Visit Fort Collins | 2023

THE OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO | FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESOURCE GUIDE

Visit Fort Collins

1 Old Town Sq., Suite 107 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-232-3840, 800-274-3678 (toll free) www.visitfortcollins.com information@ftcollins.com

Cynthia Eichler, President and CEO

Katy Schneider, Director of Marketing

Erik Barstow, Director of Sales

Bri Seifert, Sales Manager

Marci Kurronen, Sales Manager

Melissa Draxler, Director of Business Administration

Marshall Floyd, Visitor & Conference Services Manager

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 970-221-9210

Scott Titterington, Publisher

Kristin Titterington, Editor

Emily Zaynard, Creative Director

Greg Hoffman, Advertising Sales Director

Cover photo

Photo of the Cache la Poudre river canyon

©2023, 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

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, #LoveFortCollins and tag us at: @visitftcollins. Your #OnlyInFoco experience might just make it into the pages of future guides!

by Josiah Roe

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Angie Spangler

CLHMS, CRS, CNE, Green Designation

Cell: 970-402-6430

Office: 970-482-1781

angiespangler@remax.net

Brian Lantis

Cell: 970-799-9468

Office: 970-482-1781

brianlantis@remax.net

Angie Spangler Team

REALTORS

FortCollinsRealEstateByAngie.com •

•

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.

STOP IN AND SEE US!

Once you’re in town, we’re here to help! 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 our Visit Fort Collins social media channels which can also be found on the website.

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

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Location, location, location!

Making your basecamp in Fort Collins puts you less than 2 hours from:

1. Cache la Poudre Canyon

2. Cheyenne, WY

3. Denver

1 4 5 6 2 3 7

FORT COLLINS, CO

I-70

8

4. Pawnee National Grasslands

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

6. Red Feather Lakes

7. Red Rocks

8. Ski Loveland

DIRECT TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO REGIONAL AIRPORT

TO AND FROM THE DENVER AIRPORT (DIA)

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. Search for “FNL” when booking your air travel.

SUMMER 85°F/ 29°C

FALL 65°F/ 8°C

WINTER 45°F/47°C

SPRING 63°F/17°C

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.

Mobile app-based transportation runs in Fort Collins and includes Lyft, Uber and Z-trip NEED

How’s the weather?

Magnificent! That’s what makes Fort Collins a perfect year-round 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 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!

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Social media

Connect and share. We’d love to see your pictures and comments.

#visitfortcollins

#lovefortcollins

#visitftcollins

Check out www.visitfortcollins.com to plan your ideal excursion. Get ideas for: Things to do—outdoor adventures, music water activities, winter excursions, family fun, arts, shopping, foodie outings, itineraries and more

Events—concerts, festivals, holidays, sports, performances

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 cabins and even campgrounds

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

BIKE-FRIENDLY TOWN

NO. 1 CITY IN AMERICA FOR CYCLING (2018)

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 Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community, one of only 5 in the country.

Rent a bike from Recycled Cycles, www.recycledcycles.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.

I remember my first time visiting Fort Collins! There were puppies and dogs on every corner.

I loved this town instantly.

— Theresa A.

Via Visit Fort Collins social media

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO BY MIKEY HESTER

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.

LIMA COFFEE ROASTERS

302 S. College Ave., Suite 130

215 E. Foothills Pkwy. 1A 4229 S. Mason St.

www.limacoffeeroasters.com

Local coffee shops that value the craft from the farm to the cup.

OLD TOWN SPICE

130A S. College Ave.

www.oldtownspiceshop.com

Large variety of the freshest, highestquality spices, blends, salts, extracts and peppers in the country.

OTTER SHOP

151 W. Mountain Ave. www.otterproducts.com

Connect with Otter brands, learn about company culture and see exclusive products available only in Fort Collins.

AKINZ

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

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

CREATE GOOD CO

172 N. College Ave. A2 www.creategoodco.com

Gently loved clothing repurposed into trendy staples for your closet and home.

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.

