The 2011 Summer season kicks off in high style with new and expanded shops and restaurants for locals and tourists.
Manitou Springs, CO (Moxie Girl PR) -Though Manitou Springs has always been a popular seasonal destination, locals and visitors alike can now look forward to a summer filled with more---more shops, dining options, entertainment and natural beauty. The downtown district of Manitou is at full retail occupancy, with new stores and restaurants opening their doors for business. “The time, money and effort we’ve all put into Manitou’s infrastructure and downtown revitalization is really bearing fruit,” said Clint Hensley, President of the Business Improvement District and owner of The
Poppyseed and The Trippin’ Troll. “It’s vibrant, diverse and an exciting place in which to live, shop and play!”
Recently, the newly-consolidated Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau and Office of Economic Development adopted the name “iManitou” in which to operate. “We thought that with all the progress Manitou Springs is making in promoting tourism and the business climate in town, that we needed a name that captured that spirit,” said Dave Symonds, President of iManitou. “It is our hope that iManitou will be able to build on the success the Business Improvement District has had in keeping vacancies nearly non-existent.”
Among the newest endeavors are GreenSoul, Wish, Naturally’s Market and Café and the Quacker Gift Shop. GreenSoul is a locally-owned retail shop that specializes in environmentally-friendly, local and socially responsible products. “We love the rich diversity of residents, businesses and activities that Manitou Springs offers and are very happy to be a part of this community,” said Kristen Lee, owner of GreenSoul. Angela Guido, owner of Wish, chose Manitou Springs as the location for her new business because it was the “perfect place, not only for me, but for Manitou. I think Manitou needed Wish as well. I really studied the stores, so I could offer items that weren’t available anywhere else,” she says. “This way, as businesses we can all work together instead of competing against each other.” Ronda Burke, owner of Naturally’s Market and Café, is an example of the Manitou approach to doing business. “We wanted to create an environment that would allow our customers the opportunity to treat themselves naturally and holistically to the highest quality homemade, organic food in a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.”
Other well-known Manitou stores have responded to the economy in an innovative fashion. Black Cat Books and Safron of Manitou Springs recently merged spaces in the Black Cat store, creating a unique shopping experience where fashion and literature
collide, with delightful results. The Stagecoach Inn recently built a deck on their front lawn in order to expand outside dining options for their patrons. The owners of the Quacker Gift Shop, Jennifer Brown and Steve Kudron, looked all over the state before deciding on Manitou Springs as the ideal location for their second store. “We explored Estes Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Old Colorado City. What we found in Manitou was a year ‘round economy, reasonable rents and a welcoming
atmosphere.” Founded in 2006, the Quacker Gift Shop is America’s pre-eminent store in which to find rubber duckies of all styles and sizes.
Manitou Springs has its roots as a health resort and an artists’ colony and boasts a diverse population; support for the culinary, holistic, visual, literary and performing arts; and a colorful history. Lauded as one of the coolest small towns in
the country by Budget Travel magazine, Manitou lives up to its reputation with cool shopping/dining options, inviting art galleries and live entertainment venues.
About the Business Improvement District
It is the purpose of the Central Manitou Springs Business Improvement District to be a strong collaboration of business, government and community. Merchants in the district work together to insure a long-term goal of a clean, safe, vibrant
visitor destination area reflective of its historic heritage that is attractive and welcoming to both visitors and residents, and contributes to the economic prosperity of Manitou Springs. For more information, call Susan Wolbrueck at 685-2475 or email her at susan@caferace.com.
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