Visit Fort Collins | Summer | 2022-2023

FORT COLLINSvisit

Escape the ordinary

Visit Fort Collins

1 Old Town Sq., Suite 107

Fort Collins, CO 80524

800-274-3678 (toll free)

information@ftcollins.com

Cynthia Eichler, President and CEO

Katy Schneider, Director of Marketing

Erik Barstow, Director of Sales

Melissa Draxler, Office Manager and Executive Assistant

Justin Koroneos, Partnership Manager

Drew Southers, Visitor Services Manager

Aisha Martinek, Marketing Manager

the HIGHLIGHTS

table of contents

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

225 S. Meldrum St.

Fort Collins, CO 80521 970-482-3746 www.fortcollinschamber.com general@fcchamber.org

Ann Hutchison, President & CEO

Kimberly Medina, Vice President of Development and Operations

Yvonne Myers, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

Janel Reichard, Finance Director

Kevin Jones, Business Advocacy Director

Jennifer Umland, Communications Coordinator

Chad Beane, Member Engagement Coordinator

Suzanne Miller, Welcome Coordinator

Carol Zick, Welcome Coordinator

Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. PO Box 740, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Scott Titterington, Publisher

Kristin Titterington, Editor

Emily Zaynard, Creative Director

Greg Hoffman, Advertising Sales Director

Cover photo

Summer cover photo of the Cache la Poudre River by Luke Wagner, @lukecreatesart

Winter cover photo of downtown Fort Collins by Aaron Lewis

©2022, Visit Fort Collins and Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or part of this publication without express written permission of VFC or FCACC prohibited. VFC, FCACC and RMP assume no responsibility or

Downtown

of the wild

Get out and stay out

PAGE 46:

Cheers to the craft of beer!

a glass, smile, taste, repeat

SIGHTS

Liquid arts

the spirits

you

Jump right in

live music,

the time

Event calendar

events

the arts

galleries

around town

Welcome to Ram Country Colorado State University at the heart of the community

Event destination Come together

Our community

of the essentials

Love what you do and where you do it Fort Collins talent

Maps

your way around greater Fort Collins

Wildlife I spy with my little eye

#OnlyInFoco

As you flip through this guide you’ll notice that many images are from visitors just like you! If you want to share your Fort Collins memories or point of view, be sure to use #OnlyInFoco or tag us at: @visitftcollins. Your #OnlyInFoco experience might just make it into the pages of future guides.

Due to COVID-19, please check

or scan the

code for current information.

Activities

Arts & entertainment,

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

25 BEST TOWNS EVER: WHERE TO LIVE NOW

Basecamp Fort Collins

MAKE FORT COLLINS YOUR BASECAMP for mountain excursions and city charm. Trails, rivers, lakes, and all the adventure and solitude that go with them, are at your doorstep here. When it’s time to wind down or wind up, catch the Fort Collins buzz, an energy that drives people here to be open, active and friendly. Discover the sense of aliveness all around driven by an artistic, energetic spirit that just makes you want to get out and join in whatever is happening.

So picture yourself in Fort Collins—and then make it happen.

IN AND SEE US!

Once you’re in town, we’re here to help, too! In Old Town, find us right on Mountain Avenue near Old Town Square at 1 Old Town Square, Suite 107. Talk to our travel advisors in the visitor center for ideas about how to make your Fort Collins experience extraordinary. Stop in to plan your fun and plot your itinerary on our wall-sized regional map.

If you have questions after leaving the visitor center, you can find helpful information and suggestions on things to do via www.visitfortcollins. com as well as the VFC social media channels which can also be found on the website.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, please check www.visitftcollins.com or scan the QR code on the cover for current information.

Snow or shine, love this town. I so loved my vacation there.

— Gwen T. Via Visit Fort Collins social media BEST PLACES TO DO BUSINESS

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT FORT COLLINS

@mich.ren

AT JUST ONE hour of driving from Denver International Airport, it’s easy to arrive in Fort Collins. We’re right off I-25 and less than an hour from both I-80 and I-70.

DIRECT TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO REGIONAL AIRPORT

Catch a direct flight from Burbank-Hollywood, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, on budget carrier Avelo Air. www.aveloair.com.

TO AND FROM THE DENVER AIRPORT

Book a shuttle with Groome Transportation at www. groometransportation.com. Private car services include Executive Comfort, www.nocoexecutivecomfort.com and Fort Collins Charter, www.fccharter.com. Or schedule seamless travel with United Airlines and The Landline Company, www.united.com/en-us/landline.

LOOK FOR THESE ICONS IN THE GUIDE FOR SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST IN FORT COLLINS

FAMILY/KID

MORE DETAILS FOUND ONLINE

COVID-19 INFO AT VISITFTCOLLINS.COM

WINTER

Magnificent! That’s what makes this a perfect yearround destination.

Generally, it’s warm in the summer and sunny with afternoon showers that cool things off. Fall is magical, clear skies and cool, though it can snow in September. Layers are a must. We have

days in January that are 30 degrees with snow and the next day 65 with sunshine. Spring is unpredictable. Rain in the morning and clear skies in the afternoon or the other way around. Who knows? March through May are the wettest months and that can fall as rain or snow.

THE SUN

Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine! And in the summer, expect 15 hours of daylight! Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, caps and a big water bottle. Heat exhaustion and sunburn can happen quickly; so tune in and play it safe.

THE ELEVATION

We’re right at 5,000 feet above sea level and the further you go west the higher you get. Take it slow the first few days. If you feel nauseous or have a bad headache in the mountains, go to lower elevation. And stay hydrated!

FORT COLLINS

BIKE-FRIENDLY TOWN

GETTING AROUND TOWN on two wheels is a pleasure. And it’s easy with miles of bike lanes, paved trails and helpful signs.

The League of American Bicyclists has designated Fort Collins a Platinumlevel Bicycle Friendly Community, one of only 5 in the country.

Rent a bike from Recycled Cycles, www.recycled-cycles.com or The Gearage, www.gearageoutdoorsports.com, or schedule a mountain bike tour at Front Range Ride Guides, www.frontrangerideguides.com.

The City of Fort Collins has welcomed an e-bike and e-scooter share program, Spin to the city. Visitors can access and rent the e-bikes through the Spin app.

virtually yours

Check out www.visitfortcollins.com to plan your ideal excursion. Get ideas for: Things to do—outdoor adventures, water activities, winter excursions, family fun, arts, shopping, foodie outings, itineraries and more Virtual & In-Person Events— concerts, festivals, holidays, sports Breweries—descriptions of two dozen plus breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries

Restaurants—links to restaurants, foodie guide, food truck descriptions, happy hours

Hotels—lodging options from hotels to hostels to cabins and even campgrounds

I remember my first time visiting Fort Collins! There were puppies & dogs on every corner. I loved this town instantly.

— Theresa A.

Via Visit Fort Collins social media

TOPO DESIGNS

130 S. College Ave. www.topodesigns.com

High-quality, practical and stylish outdoor clothing and gear designed for the backcountry, cities and world travel.

You can take it with you

TAKE A BIT OF FORT COLLINS home with you. You can use it here first—ball cap for sun protection, cooler for that picnic on the river, day pack for your hike. Fort Collins has lots of makers from artisan crafters to global companies creating products that people love. So shop around and find that perfect souvenir or gift.

OLD TOWN SPICE

130A S. College Ave. www.oldtownspiceshop.com

Large variety of the freshest, highest-quality spices, blends, salts, extracts and peppers in the country.

RAMZONE

CSU Book Store in Lory Student Center www.bookstore.colostate.edu

The official store of the CSU Rams serves fans with a great selection of apparel, gifts and accessories.

AKINZ

15 Old Town Square No. 132 www.akinz.com

OTTER SHOP

151 W. Mountain Ave. www.otterproducts.com

ALPINE ARTS

112 N. College Ave. www.alpineartscolorado.com Family-owned gift and apparel store featuring all things Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.

Connect with Otter brands, learn about company culture and see exclusive products that are not available in any other store.

LIMA COFFEE ROASTERS

302 S. College Ave., Suite 130 215 E. Foothills Pkwy. 1A www.limacoffeeroasters.com Local coffee roasters that value the craft from the farm to the cup. Downtown and Foothills Mall coffee shops.

Handcrafted products infused with adventurous goals and dreams. Tanks, tees, hoodies, beanies, trucker hats, leggings, dresses, accessories and much more.

A Development by Brinkman

Full

Emily A. Heinz

Duck down an alley to discover local delights in Downtown Fort Collins

STROLL AROUND OLD TOWN

You never know what unex pected treat might be waiting for you in a quiet corner or under an Old World-style lamppost down one of the charming alleyways…maybe a cozy tavern or a wall-sized mural featuring local and inter national artists.

You might find yourself on a flower-filled patio watching a street performer juggling fire or on a rooftop taking in an orange and red sky as the sun slips be hind the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for the evening.

You can’t make a wrong turn. Wherever you wander, you’ll discover music, art, cuisine and fun.

Love Fort Collins. Awesome downtown — Lori Y.

