Dental Implants Near Manitou Springs, CO

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - You don’t have to go all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras -- plenty of Cajun flavor could be found Saturday right in the heart of Manitou Springs!

“Lots of people, lots of puppets, lots of floats, music, so many krewes, drums ... It was an amazing day,” said Amy Kerr with Visit Manitou Springs!

Manitou Springs Carnivale has a rich history in the community, dating back to 1993. But how did a town 1,200 miles from New Orleans get so involved with Mardi Gras? The idea was the brainchild of Arlene Wood, a member of the Commonwheel Art Co-op, who was initially inspired by the Carnival of Venice.

“She came back from Venice and had seen all this fun stuff, and she wanted to get Manitou involved -- Manitou was still weird back then! -- and she thought it would be perfect to get people to dress up and go through town in the winter. She liked Carnivale but Mardi Gras was also the timing of what we chose in the state, so she went to the city and they said, ‘Oh, it’ll cost all this to go on the street,’ and all that, so she said, ‘Alright, we’re going to march on the sidewalk,’ and about 50 people showed up in costumes,” Julia Wright, a fellow member of Commonwheel who was among those who paraded that first year, told 11 News in a 2023 interview.

Fifty people in 1993 has exploded to thousands 30+ years later!

“Every year, it just gets bigger and bigger,” Kerr said.

Carnivale kicked off Saturday with the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff at Soda Springs Park, where two dozen amateur and professional chefs showed off their skills in front of judges and an even tougher crowd -- the public!

“It’s pretty competitive ... With the military presence, there’s a lot of people from Louisiana, so the competition gets better every year,” said Paul Haas, who has been competing in the Mubo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff for 10 years.

The judges award three chefs the gold, silver and bronze, while the public votes on the coveted “People’s Choice Award.” Gumbo samples are just 75 cents apiece.

“It’s exciting. I love to cook, I love to cook gumbo, and I love to share my experience with my friends back home,” Haas, who hails from Beaumont, Texas, said.

Then came the main event: the Carnivale Parade down Manitou Avenue!

“The parade is so much fun! The energy being in there is amazing,” said Kerr, who has been part of the parade multiple times. “... This year’s theme is ‘Cirque du Manitou,’ so it’s a circus theme. So lot of carnival circus, jesters, flame throwers.”

And, of course, the giant paper maiche puppets!

Like the gumbo cookoff, parade participants competed for prizes, including “Best Krewe,” “Best Costume,” and “Best Performance.” (Fun fact for this author: “krewe” is the standard spelling of “crew” in New Orleans!)

“When you walk through the crowd, they’re dressed up too, so that’s really fun to see! And around town, the different places have gumbo that day, and it just makes it a real community event. And you don’t have to be a Manitou person to get in that spirit. If you can’t get to New Orleans, come to Manitou!” Wright said.

“Just lots of great people, lots of great people. It’s the Manitou spirit!” said Kerr.

Snow, sleet or shine the event goes on every year! If you missed it in 2025, don’t worry -- the fun and festivities return in 2026!

“Carnivale 33, we cannot wait to hear what the ManiKrewe has planned for us!” Kerr said.

Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.

Mardi Gras celebrations made their way from New Orleans to the Pikes Peak region Saturday with the Manitou Springs Carnivale drawing hundreds to the heart of the small mountain town.

Saturday brought plenty of sunshine and warmth, with temperatures hitting the low 60s. The streets of Manitou Springs were packed with nothing but smiles, laughter, a sense of community and just a hint of sunscreen.

+32 PHOTOS: 32nd Annual Manitou Springs Carnivale

Kicking off the day, over a dozen talented gumbo chefs showcased their best creations in hopes of wowing the judges, providing samples to the community along the way. Live jazz music coming from inside the gumbo tasting could be heard blocks away.

One of the owners of Gather Food Studios in Colorado Springs, Dave Cook, told The Gazette gumbo isn't difficult to make — it's how he makes it that sets him apart.

"It's really a technique-based thing," Cook said. "You can get the best ingredients in the world, and that's great, but you're not going to be able to replicate the flavor you get from technique."

Cook won the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off back in 2020 just before the pandemic hit — something he remains proud of to this day.

The dishes are graded on a scale by color, flavor, texture and overall appearance. Elena Crebs, one of Saturday's gumbo judges, said this was her first time trying the Cajun dish as well as attending the Manitou Springs festival. As she was tasting all the creations Saturday, she became a fan.

Of the 13 teams that lined the pavilion in Soda Springs Park, Great Wolf Lodge was voted the best in the professional chefs category. Paul Haas with Bayou Boys took home the top honor in the amateur division, according to a news release Saturday afternoon.

