Best of CSU - Spring 2021

Best of CSU Spring 2021

2020 Best of CSU Winners

Always a Purpose

Surge of Support

Read about the winners in all 42 categories

CSU alumnus strives to inspire, educate

Fort Collins’ community rallies around small business

est.

1969

20

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Serving the CSU community faithfully for over 51 years.

Thank you for voting us one of your favorite liquor stores 9 years consecutively!

Walk, peddle, or jog to Campus West Liquors!

Great Specials

Great Selection

Your #1 Stop for Fun!

Thank You, CSU! 1107 City Park Ave. | campuswestliquors.com | @campuswliquors Hours Mon-Sun 8AM-12AM

Great Service

Staff.

Editors

Meg Metzger-Seymour Arlee Walls Samantha Ye

Writers

Cecilia Apodaca Kota Babcock Serena Bettis Maddy Erskine Katrina Leibee Corinne Neustadter Noah Pasley Ceci Taylor Sydney Zellers

Photography Colin Shepherd Brooke Buchan

Design & Illustration Meg Metzger-Seymour

From Your Editors

To say that 2020 was a strange year is an understatement. Everything we knew rapidly devolved into social distancing, disinfecting and mask-wearing. Yet here we are, almost one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, having adapted to our new “normal.”

In this year’s edition of Best of CSU, we aimed to capture the spirit of previous editions while also casting light on the meaningful changes that have come out of the pandemic. From reimagined business structures to the Fort Collins’ community rallying around local business, there’s much to appreciate about the way our vibrant community has responded to the pandemic.

2020 was also a year for record-setting, including for us at Best of CSU. Our community survey, conducted in Fall 2020, received a record number of responses. We are excited to present this edition now in Spring 2021, when there was uncertainty as to whether we would be able to publish at all.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our magazine and the businesses of Fort Collins. Our world has fundamentally shifted, and together, we will push through this historic time.

Bug Design Jorge Espinoza

Best of CSU is a Rocky Mountain Student Media Publication

Meg Metzger-Seymour

Arlee Walls

Samantha Ye

Visit collegeavemag.com for more Best of CSU content!

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The Best of the Best 2020 BEST BREAKFAST

BEST BURRITO

BEST ICE CREAM

Silver Grill Cafe

Big City Burrito

Walrus Ice Cream

page 6

page 16

page 24

BEST COFFEE

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

BEST SWEETS

Dutch Bros.

Cafe Mexicali

Mary’s Mountain Cookies

page 6

page 16

page 24

BEST SANDWICH

BEST SUSHI

BEST ON-CAMPUS LUNCH

Cheba Hut

JAWS Sushi

Spoons

page 8

page 18

page 28

BEST BURGER

BEST CHINESE FOOD

BEST DINING HALL

STUFT Burger Bar

Yung’s Chinese

The Foundry

page 8

page 20

page 28

BEST PIZZA

BEST THAI FOOD

BEST CSU ORGANIZATION

Krazy Karl’s

Cafe de Bangkok

Women’s Ice Hockey

page 10

page 20

page 30

BEST WINGS

BEST VEGETARIAN

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

Jim’s Wings

Avogadro’s Number

Ram’s Village

page 12

page 21

page 32

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

BEST RESTAURANT

BEST COLLEGE BAR

Nick’s Homestyle

The Melting Pot

Lucky Joe’s

page 14

page 22

page 36

Snooze Lucile’s

Alley Cat Cafe The Human Bean

The Pickle Barrel Choice City Deli

Big Al’s Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Cosmo’s Pizza Beau Jo’s

Wing Shack Buffalo Wild Wings

Canino’s Italian Restaurant RARE Italian

Cafe Mexicali Illegal Pete’s

Blue Agave (tie) Los Tarascos (tie)

Suh Sushi Sushi JeJu

Lulu Asian Bistro Hot Wok Cafe

Simply Thai Thai Pepper

Tasty Harmony Rainbow Restaurant

Union Bar & Soda Fountain Ginger & Baker

Old Town Churn Coldstone Creamery

Insomnia Cookies Peace, Love and Little Donuts

Panda Express Ramskellar

Durrell Ram’s Horn

Rocky Mountain Student Media Snowriders

Union The Cottages

Social (tie) Trailhead (tie)

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST SMOKE SHOP

BEST TANNING SALON

Road 34

Kind Creations

At the Beach

page 36

page 50

page 58

BEST MARGARITA

BEST DISPENSARY

BEST BOOKSTORE

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

LivWell

Old Firehouse Books

page 38

page 50

page 60

BEST BREWERY

BEST HAIR SALON

BEST THRIFT STORE

Odell Brewing

Tuana Hair Design

Arc Thrift Store

page 40

page 54

page 60

BEST LIQUOR STORE

BEST BARBERSHOP

BEST BOUTIQUE

Wilbur’s Total Beverage

Floyd’s 99

Kansas City Kitty

page 40

page 54

page 60

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

BEST NAIL SALON

BEST OUTDOOR GEAR STORE

The Aggie Theatre

LA Nails

JAX Mercantile

page 44

page 56

page 62

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

BEST WAX SALON

BEST BIKE SHOP

Pinball Jone’s

Screamin’ Peach

Recycled Cycles

page 44

page 56

page 62

BEST HIKE

BEST TATTOO & PIERCING

Horsetooth Rock

Tribal Rites

page 46

page 58

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Coopersmith’s

Rio Grande Blue Agave

New Belgium Horse and Dragon

Campus West C&C Liquor

The Mishawaka Washington’s

Chipper’s Lanes Fort Fun

Arthur’s Rock Greyrock Mountain Loop

Smokey Monkey Up’n Smoke

Vert’s Neighborhood Dispensary Organic Alternatives

Studio Be Salon James Salon

Lloyd’s Barbershop Lucky 27

Nail Bar & Company SHE SHE Nail & Wax Lounge

Wax Factory KB Waxing & Microblading

Covenant Tattoo Freakshow

Sienna Tan Sunbear Tanning

CSU Bookstore Barnes & Noble

Ragstock Goodwill

Blue Harvest Rain Boutique

REI Sierra Trading Post

TREK Cycles The Gearage

For more Best of CSU content, visit collegeavemag.com

BEST BREAKFAST

Silver Grill Cafe As the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado, Silver Grill Café has been selected for the sixth year in a row as the local brunch favorite in Fort Collins. Since 1933, the Old Town restaurant has offered a wide range of pastries, savory and sweet selections. Their huge cinnamon rolls and cinnamon roll French toast are a go-to, along with their world class benedicts and omelets. Often with a line out their door, the café’s back patio and wide windows add to the comfortable and warm environment. Currently, Silver Grill is only accepting takeout and delivery and is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BEST COFFEE

Dutch Bros.