TOP DOWNTOWN IN THE COUNTRY

Discover Downtown

Parking tip

On-street parking is easy, or choose among three convenient parking garages where parking is just $1 per hour and the first hour is free!

Download the FC Parking app to your smart phone for the latest info. The Remington St. Garage is located directly across from the visitor center, where we can answer any questions you have or help you find fun places to go.

SOAK IT UP! Friendly faces, bursts of flowers, splash parks, painted pianos, holiday lights, inviting alleyways and the hub itself—Old Town Square. Fort Collins has one of the most walkable downtown areas in America. It’s so charming that it inspired Disneyland’s MainStreet USA. We even

have a trolley (celebrating over 100 years of service) that will take you from Old Town to City Park and back during the summer months.

Old Town (locals’ name for the downtown area) is more than just a collection of great shops and eateries, or openair concert venues and plaza spaces, or charming flowers,

Via Visit Fort Collins social media

tree-lined streets and amazing public art all around. It’s a place that contains all of these traits that somehow add up to a feeling that you can’t put your finger on, but it has something to do with the cheerful people who live in and visit Fort Collins.

Lodging in Old Town

Choose from the 4-star Elizabeth Hotel in the heart of Old Town, the newly renovated historic Armstrong Hotel, the Edward’s House B&B, Fernweh Inn & Hostel or Remington Flats—to name a few.

Public spaces

Old Town, the city’s historic center, is bursting with public spaces to people (and dog) watch. In Old Town Square, get into the action at a creative

play area or tickle some ivories at one of the many painted Pianos About Town. Nearby, on Oak Street Plaza, public art doubles as fountains and shade trees provide a spot to sip coffee or enjoy lunch.

Shopping paradise

If you’re a shopper, you’ve arrived in a kind of paradise… boutiques, one-of-kind shops, foodie stuff, souvenirs and on and on. Want to sample 50 kinds of olive oil? Got it. Try on some boutique fashions? Check. Unique outdoor gear? Yep. Colorado mountain souvenirs? Endless. Lavender soaps and creams? Yummy. And most of these shops are locally owned, so you just might be chatting with the proprietor at any time.

Downtown offers several lively options for kids, teens, and families.

Choose your own adventure and discover a new favorite.

1. Old Town Square Splash Pad: This sprayground is sure to delight all ages on a hot day.

2. Museum of Discovery: Science, music and amazement keep hands and minds busy.

3. Lee Martinez Farm: A city farm that offers PONY RIDES! Get ready to “git along,” and welcome to the wild west lil’ pardner.

4. Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys: A true neighborhood toy store with a kids clothing shop and the Urban Blossom tween boutique.

5. Pinball Jones: An underground arcade with craft beer on tap and a gazillion games to play.

The Exchange is a family-friendly hub oaf food and fun.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EXCHANGE

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Coolness for all at the Splash Pad in Old Town Square.

Fresh air

We love to linger outside on patios and rooftops. Check out the Ex change, a great family gathering place for all ages with a common area to enjoy tacos, ice cream, refreshing drinks and more. Relax a moment with the wide-open views on Illegal Pete’s rooftop, or the iconic fountain patio at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, locally known as The Rio. Or chill on Old Town Square with a from-scratch-baked-pastry and a handcrafted coffee at Little Bird Bakeshop or stop in at one of the many other spots on the plaza. The choices go on and on, so pick a table and have a seat.

Patio culture in Fort Collins isn’t just for your two-legged friends. Some businesses welcome well-behaved dog guests with a bowl of water.

After sundown

Winter warm-ups

Winter brings Santa’s Workshop, a pop-up ice-skating rink and a cozy fire pit to Old Town Square. The surrounding downtown transforms into a wonderland. Picture yourself strolling through a twinkling world of lighted trees with inviting shop windows and cozy restaurants.

The shops downtown have extended retail hours through the holiday season and the hot sipping chocolate at Nuance Chocolate is a perfect way to enjoy the seasonally dipping temperatures and beauty of winter in Fort Collins.

Elegant dining, musical performances, theatrical events, foodie and art walks keep Fort Collins bustling even in chilly weather.

A different energy buzzes here in the evening. Feel the vitality of bon vivants of all types out to see what the night might hold. Grab a bite and a beer and shoot some pool or whack a ping-pong ball at CooperSmith’s Poolside. Settle in for an extraordinary evening of music and delight at the refined and innovative, Magic Rat, in the luxurious Elizabeth Hotel. Named for a character in the Bruce Springsteen

song Jungleland, the Magic Rat serves up craft beer and cocktails. Or, write the lyrics to your own song and drop into the first place that grabs your attention.

Want to stay outside? Grab a freshly prepared bite to eat from a shippingcontainer eatery at The Exchange and wander down one of the many bright and artsy alleyways to be charmed by the cobblestones under your feet and the stars over your head.

Navigate through an artful alley to see all of the downtown area.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Top

PHOTO

RAY SPAHN

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

BY TIM O’HARA

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

SEA LEVEL

is just one of the many reasons world-class athletes choose to train and compete in Fort Collins. But the altitude can catch up to you fast, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to acclimate, hydrate and slather on additional sunscreen

Altitude sickness, dehydration and sunburns will slow you down so avoid them by being altitude aware and taking preventive measures.

Call of the wild

WELCOME TO OUR BACKYARD

PLAYGROUND. Discover a refreshing tonic for mind, body, and spirit while floating a river, walking a trail, boating on a lake, and so much more! More than 50 designated natural areas in and around Fort Collins await you from bird-filled wetlands to soaring peaks.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Mad dog, Pinball, Pineview Falls…just a few of the rapids you can run on the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild &

Scenic river. Sign on with a company for a guided rafting trip or rent an inflatable kayak and get ready for an actionpacked run from Class II familyfriendly bumps to Class IV hold-onto-your-hat waves and drops. Whitewater companies book trips all year long for the season that typically starts in May and runs through August.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

We have single-track, lots of it, from rocky and technical to smooth and flowy. Or pedal a mellow dirt road in the forest

for a family outing. You’ll find endless terrain at Lory State Park, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Red Mountain Open Space the Blue Sky Trail and in the Cache la Poudre Canyon.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Many of our outdoor staples serve double duty as temperatures drop. Hiking trails become snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing routes during the winter. Sheldon Lake at City Park shifts from

a paddle boat paradise to a crunchy, silvery landscape of ice fishing, skating and hockey.

Beginner? Expert?

It’s all here waiting for you. Scan the QR Code below to locate guides and outfitters in the area.

@michaelroushphotography

MAPS AND RESOURCES

City of Fort Collins

Natural Areas and Parks: www.fcgov.com/naturalareas

Larimer County areas: www.co.larimer.co.us/parks

Colorado State Parks: www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/Lory

Roosevelt and Arapahoe

National Forests: www.fs.usda.gov/main/arp/home

Or zip up to snow country near Cameron Pass for a spectacular winter adventure. Choose a rolling trail or venture above tree line for some backcountry bowls. You can even ski or snowshoe into a yurt for a night or two.

How about lift-served snow tubing? Beaver Meadows Resort near Red Feather Lakes has 12 tubing runs along

with traditional pond skating and groomed cross-country ski trails.Winter activities abound in Fort Collins, making it a welcoming, four-season destination for adventurers.

CAMPING & PICNICKING

Brats sizzling on the grill, the river 20 feet away, kids tossing lures into that big hole, and the sweet pine air. Does it get any better? Find a campsite or picnic spot as close as Horsetooth Reservoir or head out for an adventure up Cache la Poudre River Canyon or near Red Feath er Lakes. Choose from primitive, hike-in campsites to full hookup, RV-ready pads. Check the maps pages 42-43 to these and other camping and picnicking areas.

HIKING AND TRAIL RUNNING

It’s magic all year round here. For quick access, pop up to the trails around Horsetooth Reservoir. Have a little more time? Head up Cache la Poudre Canyon. And for the big day, hit the high trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

PLAY NEARBY



Horsetooth Reservoir is minutes west of town. Go boating, rent a standup paddleboard, or jump in for a swim at one of the designated beaches. Around the reservoir, find crags for rock climbing and trails for walking, running and mountain biking. West of the reservoir is Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, and to the south, Blue Sky Trail



Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space offer hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails plus views of bison and cultural prehistory artifacts. Open March through November.



FISHING & HUNTING

Make Fort Collins your base camp for a sportsperson’s paradise. Fish miles of streams, creeks and lakes and stalk big game such as elk, moose, deer and antelope in hundreds of square miles of public lands. Learn to wet a fly with the guides at Liarflies and stop into the renowned St. Peter’s Fly Shop for supplies, advice and guiding. Or try a variety of types of fishing with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters. For extensive fishing and hunting information and licenses, log on to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, https://cpw.state.co.us/.