Outside of the gumbo tent, hundreds donned sparkly outfits, colorful beads and hats of all kind. Jessica Whitney was spotted in a glittery purple, green and gold jacket, smiling ear to ear with her kids who also dressed in costume.

"It's fun to wear all my Louisiana stuff and teach the kids about it," Whitney, who used to live in the state years ago, said. "It feels like home today."

Many walking around the streets of Manitou Springs said they were most looking forward to the parade. As the participants lined up, Manitou Drum Circle dancers twirled along the streets with their colorful makeup and dazzling costumes catching the eyes of children.

Levya Silverfingers and Kayla Ironheart with the Manitou Drum Cirlce dance with each other as they line up for the Carnivale parade. The pair are good friends who say they love the community aspect of the festival. ⁦@csgazette⁩ pic.twitter.com/DLp28nvaNA

— Mack Bodell (@mackenziebodell) March 1, 2025

"I can wear whatever random things I have in my closet that haven't seen daylight, and it doesn't matter," dancer Levya Silverfingers said.

Silverfingers and her good friend Kayla Ironheart told The Gazette about their eagerness to showcase the drum circle and highlight how important it is in bringing people together.

"My favorite part doing this whole thing is being able to spark a lot of joy for the community and this drum circle we've been a part of for a while sparks a lot of joy within ourselves," Ironheart said. "So to be able to just share that in a very respected, public manner, it's just fantastic."

Just before the parade's start time, a local celebrity graced the celebration with his appearance. Dennis the emu - frequently spotted roaming the streets of Colorado Springs — arrived in style sporting Mardi Gras colors.

Dennis the emu - frequently spotting roaming the streets of Colorado Springs - made an appearance at the Manitou Springs Carnivale, receiving lots of attention along the way. ⁦@csgazette⁩ pic.twitter.com/invWWFmVed

— Mack Bodell (@mackenziebodell) March 1, 2025

Royalty led the parade down Manitou Avenue, tossing out beads to children who waved their way. Those chosen to lead the way were nominated by and voted on by Manitou Springs residents.

Luke Prince, best known for hiking the Manitou Incline every day, was chosen to be the duke of the parade. With a fitting royal last name, he was so excited to be chosen.

"It's a huge honor to be the duke," Prince said with a smile. "It's kind of in my blood. I was born and raised in Manitou Springs and this is my 32nd year of Carnivale."

Sean Bradley, the king of Saturday's parade, was first spotted trying out the gumbo dishes, one of his favorite aspects of the celebration each year, he said.

Bradley said he was thrilled to be chosen for the honor — as he was already someone who was heavily involved in the festival for years and years.

"(Carnivale) is a lot of fun with lots of great music and community," Bradley said. "It's so beautiful and I'm so happy to be involved."

Colorado boasts to some of the best outdoor opportunities in the United States. Home to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, surreal alpine lakes, and lush meadows, it has an endless supply of adventurous activities: from hiking, camping, rafting, and rock climbing in summer, to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in winter, so you will never run out of things to do. These 10 stunning small towns in Colorado offer a combination of interesting history, breathtaking scenery, and access to some of the state's best outdoor activities. From rugged mining settlements turned into premier ski destinations to scenic alpine villages, here are ten of the best small towns in the Centennial State.

Telluride

Nestled in a scenic box canyon, Telluride is one of the most picturesque destinations in southwest Colorado. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Once a booming mining town, Telluride has transformed into one of the most exclusive mountain towns in the United States, where you can enjoy a variety of skiing trails at Telluride Ski Resort. Telluride Historic District boasts well-preserved Victorian buildings and several landmarks that provide a glimpse into the town’s mining past when first prospectors arrived.

If you are in Telluride in summer, don’t forget to check Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, that drops from an astonishing 365 feet. A small local airport has daily flights to and from Denver, which limits the number of out-of-state visitors, however, you can also fly into Montrose Regional Airport about 65 miles from Telluride.

Ouray

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is just over an hour from Telluride. The town is surrounded by towering peaks and hot springs. It’s a dream destination for adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in nature with several popular stops including Box Canyon Falls Park, a dramatic waterfall hidden in a narrow canyon that can be accessed via a 500-foot trail. One of the unmissable highlights of Ouray is Million Dollar Highway, one of the most dangerous highways in America, with plenty of hairpin turns and sharp drop-offs, connecting Ouray with Silverton.

