FYI 2017

2017-18

YOUR GUIDE TO

NORTHERN COLORADO FORT COLLINS AND SURROUNDING CITIES AT A GLANCE

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President & Publisher Kathy Jack-Romero kathyjackromero@coloradoan.com FYI Executive Editor Kristin Deily kdeily@coloradoan.com Advertising Director Ryan Young ryoung@coloradoan.com Art Director Erika Moore erikamoore@coloradoan.com

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Cover Photo

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If you feel we’ve overlooked something in this year’s magazine, please e-mail the information to lhemmecass@ftcollin.gannett.com with FYI in the subject line for inclusion in next year’s edition.

See all the ways Coloradoan Insiders get the best out of local entertainment, sports, dining and more with special discounts, events, and stories.

Take it all in at Coloradoan.com/Insider 1300 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524 Call (970) 416-3991 | Fax (970) 224-7726 ©2014 Coloradoan Media Group. All rights reserved.

While every effort is made to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate at press time, Coloradoan Media Group, its parent company and its affiliates do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

CONTENTS

LIVING

EXPERIENCES

OUTDOORS

18 Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

54 Craft brewing a Colorado behemoth

70 Top 5 Fort Collins hikes for kids

28 West Fort Collins: Nature lover’s paradise

56 Brace yourself for Festival season

76 Rafting companies ready to answer the call of the Poudre

36 South Fort Collins: All grown up

58 Lincoln Center announces line-up for 2017-18 season

78 Top 5 beginner fourteeners

40 Midtown: In the middle of it all

60 The most famous pizzas of Fort Collins

46 Loveland: Sister city with style 48 Windsor: Charm in spades 50 Wellington: Growing like a weed 53 Timnath: Putting rural in the rearview

62 Your summer bucket list: 25 Fort Collins things to do 66 Staycation plans: Spend a day in Denver

80 Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado

LIVING

Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

People walk along College Avenue in Old Town on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan

OLD TOWN: THE HEART OF FORT COLLINS Commonly referred to as the Choice City, Larimer County’s largest

BY PAUL HAZELTON

city, Fort Collins, certainly seems to live up to its nickname. The heart of all this recreation is undeniably Old Town, the city’s center.

Dating back almost as far as Fort Collins itself, the bustling district is home to hundreds of businesses including, retail stores, restaurants, bars, music venues and art galleries.

Its honeycombed streets are lined with pristine walkways where locals and visitors can experience a wide variety of local cuisine, charming stores and taverns. Besides these attractions, visitors will be delighted to find public works

18 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

of art, unique alleyways and historical charm that is Old Town’s signature.

Walking along the streets of Old Town lined with historical buildings, visitors will find shopping unlike anywhere else in Fort Collins. Locally owned shops welcome visitors and offer unique and unusual finds; everything from Colorado inspired souvenirs and clothing to handdesigned jewelry.

Weekends come alive in Old Town

Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

LIVING

Dating back almost as far as Fort Collins itself, the bustling district is home to hundreds of businesses including restaurants, bars, music venues and art galleries.

Square. In summer you will find children splashing in the fountains or enjoying ice cream cones. Couples can cozy up at one of Old Town’s bars, and families can enjoy tasty & locally sourced fare.

In addition to Old Town’s extensive restaurant scene, the area hosts many local breweries. Craft beer producers here, such as Odell and New Belgium, supply nearly 70 percent of Colorado’s microbrews. Residents and tourists can enjoy local flavor on one of the many patios.

Similarly, musical interests are an important piece of the community.

Whether it be a street guitarist or the sound of a punk band thrashing out back of The Colorado Room, live music is a constant. Venues like the Aggie Theater and the Lincoln Center attract high profile artists from around the country to perform at regularly well-attended shows.

The visual arts community is also integral to the area. Its indelible mark on

Old Town is seen in the many galleries, museums and businesses that promote First Fridays and art in general.

Further highlighting the importance that art, breweries, music and community have in the area, Old Town annually hosts a plethora of festivals and organized events. These include, among others, FoCoMX, the Colorado Brewers’ Festival, Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest, and FORTober Fest.

In large part, the citizens that support Old Town study at Colorado State University on its southern edge. This educational facility routinely supplies the country and globe with vital research and freshly printed professionals and leaders.

Old Town as a whole is one of the most attractive areas in Fort Collins. Not only is it a friendly meeting place for dates, business dealings, and shopping outings, it’s also the radial point that connects and symbolizes much of Fort Collins and its ever growing population.

Old Town Square lights up for the holidays Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

the right card old town square

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 19

LIVING

Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

UNIQUE BAR/RESTAURANTS SOCIAL

Social is a relatively new addition to the Old Town bar scene. Taking its theme from the speakeasies of the 1930s, this upscale, underground cocktail bar is a must-see for longtime residents and tourists alike. Their drinks, crafted with flair by their experienced bartenders utilize only top shelf ingredients. The same goes for their hors d’oeurves, which resemble what you might see plated at five-star restaurants. So, whether you’re looking to impress your next date or simply want to quench your thirst with a well-made drink, Social won’t disappoint.

CHEBA HUT

For the marijuana connoisseur or anyone that hasn’t visited a weed-friendly state, Cheba Hut is a franchised phenomenon that’s not to be missed. The restaurant offers toasted subs, a friendly environment for the THC-influenced, and a fully functioning bar. Regardless of whether you’re stoned or stone-cold sober, this growing business has regularly been rated one of the best sandwich shops in Fort Collins and its varying cereal bar and Kool-Aid flavors never fail to satisfy.

The Crown Pub in Fort Collins. Coloradoan library

CROWN PUB

Walking up to the phone booth framed entrance of the Crown Pub, the appeal of this quintessential Irish bar starts to sink in. Past the doors, you’ll find a dimly lit interior featuring a well-stocked bar, traditional Irish grub, as well as rows of tables and booths. Additional seating can be found out back on their patio which is

shaded by a mesh pergola. Juxtaposing the first floor, the subterranean section of the pub oozes class with a white marble bar top and a stage that often supports local bands and other acts.

HIDDEN GEMS ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS

All That and a Bag of Chips might sound like a sandwich shop, but it’s not.

In fact, the only food you’ll find there is, as the name suggests, chips. This hole in the wall is a gaming cafe complete with both retro and contemporary game systems. For $5 patrons can enter this dark underground escape to compete in online shooters or simply test-drive new games and systems before they buy. There is no time limit, no restrictions on outside food and drinks and no limits on the number of times you’re allowed to re-enter after leaving. Unsurprisingly, this is a favorite for CSU students who have gaps in their schedules or otherwise wish to chase away the taste of a failed test.

INDIGO ROSE

Jory Ray, owner of All That and a Bag of Chips, demonstrates his business by playing Guitar Hero inside of his recently opened gaming den. Brian Smith/ For the Coloradoan

20 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

Indigo Rose is an apartment sized bookstore located off Walnut and Linden Street above its sister company which shares the name. Creaky, red, floral-patterned carpet steps lead you up into the sanctuary/business of a friendly bearded man of about 70 or 80. He’s been collecting books since he was a child, and from Tolstoy to Rowling can answer nearly any question you might have about a book or

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LIVING

Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

Fort Collins Museum of Art. Coloradoan library

author. The shop itself resembles less of a business and more of a home you might expect of a slightly organized book hoarder. Or, to put it simply, homey heaven for lovers of literature. The prices, unlike some bookstores in Fort Collins, are relatively cheap and the selection chalks five full rooms. Authors and books are easy to find and sitting in the leather chair by the front window is nearly as close as it comes to absolute serenity.

HALLEY’S COMICS

The cleverly named Halley’s Comics sits across from Old Town Square on Mountain Avenue. Inside you’ll find thousands of comics sitting in alphabetically organized boxes in the back and graphic novels and collectibles in the front. This small shop is often overlooked, but as Marvel and DC continue to release superhero blockbusters, the interest in comic

22 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

books is again on the rise. Whether you’re new to the comic book scene or an avid reader, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite for heroes, anti-heroes and misguided antagonists.

ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES THE CENTER OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

North on College you’ll find one of the only places to view and purchase photography in Fort Collins. This quiet gallery specializes in displaying talented artists from across Colorado and the nation. There are regular exhibition and theme shifts as well as featured artist talks and the best part? It’s free. If you’re interested in having your work hung in the gallery, the center regularly has calls for submissions, and since it’s a non-profit, all the proceeds end up in the artist pocket.

LIVING

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 23

LIVING

Old Town: The heart of Fort Collins

Director, Hammidah Glasgow, places a photo on the floor where is will be hanged at the Center for Fine Art Photography Monday Sept. 29, 2014.

V. Richard Haro/For the Coloradoan

FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF ART

Located in the center of Old Town, the Fort Collins Museum of Art is another creative and cultural hub in the community. It hangs everything from photography to abstract pieces, features artists across the United States and regularly hosts tours, field trips and fundraisers. The museum also offers the ART-EDU-OSITY creative space.

This room allows adults and children to experiment artistic mediums and is open during regular business hours. Its current exhibit is a sponsored fundraiser displaying vivid masks painted by talented artists and admission is free. It’s also worth noting that if you get tired

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Lindee Zimmer, assistant director of The Downtown Artery, straightens a piece of artwork in the hallway outside the In-House Artist’s studios in Old Town.

Michael Bettis/For The Coloradoan

of the art scene above, Blue Agave Grill awaits directly under the Museum. They have bottomless mimosas.

THE ARTERY

This establishment is perhaps one of the most interesting and curious businesses in the city. It hosts multiple events. It is one part coffee shop, one part bar slash restaurant, has a concert venue in the back and sells and displays local art. It’s a popular destination for First Fridays and rents out second story studios to more than 40 Fort Collins artists. Additionally, the Artery sells tickets to multiple art classes such as figure drawing with nude models and even serves as a bed and breakfast.

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LIVING

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LIVING

West Fort Collins: Nature lover’s paradise

This summer, try standup paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Coloradoan library

WEST FORT COLLINS: NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE

BY PAUL HAZELTON

The west side of Fort Collins consists of sprawling suburbs, scattered businesses and nature areas. The further west you go the more rural the district becomes. Starting at Shields Street, restaurants and apartment complexes for college students ripple into suburban family homes, which then morph into farmland and rural towns.

One of the largest draws to this part of the Fort is, of course, Horsetooth and the surrounding national parks and nature areas. Not only does Horsetooth contain the reservoir that supplies the city, but it also boasts many outdoor activities.

Hiking trails wind throughout its 6.5-mile

28 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

length as do camping spots equipped with electricity and other utilities.

Boating, swimming and paddle boarding opportunities are also popular attractions.

A less known recreation found at the lake is the possibility for scuba diving as long as you don't mind the Loch Ness-like

West Fort Collins: Nature lover’s paradise

visibility and the all too likely treasure trove of beer cans lying atop its sediment.

The sector is a major tourist destination as well as a symbol for local residents, many of whom look at Horsetooth rock (a source of legend for Native Americans) as the unofficial mascot of Fort Collins.

Not far away other major outdoor destinations, such as Poudre Canyon and Roosevelt National Forest, coddle visitors in the sights and sounds of bubbling rivers and rustling treetops. Similar to Horsetooth these areas are popular with nature photographers, joggers, anglers, climbers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Also in the area, you’ll find multiple parks including City, Avery, Overland, and Rogers. City Park remains the most popular and active of the four. It, among other things, hosts junior sports games, fishing, LARPing and, when the weather permits, tanning spots and slacklinefriendly trees for the city’s youth.

