Here are some recent recommendations for around town by Gazette features reporters:

Food & Drink

• 503W — 503w.co
  • 503W is my favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs — whether I’m grabbing brunch, dinner or just cocktails. The service is great, the bartenders are incredible, and the food is consistent and delicious, as it has been for the 12 years it’s been open. My favorite menu item is the Little Seoul Bowl. I always get the sriracha chicken. It’s simple, flavorful and pairs perfectly with one of the fun drinks. Try the black walnut old-fashioned.

• Loyal Coffee — loyalcoffee.co
  • Loyal Coffee is a staple in my day-to-day. Whether I’m grabbing a quick coconut milk cappuccino between showings or meeting clients, it’s one of those places that feels like Colorado Springs’ version of Cheers. I see at least one person I know every time, and the staff is delightful. It’s also one of those spots that makes you realize how much the little things, like being close to your go-to coffee shop, can shape your daily routine.

• Misty Mountain Collective — instagram.com/mistymountain.co
  • Misty Mountain Collective is my new favorite hangout. The coffee shop is walkable from both my home and work and has a whimsical “woodlands” design, filled with lots of colorful artwork and plants. Best of all, it has delicious coffee and the people who work there are kind and helpful. A huge bonus is the shop’s focus on sustainability, with mason jars as to-go cups with a refundable deposit.

• LUMEN8 — lumen8cos.com
  • Located on an eighth-story rooftop downtown, LUMEN8 has the best view of Pikes Peak. Its open roof deck is a highlight at sunset, but even when it rains, there’s a special thrill in seeing the weather roll in from the near-360 degree windows. After cocktails, take a seat and enjoy the curated menu, which is always changing but never disappoints.

Shopping

• Westside Stories — instagram.com/westsidestoriesbookstore
  • As an avid reader, I love Westside Stories for both browsing and buying. Its art deco exterior stands out among the mostly 19th-century buildings on Colorado Avenue, but inside is the real surprise. With a cozy, jewel box feel, the bookstore packs in a surprising variety of new and used books from many genres. It has become my go-to place for presents because of its interesting assortment of posters, puzzles, tote bags and more.

City Life & Recreation

• Pikes Peak Greenway
  • I love the trail connectivity in Colorado Springs and am grateful to live a few blocks from Pikes Peak Greenway. From the trail, I can connect to Sinton Trail and head north through Garden of the Gods. Or I can connect to Cottonwood Creek Trail and head east for miles, or south to Fountain Creek Regional Park. It leads me past stretches of trees, creeks, rock formations and wildlife that make me “see and hear” our community’s natural beauty.

Services & Professionals 

• Beauty Bar — beautybar-inc.com
  • Beauty Bar downtown has been my go-to salon for nails and hair for years. The space is beautiful and elevated. I get my manicures from Alyson, who I swear is the fastest nail tech I’ve ever been to, and my nails really last. Ariana is my hairstylist, and she always does an incredible job. Plus, the team is super friendly, and they have a full bar so you can grab a coffee, soda, or even a cocktail to enjoy during your service.

• Leah Behr — local real estate agent
  • Leah Behr, who has called Colorado Springs home since 2009, works as a local real estate agent while documenting her day-to-day life online. Through her Instagram presence, she offers a mix of community insight, home expertise and personal moments that reflect life in the Springs.

• Meagan Thomas — social media influencer and marketing agency owner
  • Colorado Springs native Meagan Thomas has built a name for herself as both a social media influencer and marketing agency owner. Through her work with Springs Native Creative, she blends her local insight with digital strategy, helping brands grow their presence in the Springs community.

Health & Family

• Jang Skincare — instagram.com/jang.skincare
  • Jang Skincare is one of those hidden gems I recommend to everyone. It’s such an elevated, intentional experience. From facial massage to LED treatments, every detail feels thoughtful and customized. It’s not just about skincare; it’s a full reset. I always leave feeling like I actually slowed down for a minute, which is rare, and it’s a great reminder of how important it is to have those go-to places that truly take care of you.

Arts & Entertainment

• Green Box Arts — greenboxarts.org
  • (In Green Mountain Falls just west of Colorado Springs,) this is a must-see. I especially love Skyspace by James Turrell, whose retractable roof opens to the sky for an immersive visual and aural experience. It’s mesmerizing. I recommend the crack-of-dawn timeslot to watch the sunrise like you’ve never seen it before.

• Nathan Newbrough — president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic
  • Nathan Newbrough has been president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and a Springs resident since 2008. He was previously executive director of the Amarillo Symphony in Amarillo, Texas.

• Leah Davis Witherow — curator of history for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
  • Leah Davis Witherow is the curator of history for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, where she’s worked for three decades. She’s lived in the Springs since 1992.