Driving along the Million Dollar Highway will give you an adrenaline rush, but you will be rewarded with incredible mountain views and a chance to learn about Colorado’s mining history, as there are many mining structures along the way. But if you want to hike, you might never want to leave Ouray. The town boasts many scenic trails, including Blue Lakes Trail, Twin Peaks Trail, and Bridge of Heaven via Horsethief Trail, a steep but rewarding trail with panoramic views at 12,300 feet.

Read More8 Bizarrely Named Towns In Colorado

Silverton

Want to spend time in the backcountry? There’s no better place than Silverton, a hamlet in the San Juan Mountains with just over 700 people that feels more like Alaska than Colorado. Known for its rugged alpine beauty, rich Wild West history, and outdoors, Silverton has a neat downtown with Victorian-style buildings, old saloons, and the San Juan County Historical Society Museum. Silverton is also a gateway to Ice Lakes Trail, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Colorado, that culminates with gorgeous turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks and summer wildflowers. The town boasts some of the best 4x4 trails in Colorado, including Engineer Pass, Ophir Pass, and Cinnamon Pass, which offer breathtaking high-alpine adventures.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is Colorado’s wildflower capital, because of its colorful landscape during the summer and world-class skiing in the winter. The best time to spot the bright alpine flowers of Crested Butte is in July and August, when many meadows in the state are covered with Indian Paintbrush, Colorado Blue Columbine, and Fireweed that create an incredible tasty of colors perfect for taking pictures. Snodgrass Mountain Trail is a great summer hike with breathtaking views of Mount Crested Butte, rolling aspen groves, and vibrant wildflower meadows. The 5.8-mile trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for most levels.

Craving some adventure? Hop in your car and get on the road. Crested Butte has several backcountry drives which can be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. One of the most popular backcountry roads in the area is Schofield Pass, a thrilling drive with stunning waterfalls and rugged terrain. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is one of the best ski destinations in the state known for its steep terrain, uncrowded slopes, and relaxing mountain town atmosphere. With a base elevation of 9,375 feet, it has over 120 trails for all levels. Downtown Crested Butte is the heart of the city with locally owned stores and restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

Salida

Salida is a premier destination in Colorado for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing thanks to its location along the Arkansas River in Central Colorado. Even if you are not into rafting, you can get a look at the Arkansas River without leaving the town, as the river runs right through town. Downtown Salida is home to the largest historic district in Colorado, packed with art galleries, quaint shops, Colorado’s signature craft breweries, and live music venues. Don’t miss the SteamPlant Event Center, a former power plant converted into an arts space.

Popular trails include S Mountain (Tenderfoot Mountain), which offers panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley, and the Monarch Crest Trail, one of Colorado’s most scenic high-altitude mountain biking routes. If you need some relaxation, take a quick drive to Mount Princeton Hot Springs, natural hot springs offer relaxing creekside pools and modern soaking tubs with stunning mountain views.

Estes Park

Estes Park is a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the most popular national park in Colorado, which welcomed over 4 million visitors in 2024. But Estes Park is more than just a transition point to one of the most famous destinations for hiking and sightseeing in the Centennial State. The city has several landmarks that are worth your attention. Lake Estes is the main attraction of the area where you can paddleboard, kayak fish, and bike along the 3.75-mile trail that loops the lake. Estes Park is famous for its large elk population, especially in September and October during the rut (mating season) when you can hear the iconic elk bugling in many areas. The town is also home to the haunted Stanley Hotel - the inspiration for Stephen King’s "The Shining," which offers ghost tours, luxury stays, and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Leadville

At 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America and a Mecca of Colorado’s mining history and outdoor activities. Leadville’s past is rooted in the mining boom of the late 1800s, and Leadville’s National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum provides a fascinating look at Colorado’s mining legacy. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, take a quick drive to Turquoise Lake, a stunning alpine reservoir surrounded by snow-capped peaks that offer opportunities for camping, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby Mount Elbert which stands 14,440 feet tall is Colorado’s highest peak and the second highest in the lower 48 states. The Mount Elbert Trail (via the Northeast or South route) is a challenging yet rewarding hike, with panoramic views of the Sawatch Range.

Manitou Springs

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a quirky and artistic town famous for its healing mineral springs. Most people come to Manitou Springs after taking a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak (14,115 feet), but there’s enough to do in town to keep you busy for a day or two. If you’re up for a leg-burning challenge, that will set your heart racing, try the Manitou Incline, one of Colorado’s most challenging hikes. A steep staircase with over 2,700 steps, it ascends 2,000 feet in less than a mile. While the hike is brutal, reaching the top feels like a major accomplishment, and the views are unbeatable.