Other attractions include the seasonal drive-in theater that offers double features on Friday nights, along with a snack bar that regularly serves the premiere date night destination. Across the street, the now obsolete Hughes Stadium sits in limbo as Colorado State University mulls its fate. Additional academic facilities also occupy the area such as CSU’s Equine and Foothills campus. The Center of Disease Control building is out there too protecting Fort Collins from microscopic menaces and potential zombie outbreaks.

Further west, off Highway 14, the rustic wooden stage of the Mishawaka attracts bands and music enthusiasts. It's one of the most popular music venues in the city, which until recently allowed ticket holders to camp out during and after shows.

West Fort Collins, in short, is a dreamscape for nature lovers and ranks among the most inexpensive places for recreational activities in the city.

West Fort Collins, in short, is a dreamscape for nature lovers and ranks among the most inexpensive places for recreational activities in the city.

LIVING

The 1879 Avery House

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Free Admission—Donations Appreciated

1883 Water Works

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Free Admission—Donations Appreciated

PLF Events Calendar Water Works Big Splash 2nd Saturday in June, 10 am–3 pm

Tea on the Avery Lawn

First Saturday in June, 10 am–1 pm

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Saturday, September 16, 10 am–4 pm

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Jay Breidt and Monica Lynn ascend the trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 29

LIVING

West Fort Collins: Nature lover’s paradise Michelle Bolker and Rachel Fang take in the view as water crashes down Horsetooth Falls Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

BEST HIKING SPOTS HORSETOOTH FALLS AND HORSETOOTH ROCK TRAIL

According to Native American legend, a giant used to patrol Horsetooth long ago who barred hunters from bagging their supper and skins. A local chief is said to have slain the giant by cutting into its heart three times with a tomahawk and, subsequently, its corps turned to stone forming what is now Horsetooth rock.

The trail up to the long dead behemoth is considered a moderately strenuous hike that will lead you by a calming waterfall, popular with dog lovers, photographers and couples. The trail is 6.1 miles long and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view once at the top.

GREY ROCK TRAIL

Off Highway 14 in Gateway Mountain Park you’ll find Grey Rock Trail. This 7.4-mile hike splits early in the trip allowing visitors to veer left to Meadows trail, which is less taxing or continue to follow the main road to the right. Both paths eventually meet about 2.6 miles later and will, as the trail's name suggests, lead you to the summit of a large grey rock.

Once at the top you’ll find various ponds and awe-striking views ideal for photo ops. This is a relatively tough hike and involves a little bouldering. So, if a breezy walk with your grandma is what you're looking for, this isn't the trail for you.

POUDRE TRAIL

Starting as far back as the Bellevue Watson Fish Hatchery, this 19-mile trail meanders along the edge of the Poudre River for most of its length and ends at the Environmental Learning Center located on East Drake Street. Due to its proximity to the river (and a couple of lakes), this hike is a favorite of anglers, joggers and bike riders. Despite its length, this path is relatively easy. Much of it has been paved, and as if 19 miles wasn't long enough, plans are in the works to stretch it out to I-25 within the next several years.

30 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA LARPING AT CITY PARK

If you're unfamiliar with the acronym, LARPing stands for “Live Action Role Play.” It entails, among other things, donning medieval clothing and battling with foam swords, spears, axes and shields. You can witness these mini wars at City Park nearly every Friday at 5 p.m. by the open space that borders Mulberry Street and the adjacent lake. Don't be shy about suiting up either. This community is extraordinarily inclusive and will help you build equipment and learn the rules of the game. P.S. It’s harder than it looks.

GOLFING

Next to the cemetery on Taft Hill and Mulberry Street, you’ll find City Park Nine municipal golf course. It's a small course but one that is consistently well maintained by its grounds crew. It’s complete with a driving range, PGA pros, golf carts and a clubhouse--the whole nine yards, literally. If being outside isn't your thing

but you still like to golf (if such a sad person exists), there’s a solution for you. It's called Virtual Links. This establishment offers players an artificial golfing experience as well as other activities including pool and darts. A full bar stocked with a friendly staff and food options is another added plus.

SCUBA DIVING IN HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR

As we mentioned earlier, Horsetooth Reservoir permits scuba diving. And while this might be a foreign concept to many in the land-locked state, the activity can supply a unique view of the lake and hours of enjoyment. Classes and rental equipment can be found at the Colorado Scuba Diving Academy located off Highway 14 and Shield Street. Once you're certified you’ll be free to explore the murky waters of Horsetooth and Colorado without the risk of catching the bends. This excursion is allowed either during the day or if you're feeling adventurous, at night. Just be sure to bring lights and a camera to document what most people would consider the beginning or a horror flick.

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 31

LIVING

West Fort Collins: Nature lover’s paradise

CAMPING SPOTS HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR

While Horsetooth isn't the most exotic place to go camping, it does provide some of the most entertaining activities and convenient amenities. It supports 155 total camping sites that vary from tents to RV’s to boat ins. Many of these campsites offer restrooms, electricity and water. Plus, as long as you're not renting a cabin the most these sites will cost you is $25 a night. One luxury you might want to consider, though, is renting jet skis and other lake worthy vehicles from the Inlet Bay Marina. If not, swimming and hiking are free and there’s plenty of that in the area.

BEAVER MEADOWS

If you're looking for something more out of the way that caters to picturesque backdrops, Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park is a solid pick. While this camping spot isn't technically within Fort Collins, it's not too far away, and in the Summer, it's gorgeous. So

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much so that campers flock there from across the country. Views of Longs Peak, flowering meadows and wildlife mark the area and as a result, reservations are highly encouraged. The camping fee, at its height, will cost you $26 but that includes restrooms, generators, water and food lockers among other comforts.

JACKS GULCH

Ranking among one of the most attractive camping sites in the Poudre Canyon, Jacks Gulch is perfect for escaping the micro cities that pop up every Summer at many other campgrounds. Around six miles from the canyon, this area is close enough to the river that fishing enthusiasts will have no trouble casting off and on top of that, it has the rare advantage of being complete with horse corrals. Yet another reason to visit are the many trails that originate from the campsite. These sunny paths will lead you through valleys of wildflowers and forests into Beaver Park and the Comanche Peaks Wilderness. The overnight fee tops out at $25 which includes access to electricity and toilets.

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5 STEPS TO BREATHING EASIER As winter slowly melts into spring, many of us are experiencing severe cabin fever. But many of us are also experiencing some additional symptoms that are potentially caused by being cooped up inside all winter.

While most people associate air quality with being outdoors in the heat of the summer, it should also be a concern throughout the rest of the ywear. Indoor air quality is always a concern, but especially during the winter months when homes are closed up against the cold. Modern homes have become very effectively airtight, and while this is great for many reasons, it means that there is no natural circulation of air inside the home when the windows remain closed. For those pollutants trapped in the house, there is simply a recirculation of the air within the home.

This may mean that the quality of air inside the home is actually worse than that outside.

In recent years, air quality within the home has become increasingly important because people are spending more and more time indoors. There are many irritants and pollutants that may be present inside a home, and while they are particularly harmful to children, elderly and asthmatic people, these pollutants are affecting everyone within the home. Lead dust, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, chemicals from cleaning supplies, dust mites, mold, and pet dander are some of the most common harmful pollutants found in homes.

There are some steps that can be taken to help improve air quality when allowing new air into the house via open windows is not a good option.

34 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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Keep floors as clean as possible

No smoking in the house

Keeping as much outside of the home as possible is the first step to good air quality.

Large mats at every entrance helps reduce the amount of dirt, mold, and other pollutants tracked into the house.

Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filtered system, and following with mopping (just water works fine!) the floors to pick up any particles that were too small for the vacuum.

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you and those around you. Smoking in the house puts the myriad chemicals found in cigarettes into the air, and the lack of circulation means that all of those chemicals stay in the house even after the actual cigarette has been put out.

If someone absolutely must smoke, make sure they do it outside of the house.

Test for radon Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in nearly all soils. The gas moves into homes from the surrounding soils through tiny cracks in the foundation, and any home could have a problem with it, regardless of the state of the home otherwise. Radon greatly increases the risk for lung cancer, but is nearly undetectable as an air pollutant without specific testing. Radon testing should be performed on your home to ensure you are not unknowingly polluting the air you and your family breathe.

Taking a few extra steps and precautions can improve the health of the air you and your family breathe throughout the long winter months and into the spring.

For an assessment on the quality of air in your home, contact Northern Colorado Air.

Eliminate synthetic fragrances

Install an air purifier

Synthetic fragrances in cleaning products or air fresheners are by their very nature chemicals that are released into the air of your home. Many fragrances are “proprietary” and the exact chemical makeup is unknown, and while this doesn’t necessarily mean they are toxic, it does mean that they are potentially putting unwanted pollutants into the air.

Instead, use natural items like lemon juice or baking soda to eliminate unwanted smells.

To ensure the healthiest quality of air possible, install a whole house air purification system. The filter ensures that particles and pollutants are taken out of the air, ensuring that you and your family can breathe better and easier. Ensuring high quality of air in the home becomes easier with a purifier, allowing anything missed by all of the rest of the efforts to improve air quality to be taken care of easily.

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South Fort Collins: All grown up

SOUTH FORT COLLINS: ALL GROWN UP

BY HOLLY GRAHAM

Over the last few years, Southern Fort Collins has exploded into a Northern Colorado Mecca for shopping, entertainment and food.

Buildings and businesses are sprouting up like weeds and almost every time you drive down Harmony Road, you’ll notice a brand new building that wasn’t there a few weeks prior. Although Harmony during rush hour can be a nightmare, side roads like Whalers Way and Oakridge Drive can help you access businesses without having to sit in stop-and-go traffic.

If you live on the south side of town or are just looking for a little outing, you’re

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sure to find exactly what you’re looking for near Harmony Road. Food, coffee, and some of the best hiking trails Northern Colorado has to offer are just a stone’s throw away.

WHERE TO EAT NIXON’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN SMOKEHOUSE AND TAVERN

This local place in Southern Fort Col-

South Fort Collins: All grown up

“If you live on the south side of town or are just looking for a little outing, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for near Harmony Road..” lins is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. They offer daily deals like allyou-can-eat ribs and sides on Thursdays and $1-per-bone ribs on Mondays. Nightly events like live concerts and country dancing on Wednesdays provide exciting entertainment. Try every one of their 15 original BBQ sauces. A full bar and 24 beer taps make sure that thirst is a non-issue.

DOUG’S DAY DINER

Real butter is the secret ingredient in the great tasting food at Doug’s Day Diner.

Fresh ingredients are combined fromscratch to fill your plate and your belly.

The menu generally has a southwestern feel full of green chili, carne asada, beans and guacamole. You can even try a burger complete with peanut butter!

CAFÉ ATHENs

Café Athens brings a little piece of Greece to Fort Collins. They provide a smorgasbord of salads, gyros, hummus and other traditional food like Dolmathes— grape leaves stuffed with rice and served with traditional tzatziki sauce. Greek not your thing? Café Athens also provides more American dishes like onion rings and gyros with BBQ and American cheese.

BANN THAI RESTAURANt

Bann Thai has locations in Old Town, as well as off of Harmony Road. If you’re not feeling up to fighting your way through Old Town, the Harmony location might be your best bet. This restaurant offers a variety of Thai food including spring rolls, pot stickers, noodles, curry dishes, stir fries and more. If you’re feeling more like a night in than out on the town, Bann Thai Restaurant also delivers.

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SAMMY’S BREAKFAST BAR

Sammy’s Breakfast Bar is a morning eatery perfect for celebrating summer.

Bloody Marys and mimosas will get your day started off in true Fort Collins fashion.

Sammy’s also provides several choices of benedicts, pancakes, omelets and of course, sandwiches of all sorts.

