Manitou Cactus

I've never shopped for anything but plants here.

Venture into the side greenhouse for some of the most precious plants you've ever seen. This side room, is beautiful. It feels like you've stepped into a cactus jungle. Maybe one of my favorite Instagram spots.

When I'm looking to get a gift tor a friend that they'll love, I take them here to pick out a baby succulent.

When I saw the beautiful, flowing, colorful dresses in the window, I knew I was going in, along with a lot of other women off the street. Never mind that the store name doesn't mention dresses, half of it is a beautifully appointed dress and jewelry boutique. The prices are about average.

The other half is a cactus boutique. You can send your man over there while you shop, or pick up a cute cactus to go with your new dress. So many women love to garden that it makes sense if you think about it for a minute. Tough to kill a cactus. So yep, we have one to take back home, as if there aren't enough cacti In Texas. These are cute and special.

The two women who run this shop are sweet and helpful, and obviously love what they do. This is a popular shop. Check it out while in Manitou if you have the chance.

Manitou Springs itself is a delight but this little shop if a real find. The shop is a boutique type but off to one side is an entire room devoted to cactus. All kinds of cactus from large to very small. Because of space I ended up buying 6 rather small plants, all different and unique. I only got 6, there were probably 60 different ones there. The shop keeper spent all the time I asked for answering questions and relating stories, most pleasant.

And on the way home to Denver, just outside of Colorado Springs I got caught in a thunder and lightening storm that was spectacular. I loved it, large bolts of lightening seemed to crash into the earth very close, a black sky and rain in sheets at times. The rain I can do without but the sound and light show, I really dug it, all that with the Stones and Roland Kirk on the CD player. What a trip.

But, really, go to Manitou Springs as the whole town is delightful, the local people are friendly, knowledgeable, down to earth, many aging Hippies, just a great place with fun stores and beautiful scenery.

I regret to admit that I skipped the entire clothing and accessories portion of the store and darted straight to the succulents. It's a dreamlike place. I felt like I was in an issue of Kinfolk Magazine.

If you love succulents, it'll be hard to leave empty handed. There is a wonderful variety in all shapes, sizes, and prices. I picked up a small cactus for $3.50, and a much much taller one for $30.00. Most are under $10, but there were a few gorgeous giants (6'+) for around the $150 range.

Nice selection of cactuses in the back room- perfect selection for someone looking for a mature succulent to add to their collection.