What to do Valentine's Weekend in Colorado

As Interim Innkeepers or Inn Sitters, we still try to keep track of what is going on in our own backyard even if we happen to be staying and taking care of  another B&B in different part of the country.  Having been former owners and innkeepers of a bed and breakfast in the Colorado Springs area, we have first hand knowledge of some interesting events which take place. 

So if you are trying to stay close to home and keep your costs under control,  try this staycation in the Colorado Springs area over Valentine's Weekend.  You can either visit for the day or plan on staying overnight, at one of the many bed and breakfast or other lodging facilities in either Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs.  

The event will take place in Manitou Springs, just a few miles from downtown Colorado Springs.  You can be part of the Carnival Parade and Mardi Gras celebration on February 13th!  There will be a Mumbo Gumbo Cook-off with fabulous chefs competing with their secret recipes starting at 8:00am in Soda Springs Park.  Starting at 11:00am, following the judging, the public can purchase tastings of the gumbo for a nominal cost.  A Mardi Gras Carnival Parade through Downtown Manitou Springs will follow the cook-off at 12:00 noon.

After the parade, you can visit any number of restaurants along Manitou Avenue.   However, one of the best kept secrets for non-locals is the Keg Lounge Bar & Grill.  Located at 730 Manitou Ave. they have been at this location for over 25 years and are family friendly. 

They are home to the "Best Buffalo Burger and Famous Berry Salad".  What is really neat to view is the collection of patches from Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue departments brought or sent in by patrons from throughout the United States.  There are even some international patches.  As a patch collector, I can appreciate all the patches all over the walls even if my collection is totally different.

The food is wonderful, as well as priced right, plus the service is exceptional.  However, don't plan on paying by credit card - cash only.  If you are desperate, they do have an ATM machine to help you out. 

Lynda & Howard Lerner
Inn Caring
www.inncaring.com