COFFEE AND TEA DAZBOG COFFEE

Sure, Dazbog Coffee is a relatively large chain, but it is a true inspiration of the American dream. Dazbog’s roots run deep into Russia. The founding family fled the country in search of a better life in the US and Dazbog coffee is the end result. The coffee served here is strong and flavorful.

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South Fort Collins: All grown up

Colin Ruff skateboards at Fossil Creek Park on Friday, January 15, 2016. Valerie Mosley/ For the Coloradoan

So instead of starting your morning with Starbucks—again— start it with a fresh cup o’ Joe from Dazbog.

HAPPY LUCKY’S TEAHOUSE

Happy Lucky’s Teahouse opened a second location off of Harmony Road to provide the community of southern Fort Collins with quality teas. Happy Lucky’s has a wall of more than 100 teas to choose from. The unique shopping experience allows patrons to choose which tea they want by smelling the different flavors.

They can then choose to bring the tea home in bulk or brew a pot for on-site enjoyment. This teahouse is the perfect spot to read a book and try tea from all over the world.

PARKS FOSSIL CREEK PARK

Located off of South Lemay Ave, Fossil Creek Park is a park unlike any other in

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the Fort. There’s a dog park for the pups, a huge playground for the kids and several trails and ponds for the family to enjoy together. This park also offers a skate park and horseshoe pits.

PELICAN MARSH NATURAL AREA

Do you enjoy bird watching? Pelican Marsh Natural Area is a great place to spot— you guessed it— pelicans. The American White Pelicans use the area that surrounds Robert Benson Reservoir to fish and rest. The reservoir is shallow and does not allow fishing because it is an important habitat for water birds, shorebirds and small mammals.

RIDGEVIEW PARK

This park, south of Harmony Road near McGraw Elementary School, is known for its baseball and soccer fields. The tenacre expanse is a great place to enjoy a picnic on the green grass with the family.

Ridgeview Park is also known for its en-

vironmentally inspired rock seating area created by artist, Andrew Dufford.

COYOTE RIDGE NATURAL AREA

Coyote Ridge Natural Area is located approximately three miles south of Harmony Road off of Taft Hill Road. This natural area is where the Colorado foothills meet the plains and as such, provides a unique combination of plant and wildlife.

You can spend hours hiking or horseback riding on the many trails this area has to offer. Unfortunately, dogs cannot accompany you at Coyote Ridge.

FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR NATURAL AREA

This reservoir is located in the southeast corner of Fort Collins. It is easily accessible near I25 and allows for a quick getaway from the stress of city life. The natural area is the home of many migrating species and even closes during the winter to provide solace for bald eagle to raise their chicks.

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Midtown: In the middle of it all

Volunteers from the Denver Botanic Gardens Ann Berthe, left, and Marilyn Schroeder, right, take notes on new and interesting flowers they may purchase from the Annual Flower Trial Garden Thursday, August 4, 2016. Chelsae Ketchum/ For the Coloradoan

MIDTOWN: IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

BY HOLLY GRAHAM

Fort Collins has long been synonymous with Old Town. And while Old Town is still a gem in the Fort Collins crown, other parts of town have been stepping up as destinations instead of just areas you have to drive through to get where you are going.

The space south of Laurel Street and north of Harmony is vast and chalk full of great times. Put your phone down, turn off the Netflix and get your Vitamin-D by visiting the open spaces, nature reserves and parks. There’s grass and trees, lakes and streams just a short drive—or walk— away. Yes, you can even bring Fido.

If late spring allergies have you trapped indoors, don’t forget that the people of Fort Collins can’t seem to get enough

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tacos. With nearly 40 Mexican restaurants inside city limits, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in Midtown. And what goes better with food than an ice-cold beer?

These breweries don’t serve the watereddown lager you’ve come to expect from an out-of-state can— they have real flavor.

The breweries near Old Town are great, but if you’re looking for something off the beaten path and just as tasty, check these ones out.

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Midtown: In the middle of it all Patrons pack Maxline Brewing in Fort Collins. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan

THINGS TO DO ANNUAL FLOWER TRIAL GARDEN

If you frequent S College Ave, you’ve probably seen the pop of color between E Lake Street and E Pitkin St. This large garden is a method of education. Students, faculty and community members use the different varieties of both annual and perennial flowers to study and grow new varieties. Petunias, begonias, daisies, grasses, shrubs and more— there’s something for everyone. The annual flowers are on display between May and October. Pansies are planted in the fall and stay on display until spring. Perennials are displayed year round. The best part about this garden is that admission is free. Have a seat on one of the many benches, breathe deeply and enjoy the afternoon surrounded by plants.

MIDTOWN ARTS CENTER

Midtown Arts Center is the epitome of dinner and a show. This small theatre puts on world-class productions for a fraction of the cost and every seat in the house is a good one. Fill your stomach with prime rib, chicken Parmesan, or a salad the size of a small forest served by the actors themselves. Then sit back, relax, drink some wine and enjoy the show. At intermission, the actors return to serve coffee and mounds of ice cream sundaes. Make sure you buy tickets early because these shows sell out fast.

RIVERBEND PONDS NATURAL AREA

This area is a Fort Collins gem. While driving on Prospect near I25, you can see the parking lot and some of the wooden bridges. This land has 226 acres, seven ponds and a stretch of the Poudre River. The trails at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area are a great place to see Front Range wildlife including more than 200 different varieties of bird. The seven former gravel mine ponds are stocked with warm water fish species like largemouth bass and channel catfish. This natural area is the perfect spot to get out of town— without going too far.

MEXICAN FOOD DAM GOOD TACOS

If you’re looking for a fresh and likehomemade lunch, try Dam Good Tacos.

The tortillas are locally sourced and all

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of the ingredients are made fresh in-house daily. Dam Good Tacos refers to itself as “fusion-style” and offers a variety of burritos, tacos and sautés.

TORTILLAS LAS 4 AMERICAS (TAQUERIA EXPRESS)

This small Mexican bakery and taqueria is as authentic as you can find in Fort Collins. The service is great, the food is tasty and the prices are even better.

Located just off College Ave near Prospect Road, it’s the perfect place to escape on your lunch break with quick access to almost anywhere else in the city.

the day on a good note: a margarita.

CAFÉ MEXICALI

This Fort Collins favorite is a great place to recover from last night’s Old Town excursion. Indulge in Café Mexicali’s melt in your mouth sweet pork covered in white sauce for the full experience. Meat not your thing?

Substitute the sweet pork for sweet corn and onion option that’s just as good. The line at Café Mexicali can get pretty long, but don’t fret— it moves fast.

BREWERIES

TORTILLA MARISSA’S

ZWEI BREWING

This cozy restaurant is the perfect place for date-night. The ambience is warm and casual, the staff is friendly and the service is prompt. Try items like artichoke quesadillas, mango salsa and salmon fajitas for something new. Boss troubles? Head to Tortilla Marissa’s to end

To put it simply, these beers will inspire your taste buds. With more than 40 years combined brewing experience, this brewing team has perfected the science of making beer. Although German beers are their focus and specialty, you are sure to find a delectable IPA or brown

Midtown: In the middle of it all

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TAT T O O S PIERCINGS JEWELRY High quality jewelry boutique, custom tattoos and piercings.

Bring your ideas and we’ll create something exquisite and unique. ale. The taproom has nearly 20 different beers on tap daily and almost always has something new and different for you to try. This brewery is the epitome of a family-friendly destination. With several board games for the kids and water bowls galore for the pups, there is something for everyone at Zwei Brewing.

cask ales are smooth and similar in consistency to what you might expect from a nitro. Along with their own beers, this brewery also offers guest beers from around the city— something for everyone.

If you’re feeling hungry, try one of their three meet and cheese boards, artisan sandwiches or appetizers.

GILDED GOAT BREWING COMPANY

MAXLINE BREWING

The goal of this brewery is to bring the Colorado lifestyle into the world of beer. Through art and science, Gilded Goat Brewing Company has handcrafted several types of beers including American Sours and American Pale Ales. The Gilded Goat Brewery is like visiting an art gallery and brewery all in one.

There’s always something going on at Maxline Brewing. Live music, beer and food pairings and Geek’s Who Drink are only some of the events Maxline hosts for the community. Another item they have put together for the outdoor-loving Northern Coloradoans is a together is a guide to beer and camping. This guide offers pairing ideas for your camping and beer preferences. You can also find recipes, like Irish Red Caramel Sauce and Pale Ale Pork Tenderloin Marinade, to make with the brewery’s beer for free on its website.

MCCLELLAN’S BREWING COMPANY

McClellan’s Brewing is unlike any other brewery in Fort Collins. That’s because the beers brewed here are brewed using traditional Celtic style. The handcrafted

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Avoid the sting Red. Itchy. Irritating. Unsightly. Did we mention itchy?

Nobody likes to spend their summer scratching and uncomfortable, but the bigger concern isn’t the bite itself, it is the possibility of infection with a disease. West Nile Virus has become a yearly presence in Colorado, and unfortunately there is at least one human casualty from the disease every year.

The City of Fort Collins has implemented a multi-faceted plan to combat the spread of the disease and monitor the levels of infection in the local mosquito populations. Early in the spring, bodies of water are tested and treated to combat the mosquitos in their larval

stage, before they take to the air. To monitor the adult populations later in the season, traps have been set up all over the city. These traps are checked on a regular basis to determine the portion of mosquitos throughout the city who are carriers of the disease.

While the West Nile infection rates generally remain low, if they reach a certain level the City will implement their spraying program to kill the adult population of mosquitos. This program is designed to protect the city residents from disease, but business owners who wish to opt out of the program

are invited to do so on the City of Fort Collins’ website (http://www.fcgov. com/westnile/).

The biggest thing that everyone can do to combat West Nile Virus in their own everyday life is prevent the development of more mosquitos, and protect themselves from being infected. The City provides a free backyard inspection to help homeowners keep their properties mosquito-free. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins recommends 4 easy steps to minimize the risk for each individual, and in turn reduce the risk for the population as a whole.

Drain

Dusk thru Dawn

DEET

Dress

Don’t leave standing water around outdoor areas. Whenever possible, drain away standing water, since this is where mosquitos breed and lay eggs. Any small puddle, flower pot full of rainwater, clogged rain gutter, or kiddie pool sitting in the backyard is like a mosquito Club Med. Keep those frisky bugs at bay by keeping things dry.

Half-light times are the most active for the little biters. While dusk especially is a popular time for outdoor activities in the summer, try to limit this time whenever possible.

Bug spray is your friend! Any repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency will be safe and effective when used according to the label. There are many mosquito specific solutions, as well as organic options to try. Search out an approved repellent, and don’t be afraid to use it!

Even in the summer, long sleeves and pants are a good idea. Keeping your skin covered in light colored and loose fitting clothing is one of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites. Unfortunately lightweight and tight fitting clothes allow the little buggers to bite right through, so try to choose something that covers and does not fit too snugly.

44 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

STAY WEST NILE FREE WITH THE FOUR D’s

DRAIN Mosquitoes breed in water! Drain any standing water in your yard each week.

DUSK THRU DAWN Mosquitoes are most active dusk through dawn.

Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities.

Esta información puede ser traducida, sin costo para usted.

DRESS

Keeping covered will do a lot to prevent biting.

DEFEND

Use an approved repellent according to its label.

fcgov.com/WestNile FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 45

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Loveland: Sister City with style The sky is full of stars at Devil’s Backbone open space on May 5, 2016.

Valerie Mosley/For the Coloradoan

LOVELAND: SISTER CITY WITH STYLE

BY HOLLY GRAHAM

Named in honor of William A.H. Loveland, the president of Colorado Central Railroad, the city was founded in 1866 along the railroad line. At the beginning of the 20th century, Loveland was known primarily for its sugar beet and sour cherry crops. Today, Loveland encompasses the Colorado lifestyle.

