½ N. Tejon St. (map)
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Downtown
578-5549
- (based on 3 user reviews)
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Poor Richard's Bookstore
- 320 N. Tejon St. (map)
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Downtown
578-0012
- (based on 1 user review)
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The Perk Downtown
- 14 S. Tejon St. (map)
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Downtown
635-1600
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Pikes Perk Coffee & Tea House
- 5965 N. Academy Blvd. (map)
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Academy (North)
522-1432
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Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission
- 332 W. Bijou St. #102 (map)
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Downtown
632-6189
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Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- 515 Ruxton Ave. (map)
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Manitou Springs/Ute Pass
685-5401
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Piramide Clothing Company
- 106 Cañon Avenue (map)
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Manitou Springs/Ute Pass
685-5912
- (based on 1 user review)
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P.F. Chang's
- 1725 Briargate Pkwy. (map)
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Briargate
593-8580
- (based on 5 user reviews)
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Park State Bank and Trust
- 710 W. U.S. Hwy. 24 (map)
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Woodland Park
687-9234
- (based on 1 user review)
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The Pantry Restaurant $
- 6980 Lake St., Green Mountain Falls (map)
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Green Mtn. Falls
684-9018
- (based on 4 user reviews)
Best Hiking Trail
Because its loops hook together for 13 diverse miles, joining up with the Paul Intemann Memorial Trail and Section 16, giving intrepid and intimidated hikers alike plenty of options. Because Manitou's Incline and Barr Trail are crowded and dull next to the comparatively deserted Red Rock Canyon trails that roll through some of the prettiest topography in Colorado. Because, for free, you can picnic comfortably with your family and Fido, then spend the afternoon exploring cliffs and marshes. And because, in addition to the Chaco-wearing dog-walking crowd, runners, rock climbers and equestrians are also welcome. — Deidre Schoolcraft
Best of 2012 • IndyPick: Neighborhood Hangout that's Off the Beaten Path
It's easy to think of the usual suspects when planning your day, but if you want to treat yourself — and not have to fight or pay for parking — start your morning east of downtown at Raven's Nest Coffee. The drinks are fair-trade and organic, the chairs are comfy, and the baristas are friendly. If it's late enough, you can hit Sabi next door to peruse the shop's funky collection of well-priced vintage and steampunk wear and other oddities. Or just wait for a First Friday, when Sabi's hoppin' with art exhibits, music, food and drink. — Kirsten Akens
Drink 2010
Source: Purple Mountain Coffee
Get the: Spicy sipping chocolate
Rico's features a rotating selection of 20 wines by the glass. Look for an assortment of varietals including organic, vegan and sustainably harvested wines.
InSider 2010
Rico's serves Purple Mountain Coffee products brewed in fancy Chemex carafes. You can also order sipping chocolates, alcohol and eats from Poor Richard's next door.
Best Of 2012: Non-Chain Book Store
Best Of 2012: Used Book Store
Sure, there are reliable favorites: A New York Times bestseller is likely to please, or you could go for the latest in self-help. (Gluten-free, anyone?) But book-buying, like most everything, follows trends. Poor Richard's Bookstore understands this, and is there to help. With more than 120 categories, there is literally something for any reading taste. The "dysfunctional family genre" is popular this year, according to manager Marie Poole, and also, novels by authors like Chuck Palahniuk and Jonathan Franzen, which offer "social commentary in a less offensive form." After all, that's what books are for! — Celine Wright
Best Of 2012: Local Coffee House
While you were voting for your favorite local bean empire this year, change was under way behind the scenes at said empire. Don and Kay Heaberlin, owners of Pikes Perk's downtown branch, split from roaster Rick Roehrman, purchased nearby Purple Mountain Coffee Co., and commenced with their own roasting operation. Hence the two names you see above. Moving forward, the north Perk should offer more of what you've come to expect and reward, including live music on Friday and Saturday nights, while the downtown business has announced changes around environmental consciousness, meaning more fair-trade and organic goodies. Truly, it's a whole new flavor. So be clear next year in your voting, and until then, chug some caffeine in both Perks' honors. — Matthew SchniperBest Of 2012: Local Coffee House
While you were voting for your favorite local bean empire this year, change was under way behind the scenes at said empire. Don and Kay Heaberlin, owners of Pikes Perk's downtown branch, split from roaster Rick Roehrman, purchased nearby Purple Mountain Coffee Co., and commenced with their own roasting operation. Hence the two names you see above. Moving forward, the north Perk should offer more of what you've come to expect and reward, including live music on Friday and Saturday nights, while the downtown business has announced changes around environmental consciousness, meaning more fair-trade and organic goodies. Truly, it's a whole new flavor. So be clear next year in your voting, and until then, chug some caffeine in both Perks' honors. — Matthew SchniperInsider Guide 2010
Piramide specializes in eco-conscious clothing, accessories and jewelry, emphasizing natural fibers that are comfortable. It's also one of the best places in town to pick up a hat when the Colorado sun's baking your head.
Best Of 2011: Chinese
Best Of 2010: Chinese
Good Chinese food is hard to come by, especially in Colorado Springs. Rest assured that even though you might not be able to get your favorite stir-fry from the local stall on the corner, you can always get your fix at P.F. Chang's. The national chain gracefully mixes the tastes of China with more contemporary cooking, and covers all the bases: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetarian options ... Whether you're considering the $39.95 prix fixe menu for a decadent dinner for two, or just looking for a workday lunch to savor, be sure to try Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps and the Mongolian Beef, the restaurant's signature dish. — Ken Voeller
Bites 2012
Really, who could possibly not love a French toast rendition constructed out of a house-baked cinnamon roll? (Hello, sugar!) There's also the locally famous cinnamon raisin toast, plus lunch items like burgers and sandwiches — great for patio dining in the summer.