With three relatively new locations in Fort Collins and a variety of drinks for coffee lovers-and haters-Dutch Bros has stolen CSU’s heart with its delicious drinks and treats since it first opened shop in 2019. From Dutch Frost shakes, Blue Rebel Energy Drinks, a classic cold brew and a kids menu, Dutch Bros has a diverse menu that really does have something for everyone. In addition to great drinks and lots of dairy free options, they also are a nearly contact-free facility because of their drive-thru design and contactless payment options.

Dutch Bros staff members, affectionately referred to as the Dutch Mafia, are always ready for a conversation while you wait for your coffee. As a bonus, customers who download their app receive a free welcome drink and can start earning rewards.

6 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

The LSC is Open For Business

Find What You Need: For Up-to-the-minute information for specific programs and services, including hours of operation, visit:

LSC.COLOSTATE.EDU

OR Scan Here

BEST BURGER

STUFT Burger Bar Stuft Burger Bar, an Old Town favorite entering its 11th year in business, is not for the faint of heart … or stomach.

Stuft’s menu is simple, and yet it provides the hungry college student with more topping options than fathomable.

For the picky eater and the one who will take anything, Stuft’s build your own burger system — which includes a grilled chicken and vegan option — is great for the whole squad. The elaborate milkshakes are probably the biggest draw, with even more build-your-own options that includes liquor for diners 21 and up and mix-ins that range from oreo and graham cracker crumbs to bacon bits.

BEST SANDWICH

Cheba Hut Known for their “dank subs,” Cheba Hut is a college student’s fever dream — superior quality sandwiches delivered alongside mellow vibes. Conveniently located at College Ave and Laurel St, the Arizona-based chain offers a variety of subs for any diet. With sandwich names inspired by weed strains, customers can find chicken, turkey, meat, and vegetarian options on their expansive menu. For a classic, try the White Widow, a chicken sub topped with mushrooms, bacon, provolone, and ranch dressing. If you’ve got a serious case of the munchies, pair your sub with a side of pretzel nuggets or loaded “not’chos.” Get your grub to go with curbside and in-store pickup available via the Cheba Hut website or delivered via DoorDash.

8 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

BEST BURGER IN FORT COLLINS

homemade burgers | delivery | online ordering

140 W. Mountain Avenue • 970.232.9815 • bigalsburgersanddogs.com

Old Town • cometchicken.com • 970.689.3464

A FORT COLLINS CLA SSIC SINCE 1988

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 122 West Laurel, Fort Collins, Colorado • (970) 484-0235 • picklebarrelfc.com

BEST PIZZA & DRUNCHIES

Krazy Karl’s Clearly a favorite among CSU students and Fort Collins locals, Krazy Karl’s has won best pizza since the 2013 edition of Best of CSU. With locations on Elizabeth and Timberline, the restaurant never fails CSU students in need of a late night snack.

With 23 speciality pizzas and lots of selections for wings, salads and grinders, you can’t go wrong with Krazy Karl’s if you are looking for a good pizza fix. Plus, they have fun specials, like on Thursdays where customers who call between 5-8 p.m. get a large one topping pizza for the price of the time they called.

You can call or order online for delivery or pickup, and they are open from 10:30 a.m. until midnight every day.

10 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

1124 West Elizabeth | 2620 S Timberline

Best weekly specials on

food & drink Happy Hour: 3PM-6PM / 10PM-close MondayS: all day happy hour Thursdays: “Big ass beers” $3.00 Friday: 32 ozFat Tire’s $5 Sunday: $1 off cans & btls

970-224-2000|We Deliver!| www.krazykarlspizza.com

BEST WINGS

Jim’s Wings A locally-owned Fort Collins staple for 30 years, Jim’s Wings is right off campus on West Elizabeth Street. Baskets start at five wings for $3.75 and larger orders increase by five wings, going up to 30 wings for $20.55. 40, 50, 100 and 250-count orders are also available.

Jim’s has eight homemade sauce flavors, with six heat levels for hot sauces. Alongside wings, Jim’s offers a multitude of fried sides and entrees, including chicken, seafood and Buffalo chicken and shrimp.

With its location, menu and pricing, Jim’s is the perfect spot to satisfy the CSU student’s appetite.

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Nick’s Homestyle The best way to get through school? Pasta, pizza and more pasta. Lucky for CSU students, Nick’s Italian features dishes with spaghetti, penne and wonderfully cheesy pizzas. Not to mention two different garlic bread options and fries covered in parmesan.

A quick trip from campus across College Avenue, Nick’s Italian is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prices for appetizers average around $5 and entrees and pizzas are around $15.

12 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST WINGS 22 YEARS OF BEST WINGS VOTED BY CSU

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 30 YEARS! 1205 W ELIZABETH UNIT C, FORT COLLINS, CO 80521 (970 493-1103)

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Cafe Mexicali Cafe Mexicali offers some of the best Mexican food you will get in Northern Colorado. Established in 2005, the restaurant’s motto is that they are “as fresh as it gets.”

They have a large selection of enchiladas, quesolles, burritos, tacos, nashos and soups and salads. They also serve breakfast burritos from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Located right off College, the restaurant is offering delivery and pickup. What’s even better, is college students can sign up for the college club and get 20% off of their main entrees.

BEST BURRITO

Big City Burrito Making fresh, flavorful and giant burritos in Fort Collins since 1994 — and winning the Best Burrito of CSU vote for the eighth year in a row now — Big City Burrito is sure to cure your hunger with their California-style burritos. Choose from a variety of large tortillas, then add your choice of perfectly seasoned potatoes, hand-trimmed meat, cheeses and veggies.

Don’t forget to add some guacamole and salsa, which are made fresh from scratch every morning. Their Old Town location is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and can even be delivered right to your home with Noco Nosh.

14 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

THIS IS LIVING.

Schedule your tour today!