AROUND FOCO

www.aroundfoco.com

Offering innovative FoCo merchandise: t-shirts, hats, hoodies and more!

The Regional, a true taste of Fort Collins in a charming, inviting nook in Old Town. Sourcing from many local farms and small businesses in the community to bring you a delicious variety of unique, organic, and thoughtful dishes made with so much love, you can taste it!

Business Hours- 7 days a week

Mon- Fri Lunch and Dinner

Sat and Sun Brunch and Dinner

Happy Hour every day 4-6

130 S Mason St. Fort Collins, CO. 80524 web: theregionalfood.com

(970) 689-3508

eat local • drink local

PARTNERING PURVEYORS & LOCAL FARMS

Folks Farm, Native Hill Farm, Well Fed Farmstead, Belafonte Farm, Jodar Farm Hazel Dell Farm, Lone Pine Cattle, High Point Bison, Happy Lucky Tea Bean Cycle Coffee Roasters, Life’s A Booch, And Many Local Breweries and Distilleries!

restaurant oyster bar craft cocktails

STROLL AROUND OLD TOWN

You never know what unexpected treat might be waiting for you in a quiet corner or under an Old Worldstyle lamppost down one of the charming alleyways… maybe a cozy tavern or a wall-sized mural featuring local and international 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 behind the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for the evening. You can’t make a wrong turn. Wherever you wander, you’ll find music, art, cuisine and fun.

TOP DOWNTOWN IN THE COUNTRY

Discover Downtown

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 ParkMobile app to your smart phone or use the kiosks in the garages to pay for parking. 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, tree-lined streets and amazing public art all around. It’s a

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Parking tip

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, 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 It’s no wonder this is a state designated Creative District.

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. Fort Collins 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 of food and fun.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EXCHANGE

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Get up close and personal with the animals on Lee Martinez Farm

Fresh air

We love to linger outside on patios and rooftops. Check out The Exchange, 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 an ice cream cone or sundae from Ben & Jerry’s or stop in at one of the many other spots on the plaza.

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.

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

A vibrant energy buzzes here in the evening as bon vivants head out to see what the night might hold. The variety might amaze you. Wander through Old Town and down the bright and artsy alleyways to discover your next favorite place. You’ll love the tree lights in winter.

Grab a beer and sidle up to pinball machine or arcade game underground at Pin Ball Jones or settle in for an evening of music at the innovative, Magic Rat, in the luxurious Elizabeth Hotel where you

can also take in the panoramic view at the roof-top Sunset Lounge.

Grab a bite from an assortment of shipping-container eateries at The Exchange and mingle in the common area.

Sit a moment in Old Town Square as you plan your next stop…maybe a patio like Coopersmiths or Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant or a cocktail lounge like Persimmon or Ace Gilletts, which features live jazz.

Whatever you do, don’t miss an evening in Downtown.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Music drives the night life in multiple venues around town.

1. Catch a festival // Come on down and see what the buzz is all about. Many downtown festivals feature beer, bikes and bands.

2. Chill in Old Town Square // Hang out in the sun all year round at this central gathering place with a winter skate rink and summer splash park..

3. Check the haunts// Sign up for the ghost and history tour in and around Downtown Fort Collins.

4. Shop ‘til you drop // Discover a scintillating mix of one-of-a-kind shops and welcoming cafes.

5. Book a room // Settle into a boutique hotel or B&B right down where the action is.

For ideas, visit www.visitftcollins.com, and search downtown.

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PHOTO BY JAMES RAY SPAHN

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY TIM O’HARA

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

The Edwards House Bed and Breakfast.

La Piadina

LIVING

5,003 FEET ABOVE 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.

@franknovotny

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.

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

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 Feather Lakes. Choose from primitive, hike-in campsites to full hookup, RV-ready pads. Check the maps in this

section to see 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.

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!

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

@whatssupco

LEAVE NO TRACE –

CARE FOR COLORADO PRINCIPLES

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.

STICK 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.

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.

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

■ Colorado is home to tens of thousands 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.

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.

©Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

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

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNNYSIDE PRODUCTIONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Get out and stay out

Bouldering around Horsetooth Reservoir is a great way to get to know the look, and feel, of this diverse outdoor playground.

Celebrate 30 years of conserving prairies, foothills, waterways and forests for wildlife and people through The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas program!

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.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

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 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 and float the lazy river 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

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, free of charge.

SO DOG-FRIENDLY

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 enforced.

Second, you’ll see bags available for waste pick up. And finally, let Rover rove at one of the four dog parks in town: Fossil 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.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF 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

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. Or check out www.visitftcollins.com/cycle-fort-collins for road, mountain bike and gravel resources.

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

@frontrangerideguides

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.

DIFFICULT 6.3-mile out-and-back or 7.1-mile loop

MODERATE 5.7-mile loop

EASY 1.8-mile loop

Cameron Pass

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.

Drala Mountain Center

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

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

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.

Young Gulch Trail

Lovely walk near mountain stream with bridged stream crossings.

Greyrock Trail

Eagles Nest Open Space

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

Gateway Natural Area

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

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

Cache la Poudre River and Red Feather Lakes

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

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

Rand-Gould cutoff

Get off 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.

Bringing your two wheels? Check out our gravel, mountain and road bicycle guides here:

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.

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

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.

COLLINS H BASECAMP FORT COLLINS H BASECAMP FORT COLLINS H BASECAMP FORT COLLINS H BASECAMP FORT COLLINS H BASECAMP FORT COLLINS

history here in the New Old West. Outfit yourself in a new hat and boots for the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

Discover Wyoming

Buffalo? Check. Old West sites? Check. World’s largest rodeo? Check. Head north on I-25 and stop at Terry Bison Ranch for a tour of the herd then head up to Cheyenne and get yourself a cowboy hat and boots. West from there is wild Wyoming country for picnicking and hiking. Explore the rolling foothills and the scenic peaks of the Snowy Range.

Peak-to-Peak Highway

Lily

Peaks Wilderness Stop for a picnic

go for a hike among the dramatic peaks and mountain lakes.

Peak-to-Peak Highway

Follow this route from Estes Park south past Nederland into Clear Creek Canyon to Interstate 70.

Tour the highlights of the Front Range on this scenic drive extraordinaire. Head up Hwy 34 to the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park by Estes Park. Stop for a stroll around Lily Lake as you head south on Hwy 7 and then picnic at Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks. On the return, visit Boulder and Loveland.

A day in Denver

Drive an hour south on I-25 and you can dip into some bigcity amenities such as an Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver Aquarium and Meow Wolf. Denver also fields a full roster of professional sports teams with fields and arenas right downtown. Plus, catch a band under the stars at the unparalleled Red Rocks Amphitheater.

DRIVE TIME

Downtown Aquarium

Discover 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant and more.

NorthBroadway

20THStreet

Elitch Gardens

Theme & Water Park

16th Street Mall Stroll down this mile-long pedestrian promenade of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Denver Zoo

Connect with the wonders of nature and spark your curiosity. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Empower Field at Mile

Get your thrills and cool down with two amusement parks in one right.

Meow Wolf Denver—

Convergence Station

Take a surreal walk through an art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.

Colorado State Capitol

Take a tour of the capitol. Free guided tours include a climb up the dome.

Denver Art Museum

Dive into the 12 resident collections and special exhibits.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

See the stars at this spectacular outdoor venue.

United States Mint at Denver

Discover the treasures of this historic building where coins are minted.

Delve into the wonders of the world through the exhibitions, planetarium and lectures.

Denver Botanic Gardens— York Street

Encounter a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres displaying plants from all corners of the world.

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. 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 the breweries and taprooms of Fort Collins.

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 their large outdoor patio located right in the heart of Old Town

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

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY THIRSTCOLORADO

PHOTO BY KYLE WURTZ

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

Square. 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!

FLIGHT PLAN

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.

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.

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 TOWN

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 brewer 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 warmer temperatures and often present more yeast-derived flavors (fruity, sometimes spicy) in their flavor profile.