With entertainment, bars, restaurants, shopping and more, Loveland is a city that has it all. Located in a prime territory between Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver and Fort Collins, Loveland’s central location provides easy access to almost anywhere. Those who are lucky enough to live in Loveland get the best of both worlds: small town atmosphere with the accessibility of city life.

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THINGS TO DO LOVELAND LASER TAG

This is the perfect place in Loveland for families to celebrate events. This facility has plenty of activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours. From bumper cars to a climbing wall and a ropes course to arcade games, Loveland Laser Tag has a lot more to offer than just the

Loveland: Sister City with style

laser tag arena. The laser tag arena itself offers dozens of different games and missions for everyone in your group to enjoy.

THE PROMENADE SHOPS AT CENTERRA

This shopping center located just off I25 might be what Loveland is best known for— you can’t miss the sudden increase in buildings, signage and cars vying for optimal off-ramp position. This shopping area is the perfect place to spend that hard earned paycheck on clothes, movies, food, jewelry and more. With shops like Charlotte Rouse, Buckle and Barnes and Noble and restaurants like P.F Changs, Red Robin and Biaggi’s, The Promenade Shops at Centerra is your one-stop shop for all of you shopping needs.

Q THE LIVE ESCAPE EXPERIENCE – LOVELAND

Sometimes called an “Escape Room” or “Puzzle Room,” at Q you and your friends will have a maximum of 60 minutes to escape from a locked room. Deductive reasoning and problem solving will help you discover clues to work your way out.

If you like puzzles, this is the ultimate test! If after 60 minutes, you can’t get out, Q staff will unlock the doors.

BREWERIES BIG THOMPSON BREWERY

Named for the mighty river that runs through this area, Big Thompson Brewing will give you a great excuse to spend the weekend sipping beers and enjoying the sunshine. Big Thompson Brewery opened its doors in September 2015, and since then has specialized in quality beers.

Their flagship beers stick to the river theme, like Bent Hook Best Bitter and Headwaters Pale Ale. LOVELAND ALEWORKS

Loveland Aleworks specializes in beer they like— it’s that simple. If this familyowned company brews something worth

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sharing, they do. They release quality ales with quality ingredients and love to mix fruit into their recipes, the right way.

Do you enjoy a nice sour beer? Then try the American Sour with Raspberries. IPAs more your style? Their flagship IPA mixes pine flavors with caramel malts for a wellrounded brew.

BIG BEAVER BREWING CO

Since 2010, Big Beaver Brewing has been serving craft beer to Northern Colorado. With 16 beers on tap, Big Beaver has something for everyone— 21 and up, of course. This brewery vows to reuse, reduce and minimize the environmental impact whenever possible, you know, to save the beavers. The high quality ingredients are not only artfully, but also scientifically manipulated to bring you a beer you won’t soon forget.

LOVELAND’S OUTDOOR RECREATION DEVIL’S BACKBONE OPEN SPACE

Towering rock formations and wildflowers are only a couple of the sights you’ll see at Devil’s Backbone Open Space.

This area was named for the jagged rock formations that line the 12 miles of trails.

This open space is one of Larimer County’s most popular places to hike, bring dogs, ride horses and mountain bike.

BOYD LAKE STATE PARK

Looking for a place to spend time in the water in Northern Colorado? Boyd Lake State Park is a water sports enthusiast’s dream. Almost every type of watercraft, including jet skis, sailboats, ski boats, fishing boats and more, are allowed on the lake.

There is even a sandy beach and swim area for those who prefer to be in the water instead of on top of it. The park hosts events like stargazing nights and campfire nights during the summer, as well.

Flowers bloom at the Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 47

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Windsor: Charm in spades

Brooklyn Birkhofer and Claire Crackel, both 4, show off the crab claws they found at Boardwalk Park in Windsor on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Valerie Mosley/ For the Coloradoan

WINDSOR: CHARM IN SPADES

BY HOLLY GRAHAM

As real estate prices in Colorado’s larger cities like Fort Collins and Loveland skyrocket, many families are moving east to towns like Windsor. Windsor has a lot to offer, has grown immensely within the past few years and has transformed into Northern Colorado suburbia.

With housing come shops, restaurants and activities, but Windsor has maintained a quaintness not many growing cities can maintain.

48 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

Windsor: Charm in spades

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RESTAURANTS OKOLE MALUNA HAWAIIAN GRILL

This “don’t miss” restaurant in Windsor is bringing a little bit of island cuisine to Eastern Colorado. The island-born head chef, Andy Higa, makes traditional Polynesian dishes with a twist to please the most curious palates. The menu includes plenty of pork, short ribs, chicken and fish.

CHIMNEY PARK BISTRO

This restaurant and bar is a classy joint, perfect for anniversaries or treating yourself with a night on the town. Only open for dinner, the menu includes items like Foie Gras, goat cheese puree, lamb, bass and several vegetarian options. Make sure to straighten your tie before you walk in.

THINGS TO DO NO WORRIES HOT AIR BALLOONING

This is your chance to fly in a hot air balloon. You’ll get to see the Front Range from above and maybe even fly with a flock of birds. Landing depends on where the wind blows, so you might get to see more of Windsor, Severance or even Greeley!

THE SUMMIT WINDSOR

The Summit is a Northern Colorado destination. People come from all over to bowl, play in the arcade, eat at the restaurant, drink the variety of beers and spend time enjoying each other’s company.

One of three Colorado locations, The Summit Windsor has 24 lanes of bowling, two levels of laser tag, 5,000 square foot game room and three full bars. It even has a separate room for 21 and up bowlers to get away from all the excitement children can bring to a bowling alley.

Eva Novisia takes a chicken salad to a table at Okole Maluna in Windsor on Thursday, December 1, 2016. Valerie Mosley/ The Coloradoan

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 49

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Wellington: Growing like a weed

Brandon and Tara Neckel stand in front of the Wellington location of Old Colorado Brewing Company. Erin Hull/ For the Coloradoan

WELLINGTON: GROWING LIKE A WEED

BY HOLLY GRAHAM

Often overshadowed by nearby cities, Fort Collins and Loveland, Wellington has a lot to offer. Many of the businesses in Wellington are locally owned and operated — they are true down-home style and focus on family values and quality products.

Wellington is a growing city east of Fort Collins and less than 8,000 people currently call it home. Since the year 2000, a steep increase of people have moved to Wellington, going

50 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

from 1,458 people in 1999 to a population of 7,185 today. It’s safe to stay that due to the steady real estate increases, Wellington will continue to grow.

Wellington: Growing like a weed

LIVING

WELCOME TO

NORTHERN COLORADO’S GATEWAY SMALL TOWN FRIENDLINESS

Dining | Community Events | Shopping LOCAL HANGOUTS OLD COLORADO BREWING COMPANY

This family-run brewing company has been brewing beer for three decades. The family itself has been brewing beer since the early 1900s, so it’s safe to say the Neckel family are true beer experts. An old grain elevator was tastefully converted into the taproom and the brewery itself is the first in Wellington. With several icecold beers to choose from, Old Colorado Brewing Company is a Wellington gem.

THE WELLINGTON GRILL

This local restaurant is known for its affordable prices and service with a smile.

Patrons rave about the fried chicken and beer battered fish and chips, as well as the burger selection. Often during the summer, the Wellington Grill is the place to be to hear quality live music.

OWL CANYON COFFEE

This classic small town coffee shop is the best place in Wellington to greet the morning. Owl canyon specializes in Fair Trade products so you can feel good about spending your hard earned money here.

This coffee shop also serves smoothies, locally baked goods, gluten-free products and breakfast burritos.

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Valerie Mosley/For the Coloradoan

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Timnath: Putting rural in the rearview

LIVING

A conductor sculpture is perched surrounded by wind chimes at the Swetsville Zoo on Monday, March 13, 2017.

Valerie Mosley/ For the Coloradoan

TIMNATH: PUTTING RURAL IN THE REARVIEW

BY HOLLY GRAHAMT

Timnath is a quaint, agricultural town perfect for visiting on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Once known as the sheep-feeding capital of the world, the Timnath community has raised potatoes, alfalfa, hay and other grain throughout the years. Some of the buildings in Timnath appear to be straight out of a Western film complete with a post office church and a few quaint businesses.

Others are more modern and help support the community full of ranchers and their families who live to the east.

Although there might not be a ton to do in the small town of Timnath, it’s a central location with plenty to do nearby.

ACTIVITIES NEAR TIMNATH SWETSVILLE ZOO

This zoo has no animals. You read that right, none. Instead, this zoo is a work of art. The creatures are made of metal scraps and other junkyard findings like old cars and old bicycles. The creator of Swetsville Zoo, Bill Swets, started creating metal

creatures in 1895 as a hobby, which turned into today’s public walkabout. The zoo is located on the border between Fort Collins and Timnath at 4801 E Harmony Road.

BRUCE’S BAR

Down the road from Timnath is Severance. In Severance, is Bruce’s Bar. Bruce’s Bar opened in 1957 and began serving Rocky Mountain Oysters in 1959.

Today, Bruce’s Bar is famous for those oysters. From bikers to students, doctors to lawyers, Bruce’s Bar has an open seat for people from all walks of life— except on all-you-can-eat nights, when the place is packed.

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 53

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Craft brewing a Colorado behemoth Odell Brewing is part of a collection of Fort Collins breweries called Brewater that aims for more efficient use of water. Valerie Mosley/For the Coloradoan

Meet Mat– Event Planner Extraordinaire

So much more than just a liquor store...

2201 South College (970) 226-8662 www.WilbursTotalBeverage.com Open M-Sat 9-10 • Sun 9-7

CRAFT BREWING A COLORADO BEHEMOTH

BY NICK COLTRAIN

A few years ago, Kirk Lombardi

Originally published by the Coloradoan Sept. 9, 2016.

and his business partners looked to south Fort Collins and saw a lot of thirsty people.

There's about 10,000 rooftops in the neighborhoods near Harmony Road and College Avenue, and numerous national chains nearby. For a nascent Fort Collins brewery, that spelled opportunity.

"When we were looking for a location, we looked at this end of town, the south end of town, and it was grossly undeserved," Lombardi said.

In opening Zwei Brewing, at 4612 S. Mason St., two years ago, Lombardi and company found themselves helping push Colorado's craft brewing industry into a $1.7 billion-a-year behemoth.

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Craft brewing a Colorado behemoth

And while national successes like New Belgium and Oskar Blues might get all the attention, it's the "neighborhood breweries," like Zwei Brewing, that are fueling the industry's economic growth.

There are 350 breweries and brewpubs licensed in the state, triple the number active less than a decade ago, according to an economic impact report on craft brewers released Sept. 1 by the University of Colorado's Leeds School of Business.

And the industry is growing — since the report was finalized in June, 11 more breweries and brewpubs have opened in Colorado, bringing the new total to 361.

Growth in the industry has been "mind blowing," said Brian Lewandowski, associate director of the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business, who worked on the study. Aside from nearly $2 billion in economic impact, 7,776 jobs are owed to the industry, spread across 94 cities.

Craft beer's growth in Colorado also leads to a question asked by anyone who can't keep track of each new brewery to open just in Fort Collins: How many more can the market bear?

The answer, it seems, depends on the type of brewery. That's where Zwei Brewing and its brethren come into play. Lewandowski and Steve Kurowski, director of operations for the Colorado Brewers Guild, said they've been seeing more neighborhood breweries pop up, versus large and even medium-sized breweries. The Colorado Brewers Guild commissioned the study from CU. The neighborhood breweries aren't geared toward bottling and canning their beers, and many don't even have that in their future plans, Kurowski said. Instead, their competition is for local clientele instead of shelf space at the liquor store. He noted

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that smaller Colorado cities have their own breweries and threw out what he called one of his favorite statistics: 80 percent of all Coloradans live within 10 miles of a brewery.