Call 970.407.7267 In Person at: 1323 West Plum Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521

BEST RESTAURANT 1ST PLACE

The difference between ordinary and

extraordinary is just that little “extra”

BEST RESTAURANT 2ND PLACE

BEST BRUNCH

fri,sat,sun 11am-4pm

BEST SUSHI

JAWS Sushi

Being in a landlocked state poses some challenges to finding good sushi, but no need to look any further than JAWS Sushi. Located on Elizabeth just off of Shields, JAWS has a diverse Japanese menu that offers up nigiri, delicious rolls, and sushi combos. Every day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. JAWS Sushi offers a collegebudget-friendly chum bucket lunch special and great happy hour deals like $1 off drafts, wells and sake bombs, as well as a $5 large hot sake. JAWS’ dining room is currently closed, but the staff is still offering up exceptional service and taking orders and payments at the door as well as over the phone. If you’re looking for a spot with great food, friendly service and deals you can’t beat, JAWS is the place for you.

18 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

THE OFFICIAL RAM DEALS APP

Rams for voting us “Best Sushi” 7 years in a row

GREAT DEALS on food, drink local services, entertainment and more!

DOWNLOAD NOW ON ALL DEVICES

1205-A W. Elizabeth St. | 970.682.2678 | jawsfoco.com

9

ORDER ONLINE at YUNGSCHINESE.COM

Dow

BEST CHINESE FOOD

Yung’s Chinese

Yung’s Chinese has been an integral part of Fort Collins’ dining culture since 1996. Customers can’t seem to resist the restaurant’s specialities, such as sesame chicken, szechuan shrimp and grilled teriyaki pepper or miso salmon. The spring rolls and noodles dishes are fan favorites and have customers drooling with their rich flavor and authentic Chinese cuisine. Yung’s offers take out, delivery and dinein while continuing to keep up with all health regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BEST THAI FOOD

Café de Bangkok Café de Bangkok is a beloved Thai spot among CSU students, conveniently located on Campus West. Consisting of a diverse menu of traditional Thai dishes ranging from delicious curries to rice and noodle dishes, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The cozy dining room and low lighting create the perfect ambiance for a date night spot. Café de Bangkok has adjusted well to COVID, by decreasing its dining room capacity, encouraging delivery and takeout options, as well as offering QR code menus to reduce high touch surfaces. If it’s your first time at Café De Bangkok don’t forget to pick up a Thai tea and some fried rangoons!

20 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

BEST VEGETARIAN

Avogadro’s Number With a prime location along Mason Street in Old Town and amazing food, drinks, and live performances, Avogadro’s Number has become one of the most well-loved restaurants by both plant-based eaters and meat-eaters alike. The popular spot opened in 1971 and features separate dining facilities for getting a delicious sandwich, drinking a beer with friends, or watching a show. Avogadro’s also offers a patio for outdoor dining and takeout for those trying to enjoy a night in without the effort of cooking. You can order for pickup or delivery through NoCo Nosh, Doordash, or GrubHub to support this locally-owned restaurant and venue.

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BEST RESTAURANT

The Melting Pot

Located in Old Town Fort Collins, The Melting Pot’s decadent fondue selections paired with a cozy ambiance make it the perfect restaurant for date night. Serving cheese, chocolate, and savory fondues, diners can choose from a four-course fondue experience or sample each one a la carte.

For first time fon-duers, they recommend trying The Classic, an entrée selection of steak, shrimp, and chicken paired with a custom-selected savory broth to experience fondue at its finest. Enjoy a selection from their extensive cocktail list to sip while you dip — maybe a signature coffee cocktail?

Plan your indoor dining reservation in advance via themeltingpot.com or by phone at 970-207-0100.

22 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

C&C

C&C LIQUOR

LIQUOR

WE DELIVER!

12% OFF ANY PURCHASE (LIQUOR, WINE, BEER)

BEER

Excludes sale items, kegs & cigarettes.

Must present coupon. Cannot combine with any other offer. Exp. 05/31/21. BO

$5 OFF

LIQUOR

ANY PURCHASE OVER $35 (LIQUOR, WINE, BEER) EXCLUDES TOBACCO Excludes sale items, kegs & cigarettes.

Must present coupon. Cannot combine with any other offer. Exp. 05/31/21. BO

14% OFF

WINE

ANY PURCHASE OVER $75 (LIQUOR, WINE, BEER) Excludes sale items, kegs & cigarettes.

Must present coupon. Cannot combine with any other offer. Exp.05/31/21. BO

1501 W Elizabeth St. 970.672.8136 candcliquorfortcollins.com

CS EMPL U DISC OYEE OUN TS!

BEST ICE CREAM

Walrus Ice Cream Located on Mountain Avenue in the heart of Old Town Walrus Ice Cream has been serving up delicious flavors since 1987. The sweet shop always has 29 flavors available, and they’re changing constantly.

What makes Walrus a great place to bring your sweet tooth is their ice cream is made gluten-free and without eggs. They also have choices of sorbet, frozen yogurt and sherbet.

Walrus is open every day, and you can also order their ice cream for delivery through the Nosh Noco app.

BEST SWEETS

Mary’s Mountain Cookies Located on North College Avenue, Mary’s Mountain Cookies has been baking cookies in Fort Collins for over 20 years.

Whether you are a fan of the classic cookies, like chocolate chip or snickerdoodle, or you are looking for something even sweeter and filled with ice cream or frosting, Mary’s Mountain Cookies is sure to satisfy your cravings. They also sell edible cookie dough, perfect for your late night snacking!

If you can’t stop by one of their locations, they offer Fort Collins delivery and cookie boxes that can be shipped to anywhere in the United States so you can still enjoy these delicious Colorado cookies no matter where you are.

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Thank you CSU Community For Voting Us

Best Burrito!

19 YEARS

214 Pine Street Old Town

Fort Collins, CO NuanceChocolate.com

Thanks

CSU!

Join us in celebrating 26 years of business

.

Best Ice Cream since 1987

WALRUS ICE CREAM IS AVAILABLE IN THE LSC AT FIFTY30

510 S. College Ave (970) 482-3303

26 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

NoCo Nosh:

INDEPENDENT DELIVERY SUPPORTS LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND COMMUNITY

By Katrina Leibee For college students living through a pandemic, food delivery is a must. Some may be too stoned to go pick up their own munchies, and many may see food delivery as a safer option as opposed to going into a store for dine-in or pickup. Either way, people usually first turn to DoorDash, Uber Eats or Postmates when they want something delivered. But for residents of Northern Colorado, there is actually another option.

Noco Nosh Delivery is an independent food delivery service located in Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley and Loveland.