ROCK CLIMBING

Chalk your hands and ease up the sandstone on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. Check out the world-class bouldering at Rotary Park and Piano Boulders or grab a rope for some bolted-anchor, toprope climbing at Duncan’s Ridge. Ready for bigger stuff? Head up to Lumpy Ridge or even the high peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Focus your lens on worldclass landscapes from a variety of eco-zones under spectacular skies. Zoom in on moose grazing in lush meadows or capture that perfect sunset over snowcapped mountains. Expose yourself to a quiet creek or a roaring river. For ideas and inspiration check out the many user posts at www. visitftcollins.com.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Pull out your binoculars and view abundant winged and four-legged creatures. For myriad birds and big fauna—moose, elk, big horn sheep, and deer—cruise up the Cache la Poudre Canyon. Explore Laramie River Road or pop over to the other side of Cameron Pass and visit the State Park Moose Visitor Center. And never forget, these are wild animals—not pets, not zoo critters—so do not approach or feed them and, absolutely, no selfies with them!

Explore the Cache la Poudre Canyon for boating, fishing, hiking, biking and hunting.

@a.wanderlust.adventure

LEAVE NO TRACE –

FOR COLORADO

01

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

■ This land really is your land. Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Learn about and respect the spaces we all own, share and sing about.

■ Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places.

■ Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.

02STICK TO TRAILS

■ With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.

■ Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.

03

LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT

■ Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.

■ Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.

■ Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.

■ Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

TRASH THE TRASH

■ Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.

■ Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE

■ Colorado’s low humidity has perks, but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.

■ When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.

■ Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely, and don’t leave your butts behind.

04 05 06

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

■ Colorado is home to tens of thou sands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them – and you – safe, don’t approach them.

■ It is not adorable to feed wild animals. You could alter natural behaviors, exposing them to predators or even euthanasia.

■ Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.

07

SHARE OUR TRAILS & PARKS

■ Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.

■ Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature, and speak softly without using the speaker function.

■ Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.

■ Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.

1. Whitewater Rafting // Whitewater rafting is a unique experience where teamwork makes the white-knuckled dream work. Paddle on! www.visitftcollins.com/things-to-do/water-activities/rafting

2. Horsetooth Reservoir // Water sports, hiking or mountain biking in the surrounding hills, plus bouldering opportunities are all found at and around the reservoir. www.larimer.org/naturalresources parks/ horsetooth-mountain

3. Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway // From scenic drive to adventure playground. You just have to go. www.visitftcollins.com

4. Mishawaka Inn Restaurant // Hang out along the river and stay for the live music in the natural amphitheater. www.themishawaka.com

5. Poudre River Whitewater Park // Just north of Old Town, kayakers, tubers and fun hogs can splash in the river. www.fcgov.com/parkplanning/poudreriver-park

Local

PHOTO BY NICK MARKOWITZ

There are several summits and unique views tucked in every turn of the the Cache la Poudre River Canyon.

Get out and stay out

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

Let us help you build an itinerary that is sure to check all of your outdoor adventures off your list. https://trip-planner. visitftcollins.com/

LOST IN SPACE

Cell phone service can be spotty to downright nonexistent in the canyons. Try loading a map of the area on your phone or tablet and then follow the blue dot. Or visit one of our visitor centers for a paper map and directions.

SIDE OF THE ROAD

Check your gas tank before you head up the Cache la Poudre Canyon. You can top off at Ted’s Place where Hwy 14 leaves Hwy 287. Options are few and far between after that.

PEOPLE LIKE TO GET OUTDOORS HERE all year round. It’s a lifestyle thing. In town, enjoy a stroll around a lake or play in the river at the Poudre River Whitewater Park near College Avenue and Vine Drive. Take the kids to a splash park to cool down. And your four-legged friend is welcome at many places, too. Make Fort Collins your base camp. You’ll find adventure and solitude at the many open spaces, natural areas and parks. So get out and stay out…doors, that is. Discover your place in the sun. You’ll just feel better.

Outings inside the city

You don’t have to go far to find some open space. There’s plenty of it right here in town. A great tool is the Natural Areas Finder at www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas/finder.

Try out these excursions.

Kayak in Old Town—Catch an eddy in the River District at the new Poudre River Whitewater Park.

Walk or pedal a paved trail— Explore the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area, Spring Creek Trail or the Poudre River Trail.

Throw a disc—Choose from two 18-hole courses: Edora or Aggie Greens Disc Golf Course.

Splish, splash—Jump into the City Park Outdoor Pool or get doused by dancing water spouts at Spring Canyon, Oak Street Plaza, Old Town Square and Fossil Creek parks.

Visit a garden—Stroll through hundreds of different blooms at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens and expanded Gardens on Spring Creek.

Play a round of golf—swing those sticks on three city courses… open almost year ‘round. fcgov.com/golf.

EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY

One of the most popular playgrounds in town is at Spring Canyon Park on the west end of Horsetooth Road. Inspiration Playground is made to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and support braces encouraging kids of all abilities to play and interact.

Fort Collins is a dog town. If you brought yours, here are a few things you should know. First, the leash law is in effect and en forced. Second, you’ll see bags available for waste pick up. And finally, let Rover rove at one of the three dog parks in town: Fos sil Creek (south end), Twin Silo Park (south end), Spring Canyon (midtown), and Soft Gold (north end). And check the signs. Some trails prohibit dogs all together, some require Rover to be on a leash, and others are fine places to let her run wild and free.

Colorado State University Flower Trial Gardens—pack a lunch and discover exotic and native plants, flowers, and shrubbery growing side-by-side in this botanical wonderland.

#LoveFortCollins

I just love River Bend Ponds, a lovely peaceful place to hike.

—Laurie M. Via Visit Fort Collins social media

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

LOG ON TO GET GOING

Log onto www.mtbproject.com for trail information or download the MTB Project app for quick and easy access to rides both in and around Fort Collins.

Pedal on—chillers to thrillers

CHOOSE YOUR RIDE: steep and technical, smooth and flowy or somewhere in between. It’s a pedalers paradise out here.

Mountain bike terrain is graded using a system similar to ski decents. Green dot for easy; Blue triangle for moderate; and Black diamond for difficult. All rides are part of a trail system and can be extended or modified.

EAST & WEST VALLEY TRAILS AND SOUTH VALLEY LOOP

Charles A. Lory State Park. Recommended to park at Timber Group Picnic area.

l EASY 6.9-mile loop trail. Rolling single track with few obstacles through beautiful meadows.

RUBY WASH—CHEYENNE RIM LOOP

Start at the Red Mountain Open Space trailhead.

n MODERATE 12-mile nontechnical loop through astonishing scenery.

FOOTHILLS—MAXWELL LOOP

City of Fort Collins Maxwell Natural Area and Larimer County Open Space. Park at Maxwell Natural Area parking lot.

u DIFFICULT 5.9-mile loop with an out-and-back start. Technical, ridable single track with good flow and great views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the parks beyond.

Gravel road rides

GRAVEL RIDES ARE THE BEST: Enjoy anything from easier mountain bike trails to chunky gravel to smooth-as-glass roads. Gravel roads offer quiet, scenic terrain with little to no traffic, and the Fort Collins area is full of them.

Head to www.gravelgraceland.com to get more ideas in the region. Whitney and Zack Allison, owners of Bike Sports at www.bikesportsco.com, provided the gravel road content and offer gravel road tours.

RIST CANYON BOTTOMS (19 MILES)

Explore the Poudre River Trail and various dirt trails heading west to Rist Canyon with a break at Me Oh My Pie in LaPorte. Head back into town via Bingham Hill. www.gravelgraceland.com/easy-routes/ rist-canyon-bottoms

CEMENT PLANT + TAFT DIRT (30 MILES)

Over 1,000 feet of climbing takes you through a series of dirt roads, around past Ten Bears Winery, and back to town. www.gravelgraceland.com/easy-routes/ cement-plant

GRAVEL GRACELAND RED FEATHER LOOP (47 MILES)

Get ready for 5,400 feet of climbing through breath-taking mountain country. Then stop into Red Feather Lakes for a cream soda or scoop of ice cream. www.gravelgraceland.com/medium-routes/ stronggravel-graceland-red-feather-loopstrong

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIKE SPORTS CO

Happy trails—ambles to rambles

You could spend a lifetime getting to know the trails in and around Fort Collins. For hiking, trails are rated as Easy, Moderate or Difficult. These rankings typically are related to how much elevation you gain and lose and how technically difficult the trail is. While enjoying the backcountry, remember to leave only footprints and take only memories and photos so that those who follow after you can have the pristine experience that makes these mountains the beautiful refuge that they are.

GREYROCK SUMMIT

Cache la Poudre Canyon Hwy 14. Park at main parking lot. Popular trail with switchbacks to an exciting finish up Grey Rock. To make a loop, take the Grey Rock Meadows trail one direction. Trailhead is 18 miles/30 minutes from downtown.

HORSETOOTH FALLS AND HORSETOOTH ROCK

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Park at main parking lot. Pass a waterfall through woods and meadows on your way to the top of the iconic Horsetooth Rock. Trailhead is 12 miles/25 minutes from downtown.

COYOTE RIDGE TO RIMROCK OPEN SPACE

Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Foothills meets the plains. Gorgeous views to the west from the top of the trail. No dogs on this trail. Trailhead is 9.5 miles/20 minutes from downtown.