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

The "Not

to

be Missed" List is designated on the map by the pint glass markers.

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

REGIONAL STYLE

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

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. Hello Brew Company 405 Linden St.

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

18. The Jessup Farm Barrel House 1921 Jessup Dr.

19. Mythmaker Brewing Company 1035 S. Taft Hill Rd.

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

21. Prost Brewing Co. 1510 S College Ave

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

23. Ramskeller Pub & Grub 1101 Center Ave.

24. Salt Brewing Co 321 Old Firehouse Alley

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

26. Stodgy Brewing 1802 Laporte Ave.

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

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

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

ONE-STOP HOPPING

If you want to taste a variety of brews without traveling about, belly up at one of Fort Collins’ tap rooms. Each one has its own personality, but all serve up a sampling that is sure to please.

BEER EVENTS IN 2023

For a current list of all the great events related to cool brews, scan QR code or check out www.visitftcollins.com/events.

SOME LIKE IT SOUR

Pucker up and try a sour beer, known as sours. It might just become your favorite new taste. It takes a long, complex brewing process to create these intentionally tart, acidic, and, well, sour and lively beverages. Many brewers include fruit in the process seeking that perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. For sour lovers, it’s a quest to find that new flavor to savor.

YOURAdventure 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.

Beer ,Wine, Spirits Delivery

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 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.

For an easy-to-speak experience in craft cocktails, descend the stairs to Social in Old Town, named best Speakeasy in the country by Yelp reviewers.

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, and Wild and Free

Fermented Tea. They source ingredients locally. Find their products at stores in the area.

If the fruit of the vine calls, raise a glass at Blanchard Family Wines and Hillside Vineyard’s tasting rooms at The Exchange. To visit a winery, stop into Ten Bears Winery in Laporte or the Sweetheart Winery in Loveland. Odell Brewing runs the The OBC Wine Project to explore unique flavor profiles.

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.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COPPERMUSE DISTILLERY

CRAFT CULTURE

A classic, remixed! Enjoy an upside-down latte at Lima Coffee on College Avenue

Tap into your spirited muse at Coppermuse Distillery.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIMA COFFEE ROASTERS

Music city

SUPPORT THE ART

While you’re here, do your best to support local 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.

WHETHER

YOU ARE

LOOKING to get cozy for a fireside show, take in sunny sounds at a brewery, explore emerging talent at a quirky club, or rock out to a band that turns it up to 11, Fort Collins has you covered. With a plethora of exciting concerts and a vibrant local music scene, the Choice City is a haven for musicians and music lovers alike.

NIGHTLIFE IN A MUSIC CITY

From indie to bluegrass, jazz

to hip hop, and just about everything in between, you are sure to find something you enjoy. You’ll love our variety of music venues where you could discover your next favorite local band (try Surfside 7 or The Coast), then check The Aggie or Washington’s concert calendars to see which of your favorite touring acts are passing through town. Tune in to KRFC 88.9 Radio Fort Collins or KCSU 90.5 FM 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? Hit the stage at one of the city’s popular open mic nights (check out The Atrium, The Lyric, Lucky Joe’s, or Avogadro’s Number), stop by Higher Ground Studios to rent a fully equipped rehearsal room for a quick session, take part in musician-focused programs at The Music District, or find one of the many Pianos About Town for an impromptu experience. The Elizabeth Hotel

even offers an instrument lending library for guests!

MUSIC SHOPS

Looking to add a new instrument to your collection or just hunting for some hardto-find vinyl? Swing by Music Go Round or Boomer Music Company to check out an impressive selection of new and used instruments, then stop in Driver 8 Records, Bizarre Bazaar, Little Horse Vintage, or All Sales Vinyl to find the best local (and beyond) records.

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, the thump, and the wail of an unforgettable show at the Aggie Theatre.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Bring your lawn chair, your rhythm and your love of music to these free outdoor performances.

