Being a CSU grad and the first place I lived in Colorado – Fort Collins holds a special place for me. Besides being a college town – it’s a thriving community in Northern Colorado (NoCo) with an abundance of outdoor activities, culture, shopping, and craft breweries. It’s a year round destination with a fairly mild winter climate (in between some snowstorms 😉 ).
Here are 9 of my favorites in Fort Collins:
1. Visit Old Town
Old Town is a terrific destination with unique shops, restaurants, and always something going on! It’s a great spot for a drink outside, people watching, live music, markets, or other events often taking place here (we caught ice sculpting last winter). And don’t miss a visit during the holidays, as they go all out with the lights here!
2. Hiking Near Horsetooth Reservoir
Enjoy the Colorado views and get your exercise on two of my favorite hikes in the area – Soderberg and Horsetooth Falls. Keep in mind the parking can be very busy on the weekends (especially Horsetooth Falls, as it’s not a very big lot). Also, note that Larimer County has a parking fee at most of their trailhead parking.
3. Go Brewery Hopping
Fort Collins is a mecca for craft breweries! I suggest starting with two of the tried and true; New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing. They are only about a half mile apart… and you may want to bike or take an Uber. 😉 You’ll love the lively crowds; with food trucks and live music adding to the experience.
4. Celebrate the Holidays at Garden of Lights
With their dazzling light displays – The Gardens on Spring Creek is a fun outing around the holidays! To add to your evening out – combine with dinner at The Crown and a stroll through Old Town while it’s lit up for festive season.
5. Have Dinner at RARE
Be sure you make a reservation to dine here, as it’s a very popular restaurant in Old Town (with a seasonal menu). Last fall we celebrated my husband’s birthday here and followed our server’s recommendation and started with the antipasti – yum! Even though it’s an Italian restaurant – I strongly urge you to order the filet!
6. Get Outside in the Natural Areas
Fort Collins has an abundance of open space areas to enjoy all that nature has to offer here in Northern Colorado. Riverbend Ponds is one of my favorite spots to get outside! It’s a 2 mile loop and you’ll most likely be rewarded with heron or pelican sightings.
7. Take the Fort Collins Trolley
Riding the trolley is a fun activity in Fort Collins! For $2 – get a glimpse of riding the rails 100 years ago. You can board on Mountain Avenue near Old Town (for a roundtrip ride to City Park) and you’ll be rewarded with views of one of the prettiest streets in Fort Collins.
8. Stay at the Armstrong Hotel
We celebrated my husband’s 50th birthday with a stay at this boutique hotel in Old Town. Each room has a unique character and it’s the perfect home base for your visit to Fort Collins! Make sure to take a spin on the bikes they loan out. You can read my review here.
9. Dine at The Crown Pub
This English pub is one of our favorite places to grab dinner or a drink! In my opinion – it’s best enjoyed during the fall and winter months, as the cozy atmosphere and comfort food hits right during this time. My husband always orders the hearty Guiness Stew and you can’t go wrong with their crispy shoestring fries – Pomme Frites (pair with their garlic truffle aioli). No matter when you go – you’ll always be welcomed with the friendliest people here!
Hope these tips encourage you to visit Fort Collins during your trip to Colorado!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage
Kris