TOWHEE LOOP

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Park at the north parking lot. Hikers-only trail. Great views with mule deer and a variety of birds.This trail has an easy/moderate rating. Trailhead is 29 miles/50 minutes from downtown.

WELL GULCH NATURE

Charles A. Lory State Park. Park at Eltuck Group Picnic Area. A little something for everyone on this self-guided tour through several ecosystems with information along the way. Trailhead is 12 miles/25 minutes from downtown.

POND AND RIVER MEANDER

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Park at any of three trailheads. Flat trails with loop options. More than 200 species of birds feed, nest and migrate through this area. Trailhead is 3.5 miles/10 minutes from downtown.

HIKING ESSENTIALS

Having these items on-hand will make any amble or ramble more enjoyable. Use binoculars for wildlife watching, a reuseable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a generous application of sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.

EASY 1.8-mile loop

DIFFICULT

Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch

Find year-round family fun, from horseback rides to lift-served snow tubing to trout fishing. Plus an outrageous disc golf course.

Shambhala Mountain Center

Follow in the footsteps of the Dalai Lama to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. Breathe and relax. Visitors are welcome.

Cameron Pass

Inhale, exhale. Go for a hike. Check out Diamond Peak and Noghu Crags. The Fall colors are outrageous.

Blue Ribbon Trout waters

Wild river, wild fish. Get ready. Flies and lures only. Catch and release.

Red Feather Lakes area

In town, grab an ice cream cone and poke around the shops, then walk a trail, paddle a lake or tempt a rainbow trout.

The Mishawaka

Come for the deck over the river. Stay for the great food, concerts and local draughts.

Gateway Natural Area

Primo pristine picnic spot with fishing, boat launch and hiking.

Eagles Nest Open Space

Home to nesting eagles with access for anglers and trails for hikers and equestrians.

Lake Agnes

A short hike rewards you with simply gorgeous view of this lake surrounded by high peaks.

Young Gulch Trail

Lovely walk near mountain stream with bridged stream crossings.

Greyrock Trail

Moderate mountain walk through forest and meadow. Challenge: Summit Greyrock, plan to spend most of the day.

Cache la Poudre River and Red Feather Lakes

It’s Wild and Scenic up here. In fact, the Cache la Poudre River is Colorado’s only river with that national designation.

Turn west up Hwy 14 off Hwy 287 at Ted’s Place and follow the designated scenic byway. Take a trip up to the Red Feather Lakes area while you’re at it for extra mountain scenery and fun.

MAPS AND GUIDES CAN ONLY TELL YOU SO MUCH about a place. They point you in the right direction and give you some ideas of what might be a fit for you, but they are not the real thing. Pictures and maps can’t tell the whole story. You just have to go and explore for yourself!

Born to explore

PLAY IT SAFE

Check road and trail conditions before heading out with the following apps. Trail conditions—COTREX Road conditions—CDOT Colorado Road Conditions

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

No matter what time of year, be prepared for abrupt changes in the weather. Sunshine can turn to afternoon rain and wind, or snow. Pack layers of clothing that you can put on and remove as needed. A rain shell is always a good idea as is a billed cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.

DRIVE TIME

LESS THAN 2 HOURS

The Cache la Poudre Canyon: Fort Collins to Cameron Pass

ONE HOUR

Fort Collins to Red Feather Lakes

AROUND 4 HOURS

The whole loop: Fort Collins to Cameron Pass to Red Feather Lakes to Fort Collins

North Park

This is big-sky country with mountains all around. Come feel the space

Bow-Routt National Forests

Rand-Gould cutoff

Get of the pavement and hit the gravel through some beautiful country. Spectacular views. Moose.

Hot Sulphur Springs

Resort and Spa

Breathe deeply, relax and move forward on your personal journey with a day at the hot springs.

The big scenic drive-around

Leave early. Drive time is six hours and you’re going to want to stop, stretch and look around…a lot! Drive up Hwy 34 west of Loveland into Rocky Mountain National Park then up and over Trail Ridge Road (open summer to early fall) to Granby. Head north on Hwy 125 to Walden and then turn east on Hwy 14 over Cameron Pass and down the Cache la Poudre Canyon. Can be done in reverse.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Can you say fun? Pick your flavor. At the lake, hang out at a beach or try a standup paddle board or kayak. Bike, hike or saddle up for a seemingly endless system of trails in the state, county and city parks that surround the reservoir.

Moose Visitors Center

Stop in for all things moose. Talk to a ranger, buy maps and souvenirs, and learn about moose and the history of the region.

Cache La Poudre River and Canyon Wild and Scenic says it all. See our detailed map for this area.

Trail Ridge Road With panoramic 360-degree views, TRR is the highest paved highway in the country. The road opens in early summer and closes in the fall.

Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Collins

Lake

Grand Lake Quaint, lakeside town on the less visited west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Big Thompson Canyon Gateway to the national park. Feel the drama build as you wind your way up this classic canyon.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The true Rocky Mountain high is just an hour uphill from Fort Collins. Discover elk, big horn sheep, spectacular peaks, quiet lakes, inviting trails, and more.

North Boat Ramp and Paddle Sports Area Cliff-lined, speed-restricted cove designated for SUPs and kayaks.

Lory State Park

Something for everyone. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, horse-back riding, hunting, fishing, backpacking. Challenge: Summit Arthur’s Rock

Rotary Park

Bouldering hot spot and a scenic picnic area. Foothills Trail access, too.

Maxwell Natural Area Trailhead

Quick access to the trail system on the edge of town. Climb to Rotary Park for the best view.

Horsetooth Mountain

Open Space

Hiking & biking wonderland. Challenge: summit Horsetooth Rock.

Blue Sky Trail

A mountain bikers’ dream. Rollers through beautiful terrain.

Swim and SUP beach Mountain views across the reservoir with SUP and kayak rentals.

Holiday Twin Drive-In Chill after your fun-filled day in a movie setting like no other.

Boat launch and beach

Main spot for launching power boats with a busy beach.

Cheers, to the craft of beer

WELCOME TO THE CRAFT BEER

CAPITAL OF COLORADO! More than twenty breweries have beers for you to sample in taprooms and brewpubs as varied as the award-winning beers they serve. Take in the character of each venue as you settle in with a taster tray. Thumb through the detailed descriptions and choose one that jumps out at you. Try that orange chocolate stout instead of that IPA to see if you might find a new favorite. And the folks behind the counter are always happy to help guide you on your quest.

When that glass first appears in front of you, don’t rush it. Take a moment to admire the color and inhale the rich hop and malt aromas. Now, you’re ready to savor the flavor. Take a sip and let it linger on your palate. Cheers to the love of beer!

THE BREWERY EXPERIENCE

Drinking craft beers is great, but the experience is even better at the birthplace of the beer itself. Surrounded by friendly people; some days just feel like patio days. Out in the sun, playing some games and grabbing a bite from a food truck or the brewery itself is a true slice of beer culture. Other days invite you to cozy in around a table for a nice chat. You can find it all in Fort Collins breweries and taprooms.

TOURS

Do you want to dig in and see how the magic happens? Most breweries offer tours. Some are impromptu; others require a reservation. All are fun and interesting. Check the brewery's website for tour details and times or call before you go.

LIVE MUSIC

What could be a better way to relax at the end of the day than a cool beer and some local live music? Check the websites to see who might be playing in the intimate setting of your selected brewery’s patio or tap room.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Many breweries have kids menus, games and room to play. Odell and New Belgium have green space and games. Or try Coopersmith’s for pool, ping pong, shuffleboard tables and root beer made on site.

Rest your paws and refresh with a frosty brew at Funkwerks.

Many breweries with patios also welcome your well-behaved furry friends. So leash them up and bring them along.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY LAUREN DOWNEY

Check out Black Bottle’s Kids Menu or stop in for Toddler Tuesdays when kids eat free.

BIKES AND BEER

Bikes and beer just go together in Fort Collins. You can find breweries all over town and many are near bikeways and bike paths, so pedaling from one spot to another is easy and fun. If you need a bike, pick one up at one of the many local bike shops who offer rentals. Bike culture and beer culture collide at New Belgium Brewing Co., which sponsors the Tour de Fat bike parade and festival and at Equinox where they deliver kegs on a specially designed keg-bike. Try signing up for an adventure on tap with Beer & Bike Tours, www.beerandbiketours.com.

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

Did you find just the right beer? The one that you want to sip later or that you want your friends at home to try? Most breweries offer some form of beer-to-go—bottles, cans or growlers. So carry some out for later. You probably won’t be able to get it anywhere else!

If you’re a self-appointed beer geek, and maybe you or a friend brews beer at home, stop into Hops & Berries to find that special hop or “secret” recipe.

LOG ONTO www.vistfortcollins.com/breweries for descriptions of local pour houses and links to their websites.

FLIGHT PLAN

When visiting a brewery many people opt for a beer sampling flight. Breweries will often supply a description sheet for their beer, which allows thirsty visitors to plan their taste journey.

NAME: This is your first clue as to the taste of the beer and sometimes a nod to the inspiration that drove it to be brewed.

DESCRIPTION: A few words about the type of beer and details about the flavors and finish of the brew.

