Shopping in Colorado Springs

Five principal areas attract shoppers in Colorado Springs. The Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City neighborhoods are fun places to browse for art, jewelry, arts and crafts, books, antiques, and other specialty items. The Chapel Hills and Citadel malls combine major department stores with a variety of national chain outlets. Downtown Colorado Springs also has numerous shops.

Mall lovers have their pick of Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd. at North Academy Boulevard and I-25 (tel. 719/594-0110; www.chapelhillsmall.com); the Citadel, 750 Citadel Dr. E. at North Academy Boulevard and East Platte Avenue (tel. 719/591-5516; www.shopthecitadel.com); and the Promenade Shops at Briargate, 1885 Briargate Pkwy. (tel. 719/265-6264; www.thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com).

Commonwheel Artists Co-op -- There are artists galore in Manitou Springs, and this co-op showcases works from a good many of them. Of the galleries dotting the streets, this is the best place to start. 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs. 719/685-1008. www.commonwheel.com.

Michael Garman’s Museum and Gallery -- Michael Garman has made a name for himself with his sculptures of down-and-out types, cowboys, and blue-collar everyday joes. Stop here for a great selection of his work, but the can't-miss attraction is Magic Town, a room-sized city with so many details it's hard to take them in in less than a half-hour. Entry to Magic Town is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 7 to 12, and free for younger kids. If you feel like really exploring, get a scavenger hunt card from the cashier. 2418 W. Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City. tel. 800/731-3908 or 719/471-9391. www.michaelgarman.com.

Van Briggle Pottery & Tile -- The late Artus Van Briggle took Far Eastern techniques of matte glaze to locally sourced clay starting in 1899, and his Art Nouveau results are the thing of legend. The kilns are still active today, and you can see artists in action. 1024 S. Tejon St. tel. 719/633-7729. www.vanbriggle.com.

Books -- There are numerous chain bookstores around the city, including Barnes & Noble, 795 Citadel Dr. E., just east of the Citadel Mall (tel. 719/637-8282).

Sporting Goods -- In business since 1968, the independent Mountain Chalet, 226 N. Tejon St. (tel. 719/633-0732; www.mtnchalet.com), sells camping gear, outdoor clothing, hiking and climbing gear, and winter sports equipment. Another good source for all sorts of outdoor clothing and equipment is Sports Authority, with stores at 7730 N. Academy Blvd. (tel. 719/532-1020) and 1409 N. Academy Blvd. (tel. 719/574-1400).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.