"We're seeing more of those pop up, and as long as those types of businesses are putting out good beer and good food, then you're not going to hit that saturation point because everywhere sells beer and food," Kurowski said.

Lewandowski, citing time spent on the patio of his own neighborhood brewery, said they can add a sense of place to an area, or a social gathering spot.

Which is just what happens at Zwei.

Lombardi, a brewer and manager there, said he'll see locals finish bike rides with a beer, and running and bicycling clubs call his tasting room a meeting place.

Parents bring their kids. Come on the right Saturday morning, you'll even see yoga.

"People feel like they can just roll in here, and it's a relaxing situation, instead of having to pop into a Buffalo Wild Wings that is much more restrictive," he said.

Zwei has hit that sweet spot described

by Lewandowski: Good beer in a good location leads to a brewery becoming a community gathering spot. So, while there may not be another New Belgium or Odell Brewing or Oskar Blues on the horizon — or at least not readily apparent — there could still be plenty of opportunity for the craft beer industry moving forward.

"Breweries are adapting and finding their own niches," Lewandowski said. "That's what makes it hard for us to really understand the growth trajectory ... there's obviously an audience that they've tapped into."

The breweries themselves also feel positive about the outlook: According to Lewandowski's study, 49 percent of those surveyed feel confident they'll grow by 20 percent or more in the next year.

A flight of beer is served at Maxline Brewing Friday, July 22, 2016.

Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

Meet Jeff– Your Wilbur’s Beer Guru

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2201 South College (970) 226-8662 www.WilbursTotalBeverage.com Open M-Sat 9-10 • Sun 9-7 FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 55

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Brace yourself for festival season

Patrick Miranda, center, cheers for Denver-based hip hop group, Air Dubai, during their performance at Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest Friday, August 14, 2015. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

BRACE YOURSELF FOR FESTIVAL SEASON

BY ERIN UDELL Originally published by the Coloradoan May 18, 2017.

We've waited all winter.

We've scraped stubborn ice from our windshields, scooped snow from our driveways and layered our clothes until we couldn't layer anymore.

But now it's time to brace yourself, Fort Collins. Festival season is coming.

As June draws near, so does the promise of reliably warm weather and the start of lazy days filled with turkey legs,

56 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

free music and tours de Fat. Here's a rundown of the festivals you can start planning for in Fort Collins.

TASTE OF FORT COLLINS

Fort Collins is a foodie city so it's fitting the first festival of the season centers around good eats. Taste of Fort Collins is a three-day event that takes over Civic

Brace yourself for festival season

Center Park with food booths from local and national restaurants, craft beer and wine pavilions, live music and more.

This years Taste of Fort Collins took place June 9 thru the 11 and headliners included Plain White Ts, Gin Blossoms, St. Lucia and Waterloo Revival. For more infomation about Taste of Fort Collins in 2018 visit tasteoffortcollins.com.

COLORADO BREWERS' FESTIVAL

Let's move on to beer. As the "Napa Valley of Beer," Fort Collins is the site of the Colorado Brewers' Festival, now in its 28th year. Taste more than 90 brews from more than 40 Colorado breweries.

Hit the interactive beer school, watch demonstrations, catch live music or grab some grub from food vendors. The festival kicked off June 23 with The Summit at Colorado Brewers' Festival, a specialty, ticketed, kick-off event where attendees enjoyed unlimited tastings of 40+ rare, small-batch beers. For more information on BrewFest 2018, visit downtownfortcollins.com.

BOHEMIAN NIGHTS AT NEWWESTFEST

As summer winds down, downtown gears us for three days of free music on several stages, with food and goods from vendors, kids activities and more. Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest will take place on the second weekend of August and feature days filled with music. Headliners will be announced this summer. Watch bohemiannights.org for details TOUR DE FAT

The touring bike parade that began in our own backyard has grown into a 33-city tour celebrating beers, bike and bemusement. Tour de Fat brings out costumed hordes as they pedal along the downtown parade route. Live music, beer tents, vaudeville acts and more follow the parade. This year, unlike previous

festivals, Tour de Fat festivities, not the parade, will be ticketed. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, visit newbelgium.com.

FORTOBERFEST

Rounding out the festival season is FORToberfest, which represents the end of summer in this Fort Collins-style fall festival featuring hours of live music, tastings of seasonal craft beers and more.

Visit downtownfortcollins.com for details.

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ONGOING SUMMER EVENTS TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR: DOWNTOWN SESSIONS CONCERT SERIES

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What: A Friday evening concert series featuring small- to medium-sized Colorado musical acts. Weekly concerts will feature beer from local breweries.

When: First Fridays from June 2 to Oct. 6 Where: Old Town Square Stage Admission: Free NOONTIME NOTES CONCERT SERIES

What: An intimate, lunchtime concert series featuring small acts.

When: Tuesday afternoons from June 6 to Aug. 8 Where: Oak Street Plaza Admission: Free

MARK BOUSTRED, MD

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS

What: Watch movies in the Square with this weekly summer series. Featured movies include "The Princess Bride," "How to Train Your Dragon," "Field of Dreams," "Ghostbusters," "Inside Out," and "The Sandlot."

When: Tuesday nights from July 11 to Aug. 15 Where: Old Town Square Admission: Free

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NORTHERN COLORADO Mila Bader, 3, eats a spoonful of her snow cone during Taste of Fort Collins Saturday, June 11, 2016.

Chelsae Ketchum/ The Coloradoan

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Lincoln Center announces line-up for 2017-18 season

Kevin Duggan/The Coloradoan

LINCOLN CENTER LINE-UP FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON

BY ERIN UDELL ERIN UDELL

From your classic glass slipper fairytale to a rags to riches story out

Originally published by the Coloradoan May 31, 2017.

of Newark, the Lincoln Center is bringing variety to the stage for its 2017/18 season.

The local venue announced its new lineup Wednesday, which features almost 30 acts from September through April.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," kicks off the center's showstoppers series on November 9 and is closely followed by the Tony-, Grammy- and Oliver Award-winning musical "Jersey Boys."

More: Brace yourself, Fort Collins: Fes-

58 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

tival season is coming Other shows include the "divinely, dangerously decadent" musical "Cabaret," "PostSecret: The Show," which journeys through humor and humanity with the true stories behind "secret" postcards, a performance by Kris Kristofferson, comedy by Mike Birbiglia and renowned story showcase "The Moth."

Lincoln Center announces line-up for 2017-18 season

Ticket packages for the Lincoln Center's various series range from $36 to $183 and are available at LCTix.com/season-packages. Packages can also be purchased by visiting the Lincoln Center box office, 417 W. Magnolia Ave., or by calling 970-221-6730.

Single show tickets will be available August 9.

FULL LINCOLN CENTER LINEUP SEPTEMBER

9/7: Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn 9/15: Jim Breuer 9/30: Black Violin OCTOBER

10/3: Martha Graham Dance Company 10/11: Kris Kristofferson 10/14: Moon Mouse 10/20: ArtWear Fashion Show 10/21: Mike Birbiglia 10/24: PUBLIQuartet (at the University Center for the Arts) 10/26: Take me to the River Live!

NOVEMBER

11/5: The Moth Mainstage 11/9-11: Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella"

11/30: Jersey Boys DECEMBER

12/1-2: Jersey Boys 12/22: A Charlie Brown Christmas

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Greeley

2017ArtsPicnic

JANUARY

1/19: Canadian Brass FEBRUARY

2/9: PostSecret: The Show 2/10: Bill Blagg 2/14: Keigwin & Company: K & C Celebrates Bernstein MARCH

3/4: Siro-A 3/5: Shuffle (at the University Center for the Arts) 3/6: Celtic Nights: Oceans of Hope 3/22: Arturo Sandoval 3/23: Borromeo String Quartet (at the University Center for the Arts) 3/24: Mr. Popper's Penguins APRIL

4/3: Parsons Dance 4/17: Anthony De Mare: Liaisons (at the University Center for the Arts)

July 29 • 9am-5pm July 30 • 10am-4pm Over 150 Arts & Craft Booths 2 Entertainment Stages Kid’s Creation Station Food Court • Beer Garden

4/19-21: Cabaret

Major Sponsors:

Co-Sponsors:

Ballerinas prepare for a dress rehearsal of the Canyon Concert Ballet’s presentation of the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 59

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The most famous pizzas of Fort Collins

Pizza Casbah has been featured on the Food Network program Outrageous Foods for its 30-inch pizza challenge.

Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

THE MOST FAMOUS PIZZAS OF FORT COLLINS

BY JACOB LAXEN Originally published by the Coloradoan Feb. 28, 2017.

Food Network viewers still make pizza pilgrimages to two Fort Collins restaurants years after they found fame on the cable channel.

Food Network re-runs inspire out-of-state visitors to check out the two very different pies: A 30-inch pizza eating challenge at Pizza Casbah and a uniquely layered pizza at Restaurant 415 topped with garbanzo beans, tomatillos and jalapenos.

“It’s crazy how people still talk about it all these years later,” said 31-year-old Pizza Casbah owner Pete Harvey, who was featured

60 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

on a 2011 episode of “Outrageous Foods.”

“It’s been such an amazing thing for us.”

Restaurant 415’s appearance on a 2015 episode of “Diner’s Drive-In’s and Dives” — hosted by restaurateur and television personality Guy Fieri — also remains a regular conversation starter at the 415 S. Mason St. Old Town Fort Collins restaurant.

“I’ve made a lot of strange pizzas,”

The most famous pizzas of Fort Collins

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Enjoy a night

Fieri said on the show. “This might take the cake.”

Both establishments were discovered by Food Network producers and closed down for two days when filming.

“It’s definitely a crazy process because you don’t know how you will be portrayed,” said Restaurant 415 owner Amelia Mouton. “It’s also super fun to see how it all turns out.”

Pizza Casbah’s claim to fame was inspired by another food TV show. The 126 W. Laurel St. pizzeria added the two-person, 30-inch pizza challenge in 2009 during the heyday of the Travel Channel’s reality competitive eating show “Man v. Food.”

The 30-inch pizza weighs more than 10 pounds and is made with two 24-inch homemade dough balls combined together — the Pizza Casbah staff learned the hard way that it takes a team of three people to lift the pie into the oven.

Contestants get to pick five toppings, then wait about 25 minutes for staff to make the giant pizza.

“There’s just so many pounds of ingredients, it’s a little complicated to make,” said Pizza Casbah general manager Zach Hunter.

More than 50 two-person teams have attempted the one-hour challenge. So far only two have succeeded: A pair of football players who did the challenge on a dare after walking in and a group of then-Colorado State University freshman who trained for it.

“Everyone is cocky at first,” Harvey said.

“But those are often famous last words.

“A lot of people make the mistake of fasting before and that shrinks your stomach. Another big mistake is not choosing the right toppings.”

Winners of the contest get the $50 pizza for free, 30 percent off at Pizza Casbah for the next year and their picture up on the Pizza Casbah Wall of Fame, which features winners from numerous eating challenges the restaurant has hosted throughout the years.

Losers of the contest get their picture on the Wall of Shame, the bill and a free slice of pizza as an incentive to return.

The famous pizza at Restaurant 415 — called the Americana del Sur — is much more manageable to eat in one sitting at a size of about 10 inches.

It features a variety of textures and flavors with its unusual topping pairing of garbanzo beans, tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, cumin and cilantro. Like Pizza Casbah, Restaurant 415 makes its pizza dough from scratch daily.

