The Hughes Team

Starting November 25, 2011 look for bright orange vests, orange balls and/or stocking caps worn by volunteers. They carry black shoulder bags to hold maps and other literature. These are the new Downtown Ambassadors. Their role will be mainly customer service focused, but they are also a set of eyes and ears to help keep Downtown safe.

Explore the downtown neighborhood: Visit America the Beautiful Park, or explore the downtown sculptures - go for an art walk. During the summer month adults and children gather around the Uncle Wilber Fountain at Acacia Park. The fountain is planned to open by Memorial Day through Labor Day. Go to Jack Quinn's Irish Pub whose new chef prepares delicious corned beef and great fries,  or Tony's Downtown Bar , a small, eclectic establishment with a great bar and varied menu that includes cheese curds, fish fries, hamburgers, etc. A couple of doors to the north is Smiley's, a bakery that serves breakfast & lunch, and also vegetarian dishes. Great pies, sandwiches and inviting atmosphere. Across the street is a Colorado Springs Institution: Poor Richards which consists of the bookstore, the restaurant with pizzas and salad bar, Little Richard's toy store, and Rico's coffee, chocolate & wine bar.  If you have the urge for Mexican food, there is the established, well loved  El Taco Rey, small, with community tables and always friendly service,  written up in Sunset Magazine, with an unbelievable Avocado/Pork Burrito. Visit the eclectic restaurant/bar Shuga's in an old building on South Cascade. Try their Spicy Brazilian Coconot Shrimp Soup! Visit the Arabica Cafe with its authentic Middle Eastern food. La Baguette  specializes in freshly baked French breads and pastries and offers a delicious French Onion Soup. Looking for an outstanding steak? The Famous Steak House will not disappoint you. Comfortable elegant atmosphere, great prime rib. Pricey but delicious. Within one block explore Cafe Corto at 115 E Kiowa St.. They serve Spanish Peaks coffee, espresso and have a small food menu. On Sundays they serve hearty bowls of secret family recipe soup,  Mondays are Open Mic Night for live music, poetry readings or even improvised comedy. Then there is the great, popular Corner Cafe on the corner of Cascade and Vermijo across from the court house. Their cucumber bacon sandwich is to die for. And there deserts should not be missed. I just had their strawberry torte and it was delicious.

Have you been to The Little Market, Colorado Springs oldest grocery store at the corner of Prospect and Willamette since 1902. They offer groceries, a deli counter, daily made sandwiches, and grill items. In stock are meats from Andy's Meat Market, Sara Sausage and Meats, and items for your cooking needs. Not to be missed are the Bieroch (Ground beef, cabbage and onion in a homemade bread pocket), Potica (a bohemian tradition of rolled sweet dough with walnuts, brown sugar , egg and butter filling), and 3 handmade varieties of Pierogi. 

If you are thinking about adding some spice/flavor to your meals, there is the Savory Spice Shop. Visit the Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware and Gift Shop with an outstanding array of gift items, cookware and much more. Fabulous Finds is a unique home furnishing store with accessories and art close to Acacia Park at 130 N Tejon St. Total Design Specialist, formerly Kitchen Design Specialists on 117 S Nevada Ave., now offers not only kitchen design, but also home theatres, lighting, flooring, custom painting, plumbing and fixtures, and landscaping services.

Kimball's Peak Three Theater offers an alternative to the mega-plex movie experience with a full bar serving liquor, draft beers, espresso drinks and wine. It shows the best of current independent and foreign films with an occasional blockbuster.

Ghillies Fly Shop moved to downtown Colorado Springs. You can find them at 117 S Nevada Ave. Check out their Conditions Report for various fly fishing areas.

Not very far away, close to Hwy 24 and 21st Street, is the Manitou Art Theatre. This great live theater has programms for kids, teens, and adults.

Click here for the Gazette's 2011 Best of Downtown Winners.