SUNDAYS

Foothills Mall Summer

Sundays Concert Series June through August, 6-8pm. www.shopfoothills.com

Mishawaka Concert Series select Sundays, June through September, 1-4:30pm. www.themishawaka.com

WEDNESDAYS

Lagoon Concert Series

CSU Lory Student Center west lawn, June 13-July 26 (no concert July 5), 6:30-8:30pm. Food trucks, interactive booths. www.lagoonseries.com

THURSDAYS

Bohemian Nights

Thursday Night Live

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Courtyard at Front Range Village, Summer, 6:30-8:30pm. www.shopfrontrangevillage.com

FRIDAYS

New Belgium Brewing Friday Live Music series

New Belgium Brewing, 5-7pm, year round. www.newbelgium.

FROLIC AT A FESTIVAL

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

FoCoMX

April 28-29

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

Taste of Fort Collins

June 10-11

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

Explore Fort Collins through the medium of music! If you like SWSX try FoCoMX, one of two multi-day events featuring performances from national talent as well as showcasing local artists. For 2023 event news, visit: www.focoma.org/focomx.

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

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Concert venues

Pull up a lawn chair or dance till you drop at a local venue. State-of-the-art music halls to outdoor stages attract national acts and host home-grown performers. The diversity of venues matches the variety of music.

Scan to view the most up-to-date concert

1. Ace Gillett’s 239 S. College Ave.

2. Aggie Theatre  204 S. College Ave.

3. Avogadro’s Number 605 S. Mason St.

4. Budweiser Events Center 5290 Arena Cir. Loveland

5. Comedy Fort 167 N. College Ave.

6. Foote Lagoon west of Lory Student Center, Colorado State University 1101 Center Ave. Mall

7. Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Ave

8. Lincoln Center 417 W. Magnolia St.

9. Magic Rat 111 Chestnut Street St.

10. Mishawaka Amphitheatre 13714 Poudre Canyon Rd.

11. Paddler’s Pub 1329 US-287

info.

12. Sunset Lounge 111 Chestnut Street St.

13. Surfside 7 238 Linden St.

14. The Armory 314 E. Mountain Ave.

15. The Lyric 1209 N College Ave

16. Washington’s 132 Laporte Ave.

SEPTEMBER

2023: New Belgium’s Tour de Fat Bicycle parade and festival www.newbelgium.com

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.focoma.org/focomx

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

www.ascendperformingarts.org

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

SEPTEMBER:

Tour de Fat

Bicycle parade and festival

www.newbelgium.com

Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival

Mountain Bike Festival

www.overlandmtb.org

NOVEMBER:

Downtown Lighting

Holiday Ceremony

Downtown Fort Collins

www.downtownfortcollins.com

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 scenic Horsetooth Half Marathon to the gorgeous Colorado Half and Full Marathons to popular weekend 5 and 10Ks. www.visitfortcollins.com

Outdoor Movie Nights

See an open-air movie at Lyric Cinema Cafe, www.lyriccinema.com, New Belgium Brewery, www.newbelgium.com. or CSU Canvas Stadium, www.csurams.com/movienight

Farmers Markets

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

Friday, Friday, Friday

Fort Collins in Lights

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

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 COURTESY OF FORT COLLINS MURAL PROJECT

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO BY TIM O’HARA

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 Gregory 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 project at Board & Brush workshop.

ON STAGE

Catch a performance at one of

AS YOU MOVE AROUND TOWN, KEEP AN EYE OUT.

YOU MIGHT SPOT SOME ART.

WALLS OF ART

Why have a blank wall, when you can have art?

The Fort Collins Mural Project collaborates with local artists, businesses and art lovers to promote contemporary art in public spaces and to empower emerging local artists, beautify the city of Fort Collins, and build community through art, fcmuralproject.org.

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 COURTESY OF FORT COLLINS MURAL PROJECT

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.

Interactive Art

Become part of the art with the 3-D, interactive, projectionmapped 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.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION

PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

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 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.

