Want to tap into the local nerd culture in Colorado Springs? Then we’ve got your perfect guide. Michael Ferguson is a local poet, scholar and self-proclaimed nerd with interests that span what he calls multiple nerd buckets, including poetry, video games, comics, film and writing. “Whatever your nerdy proclivities are, there’s a space for them in Colorado Springs,” he says.
As a Black man, Michael also understands the importance of feeling welcome in a new space, especially for people who are part of a marginalized identity. “Any of the spots that I’ve recommended are going to be welcoming because these are the spots that I feel welcome and where I’ve developed relationships with people,” he says. “You’ll find places where you can absolutely feel like you can be yourself.”
Here’s where to find it all.
Where to Stay: Lodging
The Avenue
Once a quaint bed and breakfast, The Avenue is now a single-family rental home in the heart of Manitou Springs. The three-story Victorian home was built in 1886 and overlooks the charming mountain town from 711 Manitou Avenue. The home is spacious — large enough for 16, in fact, with nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It also has a private hot tub, game room and media room. It’s a peaceful spot near all the amenities at the base of Pikes Peak. “We love walking around Manitou,” Michael says. “It feels free there. You can just chill. There’s lots to do and see, and you can get pretty much anywhere in Colorado Springs quickly from there.”
Adobe Inn
If you don’t need quite that much room, consider heading a little farther west of Manitou, up Ute Pass to the Adobe Inn at Cascade, 4675 Hagerman Road. You’ll be nestled in a mountain setting at this romantic Southwestern lodge. The decor is a mix of Native American and Spanish folk art with kiva fireplaces and traditional wooden beams. You’ll truly feel like you’re at a private retreat.
DAY 1
Once you get settled in town, head to dinner at Angry Chicken, 1869 S. Nevada Avenue. “Angry chicken is a Korean fried chicken restaurant, and it is the best chicken you’ll get in Colorado Springs,” Michael says. It’s also gluten-free, thanks to a rice flour batter. You’ll also find Korean dishes, such as bulgogi and Korean-style hot dogs. “The fruit drinks are super tasty too.”
Head downtown next and catch a movie at Kimball’s Peak Three Theater, 115 E. Pikes Peak Avenue. They’ve long been an independently owned movie theater that often screens smaller indie releases. “My spouse and I see movies two or three times a month. I enjoy Kimball’s because they often have indie arthouse movies that the bigger movie theaters don’t get,” Michael says. “I remember the first movie I saw here was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) with a few of my friends, and it was a very unique experience. It’s just a different vibe than the bigger theaters, and it feels nice to know that we’re supporting local business.” The full bar is always popular too.
Next, walk or scooter down Tejon Street to 329 N. Tejon Street and have some Josh and John’s Ice Cream. It’s a downtown institution. “I love Ben and Jerry’s because they are all about social justice, but Josh and John’s is better,” Michael says. “It’s like store bought versus homemade. My favorite flavor is salted toffee.”
Finish the night with drinks at Allusion Speakeasy, just two doors down from Josh and John’s at 333 N. Tejon Street. It’s inside Rooster’s House of Ramen, and you pass through a dark corridor. “You open a really heavy door and walk in. It feels like you shouldn’t be there,” Michael says. “My spouse loves Harry Potter, and Allusion does a Harry Potter themed event when they decorate the entire bar and serve a drink that comes with a golden snitch inside of it. They’ve also done Batman and Marvel Comics themes. One month they’ll have one theme and collection of drinks, and the next month it will be completely different.” There is another location at 3317 Cinema Point if you find yourself near Powers Boulevard on the east side of town.
DAY 2
Spend your morning in Manitou Springs. The little mountain town is nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, and it’s filled with shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Whenever you get hungry, you can grab a breakfast burrito, sandwich or coffee at the Red Dog Coffee and Cafe. They serve breakfast all day at 739 Manitou Avenue, Manitou’s main street.
Game time is next. The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is a time capsule of games from all eras. There are antique mechanical games and vintage pinball, plus an entire room filled with Skee-Ball. If you’ve been looking for a specific arcade game, you can probably find it here, whether it’s Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Galaga and Mario Brothers or Mortal Kombat, Dance Dance Revolution or Marvel vs. Capcom. Stay and play as long as you want at 930 Manitou Avenue.