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: A percentage measurement of how much alcohol is contained in the beer.

Classic Flight description sheet courtesy of Odell Brewing

the brew in front of you

Navigating the astounding variety of craft-brew flavors is an adventure! Here are some clues to help you decipher what a beer might taste like.

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS

TAP

The "Not to be Missed" List is designated on the map by the pint glass markers.

TOWN

HPlot your own taproom tour. Grab a friend and sample your way through Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital.

YEAST

Today’s brewers are using nontraditional yeasts, blending types of yeast and using traditional yeast in nontraditional ways.

Special ingredients range in intensity, but there is usually an expectation that the brew er will aim to strike a balance.

FOOD: chocolate, coffee, breakfast cereal

FRUIT: raspberry, peach, cherry, orange SPICES: cinnamon, ginger, cumin, cardamom

COLOR A fair number of beers are named after their color, and you can often make a good guess of a beer’s malt flavor just by knowing its name and seeing it in a glass.

LIGHT/PALE

FLAVORS: grainy, bread-like STYLES: blonde ale, helles, Belgian-style

AMBER

FLAVORS: toasty, bread crust STYLES: amber ale, amber lager

BROWN

FLAVORS: toast, roasted nuts, chocolate STYLES: brown ale, Marzen, dopplebock

BLACK

FLAVORS: burnt toast, dark chocolate, coffee, espresso

STYLES: dry stout, robust porter, American black ale

ALES ferment at warm er temperatures and often present more yeast-derived flavors (fruity, sometimes spicy) in the flavor profile of an ale.

LAGERS ferment at cooler tempera tures and create a much “cleaner” beer, which some say allows you to taste the malt and hops more explicitly.

1. Anheuser-Busch Brewing Co. 2351 Busch Dr.

2. Black Bottle Brewery 1611 S. College Ave. #1609

3. CooperSmith’s 5 Old Town Square

4. Crooked Stave Taproom 216 N College Ave. Suite 130

5. Envy Brewing 3027 E Harmony Rd. Suite #2

6. Horse & Dragon Brewing Co. 124 Racquette Dr.

7. Maxline Brewing 2724 McClelland Dr. #190

8. New Belgium Brewing Co. 500 Linden St.

9. Odell Brewing Co. 800 E. Lincoln Ave.

10. Purpose Brewing & Cellars 4025 Mason St. #C

11. Zwei Brewing Co. 4612 S. Mason St. #120

12. DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery 3581 E. Harmony Rd. #110

13. Equinox 133 Remington St.

14. Funkwerks 1900 E. Lincoln Ave.

15. Gilded Goat 3500 S. College Ave. #194

16. Intersect Brewing 2160 W. Drake Rd. #A-1

17. The Jessup Farm Barrel House 1921 Jessup Dr.

18. McClellan’s Brewing Company 1035 S. Taft Hill Rd.

19. Obstacle Brewing and Grill 4613 S. Mason St.

20. Prost Brewing Co. 321 Firehouse Alley

21. Rally King Brewing 1624 S. Lemay Ave. #4

22. Ramskeller Pub & Grub 1101 Center Ave.

23. Snowbank Brewing 225 N. Lemay Ave. #1

24. Stodgy Brewing 1802 Laporte Ave.

25. SweetWater Brewing Co. 1020 E. Lincolon Ave.

REGIONAL STYLE

There are exceptions, but these geographic terms offer clues about a beer’s character.

GERMAN | lager with complex malt character and floral hops

BELGIAN | fruity, spicy ales or sour beers

ENGLISH | pale ales, porters and stouts with earthy hops

AMERICAN | hop-forward beers with pine, citrus and resin flavors BELGO-AMERICAN | fruity/spicy Belgian yeast with American hops

want to taste a variety of brews without traveling about,

up at one of Fort Collins’ tap rooms. Each one has its own personality, but all serve up a sampling sure to please.

Mayor of Old Town

S. Mason St.

Pint

Oakridge

and

College

Tap into your spirited muse at Coppermuse Distillery.

Locally roasted beans drip-drip to perfection for you and your friend at Harbinger Coffee

Liquid Arts

FORT COLLINS IS WORLD FAMOUS for its craft beer, but our craftiness doesn’t stop there. We have a long list of local creations from which to choose.

If you have a penchant for caffeine from a bean, Fort Collins offers so many locally roasted ways to espress yourself. The Bean Cycle, Harbinger, Lima Coffee, The Coffee Registry and Wander Coffee (try their Visit Fort Collins blend) are just a few favorites. For those who like their spot of tea, Happy Lucky’s Teahouse (home of

Find a list of locally crafted Fort Collins favorites on page 15 or see what Fort Collins has to offer online at: www.visitfortcollins.com.

a special Visit Fort Collins tea) and the Ku Cha House of Tea serve up a world of flavors in inviting community spaces.

When specialty spirits call your name, you’ll find excellent elixirs at any one of our local distilleries, such as Coppermuse, Elevation 5003, Feisty Spirits, Mobb Mountain, NOCO Distillery, Old Elk and Old Town Distilling. Travelocity didn’t rate Fort Collins No. 7 on its Craft Spirits Tourism Index for nothing.

If you want to “Branch Out,” don’t miss the cider of the same name made at Scrumpy’s Hard Cider and Pub. For a tasty, healthful treat full of probiotics and other good stuff, drink kombucha from Life’s a Buch, Wild and Free and Turtle Mountain Fermentery where

seven rotating taps of the healthy brew are available in their taproom.

If the fruit of the vine calls, stop into the tasting room at Ten Bears Winery in Laporte or visit Blendings at the Hillside Vineyard in Loveland. Expressing their passion for wine-making, Odell Brewing has introduced The OBC Wine Project to explore unique flavor profiles in the world of wine.

And, of course, no sampling of Fort Collins’ craft creations would be complete without sipping or nibbling chocolate roasted at Nuance Chocolate, right in the heart of downtown. Selected as one of the 10 best bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers in the United States by USA Today, their hand-rolled truffles are not to be missed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COPPERMUSE DISTILLERY

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARBINGER COFFEE

CRAFT

IN: LIVE MUSIC

RIGHT

Jumpright in

SUPPORT THE ART

While you’re here, do your best to support our musicians and music businesses. Buy a ticket to a show, swing by Bizarre Bazaar or All Sales

Vinyl and buy some local music, tip the sidewalk buskers or do whatever you can to support the local music & arts scene.

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

in Fort Collins, music is just around the corner. You’ll find live music radiating year-round, throughout the city, day and night: from the breweries, our vibrant bars and restaurants, our diverse music venues, and even out in the streets. Our local scene attracts and supports talented musicians that have helped to make Fort Collins one of the best music cities in the country.

NIGHTLIFE IN A MUSIC CITY

Live music is a nightly fixture

in Fort Collins! From jazz to punk, hip hop to folk, and just about everything in between, you are sure to find something you enjoy. You’ll love hanging out at or hopping between a wide variety of music venues. Catch a local band at Surfside 7 or Avogadro’s Number, then check the calendar for Washington’s or The Aggie to see which of your favorite touring acts are passing through town. Tune in to KRFC or KCSU to find out what’s going on with the local music scene straight from the source!

CHANNELING YOUR INSPIRATION

Ready to make some music during your stay in Fort Collins? Getting your hands on some instruments is easy to do if you know where to look. Stop by the Music District or Higher Ground Studios to rent a fully equipped rehearsal room for a quick jam session, or find one of the many Pianos About Town for a more impromptu experience. The Elizabeth Hotel even offers an instrument lending library for their guests!

MUSIC MERCHANTS

Whether you are looking to add a new instrument to your collection or just hunting for some hard-to-find vinyl, Fort Collins has you covered. Swing by Boomer Music Company and Music Go Round to check out an impressive selection of new and used instruments, then stop in at Bizarre Bazaar, Little Horse Vintage, Rockin’ Robin’s, or All Sales Vinyl to find the best new local (and beyond) records.

Written by Bryce Merrill, Director of Music Programming, Music District

Wherever I travel, I love coming back home to the local music scene and people in Fort Collins. There’s just so much talent and collaboration here.

— Cary M. national award-winning blues muscian

Immerse yourself in the sound and the thump of a great show underneath the stars.

PHOTO BY BACKSTAGE FLASH

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Bring your lawn chair, your rhythm and your music-love for these free outdoor performances.

SUNDAYS

Foothills Mall Summer Sun days Concert Series, June through August, 6-8pm. www.shopfoothills.com

TUESDAYS

Noontime Notes, Oak Street Plaza, 11:30am-1pm, weekly beginning June 5 until August 7, 11:30am-1pm. www.down townfortcollins.com

WEDNESDAYS

Lagoon Concert Series, CSU Lory Student Center west lawn, weekly beginning in mid-June until early August, Little Kids Rock at 6pm & concert 6:308:30pm. Food Trucks. www. lagoonseries.com

THURSDAYS

Bohemian Nights Thursday Night Live, Old Town Square, weekly beginning May 30 until August 1, evenings, www.bohemiannights. org/Thursday-night-live

THURSDAYS

Sounds of Summer Concert Series in the Courtyard at Front Range Village, mid-July through August. www.shopfrontrangevillage.com

FRIDAYS

Downtown Sessions Concert Series, Old Town Square, 6-9pm, monthly on first Friday beginning June 1 until October 5. www.downtownfortcollins.com

FRIDAYS

Ben & Jerry’s Concert Series, Old Town Square, concerts throughout the summer, 7-9pm. www.benjerry.com/fortcollins

FROLIC AT A FESTIVAL

Fort Collins hosts two multi-day events featuring performances from national talent as well as showcasing local artists.