The delivery app serves independent restaurants in these cities; specifically, giving these restaurants delivery business without having to be on the bigger apps.

Between the three cities, Nosh delivers food for 210 restaurants, and they’ll soon be expanding into Windsor to serve even more customers and eateries.

In Fort Collins, customers can have food delivered from even their favorite small spots in Old Town, like Chick’nCone, Old Town Churn or Mary’s Mountain Cookies. Missing the taste of Spoons from on campus? Nosh has got you covered.

Anyone in the local area can download the app, input if they want pickup or delivery, and enter what time they want their food. Nosh drivers will get food delivered to customers as soon as possible or customers can pick it up from the restaurant themselves. The app is fairly simple to use and operates like many other food delivery apps.

Nosh Delivery opened in May of 2019, with business growing at a steady pace until the pandemic hit and “changed the game of food delivery,” says Nicki Bartolone, director of operations.

“Our sales increased quite a bit,” she says. But through summer of 2020 and the beginning of the school year, sales decreased as some COVID-19 restrictions loosened up and people began dining outside at restaurants rather than ordering delivery.

In December, Nosh partnered with the City of Fort Collins to help the restaurants. Nosh charges the restaurants a commission rate, which the City paid off for the month of December to keep local businesses thriving in a time where so many of them were at risk of closing.

Nosh doesn’t just support local restaurants, it also gives people in the local cities jobs.

“All of our employees are on-the-ground in Northern Colorado,” Bartolone says. “The other [delivery apps] outsource out to other countries, states, etc.”

Bartolone says the best part about Nosh is that it keeps money in the community.

The people that work customer service at Nosh live in Northern Colorado or Boulder, and they know the restaurants and areas. They care about the community, people and restaurants, a quality that Bartolone says separates Nosh Delivery from other delivery platforms.

Other delivery platforms with customer service bases all over the world can’t always fix an order if an issue arises, and the best they can do is offer a refund. If an issue happens with a Nosh delivery, customers won’t just be issued a refund because “you can’t eat a refund,” Bartolone jokes. They’ll fix the issue and make sure people get their food. “Our stance is making it right,” Bartolone says.

40 restaurants in Northern Colorado are invested in Nosh Delivery, including Walrus Ice Cream, Big City Burrito and Wing Shack.

Despite the app’s recent growth through the pandemic, Bartolone says the app still has room for improvement. “We’re not an IT company,” Bartolone jokes. “We want to make it a little more user friendly.”

Although big universities sit in Fort Collins, Greeley and Boulder, most of the apps users are local families and residents rather than students—something Bartolone wants to work on.

However, it is really hard to get students to transition away from the common apps and services they are used to.

Bartolone says students can see their advertising through Rocky Mountain Student Media, and they have lots of coupon codes floating around out there. She hopes that Nosh will become more popular among students, and they’ll choose to opt for Nosh rather than the big apps that aren’t supporting local communities and independent restaurants.

Nosh NoCo is available on ApplePlay, the app store and GooglePlay.

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BEST DINING HALL

The Foundry Located between Corbett and Parmelee halls, The Foundry is one of CSU’s most expansive and newest dining halls, having opened in 2018. It offers a myriad of microrestaurants including Italian, Tex-Mex, International and Kosher stations alongside traditional dining hall fare. Fort Collins’ own Walrus Ice Cream is offered at The Creamery station in a variety of rotating flavors. The Foundry is open to any CSU student, currently accepting on-campus meal plans, credit cards, cash and Ram Cash. Mobile and online ordering is available by logging onto myramcard.colostate.edu via eID with options for order-ahead and no-contact pickup.

Photos courtesy of CSU Housing & Dining Services

BEST ON-CAMPUS LUNCH

Spoons Serving Northern Colorado for more than 15 years, Spoons is a go-to spot for soups, salads and sandwiches. Founded in Fort Collins, Spoons works with Colorado farmers to locally source as many ingredients as possible. Their soups and specials rotate daily, and can be paired with their focaccia sandwiches. They also offer gluten-free soups, bread and spinach wraps.

With two locations on campus, the Lory Student Center and Allison Hall, it’s no wonder Spoons won Best On-Campus Lunch.

They even offer “The Deal,” which includes a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of soup or side salad for $6.75 — perfect for a quick, fresh and delicious on-campus lunch.

28 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

BEST CSU ORGANIZATION

Women’s Ice Hockey Colorado State University’s Women’s Ice Hockey team is a student-run organization that competes at the Division I level for the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

During the 2019-2020 season, the team won nine games, lost 12 and had one forfeit game. They ranked 9th in their league in penalty kill percentage, 12th in power play percentage and 13th in goals per game.

In 2020, the team featured 15 student-athletes from around the country, and player experience ranges from five to 16 years.

Photo by Alyse Oxenford | Rocky Mountain Collegian

30 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Best of CSU Summer Session Best of CSU Full page ad 2021-PDFX1A.pdf

1

1/20/21

4:48 PM

C

M

Y

CM

2021 Summer Term Schedule

MY

CY

4-Week Terms

CMY

May 17 June 13

K

8-Week Terms 12-Week Term Additional Terms

June 14 July 11

July 12 Aug. 8

May 17 - July 11 June 14 - Aug. 8 May 17 - Aug. 8 Varying lengths, including weekends

Registration begins Tuesday, March 23 in RAMweb

Courses at a Glance Easily search courses by:

• Undergraduate nonresidents receive a 30% reduction on summer base tuition.

• Financial aid is widely available regardless of residency.

SUMMER.COLOSTATE.EDU

HYBRID

FACE to FACE

ONLINE

SUBJECT

TERM

AUCC

CONTACT US: CSUSummer@colostate.edu

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

Ram’s Village

Located a few blocks west of the Colorado State University campus, the Ram’s Village has continued to offer affordable housing for CSU students. The apartment complex also offers group amenities, such as a tanning booth, two heated pools and two indoor spas, and apartment amenities such as Wi-Fi Internet and cable.

Apartments range from one bedroom to four bedroom, and their large rooms give students plenty of space to study, sleep and hang out.

32 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

34 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

‘Always a purpose’: CSU ALUMNUS STRIVES TO INSPIRE, EDUCATE

By Serena Bettis Apparel company Sic970 is unique to locals and important to all. With messaging that focuses on social justice paired with familiar Colorado emblems, the Fort Collins-based company aims to empower those who wear its products.

Founder William Bell graduated from Colorado State University in the late 1990s with a degree in liberal arts. In 2012, Bell started his company, an idea he had sparked years before.

