SUCCESSFUL FOOD TOURS IN COLORADO SPRINGS INSPIRE EXPANSION INTO MANITOU SPRINGS

In a full two hours on Friday afternoons, intimate groups up to 12 can indulge in tasty treats from seven local eateries, taste the famous mineral water of Manitou Springs, enjoy special discounts and revel in the city’s rich history. In keeping with small business fashion, co-owners and mother-daughter team Karen Kelley and Samantha Bruner will continue to personally lead each tour. They feel that their emphasis on building relationships and choosing outstanding restaurant partners is what led Colorado Springs Food Tours to rank as the number two attraction in Colorado Springs on TripAdvisor.com, the popular, go-to travel website.

“We are so excited to launch a tour in Manitou Springs and think that we have an outstanding lineup of restaurants including Adam’s Mountain Café, The Loop, The Olive Tap, Patsy’s Candy, The Spice of Life, the Stagecoach Inn and Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream,” says Bruner. “And of course, it just wouldn’t be a Manitou Springs tour if we didn’t include tastings of a few of the natural mineral springs.”

Though subject to change, the menu features a variety of preselected dishes and drinks including Thai noodle salad, award-winning margaritas, saltwater taffy, local cheeses, tapenades and spreads, pheasant chowder, decadent chocolate truffles and much more. If requested in advance, Bruner and Kelley will ensure that vegetarians or those with food allergies receive appropriate substitutes.

Since its start in May of this year, Colorado Springs Food Tours has successfully led multiple tours weekly gaining the patronage of tourists and locals alike. “Even if you’re local, there is bound to be something new for you on our tours,” says Kelley. “And of course if you’re from out-of-town, we’d love the opportunity to reveal some of our culinary gems at the heart of these two cities while throwing in a bit of history.” Kelley emphasizes, “Our goal is to ensure a win-win for the restaurants, the company and of course the participant. Each of our six restaurant partners in Colorado Springs have experienced increased traffic, exposure and sales due to their participation in our tour. We are hopeful that these new partners in Manitou Springs will experience the same positive results.”

Colorado Springs Food Tours is offering year-round tours in Manitou Springs every Friday beginning September 10, 2010 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and in Colorado Springs every Saturday from 10:30am – 1:30pm. Introductory tour prices are $39/person for Manitou Springs and $49/person for downtown Colorado Springs. To book a tour or request more information, visit their website at www.coloradospringsfoodtours.com or call 719-322-5731.