Day 5 was more of a down day — a break from the constant driving and sightseeing. I left the camera behind this time, so the only photos I have are a couple quick shots from my phone that I sent to family just to show what I was up to.
I spent most of the day in downtown Manitou Springs, wandering through the shops and taking my time. It started as simple window shopping, but of course I ended up picking up a few gifts for Christmas while I was there. The town’s mix of quirky storefronts, old buildings, and mountain views made it easy to just slow down and enjoy the pace.
Dinner that night was at The Mona Lisa, a fondue restaurant tucked inside one of the historic buildings downtown. The meal was a four-course experience — a fresh salad, cheese fondue, a grilled meat course cooked right at the table, and a rich dessert fondue to finish. Each course came paired with a different wine, chosen based on the selections made along the way. It was easily one of the best meals of the trip — slow, cozy, and the perfect way to end a relaxed day.