“I’m passionate about different social causes and I just said, ‘Well if I’m gonna do it, just do it,’” Bell says. “I didn’t want to be in a situation five or so years later saying ‘I should’ve done it, could’ve done it.’ I didn’t want to be that guy.”

sisters. After seeing what they go through, part of his focus with his company is to empower women and girls.

One of his design sets is called “Beauty Is.” and shows a butterfly next to those words to symbolize that everyone is special in their own way, Bell says.

Another series of his is on anti-racism awareness, featuring four different designs. One of the designs Bell created is a concept he calls “racism must die.” Bell believes that if the ideology of racism dies, there would not be individual groups being racist because they would have nothing to inspire them.

Nine years later and Bell’s company is alive and well.

Available to purchase in other local businesses like The Colorado Room, Kind Creations and from Bell himself, his main products include flat-bill hats, baseball caps, beanies and T-shirts.

“When I put out a design, there’s always a purpose and meaning behind it,” Bell says. “I want people to think, I’m trying to bring people together… All human beings have the same needs and a lot of things about racism and prejudice is lack of knowledge, so I do stuff to inspire people, especially women and girls.”

His products feature his trademarked Sic970 logo, the Colorado flag symbol and phrases inspired by equality movements and the local area.

Bell says some of his other inspiration comes from his time at CSU. As a Black man, Bell says he was “probably in the 1% of people of color” on campus.

Sic970’s website and Instagram show shirts and hats with phrases like “Free Earth,” “Racism is War” and “Fort Cannabis.”

“There was a small percent of people of color there at CSU, and just being there with different people, learning different things, we all came together [and] we learned a lot,” Bell says.

All Sic970 products are made locally, and Bell purposefully cultivates relationships with other small businesses — many with 10 or fewer employees — to print silk screens on shirts and stitch hats.

Bell’s art is an extension of himself and his lived experiences.

Every piece of Sic970 apparel sold starts as a thread of a concept in his head and ends as a positive message for the world to see and wear.

“I might have an idea and I start scribbling it on a piece of paper,” Bell says. “I could be sitting in my house, … I could be walking, and I might think about … ‘OK, this is a great idea,’ and I’ll start developing that through the thought process in my mind.”

Bell says much of his inspiration comes from his life growing up in Northern Colorado with his mom and two

Touching on how grateful he is to the people who helped him, from professors to friends to strangers, Bell says he will never forget the opportunities he had at CSU. “Some of the best times of my life were at CSU; I learned so much,” Bell says. “I think it shaped me into the person I am and helped me motivate myself to start a company.”

Bell’s bottom line is that he tries to make a difference through his company, both locally and beyond.

“I’m all about inclusion, I’m all about equity, I’m all about diversity, and Sic970 represents a lot of that,” Bell says. “It’s a positive message that you can pass on to somebody else.”

35

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Road 34

Is it a bike shop? Is it a bar? It’s both! Road 34 has been serving Fort Collins since 2006 and their happy hour deals are well known among CSU students. Road has 30+ taps, delicious sandwiches, and two patio areas to enjoy a few pitchers with your friends.

Unfortunately, happy hour deals aren’t being honored during the pandemic, but Road 34 is working on new deals and discounts for when restaurants begin to allow a greater capacity in.

BEST COLLEGE BAR

Lucky Joe’s Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon is a classic Irish pub located in Old Town. The bar has served many different kinds of beer, wine and cocktails to CSU students since opening. The interior of the bar has an old-timey feel and customers can feel at home in its classic set-up. Lucky Joe’s also serves a variety of food which they call a mix of Irish and American classics. Lucky Joe’s has been a staple in the Fort Collins community for a long time and CSU students have many stories to tell about the saloon.

36 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR

Open 7 days a week 11-Close $3 beers all day and night. Why wait for happy hour? only one block west of campus at 1213 W Elizabeth

BEST MARGARITA

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop If you’ve ever been in Fuzzy’s, you’ve seen the infamous giant margaritas with a Corona beer sticking out. If you’re looking for a strong, frozen, delicious margarita to complement your taco, look no further than Fuzzy’s.

Not only does the taco shop have a variety of out of this world margaritas, they have delicious chips and queso, tacos, quesadillas and more.

With two locations in Fort Collins on Elizabeth and Harmony, they offer delivery and curbside pickup options (and you can even take your margaritas to go).

38 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

A FORT COLLINS FAVORITE SINCE 1996

THANK YOU CSU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT 148 West Mountain Avenue | 970.221.5757 | trailheadtavern.com

BEST BREWERY

Odell Brewing Odell Brewing Company, founded in 1989, has concocted creative beers and wine for Fort Collins residents and CSU students to enjoy. Some of the company’s classic beers include the 90 Shilling Ale, the Sippin’ Pretty and Witkist White.

Odell Brewing Company has also opened up a winery, with a tasting room set to open in early 2021. The company makes and cans wine for distribution across Colorado. The variety of flavors the company brews appeals to all drinkers, as there’s something for everyone to try.

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Wilbur’s Total Beverage Wilbur’s Total Beverage is a FoCo favorite family-owned liquor store that has been in business for over 16 years. Wilbur’s has an excellent selection of craft beers from across Colorado, as well as an expansive fine wine and spirits inventory. The staff of Wilbur’s are well informed and always eager to assist based on your preferences. Wilbur’s also offers curbside pickup, online ordering, and delivery options for those who are keeping their distance. If you’re looking for a great deal Wilbur’s has weekly specials, specials for rewards members, and a beer of the month special. If you are searching for a place to expand your taste but don’t know where to start, head to Wilbur’s.

40 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Thank you g n i t o v r o f s Ram r o u q i l t s e b us store!

An item we hope you will enjoy at Wilbur’s low prices.

Grey’s Peak (750ml) Was $19.99 - Save $10 Now just $9.99

Cashiers will adjust the price on your request. Valid only while supplies last, no rain checks. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Expires 4/30/2021 9-7

42 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Surge of Support:

COMMUNITY AIDS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING COVID CRISIS

By Corinne Neustadter Kempter, the owner and master distiller of Old Town Distilling Co., is a Colorado State University alumnus who has worked in the spirits industry for over 15 years, first as owner of Luscious Nectar bar in downtown Fort Collins where he fell in love with creating experimental cocktails and flavored spirits.