Not up for the challenge? Try the Barr Trail, a much gentler hike down. Looking for a scenic backdrop for your photos? Jump in a car, and head to Garden of the Gods, a stunning red rock park with sandstone formations and impressive views of Pikes Peak in the distance. Garden of the Gods is free to enter and has plenty of trails suitable for everyone.

Pagosa Springs

Home to some of the best hot springs in Colorado, Pagosa Springs is a paradise for relaxation away from the crowds of Colorado’s busy mountain towns. Tucked in the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, this small town sits on the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. You can soak in the healing waters at several locations including The Springs Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, and Hippy Dip Hot Spring. If you love waterfalls, Treasure Falls is a must-stop. This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike from the parking lot. And if you are visiting the area in winter, hit the Slopes at Wolf Creek Ski Area, known for some of the best snow quality in Colorado with an average of 430 inches of snowfall per year.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is nicknamed "Ski Town, USA," because of its ski culture. The town has produced more Winter Olympians than any other destination in the U.S. and should be on your bucket list if you are into winter sports. After a day of adventuring, nothing beats a relaxing soak in Steamboat’s natural hot springs. The town is home to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a dreamy, natural hot spring nestled in the forest, perfect for unwinding under the bright stars since the area has no light pollution. Even if you’re visiting in summer or fall, take the Steamboat Gondola up Mt. Werner for stunning panoramic views of the Yampa Valley.

Colorado offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures, from the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the serene alpine lakes and vibrant wildflower fields. The state's small towns each have their own unique charm, blending rich history with breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping activities like skiing and hiking or simply looking to relax in a hot spring, these destinations offer something for everyone. With picturesque scenery, thrilling outdoor pursuits, and a welcoming atmosphere, these 10 stunning small towns in Colorado exemplify the best that Colorado has to offer for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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Those who have never been to Colorado Springs may just know it as Denver’s smaller neighbor to the south. It may surprise some to learn that the Pikes Peak region of the Front Range not only takes up a huge swathe of territory but also encompasses many nice neighborhoods with distinctly different styles and cultures.

Whether you’re searching for a neighborhood that’ll give you an Old World feel like the Victorians on the North End, or you’re looking for a more modern neighborhood for your family to settle in, there are plenty of different places to suit just about every type of person here in Colorado Springs. Find your home in this rapidly growing city of more than 472 thousand in 2018 and 738 thousand in the greater metro.

Here are the top neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, in no particular order:

Old Colorado City/West Side

One of the most charming and oldest parts of Colorado Springs is Old Colorado City. Established in 1859, much of it still looks the same today as it did back then. Wander amongst the quiet streets of this historic old town, filled with houses on the historic registry alongside some great eateries and boutiques.

Because this part of town is older, it’s a bit easier to find cheaper housing here, so many new flock to the west side of town to take advantage of the gorgeous homes and great views. Many of the businesses along Colorado Avenue are housed inside old Victorian, which gives this area a modern and historic vibe, all in one. If you like your neighborhoods to have a lot of character, Old Colorado City and the West Side are the perfect places for you to settle.

Downtown/Old North End

If you’re looking for skyscrapers, Colorado Springs is not the place. The downtown skyline is majestic in its own right, with historic architecture dotting the narrow streets. Plus it still provides great views of the hulking mountains and Pikes Peak from wherever you are, without pesky buildings blocking the horizon.

Downtown Colorado Springs still has much of the same charm it did over one hundred years ago but with a lot more choices for eateries and boutique shopping. It also sits right at the tip of the Old North End, which is a beautiful neighborhood full of classic Victorian houses that are highly sought-after on the Colorado Springs real estate market. You’ll find a ton of gorgeous houses to ogle, along with some great deals on converted Victorians that are now apartment buildings.

Acacia Park sits at the center of downtown, a hub for activity no matter what the season. Every winter an ice skating rink is set up in the park while holiday music plays through the loudspeakers. Most recently, the south end of downtown began a huge urban renovation project that will extend the strip even further down Tejon and hopefully extend the size of the downtown area.

Whether you’re just taking a stroll downtown or somewhere you’d like to settle, there’s so much to do and see on these few streets.

Cheyenne/Broadmoor

Like to live in the lap of luxury? The Cheyenne Mountain/Broadmoor area is among the priciest in the county, with the median home price sitting around $1.5 million. This area offers incredible views of the overlooking mountains as well as new and old-style architecture. It’s also home to The Broadmoor Resort, one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Colorado Springs, which boasts 10 restaurants and a ton of stores to shop in.

This highly sought-after neighborhood is also home to a few local celebrities and politicians, great schools, and a variety of beautiful parks to hike and bike in. If you’re a fan of the outdoors with some money to burn, this is one of the most coveted areas in town to settle.

