City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 685-1861

Address: 513 Manitou Ave.

Description: It’s a gallery. It’s a studio. It’s an events space. The Business of Art Center in Manitou Springs is all this and more. But if you ask the members, they may say that the most critical part of the BAC program for artists are the studio facilities. The BAC has more than 10 studios available 24 hours a day. Beyond providing equipment, which few individual artists could afford, BAC artists are enriched by the interaction with their fellow artists, by classes and other programs that are sponsored here. Visitors are encouraged to observe artists at work in their studios, most of which are open and visible during gallery hours.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 685-1008 or (877) 685-10

Address: 102 Canon Ave.

Description: Started in 1974 in historic downtown Manitou Springs, the Commonwheel presents the work of dozens of local and regional artists with gallery shows featuring opening receptions free to the public. In the sales shop, local members offer examples of their creative endeavors, such as pottery, home accessories, photography, paintings, sculpture, and wearable art. Customers love the reasonable prices. It also hosts an annual juried 3-day arts festival with entertainment and kids’ activities, in a nearby park. From about Thanksgiving to New Year’s, it also features many special handcrafted gifts appropriate for the holidays.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Address: 720 Manitou Ave.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 685-1540

Address: 742 Manitou Ave.

Description: Whickerbill is a whimsical store for cooks, people who like to decorate their homes, and those in the market for a gift. This is the kind of store where you don’t need to have something in mind; by the time you’ve walked down the length of the store, you’ve spotted three things you want for yourself and at least two perfect gifts. They carry the svelte line of Iittala Finish home wares, quirky and fun Patience Brewster items, Japanese bowls, candles of all lengths, wine glasses, and hand-painted (and often oddly shaped—like a chicken) handbags. Open 7 days a week.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 471-2726

Address: 744 Manitou Ave.

Description: This distinctive, alternative toy store carries more yoyos and yoyo supplies than you probably knew existed. The musical toys are just as varied, from snow globes to music boxes to clocks. They also showcase wind-up toys with crazy shapes and crazy names like Mxykikker and Pintacuda. Perhaps not the store for every buying occasion, but when it’s right, there’s nothing like it. Days open vary by season, but usually open Fri through Mon and can be closed Tues through Thurs.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 685-9655

Address: 740 Manitou Ave.

Description: Located in Manitou Springs, The Dulcimer Shop hand crafts dulcimers and guitars on-site. The almost 40-year-old store also carries violins, mandolins, banjos, and other acoustic instruments as well as ethnic pieces such as African drums, shakers, and gourds. The shop sponsors the Manitou Springs Mountain Music Festival, held on the last weekend of August, with three days of local and national talent. Open 7 days a week.

City: Manitou Springs, CO

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (719) 358-9329

Address: 906 Manitou Ave.

Description: Olive oil has its groupies, and this is the place for them. Tastings are encouraged as the staff waxes romantic about artisan, 100 percent pure extra virgin olive oil and its virtues. Features olive oil imported seasonally from Italy (of course), Greece, Argentina, and Tunisia as well as from the US and other countries. Oils are flavored with lemon, blood oranges, and porcini mushrooms, among others. A spice locker offers spices and herbs, and the store carries a good supply of balsamic vinegars, sauces, and gift baskets. Open 7 days a week, but can vary by season.