“We wanted to create [spirits] of exceptional craft as high-quality as possible,” Kempter says in opening Old Town Distilling. “Colorado, and Fort Collins in particular is a tremendous canvas for entrepreneurship, and distilling has a unique opportunity here in that brewing has laid the foundation for many of the same demands and materials that we need.”

Since its debut in 2015, Old Town Distilling has been a trailblazer in the industry, becoming the first certified organic distillery in northern Colorado and creating Colorado’s first certified-organic bourbon and rye whiskeys, now offering a wide selection of “hangover-free spirits.”

Their bestsellers are classic staples — their bourbon whiskey has a smooth and clean finish, while their rye whiskey is a favorite of Kempter’s and his business partner Patrick Saul’s for its “flavorful, complex fruit notes with a distinctive baking-spice finish incredible as a sipper or in cocktails.”

Following pandemic shutdowns, OTD experienced a shift to online and phone orders, quickly expanding their offerings to include whiskey-infused hand sanitizers and later introducing a premium single-barrel bourbon to meet customer demand.

Kempter’s new tasting room and outdoor seating were quickly tabled with the COVID-19 pandemic; with current health guidelines, they are hoping to return to in-person tasting and dining this spring.

Despite COVID’s challenges, Kempter appreciates the outpouring of community support they’ve experienced with the distillery’s loyal following. In a post-pandemic world, he is looking forward to business as usual. “Just being able to sit inside a restaurant or hang out at a bar, getting back to those timeless activities are what I’m looking forward to, and being able to regain that sense of safety and normalcy downtown will allow businesses to thrive.”

Newly opened restaurant RamaMama has experienced many of the same challenges. Lifelong restauranteur John Lawyer first debuted RamaMama as a pop-up concept four years ago with flavorful bowls offering new, delectable twists on ramen noodles with gluten-free and vegetarian choices. As the owner of Corndoggies food truck and Lickskillet Catering enterprises, he is honest about COVID-19’s toll on business.

By itself, the RamaMama food truck would run at local food truck rallies, private events, and was a mainstay at Timnath, Maxline, and New Belgium Breweries.

However, when the pandemic hit, most events evaporated.

“It’s like going back in time to three or four years ago,” Lawyer says of the shift. “We used to do a certain volume [of orders], and it’s depleted to minimal volumes. … It required a rethinking of our strategy entirely.”

Lawyer decided to shift RamaMama to a brick-andmortar location to re-ignite the business, securing The Gold Leaf Collective’s former location at 120 W. Laurel St. in June.

Boasting an eclectic mix of pop art and funky décor, its welcoming environment is now open for takeout and indoor dining in accordance with Larimer County guidelines.

Currently, their most popular bowls are the Korean style Ramyun, the pork-based Tonkotsu, and a coconut-curry based Laksa served with shrimp or as vegetarian. They also serve Banh Mi sandwiches and homemade dumplings for those looking for additional options.

From Lawyer’s perspective, the most positive thing about operating RamaMama has been the support of the Fort Collins community. “The support for small and local businesses has been even stronger than before, [which] makes you step back and rethink your entire business structure around what’s really important and what’s not,” he says. “We need to help lift each other up.”

As for the future, Lawyer is most looking forward to cultivating a communal atmosphere with the unique, vibrant energy of Fort Collins. “The most fun part about the food industry is that people are excited about food and love to eat; when you try to create a concept around [experiencing food] … having more people out [dining] and being able to establish relationships within the community is what I love.”

43

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Aggie Theatre The Aggie Theatre is a historic, classic site in Fort Collins. Adored by many, the Aggie has been in business for over 100 years, going from a furniture store, to a movie theater and now to an entertainment venue. Located in Old Town, the theatre is dedicated to featuring both local and outside talent. Appealing to all demographics is a priority for the theater, with an eclectic range of artists and entertainers available to see. The Aggie offers both sitting and standing options, a bar area and an upstairs to view the stage. The next postings for events are listed for as early as March, with their facility carefully following COVID-19 regulations and precautions.

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Pinball Jones Conveniently hidden underground in Old Town Square since 2011, Pinball Jones is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly arcade with pinball machines, air hockey, bowling and more. Additionally, Pinball Jones serves draft beers from area breweries, along with cider, wine and soda. There are not many places where you can play vintage 1960s pinball machines, but Pinball Jones has a wide selection of both old and newer arcade games, including a 4-player PacMan table.

There truly is no better way to get rid of your extra quarters than to spend them having a fun night at Pinball Jones.

44 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Pipes for all budgets!

Cheapest N2O in town!

CBD & kratom products!

Daily Deals 20-50% off!

Every Monday BOGO 50% off disposable vapes!

Huge selection to choose from!

BEST HIKE

Horsetooth Rock Just west of campus and always in view, the Horsetooth Rock Trail is a top destination for any CSU student. A 20-minute drive from CSU, the trailhead is open year round at all hours of the day. Parking for a day costs $9, but there are no other fees and drop-offs are permitted. The hike to the top of Horsetooth Rock is roughly five miles roundtrip and suitable for experienced hikers and novices alike.

The top of the rock is a great place to rest, have a picnic lunch and take in the views of Fort Collins in one direction and the beautiful Colorado mountains in the other. Hikers looking for an easier jaunt in the outdoors can opt for the Horsetooth Falls trail, which provides more shade and a peaceful stream and waterfall at the end.

46 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Endless Adventure CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR, & GEAR TO EXPLORE

BEST OUTDOOR STORE

20 YEARS IN A ROW

CAMPING • ARCHERY • HUNTING • FISHING • ATHLETICS CLOTHING • FOOTWEAR • OPTICS • PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1955 CHEYENNE • BROOMFIELD • FORT COLLINS • LAFAYETTE • LOVELAND | JAXGOODS.COM

48 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Supporting small business: VIRTUAL FOCO MARKET PLACE HAS IT ALL

By Ceci Taylor When the COVID-19 pandemic began, businesses in Fort Collins had to come up with some creative ways to continue supporting their livelihood.

As a solution, Fort Collins Marketplace was created so people are able to shop local online. The website categorizes products by what the customer is seeking, and one can find anything from food, books and home decor.

“Together we can help our local businesses thrive and stay connected to what’s really important,” the website reads.

“Our family, friends and relationships mean something. We invite you to give gifts and experiences that matter and make a difference.”

Fort Collins Marketplace has given vendors a chance to stay open and thrive during a life-changing pandemic and has given residents a way to give back to the community and keep beloved local businesses thriving for many years to come.