“Was it a dare to make this pizza?” Fieri jokingly asked on the show.

Mouton, whose father was a co-founder of the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant chain, said she was inspired to create it after snacking on a garbanzo bean-topped pizza at The Kitchen in Boulder.

“It opened my mind to what a pizza could be,” Mouton said.

out under the stars!

Watch a movie with the whole family.

Double Features every night!

General Admission: $7 Kids: $5

Seniors: $5

Kids 5 and under are free!

For more info check out our website: holidaytwin.com For updates on what’s showing, subscribe to our page on the Tidbit app! (iOS and Android)

Brendan Held tosses a large pie in the oven at Pizza Casbah on Laurel Street on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 61

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Your summer bucket list: 25 Fort Collins things to do

YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST: 25 FORT COLLINS THINGS TO DO

People enjoy the fireworks at City Park Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Erin Hull/For the Coloradoan

BY ERIN UDELL Originally published by the Coloradoan Feb. 28, 2017 and has been edited for space.

With summer weather here, don’t waste our few perfect months doing what you always do. Instead, try something new.

Not sure where to start? From farm dinners under starry skies to kitten yoga in tap rooms, here are 40 things to add to your Fort Collins summer bucket list.

FOR FAMILIES

4. WATCH POOCHES PLUNGE

Pups will take to the water yet again for the annual Pooch Plunge at City Park Pool on August 27. Tickets go on sale in early August for the beloved event. For more information, visit fcgov.com.

IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN TOWN

1. CATCH A MOVIE AT THE HOLIDAY TWIN DRIVE-IN

5. TOUR OUR ARTISAN VILLAGE

Nestled near the Fort Collins foothills for almost 50 years, the Holiday Twin Drive-In is one of America’s few remaining drive-in movie theaters. Bring blankets or camp chairs and head down Overland Trail for a double feature on one of the theater’s two screens.

Once a working farm on the edge of town, Jessup Farm Artisan Village, 1957 Jessup Dr., was recently retooled as a one-stop shop to fill your lazy summer Sundays. Have breakfast at The Farmhouse, pop into shops HEYDEY and KNAPSACK, sip a latte at Bindle Coffee or have a “5 o’ clock somewhere” moment at the Jessup Farm Barrel House.

2. RIDE THE TROLLEY

Ride back through time on Birney Car 21, a restored 1919 streetcar that has been running its summer route from City Park up Mountain Avenue for 32 years. Car 21 is owned by the city and operated by the volunteerrun Fort Collins Municipal Railway, which conducts the 3-mile round trip noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May through September.

6. DO I EVEN HAVE TO SAY IT?

3. HEAD TO SUMMER SPLASH

7. HEAD TO ESTES FOR THE DAY

In its second year, this Old Town event promises to be a splashing success. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 10, toys, a splash pad, face-painters and over-sized coloring books will take over Old Town Square during this free, family-friendly event.

With US 34 reopened for the summer, getting to Estes Park is easier. Head out for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and end your afternoon with a beer or meal in Estes. Walk the tiny mountain town’s sweet streets and grab some taffy or a scoop of ice cream.

62 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

Go on a brewery tour. Call ahead to New Belgium to secure a spot or make a reservation up to 24 hours in advance for Odell Brewing Co’s tour. We have a whopping 21 breweries so even if some don’t offer tours they’re likely good for a relaxing patio beer instead.

Your summer bucket list: 25 Fort Collins things to do

FOR THE FOODIES 8. RALLY IN CITY PARK

Tuesday evenings are for trying new foods in Fort Collins. About 30 rotating food trucks line Sheldon Drive in our picturesque City Park and set up shop from 5:30 p.m. to dusk every Tuesday from mid-May through September (except July 4). Entry to the rallies is free. Each one features live music.

9. DON’T JUST TRY CITY PARK

The Coloradoan will also host a Food Truck Festival this summer. Head to our office, 1300 Riverside Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 13 for local eats. Entry is free, with a suggested donation benefiting the United Way of Larimer County.

And to keep an eye on other food truck happenings, follow the FoCo Food Truck Alliance’s Facebook page.

10. HAVE A SLICE OF ME OH MY PIE

Hop on your bike and head northwest of Fort Collins to the riverside town of Laporte. While you’re there, eat as the locals do by grabbing a cup of coffee and slice of pie at Me Oh My Coffee and Pie at 3522 W. County Road 54G (across from Cache la Poudre Elementary School). With a move to a bigger space on the horizon, keep an eye on Me Oh My’s Facebook page.

11. HAVE A PEACHY DAY

Fort Collins’ peachiest festival is on the move and coming to an Old Town near you. On August 19, the annual Fort Collins Peach Festival will take over Civic Center and Washington parks, bringing with it a 5K run/walk, fresh Palisade peaches, peach pie, margaritas, vendor booths, live music, kids activities and more. Ticket information will be available on the festival’s site at fortcollinspeachfestival.com.

12. EAT IN THE OPEN AT A FARM DINNER

Take your pick from farm dinners that allow you to eat under the stars and twinkly lights. Fortified Farm Dinners will host six dinners. The Coloradoan hosts secret suppers and smaller food pairings.

For information on Fortified Farm Dinners, head to fortifiedcollaborations.com.

For a schedule of the Coloradoan’s events, try tickets.coloradoan.com.

FOR THE OUTDOORSY 13. TUBE THE POUDRE

Why head to a water park’s lazy river when we have one of our own? From mid-July through August — safer times for the river’s water level — dust off the tube stashed in your garage and drop in for a cooling trip down the Poudre. Know the

dangers involved and tube at your own risk. If you go for it, consider these tips.

14. BIKE TO WORK

Every month is bike month in Fort Collins, but June is actually Bike Month in Colorado. To celebrate, pedal yourself to work on Fort Collins’ annual Bike to Work Day June 28. From 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. stop at one of the 50 free breakfast stations scattered around the city. For more information, head to fcgov.com/bicycling.

15. BEAT THE CLOCK

As an active city, you won’t be hurting for opportunities to get out and get in shape. Try races like the Firecraker 5K on July 4 in City Park, the Human Race on July 29, where runners try to beat Birney Car 21 along Mountain Avenue, or the Mountain Avenue Mile August 8. Round out your summer race season with the inaugural Labor Day Fortitude 10K, which finishes in Colorado State University’s new on-campus stadium.

FOR THE CREATIVES 16. PLAY A PAINTED PIANO IN OLD TOWN

Pianos About Town, a collaborative program that brings locally-painted pianos to our city’s nooks, crannies and alleys, is in full force. Thirteen donated pianos will be rolled out as part of the project and most will be painted for all to see under the Art in Action tent at the south side of Old Town Square.

17. CATCH A THEATER IN THE PARK PERFORMANCE

It’s all for one and one for all as OpenStage Theater Co.’s production of “The Three Musketeers” runs under the stars at the Park at Columbine Health Systems on various dates until July 1. Tickets range from $10 to $30 and are available online at openstage.com.

18. CATCH A CONCERT SERIES SHOW

Try the Lagoon Summer Concert Series at Colorado State University for free Wednesday night concerts from June 14 to Aug. 2. Bohemian Nights’ Thursday Night Live series brings free concerts to Old Town Square Stage each Thursday evening through Aug. 3. Ben & Jerry’s Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) concerts run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 16 and 30, July 21 and Aug. 18 on the Old Town Square Stage. And the Downtown Sessions Concert Series, also on the Old Town Square Stage, will bring Colorado acts for free concerts on June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6.

19. TAKE A CLASS

Learn a new skill with a class from the Fort Collins Recreator or try out the Fort

EXPERIENCES

Collins Creator Hub, which offers classes in soldering, 3D printing, stained glass, 3D design and more.

OTHER THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN FORT COLLINS 20. Peruse a local farmer’s market. The Fort Collins Farmers Market is on Sundays and Wednesdays at 1001 E. Harmony Rd. The Larimer County Farmers Market will be at 200 W. Oak St. on Saturdays. The Drake Road Farmers Market will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 802 W. Drake Rd. 21. Take a drive to Bellvue and enjoy a cup of coffee or cone of ice cream at Morning Fresh Dairy’s Howling Cow Cafe at 5821 W. County Road 54E. 22. Watch the fireworks. There’s nothing like ringing in the Fourth of July on a blanket at City Park. After watching the parade, visiting the Avery House front lawn or tanning at City Park Pool, the park’s annual fireworks display promises to once again delight. The display is estimated to begin at 9:35 p.m.

23. Watch outdoor films during various outdoor movie nights. Free movies will be shown in Old Town Square every Tuesday starting at dusk from July 14 to Aug. 15.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra also offers its Movies on Main series, with free flicks shown on Friday nights from June 30 to July 28.

24. Join a CSA. Try your hand at community-supported agriculture by joining a farm’s program. Pay a monthly fee and pick up fresh produce all summer long.

For more information, try farmshares.info.

25. Try a summer reading program. If you have an antsy kiddo at home, feed their imagination by signing up for a summer program through Poudre River Library District. Reading logs and prizes are now available at the district’s three libraries, with challenge-related events planned.

Cyclists ride south on Remington Street on Bike to Work Day, Wednesday, June 22, 2016.

Valerie Mosley/ The Coloradoan

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 63

ADVERSTISEMENT

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TABLES

LINENS

ALL YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IS THE GUEST LIST FLATWARE

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When planning an event – from a backyard barbeque graduation party to an elegant wedding reception – making the right choices when setting the party scene is a daunting but essential task. Most of us know a great event when we walk into one, but most of us know nothing about putting one together ourselves.

So, what makes a great event great?

A great event comes from considering all of the details and bringing all the elements together to showcase the celebration. From the color of the table linens to the types of glassware to the soft mood lighting, all of the details play together to create the perfect atmosphere. All of the senses are used to set the mood and mindset of guests from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave.

Luckily, creating a great event is easier with the help of experienced professionals, who can put all of the elements of a great event at your fingertips. For help planning your next event, contact Best Event Rentals at 970-267-6500.

EXPERIENCES

Staycation plans: Spend a day in Denver

STAYCATION PLANS: SPEND A DAY IN DENVER

BY ERIN UDELL AND JACOB LAXEN Originally published by the Coloradoan March 21, 2017.

You've experienced the wonders of Colorado: the rolling foothills, sun-soaked days and snow-dusted peaks. But have you spent a day in the Mile High City?

The Colorado capital city, with its pristine views and rich history, is home to museums, an exploding food scene, renovated warehouse spaces and, yes, lots of beer. Here are tips for making a day — and night — out of your visit to Denver.

Best time to visit: Summertime. Denver is considered one of the sunniest cities in the country. But you might as well avoid

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the windy, rainy, snowy seasons, even if the precipitation typically only lasts part of the day. The dry heat makes the warmer months manageable and the high elevation makes for cooler evenings.

Must-see attraction: Look no further than one of the city's several museums.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, located at 2001 Colorado Blvd.,

Staycation plans: Spend a day in Denver

EXPERIENCES

Beautiful drone photograph of a sunset over the golden cupola of the Colorado Capital building in the city of Denver. Getty Images/ iStockphoto

Helping people...

offers a hands-on, experimental "Discovery Zone" for kids, as well as exhibitions on gems and minerals, health, Egyptian mummies, wildlife, and other cultures.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., offers 1-cent admission days for Colorado residents, as well as special events like songwriter competitions, cocktail parties, and karaoke.

TOURIST TRAP TO AVOID

If you've seen one Chili's, you've likely seen them all. So while the 16th Street Mall offers a fun, walkable streetscape with shops and chain restaurants, if you're looking for an authentic Denver experience, we'd go elsewhere.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO

The giant blue bear at Colorado Convention Center. This 40-foot sculpture is an Instagram favorite. The statue — titled “I see what you mean” — was erected in 2005 by Lawrence Argent as a symbol of curiosity, with the bear peeking into the adjacent building.

