Nosh is downtown's latest hip spot for the in-the-know crowd. A sassy small plates restaurant and sangria bar, Nosh offers artsy atmosphere, a spacious patio, frequent live music and, best of all, affordable prices. Better than tapas, this is Nosh.

Shuga's cafe and bar is a sweet and sassy treat. Its off-the-beaten-path-but-still-in-downtown location is part of the charm, which makes the cafe's excellent atmosphere and art scene all the more delicious. More importantly for a cafe and bar, though, don't miss the excellent fare and inventive martinis at this cherished hot spot.

The Margarita at Pinecreek is one of Colorado Springs' finest eateries. All meals utilize only fresh ingredients, which means the menu changes often, almost weekly, to keep up with the season's latest. Even The Margarita's margaritas are made with freshly squeezed juice! But perhaps even more titillating is the view from the restaurant's 4-acre plot.

Past the suburbs of Rockrimmon and even Peregrine, where Colorado Spring's north end U-Turns back on itself, enjoy a sort of joie de vivre among the calming wilderness of Blodgett Peak Open Space. Whether seeking an elevated heart rate, a romantic evening or that feeling of being one with nature, this little known state park offers
a memorable experience.

La Bellezza (said properly with a heavy Italian accent) brings a little bit of northern Italy to the north end of Colorado Springs. Perfecto!

Downtown's heart pulses with red, flashing neon lights. No, this isn't  the local red light district. Rather, these lights center some of  Colorado Springs' most esteemed culture. It's Kimball's Twin Peak Theater, an independent movie theater that handpicks the latest independent and foreign films.

A vision of comfortable suburbia, Briargate is a kid- and golden  retriever-friendly community that boasts a spectacular view of the  Rockies. The area also features some classy glitz and glam thanks to  Gloss, an exquisite boutique with the great brand names and even  better service.

Amid the lofts of Old Colorado City, find Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness—a dance and fitness center that will groove your body into health and happiness.

Cross the southern train tracks (or actually drive under them) to find one of Colorado Springs' treasured staples: Montague's Teahouse. This cozy café exemplifies the eclectic beauty that is this gentrifying neighborhood.

Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, The Metropolitan Restaurant and Lounge is a refreshing slice of sophistication. A mouth-watering menu and a varied martini list satisfy the appetite of our very active residents of Colorado Springs.

Resting at the base of Pikes Peak, Old Colorado City is regarded as Colorado Springs' charming and artistic district. On street level, along landscaped sidewalks, shops' expansive windows invite gazers and daydreamers. But just upstairs, residents enjoy spacious lofts, often with high ceilings, exposed brick and wood floors. This is Colorado Springs' gold mine.