Sunlit Mountain is one store that has found a home on Fort Collins Marketplace.

The store sells sustainable and eco-friendly bath and body goods, along with delicious home-made chocolate.

It’s the perfect store to shop in for romantic gifts and self-care products.

With products that range from beeswax balms to a naturally-made beard conditioner, Sunlit Mountain keeps the needs of everyone in mind.

The store also strives to remain plastic-free in packaging.

They even sell hand sanitizer in a glass bottle, which is a perfect way to remain hygienic while loving the planet.

“I created Sunlit Mountain to bring forth great goods for bath, body, beauty, and home… and to package those goods in simple eco-friendly packaging, 99% of which is plastic-free,” Marisa May, the company’s founder, wrote on the website.

Sunlit Mountain is a local business striving to take care of the planet and Fort Collins residents alike, and they couldn’t be doing it in a better way.

the teahouse provides customers with the basic necessities to achieve happiness and health: water, tea and time.

“With a commitment to quality, selection, and community, Happy Lucky’s creates a highly interactive, informative and immersive tea experience,” the website reads.

Customers can choose from over 200 loose-leaf options, which is the largest selection in the state of Colorado.

Those who venture into the store will have a relaxing experience with tea. With comfortable seating, a warm atmosphere and leafy smells, it’s the perfect place to date, study and relax.

On Fort Collins Marketplace, customers can purchase and take their favorite tea home in the safest possible way.

The teahouse also offers gift boxes and gift cards on the website, which is the perfect gift for any tea-lover out there.

Wadoo Home and Gifts is another member of Fort Collins Marketplace. The unique home and goods store has allowed Fort Collins to decorate and thrive in their homes for many years, and the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from doing it for many more.

On the website, the store sells a variety of home decor and gifts, including a mini pendulum clock, a bi-fold bison leather wallet and “Calvin and Hobbes”-themed coasters.

Customers can shop for these items safely and while supporting a beloved local business.

The pandemic hasn’t been easy on anyone, and many wondered how drastically our lives would change. It’s hard to see iconic local business close, and many Fort Collins residents and CSU students did not want to see that happen.

Fort Collins Marketplace has allowed residents to get the best locally-made items in the safest way possible- from the comfort of our homes. Local businesses will continue to thrive with support from its residents, and this website is one of the best ways residents can ensure it.

Happy Lucky’s Teahouse is also a local business that has thrived on Fort Collins Marketplace. Opened in 2009, 49

BEST SMOKE SHOP

Kind Creations If you’re looking for bubblers, water pipes, vaporizers and items alike, look no further than Kind Creations. The glass shop has been in business since 2003, and their collection is only getting bigger.

For those that love collectable smoking items, or for those that are just starting out and looking for their first pipe, Kind Creations is the place to go. They even offer glass pipe repairs, and all of their pipes are ‘buy one get one half off.’

Kind Creations is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located on College across from CSU.

BEST DISPENSARY

LivWell LivWell, located on North College, is your one-stop-shop for all things cannabis and offers both recreational and medical options. LivWell has a wide selection of flower, prerolls, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. When you join the LivWell rewards program you can enjoy perks such as a $10 rewards credit on your birthday and discounts on pre-weighed flower every day. Livwell offers the options of shopping instore or ordering ahead online for pickup. The budtenders are passionate about what they do and happy to answer any of your questions and offer up their recommendations.

50 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

THANK YOU, CSU! GO RAMS!

3

NORTHERN CO DISPENSARIES

Fort Collins • Garden City • Berthoud

We provide a wide selection of cannabis brands for any budget. Join our rewards program for even more benefits because the more you get, the more we give.

Order ahead at LivWell.com/shop ©2021 LivWell Enlightened Health. All Rights Reserved. Colorado only.

Voted #1 Nail Salon CSU & Fort Collins 2009-2020 wlanailsfortcollins.com

Walk-Ins Welcome • Appointments Available • Mon-Sat 9am - 8pm • Sun 11am - 5pm

$3 Off

$5 Off

Manicure

Full Set

(Reg $15)

$30

$5 Off

Shellac Manicure

Pedicure

No Chipping or Smudging

with Hot Paraffin Wax (Reg $38)

(Reg $35)

All coupons not valid with any other offers.

$45

Pedicure & Manicure With Hot Paraffin Wax (Reg $55)

20% Off Any Waxing Service

Must present coupon.

Cedarwood Plaza in King Soopers Shopping Center

BE

SALON

DEFINE THE LOOK YOU LOVE Offering expert cuts, dimensional color, extensions and Wash House pampering.

To book with an expert stylist call us at

(970) 416-0400 or visit studiobesalon.com

us online at

Thank you for voting for us as your salon of choice!

Pedicure & Full Set (Reg $70)

$30

Student Special Pedicure and or Eyebrow Wax With Student ID

All coupons expire 5/31/21

1015 Taft Hill Road • Suite R • 970-472-9279

STUDIO

$65

Show Some

L VE

SPECIALS $2 OFF

$3 OFF

$6 OFF

RAMMIE TUESDAY

WAKE-UP WEDNESDAY

HERO APPRECIATION THURSDAY

EVERY TUESDAY FOR ALL STUDENTS

BEFORE 10AM EVERY WEDS.

FOR MILITARY, FIRE AND POLICE OFFICERS

4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

Kennedy's

Sammie's

1945 Jessup Dr. Fort Collins, CO 970.690.5133

1205 W. Elizabeth St. Fort Collins, CO 970.581.5559

Tom's Old Town 122 N. College Fort Collins, CO 970.300.4019

www.lucky27barbershop.com

Windsor's 203 4th St. Windsor, CO 970.294.8858

BEST HAIR SALON

Tuana Hair Design Tuana Hair Design is a European salon located on College Avenue that offers cuts, coloring, eyebrow threading, keratin smoothing and more. Tuana won best hair salon in Best of CSU in 2019 and 2018, proving their commitment to quality customer service.

Owner Kazim has been doing hair for over 20 years and is a reputable name in the beauty industry. With a commitment to creativity and a quality result, if you aren’t sure where to go for even just a basic color, Tuana would be your best bet.

Tuana Hair Design is open every day at varying hours, and they accept online bookings.

BEST BARBERSHOP

Floyd’s 99 Denver-based Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has been serving up some of the sharpest cuts, colors and shaves since 2001.