HIDDEN GEM

The Source. This artisan food market operates out of an 1880s brick building in Denver’s River North District. Different restaurants operate like food trucks out of giant shipping containers. There’s also a brewery, coffee shop and photo studio, among numerous vendors.

and the planet!

BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

Casa Bonita. This famous Mexican restaurant does plenty to entertain during your meal. There’s a 30-foot waterfall designed to resemble the cliffs of Acapulco, mock gunfights and puppet shows. There are standard Mexican dishes for parents, along with a special kids menu. Not into Mexican food? They have plenty of gringo favorites, too.

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BEST HIKE

Red Rocks trail. This hike in nearby Morrison has plenty of scenic views.

There’s cliffs, streams and beautiful rugged landscape. The area includes a challenging mountain bike trail as well. The

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www.treeswaterpeople.org FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 67

EXPERIENCES

Staycation plans: Spend a day in Denver The visually stunning Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colo., is literally surrounded by red rocks, and has hosted several shows that have become hit live albums from artists like U2, Dave Matthews and Neil Young.

Photo by Stevie Crecelius

Have a true Colorado experience and up your Instagram game with a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in nearby Morrison.

6.3-mile trail is not overly strenuous. The only drawback is there’s little shade on the trail, so pick your hiking times wisely and don’t forget sunscreen.

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Quiero Arepas. This Venezuelanthemed eatery serves up homemade cornmeal flatbreads stuffed with stewed meats, avocados and fried plantains. It’s uniquely layered street food packed full of contrasting flavors.

BEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR TOURISTS

Great American Beer Festival. This three-day event at the Colorado Convention Center is considered the country’s largest craft beer event. Come thirsty, as about 800 craft breweries from nearly every state pour samples of thousands of different beers. The event is typically held in early October and coincides with the weeklong Denver Beer Fest.

INSIDER TIP

Try the pork green chiles at Jack-NGrill. Even native New Mexicans give cred to this hole-in-the-wall’s food. The restau-

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rant was featured on the Travel Channel for its seven-pound breakfast burrito challenge. They also have more manageable portions that kick up the spice level for your taste buds.

JUST 15 MILES AWAY

A quick drive from Denver can land you far from the city grind when you head to Golden, Colorado — a small community founded at the base of the foothills during the Colorado Gold Rush. With a slogan of "Where the West Lives," Golden is home to a historic downtown filled with shops and restaurants, attractions like the Boettcher mansion and Heritage Square and, of course, Coors Brewing Company's largest brewery location.

BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Have a true Colorado experience and up your Instagram game with a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in nearby Morrison. This carved-out concert venue, with outside seating flanked by imposing red sandstone formations, offers up a unique concert experience and often lands itself on top outdoor music venue lists.

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OUTDOORS

Top 5 Fort Collins hikes for kids

Natalie Volk carries her tired 4-year-old, Pearl, as they descend the Grey Rock Trail after an afternoon hike on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in the Poudre Canyon.

Dawn Madura/For the Coloradoan

TOP 5 FORT COLLINS HIKES FOR KIDS

BY STEPHEN MEYERS FOR THE COLORADOAN Originally published by the Coloradoan March 19, 2014.

Fort Collins boasts dozens of natural areas and open spaces and Lory State Park, all offering great opportunities take the tykes for a stroll outdoors.

As the weather warms, streams will start running and wildflowers will start popping. Animals will scurry about through the wilderness, capturing your children's attention and their imagination.

File away this story, as these five destinations are worthy of a visit any time of the year: WELL GULCH NATURE TRAIL

Where: Take Overland Trail north to Larimer County Road 50E (Bingham Hill Road). Turn left and go west to County Road 23. Turn left and go 1.4 miles south to Larimer County Road 25G. Take a right and drive 1.6 miles to the Lory State Park entrance. Follow the road south until you see the sign for the trail.

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Distance: Easy, 1.2-mile loop Hours: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. (year-round dawn to dusk) Fees: $7 for a daily pass Facilities: Restrooms, water and information available at the Visitor Center Pets: Yes, on leash Why go: With all the moisture we've had this winter, this foot-only trail ought to be stunning in the spring. A creek parallels the

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 71

OUTDOORS

Top 5 Fort Collins hikes for kids Fort Collins mountain biker Darren Leathers braces against the wind as he rides at the Coyote Ridge Natural Area Thursday July 18, 2013.

Rich Abrahamson/ For the Coloradoan

trail, attracting migrating birds and butterflies, and this might be the best wildlflower hike in the area. Check out the several interpretive signs, pointing out the different life zones along the trail.

Children can learn botany, geology and animal life during the walk. For a longer hike, try Arthur's Rock Trail, which is a park favorite.

Information: (970) 493-1623 or cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Lory CSU ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

Where: Go east on Drake Road. About 1 mile after passing the intersection at Timberline, turn left on Environmental Drive. The road will cross a one-lane bridge and turn sharply to the south.

Before making the sharp turn south, take a left on the gravel road (you will see the ELC sign), crossing the railroad tracks.

Distance: Easy, 1 mile one way Hours: Dawn to dusk Fees: Free Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, bike rack at the ELC Pets: Not allowed Why go: Nestled along the Poudre River, the Environmental Learning Center features self-guided nature trails that meander through the cottonwood riparian forest, where you can catch glimpses of waterfowl and shorebirds. It's a perfect place to pack a picnic. Deer hang out in

the area, and the trails hook up to the Poudre River Trail, so you could bring the bikes for a pleasant ride along the river.

The big draw here is the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program's raptor cages at the ELC parking lot. Here, you can see eagles, hawks, turkey vultures and owls. The kids will love that. The ELC hosts educational programs throughout the year, including summer day camps for kids.

Information: (970) 491-1661 or www. csuelc.org

Monica Ortiz and Chris Dominique hike with their dog, Nova, on the Well Gulch Trail in Lory State Park Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan

72 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

COYOTE RIDGE NATURAL AREA

Where: Take Taft Hill Road south of the Larimer County Landfill for 1 mile. The Coyote Ridge Natural Area parking lot is on your right.

Distance: Easy to moderate, 2.3 miles of trails Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fees: Free Facilities: Restrooms at the Coyote Ridge Natural Area cabin, 1 mile from the trailhead.

Pets: No Why go: The trail gets hot in the summer, so early spring is a prime time to visit Coyote Ridge, which winds through the prairie and switchbacks and up the foothills. Check out the 1/4-mile Hidden Clues Trail, an interpretive loop about 1 mile into the open space. The interpretive loop is wheelchair accessible. The city will make arrangements for groups or people with limited mobility to have vehicle access to the accessible trail loop. Look for wildlife, such as mule deer, especially in the morning or evening, as well as prairie dogs, rabbits and hawks. You might even catch a glimpse of a coyote.

Information: (970) 416-2815 or www. fcgov.com/naturalareas/finder/coyote.

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OUTDOORS

Top 5 Fort Collins hikes for kids

Kate Morgan and her twins Gabriel, left, and Elliot pet a goat at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park on Thursday, February 18, 2016. Valerie Mosley/ For the Coloradoan

THE FARM AT LEE MARTINEZ PARK

Where: 600 N. Sherwood St., Fort Collins.

From Old Town Fort Collins, head west on LaPorte Avenue. Turn right on North Sherwood Street. The farm is located on the park's west side.

Distance: Easy, 1 mile one-way Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Fees: $3 for ages 2 and older; 10-day admission $24 Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, picnic shelter and water at the park Pets: Yes, on leash Why go: Take your bikes, or walk along the Poudre Trail to The Farm, where kids and adults can pet and feed farm animals and take part in interactive hands-on activities. Kids can take pony rides at certain times during the year, and The Farm really puts on a show in October, with hayrides and pumpkin patches.

Information: (970) 221-6665 or www.fcgov. com/recreation/thefarm.php.

BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA

Where: 10184 W. County Road 32C, Loveland. Take Harmony Road west, which turns into County Road 38E. Follow County

74 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27.

Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32C. Head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot.

Distance: Several trails, including Valley Loop (4-mile loop); Ginny Trail (5.4 miles); D.R. Trail (3.4 miles); Powerline Road (1.5 miles) and Eden Valley Spur (1.3 miles).

Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily Fees: Free Facilities: Restrooms, covered pavilion, horse trailer parking Pets: Not allowed Why go: The red rock cliffs and grassy valley are home to elk, wild turkey and even mountain lions, and the natural area hosts a series of educational programs for kids. Nature Nuggets is one of several free educational programs provided by the city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department. The programs teach youngsters (and their parents) about animals and ecology and many of the programs are hosted at Bobcat Ridge. The natural area is also a popular location for skygazing programs.

There are also several historic homestead sites.

Information: (970) 416-2815 or www.fcgov. com/naturalareas/finder/bobcat

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 75

OUTDOORS

Rafting companies ready to answer the call of the Poudre Rafting the Cache la Poudre River is an exciting experience, especially during times of high water.

Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

RAFTING COMPANIES READY TO ANSWER THE CALL OF THE POUDRE

BY PAT FERRIER

With temperatures reaching into the 70s, snowpack in the South

Originally published by the Coloradoan May 12, 2017.

Platte River Basin should begin trickling from Northern Colorado's mountains into its rivers and reservoirs.

That can only mean one thing. It's go time for the whitewater rafting companies that make their living guiding thrillseekers down the Poudre River.

With a 100-day season, the rafting business ebbs and flows with the river and the amount of mountain runoff often telegraphs the season's fate.

Last year, abundant snowpack helped extend the rafting season almost through Labor Day. That translated to a record 41,192 commercial user days on the Poudre River, according to a Colorado River Outfitters Association analysis.

76 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

A user day is equal to one paying guest on the river for any part of the day.

In a bad year like 2012 when the High Park fire blackened the Poudre and shut down rafting for weeks, the number of commercial user days dropped to 22,780.

Rafting companies are restricted in how many people they can take down the Poudre on a given day, and rely on cooperative weather to extend their money-making season.

"We are all limited on the number of people we can take per day, and most of us are full every day," said Brad Modesitt,

Rafting companies ready to answer the call of the Poudre

”The water is fantastic, the scenery amazing.

Everything is so green and all the companies are slow. You have the whole river to yourself.” owner of Mountain Whitewater Descents.

"It's one of the great things about the Poudre being a wild and scenic river. We have these regulations so we can keep it a nice experience for everyone on the river."

With snowpack averaging about normal this year, conditions should be near perfect, said Robert Breckenridge, owner of A1 Wildwater, which has rafted the Poudre for 36 years.

Last year's runoff was a little too high, he said. “It gets a little worrisome when it gets that high ... it's just too much snow, especially when we don't know when it will come down.”

Breckenridge said he lost some bookings in 2011 when runoff was unusually high. “People get worried about it ... when it's around average, that is just like porridge. It's just perfect for rafting.”

Last year, A1 took 7,900 rafters down the Poudre, about its average for the last three to four years, Breckenridge said.

With the daily limit on rafters, it's hard to increase business unless they can bump up early and late-season bookings.

Mountain Whitewater's early bookings are up a bit, but May is typically a slow month across the board.

"June 1 is when we really get going," Modesitt said. "The river comes up and that's when it's pretty fun."

Early bookings are up between 10-15 percent at A Wanderlust Adventure, said manager Bob Klein. “We are looking to have a fantastic year,” he said. “We are anticipating it will be a good year for tourism in Colorado and a good year to raft the Poudre.”

Rafting customers not only keep whitewater firms afloat, they contribute

to Fort Collins' economic vitality.