Make sure to stop at CK Comics and Collectibles, 719 Manitou Avenue. It’s filled with vintage and new comics, comic art, collectible toys, gaming, sports cards and more. “There are quite a few comic shops in Colorado Springs, and they’re all pretty cool,” Michael says. “They’ve all got a different kind of feel and vibe.”
For lunch, it’s The Loop at 965 Manitou Avenue. There are many reasons why this has long been a locals’ favorite Mexican restaurant. Delicious dishes, such as Molcajete and Baja Burritos, and award-winning margaritas top the list. There’s a good chance The Loop will be busy, so make a reservation.
If you want an easy afternoon nature experience — or a nap in the grass — stop by Manitou’s Memorial Park. It’s a peaceful, shady spot to listen to Fountain Creek babbling by and take in the scenery of the surrounding mountain peaks. Kids can play on the playground, and you can sample the mineral water of 7 Minute Spring in the gazebo across the street. Each of Manitou Springs’ signature springs has its own distinct taste.
When your nature fix is done, head downtown to Escape Velocity Comics and Graphic Novels at 19 E. Bijou Street, one of Michael’s favorites. “I’ve been going to Escape Velocity since I was 8 or 9 years old, this little tiny nerd coming in to buy X-Men comics to this grown, old nerd still coming into buy X-Men comics,” Michael says. Escape Velocity specializes in new comics, graphic novels and Manga, but they also have a large inventory of back issues.
For dinner, head to Club Tilt and Grill on the Springs’ southeast side at 3744 Astrozon Boulevard. “This is a local, Black owned-restaurant that has really good soul food,” Michael says. “They’ve got great catfish and chicken, and there’s lots of live music too.” Expect a hip, sophisticated lounge vibe with a top-shelf bar, dance floor, DJs and lots of events, including spoken word and live bands.
For more culture, check out Poetry719 or the Heller Center at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). You might even catch them combined. “Poetry719 is a Black-operated poetry organization that focuses on marginalized voices or marginalized identities,” Michael says. “A lot of the events focus on making sure there’s a space for Black poets.” Regular event themes might include nature or bad breakups, Black Voices Matter or Juneteenth reflections, and there is an annual festival in October. You might catch a Poetry719 gathering at a local bookstore, coffee shop, branch of the Pikes Peak Library District or event space such as the Heller Center. And you might catch Michael reading one of his original works at one of them.
The home of the Heller Center is a historic adobe-constructed estate that once belonged to a prominent local artist and his wife, who was the first woman to work for the Colorado Springs Police Department. The peaceful setting is on the edge of UCCS but surrounded by the buttes and pinon forest of the Austin Bluffs Open Space, and there are hiking trails that pass through the property. As part of UCCS, the center promotes creative and intellectual engagement for the arts, humanities and social sciences. “They host notable speakers, artists, writers, faculty or other scholars who are presenting research or other work or community discussions,” Michael says. “It is an academic space, but it doesn’t feel like it’s academic. It’s more of an outdoorsy, homey vibe.” You can check out the Heller Center events here.
DAY 3
Take it easy on your final morning in town. Get your breakfast in Manitou Springs at Mo’s Diner at 108 Manitou Avenue. Choose from biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, green chili and Michael’s favorite, delicious cinnamon rolls.
Next, head back toward UCCS and stop by KaPow Comics & Coffee, where you can grab a latte and find a missing back issue for your collection. “They have a great selection, and they also have a sit-down cafe where you can get coffee and smoothies,” Michael says. “It’s really near to UCCS where I work, so I like to stop by to pick up comics or to read and grade papers.” You might want to linger on the patio out front and take in one last look at Pikes Peak before you leave town.
Map Your Itinerary
Want to build your custom Colorado Springs itinerary? Use the Visit Colorado Springs Trip Planner tool to enter your destinations and create your maps and schedules in one spot.
For up-to-date event information when you’re in town, be sure to visit PeakRadar.com, the cultural calendar for the Pikes Peak region.
Watch for more Creative Stays itineraries in the coming months!