@akinzboardwear

Nourish your Happy with something delicious from Happy Lucky’s Teahouse

@happyluckysteahouse

Akinz specializes in the Colorado aesthetic through wearables, bags, and more.

@alpineartscolorado

For a current list of shopping locations

VISIT:

visitftcollins.com/ things-to-do/shopping/

SCAN:

@clothesponyanddandeliontoys

From art and jewelry to hot sauce and hand soap, Alpine Arts-The Colorado Showcase has everything! @alpineartscolorado

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Stroll through downtown Fort Collins and window shop or step inside one of the many local boutiques.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Foothills Mall offers dining, shopping and entertainment in midtown Fort Collins

PHOTO COURTESY FOOTHILLS MALL

FORT COLLINS IS FOR LOVERS, lovers of delectable food and drink, that is. From national restaurant 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 Place.

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 Ginger & Baker. Tasty Harmony serves plantbased creations for lunch and dinner.

Kick off your evening at The Welsh Rabbit Bistro, The Fox and Crow Bistro, or Simmer. 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, Panhandler’s Pizza, Pulcinella Pizzeria and Otto Pint among others.

For your sweet tooth, sample some treats from Nuance Chocolate, 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.

@theregionalfood

Cozy in for a locally sourced meal that tastes like home. Pair it with a glass of unique Old- or New-World wine.

La Creperie & French Bakery serves a beautiful meal in a vibrant setting.

PHOTO COURTESY LA CREPERIE & FRENCH BAKERY

@retreatbakerybar

Treat yourself to

something divine at

Retreat Bakery Bar.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

The Welsh Rabbit Bistro

The

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 flavor. 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.

The Armstrong Hotel offers a boutique experience with plenty of room for Rover.

PHOTO COURTESY KOA LAKESIDE

PHOTO COURTESY THE ARMSTRONG HOTEL

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

Room to relax at the Fort Collins Marriott

Enjoy camping and a family paddle at KOA Lakeside

Borrow some wheels while staying at the Armstrong Hotel and see the sights by bicycle.

PHOTO COURTESY MARRIOTT FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY MARRIOTT FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY THE ARMSTRONG HOTEL

PHOTO COURTESY HILTON FORT COLLINS

PHOTOS COURTESY THE ELIZABETH HOTEL

The Hilton Fort Collins offers spacious rooms and meeting spaces. Conveniently located across the street from Colorado State University

Please present this coupon to redeem.

150 W Oak Street 970-224-1188

BistroNautile.com

Lunch Thursday - Saturday

Dinner Tuesday - Sunday

Happy Hour Tues - Sun, 4 - 6 pm

Closed Mondays

BUSINESSES ACROSS FORT COLLINS open their doors and hearts to make sure you feel at home. You’ll find resources offering a medley of international flavors, activities and services. We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors. Everyone is welcome, and we are glad you are here.

Northern Colorado Equity hosts Pride celebrations and offers LGBTQIA+ community, advocacy, and programming.

Vaquero roots influencing modern fashion can be found at La Monarca.

There is reason to celebrate when you visit 4 Americas.

Nature inspires, and whitewater rafting is thrilling for everyone!

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY NAVI PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

The Aztlan Center hosted the 2022 NCIPA Powwow.

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

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! Check listings and business websites for the latest updates.

Take a bike tour with Front Range Ride Guides

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT FORT COLLINS

Climb in and around Horsetooth Reservoir.

VISIT:

Putt-putt around on the mini golf courses at Fort Fun.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORT FUN

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

Collins Museum of Discovery.

Cast

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. Now book a trip to and from the Northern Colorado Regional Airport via Landline.

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 lodging listings in this guide 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 COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

The big “I do”

Beautiful memories are made at venues in and around Fort Collins. For a range of wedding services, check out the Fort Collins Wedding Association at www.weddingsfortcollins.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.

With unrivaled sunset views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and conversation-worthy décor, the gathering spaces at The Elizabeth Hotel truly transcend the ordinary.

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.