According to a 2016 survey for the Colorado River Outfitters Association, Poudre rafters laid out $5.25 million for rafting, food, lodging and souvenirs in the local area. That translates to a local economic impact of $13.4 million last year.

Rafting companies and guides serve as unofficial tourist ambassadors who encourage rafters to stay in Fort Collins hotels, eat in local restaurants, visit its breweries, hike Horsetooth Mountain or go horseback riding at Beaver Meadows in Red Feather Lakes.

OUTDOORS

“We try to get them to stay local and experience everything Fort Collins has to offer,” Klein said. “There is so much to do here.”

Rafting companies took it upon themselves several years ago to promote the region beyond the river, said Visit Fort Collins Director Cynthia Eichler.

“They recognized people were coming to Fort Collins and leaving, spending their lodging and dining dollars elsewhere,” Eichler said. “They came to us saying they wanted to change that so it was not just a ‘use and run,’ but more of a ‘use and enhance.’”

Now, cross-marketing and communication “has grown and strengthened,” she said.

May is typically a slow month for rafting companies. Kids are still in school and attention has yet to turn to summer fun. But there's no better time for locals to see the Poudre Canyon from the middle of the river.

“We compare it to going skiing on a powder day on a weekday,” Klein said.

“The water is fantastic, the scenery amazing. Everything is so green and all the companies are slow. You have the whole river to yourself.”

While Northern Colorado residents worship the Poudre, Breckenridge said the Poudre is still a well-kept secret in Colorado.

“It's one of the best rivers in the state, but people don't know that,” he said. “It amazes me. We still get calls and people have never heard about this river. They've heard about the Arkansas ... but we talk them into coming here they absolutely love it. It's such a fun ride and the canyon is just gorgeous.”

Rafters prepare to embark on a trip from Stevens Gulch in Poudre Canyon Friday, May 13, 2016.

Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan

FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 77

OUTDOORS

Top 5 beginner fourteeners

Hikers make their way up the trail to Grays Peak, located on the Continental Divide. Paired with nearby Torreys Peak, the two mountains combine for a solid 1-2 punch for a beginner.

Stephen Meyers/ For the Coloradoan

TOP 5 BEGINNER FOURTEENERS

BY STEPHEN MEYERS FOR THE COLORADOAN Originally published by the Coloradoan June 27, 2014.

Climbing a fourteener is the quintessential Colorado bucket list item.

Colorado has 54 peaks rising 14,000 feet or higher, the most of any state. Many of them are within a few hours' drive from Fort Collins, and all offer breathtaking views.

We're not going to call climbing a fourteener easy. You need to be physically fit, expect 8 to 12 hours of hiking, be acclimated to the elevation and also carry some common sense to the mountain.

Climbing Longs Peak for your first

78 Âť FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

fourteener probably isn't a good idea.

To make your first fourteener experience a positive one, here are five beginnerfriendly fourteeners to bag this summer.

GRAYS PEAK

Elevation: 14,270 feet Class: 1 Distance: 8 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,000 feet

Top 5 beginner fourteeners

TORREYS PEAK

Elevation: 14,267 feet Class: 2 Distance: 8 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,000 feet Why it's good for beginners: Similar to its neighbor, Grays Peak, Torreys is a short, gentle climb with little exposure. You can bypass the summit of Grays by heading directly to the Grays-Torreys saddle. Expect to hike with hundreds of people during the peak season from late June to October.

Range: Front Location: On the Continental Divide in the Front Range, next to Grays Peak.

Directions: Start your hike from the Grays Peak trailhead (directions above).

Nearby towns: Bakerville, Montezuma and Keystone QUANDARY PEAK

Elevation: 14,265 feet Class: 1 Distance: 7 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,450 feet Why it's good for beginners: Its proximity to Denver and Breckenridge make Quandary another popular mountain during the summer. The trail is well-marked and takes climbers on a relatively tame ascent. The mountain is also popular with backcountry skiers.

Range: Tenmile Location: Quandary Peak is 6 miles southwest of Breckenridge on Colorado Highway 9.

Directions: From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. Turn right on 850 (Blue Lakes) Road. Go a few hundred yards and turn right on 851 (McCullough Gulch) Road. Drive 0.1 mile to the signed trailhead and small parking area. If the trailhead lot is full,

6 REASONS TO USE THE TIMBERLINE RECYCLING CENTER:

cars should park along the 851 road or in the overflow lot, down at the start of the 850 road. The trail starts just above the trailhead, on the 851 road.

Nearby towns: Breckenridge, Alma, Fairplay, Leadville MOUNT BIERSTADT

Elevation: 14,060 feet Class: 2 Distance: 7 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 2,850 feet Why it's good for beginners: Considered by many hikers as Colorado's easiest fourteener, Bierstadt offers hikers a mostly-gentle climb, though several sections are fairly steep. A great option for younger hikers. If you want an added challenge, a popular option is to continue the hike to nearby Mount Evans along a ridge known as The Sawtooth, an intermediate-level hike.

Range: Front Location: Bierstadt is in the Mount Evans Wilderness, 2 miles west of 14,264-foot Mount Evans.

Directions: From Denver, take I-70 west to Georgetown (exit 228), then follow the signs to Guanella Pass. Take Guanella Pass Road, which is an easily passable but bumpy dirt road, 11 miles to the top of the pass. The trailhead is marked clearly on the left.

Nearby towns: Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Grant MOUNT ELBERT

Elevation: 14,433 feet Class: 1 Distance: 9 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 4,700 feet Why it's good for beginners: You're in for a long day and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, but you'll get to brag that you've summited the highest peak in Colorado. Views of Leadville and Turquoise Lake are stunning.

Range: Sawatch Location: Southwest of Leadville in the San Isabel National Forest of the Sawatch Range. Mount Massive (14,421 feet) is north of Elbert.

Directions: From U.S. Highway 24 south of Leadville, turn onto Colorado Highway 300 and cross the railroad tracks. Go 0.7 mile and turn left onto County Road 11 toward the Halfmoon Creek. After another 1.2 miles, turn right on the dirt road to Halfmoon Creek. Drive on the dirt road (OK for low clearance vehicles) for 5 miles to the Mount Elbert trailhead on the left. There is a large parking area with restrooms.

Nearby towns: Leadville, Twin Lakes and Aspen

FC-0000451607

Why it's good for beginners: A solid, gentle trail, and it's well-traveled and close to Interstate 70. If you're feeling ambitious, bag nearby Torreys for your first two fourteeners.

Range: Front Location: On the Continental Divide in the Front Range. Interstate 70 is 4 miles to the north.

Directions: Take I-70 to the Bakerville exit (No. 221). Leave the highway and drive south to the dirt parking area near the start of Forest Road 189. From here, it's almost 3 miles to the trailhead; a rough road for low-clearance vehicles.

Reach a junction after 1 mile, stay straight and follow the sign 2 miles to the trailhead. There are restrooms and a few dispersed camping spots.

Nearby towns: Bakerville and Keystone

OUTDOORS

1 2 3 4 5 6

Old cans of paint trying to take over the garage.

Admit it- that trusty old wheelbarrow is never getting repaired.

Summer patio parties just around the corner remove clutter from your outdoor living space.

Fried chicken for a summer picnic...yum!

Used cooking oil can be recycled.

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Tulips ready to tiptoe into the garden? Yard trimmings can also be recycled.

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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO ÂŤ 79

OUTDOORS

Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado

Anthony Kilgore, zips out of the water slide at City Park Pool Thursday June 5, 2014.

Chancey Bush/For the Coloradoan

SWIM GUIDE: WHERE TO TAKE A DIP IN NORTHERN COLORADO

BY ERIN UDELL

Northern Colorado may be rocked by the occasional May

Originally published by the Coloradoan May 31, 2017.

snowstorm, but that doesn't mean it won't heat up. And, as Memorial Day weekend came and went, several outdoor pools opened for the season.

If you're looking to take occasional dips on especially hot days, a daily pass at Fort Collins' City Park Pool or one of Northern Colorado's many swim beaches may be right for you.

If you're looking to lay out for hours on

80 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

end, work on that tan and keep the kids entertained during summer vacation, a summer membership to a community pool would be more your style.

Get a lay of the land — er, water — with this rundown of where to cool off.

Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado

OUTDOORS

COMMUNITY POOLS VILLAGE GREEN POOL

Where: 1831 Valley Forge Ave. (near the corner of Drake and Taft Hill roads) Fees: For non-residents of the Village Green neighborhood, a family membership is $430 and $220 for a senior (55+) membership.

COLLINDALE POOL

Where: 3500 Lochwood Dr. (near Lemay Avenue and Horsetooth Road) Fees: For non-residents of the Collindale neighborhood, a family membership is $385.

Website: collindalepool.com WESTFIELD POOL

Where: 1515 Westfield Dr. (Seneca Street and Horsetooth Road) Fees: Family memberships are available for $475, student memberships are $220 and senior memberships (65+) are $100.

Website: westfieldpool.org

PUBLIC POOLS CITY PARK POOL

As the only city-run outdoor pool, City Park Pool offers daily options for fun in the sun. The pool includes a 30-foot drop slide, curly slide, lazy river and children's play structure.

Where: 1599 City Park Dr. (next to Sheldon Lake in City Park) Fees: Daily admission is $7 for adults, $6 for youth (2-17) and seniors, and free for children under 2. Admission to daily twilight swims, which start at 4:30 p.m., is $4.50.

Website: fcgov.com Note: City Park Pool closes for weather issues and will not open for the day if high temperatures aren't expected to reach 65 degrees.

OTHER PLACES TO COOL OFF OUTSIDE HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR

Where: Larimer County roads 38E and 23, west of Fort Collins

Fees: $7 per vehicle daily, $14 per vehicle and boat daily Website: larimer.org/naturalresources Note: Swimming in Horsetooth is only allowed at its South Bay and Sunrise swim beaches. To rent a kayak, boat or paddleboard, visit Inlet Bay Marina or call 970-223-0140 for rates.

BOYD LAKE

Where: Between Loveland and Fort Collins on Larimer County Road 11C Fees: $8 per vehicle Website: cpw.state.co.us Note: For more information, call 970669-1739.

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CARTER LAKE

Where: 7 miles southwest of Loveland on Larimer County Road 31 Fees: $7 per vehicle daily, $14 per vehicle and boat daily Website: www.larimer.org/ naturalresources Note: The Carter Lake Swimbeach, located at Carter Lake Dam No. 2 on the east side of the lake, is the only place you can legally swim in Carter Lake. For more information, call 970-679-4570.

LAKE LOVELAND

Where: 2626 N. Taft Ave. (in North Lake Park) Fees: There is no admission to use the swim beach Website: ci.loveland.co.us Note: The Lake Loveland swim beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather and staff permitting). The swim beach will be closed on July 3 and 4 for the annual fireworks show. For more information, call 970-962-2727.

WINDSOR LAKE

Where: 100 N. Fifth St. (inside Windsor's Boardwalk Park) Fees: Free Website: windsorgov.com Note: Swimming is only allowed at Windsor Lake's swim beach.

Ivey Armstrong, 6, splashes at her brother on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, as she plays in the water at the Lake Loveland swim beach in Loveland.

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Ali Welch, left, and Ellen Albertz enjoy tubing on the Poudre River Sunday, August 10, 2014. Chancey Bush/ For the Coloradoan

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Nature is not a place to visit.

It is home.

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Meet Dave and Mat...

Dave and Mat are just a two members of the passionate team that makes Wilbur’s Total Beverage THE place to go for wine, beer and spirits. With the largest selection in Northern Colorado and a customer-centric approach to business, Wilbur’s has the perfect pairing for your next get together.

Stop in today and see how the whole team makes Wilbur’s Total Beverage more than just a liquor store.

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