FoCoMX

April 22-23

20+ venues and 200+ bands. www.focomx.focoma.org

Taste of Fort Collins

July 24-25

Civic Center Park. 20+ bands, plus local food and drink www.tasteoffortcollins.com

Explore Fort Collins through the medium of music! The FoCoMX festival pairs live musical performances with both established and “pop-up” venues with a delightful result. For 2022 event news, visit: www.focomx.focoma.org.

Scan for up-to-date information about live music, concerts and festivals.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Concert

up a lawn chair or dance till you drop at a local venue. State-of-the-art

to outdoor stages attract national acts and host home-grown performers.

diversity of venues matches the variety of music.

Gillett’s

S. College Ave.

Theatre

S. College Ave.

S. Mason St.

Events Center

Arena Cir.

Fort

N. College Ave.

on Spring Creek

Centre Ave

Lincoln Center

W. Magnolia St.

Rat

Street St.

Poudre Canyon Rd.

Belgium

Porch

State University

W. Pitkin St.

US-287

JUMP RIGHT IN: EVENT

SEPTEMBER

2022: New Belgium’s Tour de Fat Bicycle parade and festival www.newbelgium.com

Scan for the most up-to-date information about festivals and Fort Collins events.

Calendar of Events

MARCH: Great Plates of Downtown Downtown Fort Collins www.downtownfortcollins.com

APRIL: FocoMX Music festival with multiple venues around Fort Collins www.focomx.focoma.org

JUNE: Taste of Fort Collins Civic Center Park www.tasteoffortcollins.com

JULY:

Fourth of July Celebration

Multiple events.

Fireworks at City Park at dusk www.fcgov.com

Drums Along the Rockies

Canvas Stadium

SEPTEMBER:

FORTitude Labor Day

10K Classic

Finishes at CSU Stadium

boulder.com

Tooth or Consequences

Mountain Bike Festival

AUGUST: Peach Festival Civic Center Park and Washington Park www.fortcollinspeachfestival.com

NOVEMBER: Downtown Lighting Holiday Ceremony

Fort Collins

Fort Collins in Lights

For all holiday events and specials go to: VisitFortCollins. com/Fort-Collins-in-Lights.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Throughout the year

Lincoln Center

One of Colorado’s great performing arts centers features indoor & outdoor theaters, art galleries, meeting spaces and a sculpture garden. www.lctix.com

Charity foot races

Year round. From the iconic Horsetooth Half Marathon to the new FORTitude Labor Day 10k Classic to popular week end 5 and 10ks. www.visitftcollins.com

Farmers Markets

Year round. Local growers and makers at weekend and week day markets scattered around town. Hit the Winter Market at The Shops at Foothills, too. www.visitftcollins.com.

Fort Collins in Lights

Nov. 1 through Feb. 14, Down town Fort Collins shines. For all holiday events and specials go to visitftcollins.com/ Fort-Collins-in-Lights.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Catch an open-air movie at Lyric Cinema Cafe, www.lyriccinema. com, or New Belgium Brewery, www.newbelgium.com.

Friday, Friday, Friday

Fort Collins Foodie Walk

Third Friday of every month. A dozen culinary shops in Old Town are open until 8pm with interactive showcases, seasonal flavors and exciting taste experiences. www.downtownfortcollins.com

First Friday Art Walk

First Friday of every month, Old Town’s finest galleries, museums and art-minded shops stay open from 6-9pm for this self-guided walking tour. Visit Fort Collins at 1 Old Town Square, Suite 107 hosts artists, too. www.downtownfortcollins.com

PHOTO BY JUSTIN KORONEOS

PHOTO COURTESY LYRIC CINEMA CAFE

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS PHOTO COURTESY VISIT FORT COLLINS PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Appreciate the arts

A VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC arts

community thrives in Fort Collins where town and surrounding landscapes inspire artists living and working here. Not content to be a passive player, the city transforms utilities boxes into murals, alleys into installations and water into the music of children playing.

Come see why the historic buildings, spaces and streets of town have been officially certified as The Downtown Fort

Collins Creative District by the State of Colorado.

ART IS EVERYWHERE

Drop into one or more of the many private galleries or The Museum of Art Fort Collins featuring a diverse showing of travelling exhibitions and the work of local and regional artists.

On campus at Colorado State University, stop into Grego ry Alicar Museum of Art to view the permanent collections or a

current exhibition. Or check out Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising to learn about people and their textiles, dress and interior furnishings. Get into the act yourself at Pinot’s Palette or Painting with a Twist where you sip wine while you paint under the direction of an artist. Or dig in on a DIY proj ect at Board & Brush workshop.

ON STAGE

Catch a performance at one of

AS YOU MOVE AROUND TOWN, KEEP AN EYE OUT. YOU JUST MIGHT SPOT SOME ART.

HICKORY STREET MURAL

What happens when you blend culture, art and a street? You get the Hickory Street Art installation. Community members artist and a lot of paint create a sense of place, pride, and wonder.

the Lincoln Center stages where national and local acts play the main stage and local troupes, such as Open Stage and Debut Theatre, perform in the more intimate theater. Or check out the schedule at Bas Bleu Theatre, a beloved venue that was reclaimed as a performance space from a historic machine shop.

On the classical end, Fort Collins enjoys an opera company, a symphony and a ballet troupe.

The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

This museum showcases international folk art to inspire visitors to learn more about world cultures, people, art, and history in order to promote cultural understanding and peace.

PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO

P H O T O

Interactive Art

Become part of the art with the 3-D, interactive, projection-mapped mural in the alley between Linden Street and the Elizabeth Hotel created by famed Italian muralist Peeta.

Art in Public Places

Small accents and large installations are all over town from pavers in the sidewalk to bronze sculptures tucked in flowers to the 50-foot Ringfall sculpture on Timberline Drive.

PIANOS ABOUT TOWN

Share music and local art around one of the colorful pianos at 20 locations in summer and six in winter. Fifty-seven artists have painted more than 100 donated pianos since the start of the collaboration in 2010.

Go to www.fcgov.com/artspublic to see recent Art in Public places, and current Transformer Cabinet and Piano artists and their current projects.

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Spend some lovely time outdoors discovering sculptures, murals, engravings and more all around Fort Collins. For information about tours downtown, in community parks, on the Spring Creek, Fossil Creek and Poudre Trails and other locations, navigate to www.fcgov.com/ artspublic/ and start exploring.

Love is sharing your art with the community. Armando Silva’s mural “Colores de la Comunidad” offers vibrant inspiration to Downtown Fort Collins.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION

PHOTO BY JUSTIN KORONEOS

PHOTO BY JUSTIN KORONEOS

WELCOME TO RAM COUNTRY

THE ENERGY, CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY IS AT THE HEART OF FORT COLLINS

The CSU community has been committed to improving lives and raising the human spirit for 150 years. Colorado State University is Colorado’s land-grant institution focused on access to higher education, research, engagement, service and inclusion.

The relationship that our students, staff, and faculty have with the Fort Collins community is what makes the city unique. The combination of outstanding academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and enthusiastic student involvement is why many call CSU home –more than 33,000 students and 7,000 employees in fact. Our students, staff, and faculty engage with community members through programs, events, and outreach.

From advances in COVID-19 research to animal cancer, our scientists are enhancing life-sustaining food production, bridging biomedical challenges with engineering solutions and creating innovative ways

to advance the use of virtual reality. Our research touches lives across the globe through a broad range of disciplines. The CSU campus is recognized as one of the country’s most sustainable academic institutions and #1 in curriculum focus on sustainability. City and campus leaders frequently partner to nurture innovative new companies that help fuel the economy.

Colorado State allows visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of community. From experiencing the history and greenery of the Oval to enjoying a performance at the University Center of the Arts, tuning in to a virtual symposium or having a conversation with one of our brilliant faculty members or students, walking through the beauty of the Annual Flower Trial Gardens, cheering on the Rams, or shopping for Ram Gear at one of our CSU apparel locations, there are opportunities everywhere to celebrate RamPride. Colorado State University is proud to call Fort Collins home.

ADMISSIONS

Helping students find their state, the Office of Admission provides support and resources to anyone interested in joining the Ram Family. Whether a student is ready to become part of the CSU community, or just starting a college search, the office provides the information and guidance needed to make informed decisions. Visit admissions.colos tate.edu for online resources to connect with a dedicated Admissions

Counselor, learn about campus visits or virtual programs, and person alized advising to discuss specific programs of study with a faculty member or program advisor.

