Colorado Springs / Cripple Creek recommendations?

Road trip expanded to include Colorado Springs area.

There's place near the Garden of the Gods called Margo's that serves great Chicago-style hot dogs. Very friendly place.

The name of the hotel in Cripple Creek escapes me just now, but damn, it's on the tip of my tongue. Anyway, it's the one that does the great melodramas, and you should stop by there if you get the chance.

Oh yeah! It's the Imperial Hotel.

quote:

Originally posted by Pwingsx

The name of the hotel in Cripple Creek escapes me just now, but damn, it's on the tip of my tongue. Anyway, it's the one that does the great melodramas, and you should stop by there if you get the chance.

Oh yeah! It's the Imperial Hotel.

The only info I can find is the Imperial Hotel AND CASINO. You sure 'bout this?

Cripple Creek is one of those gambling places. I know I passed through there in 2001. All I can remember is we got outta there on the double.

It's been 10 years since my sister lived there, and I can't remember much about any eating places, but I can give a travel recommendation; go west of Clorado Springs and go to Cripple Creek and Victor via Phantom Canyon Road, it's a really neat drive, that I found much more interesting than Garden of the Gods.

Sorry, it may be a casino as well now, but it wasn't when I was there. So I guess I can't even vouch for it, really. My apologies.

Oh man, MARGO's.......Oh how I miss thee. I used to live a block away from the Garden of the Gods location....so good. Ok, enough drooling.....

You can't go wrong with Margo's if you're in the mood for quality dog's. I was always a huge fan of thier fries as well. Another Springs institution is Conway's Red Top (www.conwaysredtop.com/), which features burgers roughly the size of the plate. I still sing thier theme song at random, lol.

If you decide to head to Cripple Creek then you've gotta stop in at The Donut Mill in Woodland Park. Heck, it's well worth the 18 mile senic drive up to Woodland Park just for Donut Mill, skip the Cripple Creek casinos.

There's a great old ice cream shop in Old Colorado City (Colorado City Creamery 2602 W Colorado Av).

All in all the entire West Side (Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Garden of the Gods area) has a ton of great food to find. I havent been out there in a few years though, so I know I'm forgeting stuff.

I used to live in C-Springs and would give my soul to be able to eat once more at Conway's RedTops. They serve the best and biggest hamburgers I have ever had in my life. The fries and the malts are to die for as well, it is amazing. There is also a French restaurant called Le Bagutte(the bread) and it is very inexpensive and the french onion soup is wonderful. Mario's downtown is maybe the best Italian I've ever had. It's this old school Italian restaurant with a 1970's retro feel, with a oil painting on the wall of Mario and everything. I loved taking my brother, who attended the Air Force Academy there on the weekends. I loved living there and hope to someday make it back out to Colorado. Good Luck!

Thanks for all the great tips - such a variety. Gonna be hard to choose! But keep them coming.

We take a couple trips a year to Cripple Creek to donate a few bucks to the economy and have a weekend away from home. We stay at the Double Eagle Hotel on the East end of the small historic mining town. The main street is maybe six blocks of old buildings that years ago housed many shops and small eateries. Over the past 7 years we have seen more and more of them being sold (no cheap) and renovated (inside) into gambling parlors filled with slots and poker tables. Still a nice walk and there are a few local cafe's along the way.

There are a couple really great Museums there as this was the "heart" of gold country plus you can take mine tours just outside of town. About 9 miles away is Victor that has the Victor Hotel which was renovated and has a good restaurant. Great for lunches.

As mentioned before, the drive from the Springs is really nice and the high overlook as you come into Cripple Creek is awesome. If you are a history buff like I am, this area is filled with it and many books, pictures, etc. are found in town. Along the roads are many abandoned mines.

The Double Eagle is relatively new and is a nice place to stay and has yoor typical Casino atmosphere. Pretty good buffets in the restaurant. Cripple Creek is a nice getaway for a Saturday and Sunday trip but after 24 hours there you have virtually seen it all. If you are not into gambling, about 4 hours and you have seen it all.

I would add it to your travel plans.

Don
Castle Rock, CO

If you want a snack to take along on the road, I suggest you try Patsy's, located in a small building right on the main square in Manitou Springs. My Mom was from Pueblo and taught in Colorado Springs in the late 40s and every summer we went back and got their Chocolate Popcorn. They also make a very nice salt water taffy.

Patsy's of Manitou Springs 930 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, 719-685-9437, Since 1903, Patsy's has offered the finest in gourmet popcorns, salt water taffy, nuts, and fudge. Also offers funnel cakes, ice cream, cotton candy, and pretzels. http://www.patsyscandies.com

SNACKS???

Oh my yes, if there is a snack food that is a "must" by all means I need to know about that too!

Thanks for reminding me!