Starting out as a small shop downtown founded by Paul, Bill and Rob O’Brien, the brothers’ barbershop has roared to life - now serving 14 states nation-wide, with three locations here in Fort Collins.

The iconic rock’n’roll roots are as loud as ever, with the signature poster walls growing more and more and the jampacked radio turning out new tunes and old classics - while still serving the freshest cuts to keep you looking trendy.

Stop by one of their stores to find your new look!

54 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

BEST NAIL SALON

LA Nails L.A. Nails not only makes their customers’ hands and feet look pretty, but they make sure their customers are having a good experience while doing it. Visitors to the nail salon will surely feel relaxed and refreshed after receiving treatment from expert nail technicians in a cozy environment. The nail salon offers services such as acrylic nails, gel nails, solar nails and the chic French manicure. Whatever customers decide, they are sure to come out with gorgeous new nails. L.A. Nails have serviced CSU students for a long time, and many rely on them to take the stress away from a hard week at school.

BEST WAX SALON

Screamin’ Peach Winning this category 14 times since opening in 2006, the Screamin’ Peach is a full-service wax studio for women and men. Staying true to their slogan, “no hair is safe,” the studio will wax just about anything you could want.

In addition to waxing, the Screamin’ Peach provides microblading, eyelash, spray tan and facial hair services. Pricing for their wax services starts at $10 for basic ear and nose waxes and can go up to $88.

The Screamin’ Peach has two Fort Collins locations, one in Old Town and one in south Fort Collins.

56 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

THANK YOU CSU

$10 off New Guest Haircut

Expires October 31, 2021

$20 off New Guest color service Expires October 31, 2021

20% off AVEDA products

Expires October 31, 2021

jameshairsalon.com

@JamesSalons

@jamessalon

JAMES SALON FORT COLLINS JAMES CAMPUS SALON CSU 1125 W. ELIZABETH ST. IN THE LORY STUDENT CENTER 970.493.9234 970.472.0003 Student prices available at Campus West Location.

Watch for our reopening in the Lory student center.

Best Wax Salon Thank you for choosing us, and for supporting local small businesses.

We are grateful for you.

(No hair is safe.)

@screaminpeach | www.screaminpeach.com

Fort Collins | Longmont | Johnstown

BEST TATTOO & PIERCING

Tribal Rites Tribal Rites has made a name for itself in the Fort Collins community, and it is no surprise that it has won best tattoo and piercing. Established in 1994, Tribal Rites was originally a piercing only shop, but soon expanded to do tattoos as well.

The shop is known for its insane selection of body jewelry made from all different kinds of products. It would almost be impossible to not find something you like, and if you don’t, they can special order jewelry for you.

Tribal Rites is open for business right now, but they are limiting capacity inside their store.

BEST TANNING SALON

At The Beach At The Beach Tanning Salon has been serving the community with indoor tanning services since the late ‘80s. Constantly growing, At The Beach expanded into Colorado in 2006 with a location in Denver. Now over 30 years since its inception, At The Beach offers several indoor sun-tanning solutions such as traditional sunbeds, sunless and cocktail tanning and even red light therapy. They also offer plenty of skin care products to get you that golden glow while also keeping your skin healthy - give them a visit over on JFK Parkway and East Harmony Road.

58 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

BEST BOUTIQUE

Kansas City Kitty Kansas City Kitty has provided affordable, cute clothing since 2002. More importantly, however, it has given customers a space to feel welcome and has supported unique craftsmanship since the beginning. Kansas City Kitty offers everything from jewelry, home decor and bath items. Their clothes allow customers to feel trendy, cute and unique. The inviting atmosphere in the store encourages customers to be themselves and find the fashion that they know they will wear and love for many years.

BEST BOOKSTORE

BEST THRIFT STORE

Old Firehouse Books

Arc Thrift Store

Old Firehouse Books is a Fort Collins treasure. This independent bookstore started in 1980 and is the local epicenter of used books, new books and book memorabilia galore. Located in Old Town, Old Firehouse Books offers online ordering options for books not found within their store, including a 15% discount on preorders. If audiobooks and ebooks are more up your alley, Old Firehouse Books partners with Libro.fm and Hummingbird to provide affordable digital selections. Old Firehouse Books offers something for everybody with staff ready to discuss their new favorites with any fellow booklover.

The Arc not only has some of the best finds and daily deals, but their work also goes directly towards helping people with developmental disabilities. The thrift chain opened its doors in 1968, and their mission to help people with developmental disabilities has always been deeply integrated into their business. Located on College Avenue, it’s easy to get to from CSU’s campus and has a variety of used items to decorate an eclectic apartment or to revamp a wardrobe. For those interested in extra savings, the Arc also gives half off different tag colors depending on the day of the week.

60 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

Northern Colorado’s Largest Independent Bookstore

15% discount with your CSU ID!

Where a better cut is a tradition. barbershopfortcollins.com

226 S College Ave. 970-227-7286

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All services at no cost to you.

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BEST BIKE SHOP

Recycled Cycles A Fort Collins mainstay for over 40 years, Recycled Cycles was founded by CSU alumnus Dave Hudson that provides a myriad of bikes for all abilities. With an on-campus location at the Lory Student Center, getting a quick tune-up or shopping for a new ride has never been easier. Boasting a selection of road, mountain, cruiser, and electric bikes, you can find a ride for nearly every budget. All bikes are equipped with a 90day warranty and 30-day free tune up, ensuring you can put the pedal to the medal whether you’re commuting to class or summiting an alpine pass. Live off-campus? Check out their convenient southern location at 4031 S. Mason St.

BEST OUTDOOR GEAR STORE

JAX Mercantile JAX Outdoor Gear boasts an impressive collection of gear for almost every excursion. Offering equipment for camping, fishing, hiking and more, JAX’s friendly staff and sensible prices make shopping a breeze whether you need a camera or climbing shoes. The store also provides an extensive selection of apparel and shoes featuring brands such as Chaco, The North Face and Patagonia. Top off your shopping trip with a stop at their in-store coffee shop and a stroll by their outdoor pond. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, online ordering is available for delivering direct to your home at jaxgoods.com; curbside pickup is also available by phone order.

62 | Best of CSU Spring 2021

#100103

Safety Tune

30

$

No Appointment

Sorry not valid with other offers

Voted South Store

4031 South Mason (Just West of Barnes & Nobles) 970-223-1969

Best Bike Shop CSU Store

Lory Student Center (Transit Center North Side) 970-491-9555

BEST FOOD

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