Visit admissions.colostate.edu to take a virtual tour and for more information.

CAMPUS ARTS

From outstanding visual arts to crowd-pleasing music, theatre, and dance performances, CSU is at the heart of Fort Collins arts and enter tainment. The University Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art venue that is home to multiple performance venues and two museums. CSU is home to the Hatton Gallery in the Visual Arts Building and the Curfman

Gallery in the Lory Student Center. With more than 250 performances and exhibitions annually there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information about our showstopping performances or one of a kind exhibitions and events visit uca.colostate.edu.

Visit csurams.com for CSU Athletics information, team schedules, and purchasing CSU Ram Gear

Visit the events calendar at calendar.colostate.edu for regularly updated virtual and in-person events

HIKE

What better way to spend a sunny Colorado day than hiking to the “A”? Painted on the foothills west of campus, the “A” is visible from most of campus and by pilots as far as 6 miles up. The letter “A” on the foothills stands for Aggie, CSU’s mascot when it was still known as Colorado A&M. The half-mile hike takes you on a scenic trek to the top of the “A” with views of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park.

AGGIE

Braiden

Animal Science Eddy Hall Education Behavioral Sciences

Agricultural Scienes

Military SciencesPlant Science University Greenhouses Pathology

Johnson HallGlover Wagar Forestry Smith Natural Resources

Gibbons NRRL Computer Science

Weber Engineering Statistics

Guggenheim

Scott Bioengineering

Rockwell West Rockwell Hall Green Hall

North

Practice Facility

ScienceMoby Arena

Gym

CENTER

FieldsArboretum

PLAZA

Glenn Morris Field House Centennial Hall Student Services Sherwood Forrest

Admin

Quad

SpruceLaurel Hall Alder Hall

Intramural Fields

Garden

Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center

CSU Health and Medical Center

South College Ave. Garage

Jack Christiansen Memorial Field

Newton's Corner

FIND JUST WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR and many surprises, too, at stores throughout Fort Collins.

Quaint boutiques, historic architecture, and unique shops line the streets of Old Town Fort Collins.

In Midtown Fort Collins, explore the newly remodeled Foothills Mall with all the amenities of big-city shopping, plus a collection of locally owned shops. Midtown is a great place to find stores selling outdoor gear and clothing for outdoor adventures, along with bike shops.

Cruise the five-mile Harmony corridor to find  a wide array of restaurants, movie theaters, big box stores, locally owned gems, and Front Range Village, which boasts the city’s largest collection of retailers in a walkable state-of-the-art lifestyle shopping center.

Fort Collins supports a thriving community of artisans and local craftsmen. Find their unique creations at vendors throughout town and at open-air markets.

Shop local merchants online or at the Fort Collins Marketplace and bring a little piece of Fort Collins to your town.

The Cupboard in Downtown Fort Collins has home goods and close to every culinary accoutrement imaginable.

@akinzboardwear

An aromatic tea blend at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse

@happyluckysteahouse

Akinz is an retailer who specializes in the Colorado aesthetic.

RICHARD

PHOTO

Foothills

PHOTO

FORT COLLINS IS FOR LOVERS, lovers of delectable food and drink, that is. From national restau rant favorites to locally grown and creatively prepared menu options, foodies have their pick of palate-pleasing plates.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of Fort Collins’ favorites such as The Silver Grill, The Rainbow Restaurant or Rise! A Breakfast.

Noontime noshers find nourishment at Spoons, Snack Attack Specialty Sandwiches & Brews, Comet Chicken or Union.

For upscale, midday meals take a seat at Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market and Nautile. Tasty Harmony serves plant-based creations for lunch and dinner.

Kick off your evening at The Welsh Rabbit Bistro, The Fox and Crow Bistro, or Simmer. Or go big with traditional fare at The Moot House, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse and Austin’s American Grill. Love seafood? Have a seat at Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar, Nautile and JAWS Sushi.

Italian food lovers choose Canino’s Italian Restaurant and Rare Italian. Pizza favorites come out of the ovens at Beau Jo’s Pizza, Slyce Pizza, Pulcinella Pizzeria and Otto Pint among others.

For your sweet tooth, sample some treats from Nuance Chocolate. Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream, La Crêperie & French Bakery and Vern’s Toffee House.

Java junkies, get your fix at Mugs Coffee Lounge, Butterfly Café and Howling Cow Café. Tea and cultural experiences are brewed up at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse and the Ku Cha House of Tea.

@fortcollins.foodie

A delicious burger crafted by a culinary virtuoso at The Regional

@fortcollins.foodie

Buttercream Cupcakery creates cupcake joy

A beautiful dinner in a vibrant setting, Austins provides it all

PHOTO COURTESY AUSTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL

For a current list of dining options

@fortcollins.foodie

Old Town Churn’s generous ice cream sandwiches

Food trucks are a harbinger

summer

Collins.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

The Welsh Rabbit Bistro is a cheese lover’s dream destination.

PHOTO COURTESY WELSH RABBIT BISTRO

PHOTO COURTESY MUGS COFFEE LOUNGE

DISCOVER THE PERFECT LODGING fit for your visit to Fort Collins. Relax into a charming B&B in an historic home or settle yourself in a refreshing full-service hotel, some with meeting and conference amenities. Try something a little different, such as an in-town hostel or an out-of-the-way guest ranch for some Western fla vor. Or immerse yourself in Colorado’s natural beauty in a cabin or campground in the mountains.

Whatever area of Fort Collins you choose—south end, midtown, near the university, or Old Town Fort Collins—you’ll find lovely hotels, motels and B&Bs awaiting you.

Freshly-remodeled rooms and amenities make the Fort Collins Marriott an oasis in mid-town.

Remington Flats Hotel in Old Town is the perfect respite for those seeking out-of-the-ordinary, boutique accommodations.

Enjoy a scenic stay at KOA Lakeside

PHOTO COURTESY KOA LAKESIDE

PHOTO COURTESY REMINGTON FLATS

Room to relax at the Fort Collins Marriott

WE CALL OUR TOWN FORT FUN for a reason! Spend your days out and about on trails, at the river or lakes, or on the links. Take the family for a swim at City Park Pool. Wander through museums and art galleries or grab a ride on Car 21, a restored streetcar.

Come afternoon and evening, relax at a brewery, pub or local eatery. At night, hang with the locals listening to a favorite area band or national act.

Your hardest decision is choosing among all the great possibilities for your day!

Fort Collins attractions, tours and experiences are opening with new protocols for the safety of staff and guests. Check listings and business websites for fresh updates.

Rock Climbing in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon

Take a dirt road tour with Front Range Ride Guides

Explore Natural Areas from a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

Play and learn at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

@frontrangerideguides

@poudre_guide

PHOTO

Come to g ether

FORT COLLINS SHINES as a meeting or event destination for conferences, staff retreats, athletic events, weddings and more. It’s a place where business happens and memories are made.

ACCESS

Fort Collins is 60 miles from Denver International Airport. Catch a shuttle or rent a car to make the easy drive yourself. We’re on I-25, 40 miles to I-80 and within easy striking range of I-70.

FACILITIES

Take your pick between intimate settings, small and large meeting rooms, banquet rooms, full-service

hotels, stages with theater seating or idyllic mountain retreats. The perfect facility is here for your group.

LODGING

Fort Collins offers a variety of locations to fit your meeting or event lodging needs including boutique hotels, full- and limitedservice hotels, B & Bs, cabins and hostels. Check out the lodging listings on page 80 for specifics.

EASY TO GET AROUND

Public transportation, including bike sharing, will get you most places that you want to go. If you’re driving, you’ll find Fort Collins easy to navigate. You can always schedule a ride with Uber, Lyft or zTrip, too.

THE EXTRAS

When you’re here for a gathering, be sure to make time to dip into the local culture or get outdoors. Fort Collins makes it easy to make lifelong memories.

FUN, FUN, FUN

Just thumbing through this guide should give an idea of what you’re in for when you plan to have your event here—activities that help bring people together, good food and entertainment.

FRIENDLY FOLK

Time and time again we hear attendees and event planners alike talk about how friendly everyone is to visitors. It’s what we do; it’s who we are.

TOP 5 HAPPIEST CITY IN THE US

PLANNING SUPPORT

Destination experts at Visit Fort Collins are here to help you have the best, most successful experience you can.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

The Gardens On Spring Creek provide an expansive and beautiful meeting place for events and gatherings

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

The big “I do”

Beautiful memories are made at venues in and around Fort Collins. Try out one of these to make your wedding day the best day ever. For a range of wedding services, check out the Fort Collins Wedding Association at www.weddingsfortcollins.com

Anheuser-Busch Tour Center & Biergarten

Sunset views of the Rockies for your special day. www.biergartenevents.com

Beaver Meadows

Resort Ranch

Idyllic mountain setting with lodging, activities and food onsite. www.beavermeadows.com

Block One Events

Beautiful location on the Cache la Poudre River in Old Town. www.rentblockone.com

Drake Centre

Flexible space options and convenient mid-town location. www.drakecentre.com

The Elizabeth Hotel

Landmark venue with terrace and live-music options. www.theelizabethcolorado.com

Fort Collins Country Club

Private, pristine location with impressive views. www.clubcorp.com/clubs/fortcollins-country-club/

The Mishawaka

Cache la Poudre Canyon riverside venue with historic dance hall. www.themishawaka.com

Rist Canyon Inn

Historic farmhouse set among golden pastures and a creek. www.ristcanyoninn.com

FUN AND TEAM-BUILDING

Here are a few suggestions to help your team take it up a notch. Paddle together—When six or eight people are paddling a raft, if you don’t stroke together, you don’t get down the river. Book your fun for mid-May through August.