Southeast

The Southeast end of town has a lot of old buildings and character left over from what Colorado Springs must’ve looked like in the 50s and 60s. Though it may still look a little rustic and rundown, the southeast part of Colorado Springs is ripe for real estate development right now. Thanks to the abundance of cheaper and older properties being bought out for improvement.

This area is up-and-coming, as many of the more run-down areas are, with new businesses and construction projects to beautify this area more and more each day. Though it may not be as nice as the Cheyenne area, there is a ton of affordable housing in this part of town, as well as delicious restaurants and easy access to shopping destinations and I-25.

Northeast/Briargate/Northgate

If you’re looking to live in an up-and-coming area, the Woodmen, Briargate, and Northgate neighborhoods are on the rise. Located in northeast Colorado Springs, they’re a bit of a drive, descending the highway to downtown and Old Colorado City’s tourist attractions. But the modern suburbs and shopping centers more than make up for it. This area is also part of one of the best school districts in El Paso County, making it a wonderful place to raise your little ones.

Up north you can find a ton of recreational activities as well as proximity to Monument, a scenic little town nestled just below Monument Pass.

This region is great for big families, especially given the number of fun activities there are available for kids and the abundantly well-planned neighborhoods. It’s also a hub for Peterson Space Force Base, the second base in Colorado Springs, so you will see a lot of military families here as well. Though it may not be as heavily populated as the southern portions of town, Briargate and Northgate are both seeing a ton of community development, which makes it an essential part of this growing city.

Palmer Park

Palmer Park is an area in northeast/north-central Colorado Springs, bordered by the massive and gorgeous park that it’s named after. It’s home to a more suburban feel, with older houses that are highly valued. This area offers great access to Palmer Park, which has a ton of hiking and biking trails for you to explore and enjoy some of the best views on this side of town.

You will also find that Palmer Park is conveniently located close to the Powers corridor, which is the main highway on the eastern edge of town. This means that Palmer Park is close to shopping and eating, no matter what you’re craving.

Neighboring Neighborhoods

There are a few towns that lie on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, close enough to make them feel like part of the city. The following towns are all still located in El Paso County, within a relatively short drive to downtown Colorado Springs.

One suburban gem located nearby in Teller County is “the city above the clouds.” Situated just 30 minutes west of the city on Ute Pass, Woodland Park is one of the top retirement towns in the state if you’re okay with the higher elevation and accompanying cold.

Here are a few nearby neighborhoods of Colorado Springs, outside the city limits:

Security, Fountain, and Ft. Carson are not technically a part of Colorado Springs proper, but many of those who live in these areas are just trying to avoid the rising home prices or are only going to be staying in the area for as long as they are stationed.

Security is the closest to Colorado Springs proper, but all are within a twenty-minute drive of downtown. You’ll find this section of town to have a little more of a rural feel to it, with older homes. But also with new construction sites popping up just about every day to get in on the population boom.

Ft. Carson is one of five military bases in the area, another being the Peterson Space Force Base. It’s home to many of the military families that inhabit Colorado Springs. Fountain itself is a very small town, but it’s growing with the steady influx of those moving to this wonderful city and expanding its boundaries. Fountain and Security will give more of a small-town feel while still being within close distance to the shopping and sights of Colorado Springs—the best of both worlds.

If you like your town quaint and cozy with a dash of history, Manitou Springs is a perfect place to settle. Tucked into a valley to the west of Colorado Springs, this historic little town is a gem for tourism in the area. Millions of people flock to visit Manitou each year for recreational marijuana (which is not legal in Colorado Springs but is legal in Manitou), as well as activities like climbing the Manitou Incline or drinking from the many springs in town.

As far as living in Manitou goes, the housing is limited due to its small size. Because of where Manitou was built, the town doesn’t have any room to expand, so expect to find a ton of older, more expensive homes in this area. But if you want to be close to the mountains, Manitou is a great place for you to settle.

More Essentials in Colorado Springs

There are many great neighborhoods in Colorado Springs for just about any type of individual, so no matter who you are, you can find your place here. Whether your interests bend more towards malls and shopping or looking for a quiet place to work, you’ll find many options in the greater Colorado Springs area, aka the Pikes Peak region.

If you’re thinking of moving to Colorado but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Denver while still keeping that city vibe, the Springs will be a great place for you. No matter what type of neighborhood you’re looking for, you can almost surely find it in Colorado Springs. It has ‘hoods for every budget.

Visiting the Mile High City? Tour some of Denver’s top neighborhoods while you’re in town.