FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kitty Clemens, Administrator, Business Improvement District, (719) 685-9741

Danielle Nieves, Media Contact, (719) 229-9371

There’s Something New in Manitou

Downtown Manitou Springs Welcomes New Businesses

Manitou Springs - Visitors to Manitou Springs will find several new merchants this summer in the town’s historic downtown. The newest stores will offer everything from homemade ice cream to one-of-a-kind work from Colorado artists. Many of the new owners are natives of Manitou Springs who opened their doors downtown to offer something unique for local residents. Owners hope the variety of food and retail will draw more shoppers to experience the town’s outdoor shopping and pedestrian-friendly streets. Among some of the newest additions to Manitou Springs downtown are:

Bearworks, 732 Manitou Ave., is a new build-your-own-bear factory tucked inside Mountain West Clothing Company. Shoppers can creat their unique stuffed animals, choose an outfit, give it a name, a heart or “personality stone” and walk away with a birth certificate for their new toy. For more information, call 685-9006.

Kinfolks Mountain Outfitters, 950 Manitou Ave., is owned by a Manitou Springs couple who dreamed of opening a retail store and gathering spot outdoor enthusiasts. The shop will carry outdoor gear with a new twist. The store has a bar and seating for visitors who want to shop and rest their weary feet with a cold drink. In addition to hosting free group events, such as hikes and bike rides, the store will also have live music four nights a week. For more information, call 685-4433.

Mountain Living Studio, 741 Manitou Ave, has seven different rooms and represents at least 83 Colorado artists. The gallery displays watercolor and oil paintings, photography, wood sculptures, crocheted handbags, hand painted silk scarves, clocks and much more. Local artists interested in displaying their work should contact the gallery. For more information, call 685-0225

Poppy Seed, 123 Canon Ave., is located in the first floor of Manitou Springs new downtown lofts. The store currently carries incense, novelty, retro and concert T-shirts, hats, and more. The owners are expecting a shipment of music and books, which will soon fill about half of the store, becoming one of Manitou’s largest source for purchasing music. Owner Dustin Ray said his music selection will include reggae, Grateful Dead, Rock ‘N Roll and the Blues. For more information, call 685-5200.

Ricardo’s Wife, 725-B Manitou Ave., offers hand-woven and “wearable” art. All items in the store are handmade, and most of the crafts are created by Colorado women. The wearable art includes leather shoes, delicate shawls and scarfs, sweaters, hats and jewelry. For more information, call 685-3388.

At The Thyme Keeper, 2 Ruxton Ave., visitors can choose from among 190 medicinal herbs sold in bulk. A digital camera and computer can capture a person's aura, while other shoppers can find local artists' displays of jewelry and pottery. For more information, call 685-9443.

Santa Fe Springs, 948 Manitou Ave., carries an assortment of southwestern collectibles, jewelry and clothes. Some of its most popular items include Blue Sky Clayworks and Franz Chinese porcelain. It is the second Santa Fe Springs store. The first store is located in Old Colorado City and run by the same owners. For more information, call 685-0175.

Sugar Magnolias, 729 Manitou Ave., has been in Manitou Springs for at least three years, but it’s owners have recently moved and expanded the ice cream shop to include a restaurant and bakery. The store boasts several mouth-watering homemade ice cream flavors, as well as an affordable breakfast and lunch menu. For more information, call 685-5416.

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