Create together—Get together at Pinot’s Palette studio to paint under the direction of an artist and the influence of a bartender, www.pinotspalette. com/fortcollins/corporate-events. Or try your hand at Board & Brush where you can create cutting boards, wood signs and more while sipping wine, www.boardandbrush.com. Or be artfully inspired by Painting with a Twist at www.paintingwithatwist.com.

Cook together—Develop project-management and communications skills as you whip up a tasty treat under the guidance of a chef at Ginger and Baker, www.gingerandbaker.com, the Cooking Studio, www.the-cooking-studio.com or Farm Fusion at www.farmfusion.com.

Escape together—Participants work as a team at ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms—build relationships and problem-solving skills while having fun, www.escape.place.

Pedal and, well, drink together—Don’t miss the Beer & Bike tours. Hop on a cruiser and pedal from one brewery to the next. Find several cruises to choose from, www.beerandbiketours.com

Tour together—Hop on a two-wheeler and pedal from one brewery to the next. Find several tours from which to choose with Beer & Bike Tours, www.beerandbiketours.com, and Front Range Ride Guides, www.frontrangerideguides.com. .

Amidst the cottonwood trees next to a babbling stream at Rist Canyon Inn is the perfect spot to share your vows with friends and family.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTHA JAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS

The taproom at New Belgium Brewing is one of many spaces available for team building

Twin Silo Park is a one-of-a-kind recreational area featuring outdoor activities for multi-generational groups and all abilities. The playground is home to a small zipline and a giant corkscrew slide as well as sheltered picnic tables for catching a snack and your breath. You can also find community gardens, a vertical garden, a dog park and a BMX track along with a splash-friendly creek area for (supervised) little explorers.

1ST STABLE AND GROWING HOUSING MARKET:

Snapshot of the essentials

FORT COLLINS IS ON A ROLL. As you travel around town, you see new building projects, street infrastructure updates, well-kept parks and planters filled with flowers, public art and so much more. And underneath it all is a solid infrastructure of great healthcare, strong schools, and a vibrant business community.

EDUCATION

International Baccalaureate, Expeditionary Learning, STEM and more.

The City of Fort Collins and The Colorado State University campus are both platinum-level bikefriendly. Both have infrastructure to support a safe and efficient, two-wheeled commute.

A great town needs great schools and Poudre School District delivers with a com bination of high-performing neighborhood schools and a menu of choice programs including bilingual immersion,

Many students opt to continue their education at Front Range Community College Larimer Campus offering nationally accredited classes. Students may earn Associates of Arts or Associates of Science degrees. Colorado State University is consistently ranked as a top-tier university in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of “America’s Best Colleges and Universities.” It is also one of the core economic and cultural drivers in Fort Collins. Read more about what the university offers in the CSU section.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Twin Silo Park just before sunset.

PHOTO

HEALTH CARE CENTRAL

It may be that you’re visiting Fort Collins for the cuttingedge, comprehensive healthcare that thrives here. The largest provider is UCHealth, which operates Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies and many associated clinics. Banner Health operates the Fort Collins Medical Center in the southeast corner of town and several outpatient clinics. Kaiser Permanente also has a medical facility in southeast Fort Collins.

SENIOR CARE AND HOUSING

Seniors find a continuum of care here from independentliving to assisted-living to skilled-nursing facilities. Columbine Health Systems, a locally owned network, provides

care through the full spectrum of housing options along with rehabilitative care.

FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Owned and led by its members, the Chamber is an active and forward-focused organization of 1,200 members. Member businesses are of all sizes and types ranging from sole pro prietors to large multinational corporations and from locally owned retailers to international ly renowned high-tech firms.

In 2015, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce earned the prestigious 5-star accreditation, putting it in the top 1 percent of chambers in the United States and the only 5-star-accredited Chamber in Colorado. www. fortcollinschamber.com

IMPORTANT EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire, Medical, Police Emergency

Colorado Road Conditions

Colorado State Patrol

Fort Collins Police

Larimer County Sheriff

Poudre Fire Authority

Poudre Valley Hospital

RELOCATION RESOURCES

5-1-1

Fort Collins on Purpose

Fort Collins thrives on a talented workforce. That’s why agencies are working together to sustain the Talent 2.0 Workforce Strategy. The strategy identifies concerns for employers that become barriers to the recruitment and retention of talented people. These barriers range from access to transportation and childcare to commute times and traffic. To address this challenge, the Talent 2.0 team was established.

Here’s a list of need-to-know numbers to help answer any questions you may have about living in Fort Collins

AmeriGas (propane)

CenturyLink, Internet & Cable

City of Fort Collins

City of Fort Collins Utilities Drivers Licensing Environmental Services

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Front Range Internet, Inc.

Gallegos Sanitation Inc.

Trash Removal & Recycling

Hageman Earth Cycle Housing Catalyst

Larimer County Vehicle Licensing

Larimer Humane Society Neighborhood and Building Services

Northern Colorado Regional Airport

Platte River Power Authority

Poudre River Public Library District

Poudre School District

Poudre Valley Rural Electric

city limits

Ram Waste Systems, Inc.

removal & recycling

Social Sustainability Program Thompson School District Transfort Bus Service

United States Post Office

Management

Removal & Recycling

Xcel Energy Natural Gas

Internet & Cable

970-221-6500 970-212-2900 970-494-9804 970-221-6600 970-482-3746 970-212-0700 970-484-5556 970-221-7173 970-416-2910 970-498-7878 970-226-3647 970-221-6760 970-962-2850 970-226-4000 970-221-6740 970-482-7420 800-432-1012 970-226-3396 970-416-8055 970-613-5000 970-221-6620 800-275-8777 855-852-7110 800-895-4999 800-934-6489

Love what you do and where you do it

MINUTES AWAY FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, we climb an entirely different corporate ladder in northern Colorado. Opportunities run deep and wide for professionals in industries such as bioscience, aerospace, information technology, advanced manufacturing and others.

With a median age of 34 and more than 36 percent of resi dents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the Fort Collins area is led by a young, highly educated, engaged workforce that benefits from the region’s strong, dynam ic jobs pipeline where purpose and passion collide.

Learn more about becoming part of this exciting workforce at www.fortcollinschamber.com.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Join one of the fastest growing industries in northern Colorado with a job—in everything from production to marketing to HR—at one of our leading manufacturing companies.

BIOSCIENCE

Groundbreaking cures and preventions are born right here, home to nine federal science, research, and engineering facilities, including the Center

for Disease Control. And Colorado State University is a leader in the biosciences.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Local artists, entrepreneurs

and innovators are employed by some of the coolest com panies out there in everything from literary performing and visual arts to design.

ENERGY

This region is nationally ranked for its share of employment in traditional fuels and clean energy, the full package—oil and natural gas, bio energy, wind and solar power, and energy research.

FOOD & AGRICULTURE

A leading producer of meat, cheese and brews, northern Colorado is an agricultural heavyweight that serves as a home of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is part of the culture here. Our healthcare facilities focus on ed ucation, research, and preventive and diagnostic treatment across a range of disciplines.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Known as a work bench for Silicon Valley with a significant tech-employer concentra tion and intellectual-property production, the region is a sur prising hotspot for technology jobs and innovation.

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greater Fort Collins Area: Official Visitors Map

Downtown Fort Collins and CSU Campus

N

I spy with my little eye

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND a keen eye, you’ll spot some of this region’s endemic species. For the big ones, head up the Cache la Poudre Canyon or to Rocky Mountain National Park. Look for all these and others at our lo cal natural areas, open spaces and public lands. Find bird and wildlife guides at the downtown visitor center.

HABITATS

Natural areas in and around Fort Collins support abundant wildlife. Grasslands, riverways and lakes, forested mountain areas, and arid habitats each support populations unique to that particular environment. If you’re here to see critters and birds, check out several areas.

SAFETY FOR YOU AND THE WILDLIFE

Wild animals are, well, wild and unpredictable and can be dangerous. Forget the selfie with the moose or the prairie dog. It’s stressful for them and could get you injured. While driving, be alert, especially at dawn and dusk when critters are most active.

Great Blue Heron o Bald Eagle

o Black Bear

Big Horn Sheep o Elk

o Moose

o Mule Deer

o Fox

Raccoon

o Coyote

o Prairie Dog o Rattlesnake

dventure

dventure

Adventure BEGINS HERE

Whether you’re here for the weekend, for the season or with us for a while, let Wilbur’s Total Beverage welcome you to Fort Collins.