Manitou Springs

 

As you stroll through the stunning settlement of Manitou Springs, you are taken back by the beauty this town has to offer. At first glance you are able to see and feel the history it has to offer.  And if you take a real deep breath, maybe even catch a little bit of its founding history. Surrounded by the warm red colors of the hill side, Manitou Springs has turned into quite the artistic paradise.

                As you wander down Manitou Ave. you will notice many works of art from local artist, most notably for me it starts with the wood carver just after the pancake house. In memorial park there is a statue of a forward charging solider dedicated to the men and women that have fought for this country. It is also here were a local group of free spirited individuals gather to fill the walls of this little community with the sounds of their bongo drums and lively music. Across the street is building 515, which is newly renovated and used as an art gallery and community hall. It also shares a wall with the Manitou Springs heritage center for all you need to know about the history of this beautiful town.

                As you travel on further down Manitou Ave.  you start to notice works of art lining the streets. These magnificent sculptures display the talent this town has to offer and the pride this community has for its artistic heritage. Along the way you also pass many wonderful shops such as the Green Horse Gallery, Darpino Studio, and the glass blower filled with even more of the talent of Colorado. One of my favorites and a hole that I visit on every trip to Manitou is the Commonwheel Artist Co-op. This little marvel is a collection of Colorado’s finest artist. It is packed full of paintings, Photographs, and ceramics.

                As I leave the red walls of Manitou Springs a feeling of delight floods over me, for this little slice of heaven has grown into such a beautiful community that I cannot wait for my children to grow old enough to appreciate it.