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 midMay 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. Try your hand at Board & Brush where you can create cutting boards and more while sipping wine, www.boardandbrush.com. Be artfully inspired by Painting with a Twist at www.paintingwithatwist.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. Discover some of the best food and libations with Old Town Food Tours, www.oldtownfoodtour.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELIZABETH HOTEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF GINGER AND BAKER

Ginger and Baker’s cooking classroom is where delicious ideas come to life.

Traverse Park is a one-of-a-kind recreational area featuring outdoor activities for multi-generational groups. The playground is home to a small zipline and a modular climbing structure with a green corkscrew slide. Catch your breath, and a picnic lunch, at the sheltered tables in the pavillion. You can also find an unpaved BMX “pumptrack” for your off-road bicyling fans.

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

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

International Baccalaureate, Expeditionary Learning, STEM and more.

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

Traverse Park playground and pavillion.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

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.

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 proprietors to large multinational corporations and from locally owned retailers to internationally 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

9-1-1

5-1-1

970-224-3027

970-221-6540

970-498-5100

970-416-2892

970-495-7000

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

Environmental Services

Ewing Landscape Materials

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Fort Collins Connexion

Community Broadband

Housing Catalyst

Larimer County Vehicle Licensing

Larimer Humane Society

Neighborhood Services

Northern Colorado Regional Airport

Platte River Power Authority

Poudre River Public Library District

Poudre School District

Poudre Valley Rural Electric

outside city limits

Ram Waste Systems, Inc.

Trash removal & recycling

Republic Services of Northern Colorado

Trash Removal & Recycling

Social Sustainability Office

Thompson School District

Transfort Bus Service

Fort Collins on Purpose

Fort Collins thrives on a talented workforce. That’s why agencies are working together to sustain the NoCoworks 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 NoCoworks team was established.

United States Post Office

Waste Management

Trash Removal & Recycling

Xcel Energy Natural Gas

Xfinity Internet & Cable

970-484-8140

855-263-9576

970-221-7173

970-482-3746

970-207-7870

970-416-2910

970-498-7878

970-370-9811

970-221-6760

970-962-2850

970-226-4000

970-221-6740

970-482-7420

800-432-1012

970-226-3396

970-484-5556

970-221-6752

970-613-5000

970-221-6620

PHOTO COURTESY THE FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce champions business development and a healthy regional economy.

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 residents 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, dynamic jobs pipeline where purpose and passion collide.

Connexion, our communityowned broadband service, delivers up to 10 gigabit internet speeds, reliable phone services, and live/ local TV programming to keep you connected at home or the office. 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.

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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 companies out there in everything from literary performing and visual arts to design, production and educational opportunities.

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 cuttingedge 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 education, research, and preventive and diagnostic treatment across a range of traditional and innovative disciplines.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Known as a work bench for Silicon Valley with a significant techemployer concentration and intellectual-property production, the region is a surprising hotspot for technology jobs, incubators and innovation.

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTO COURTESY FORT COLLINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greater Fort Collins Area: Official Visitors Map

MAPS

Terry Bison Ranch

PoudreTrail(west)

G r andvie w C eme t e r y

To Cache la Poudre Canyon & To HWY 14 Community College

B ee Family C en t ennial Fa r m C olo r ad o W elcom e C en t e r

r al A r e a

LOR Y STATE PAR K 28 7

l a r T r e w o P i a r T n o s a M l a r T r e w o P

Pelican Marsh Natural Area H O R S ETO O T H M O UNTAI N P A R K

R oselaw n C eme t er y CSU Environmental Learning Center Arapaho Bend Natural Area

Harmony Library

Fossil R idg e

Banner Health Medical Center H igh S choo l

Foothills Trai l Poud r e T r ail (east ) l i a r T y r o k c H R edwoo d T r ai l R endezvou s T r ai l Fossil C ree k T r ai l S p r ing C ree k Trail (wes t ) S p r ing Cr ee k T r ail (east ) To Coyo t e R idg e N a t ural A re a Downtown Transit Center Lee Martinez Park North Shields Ponds Natural Area Lions Open Space Rolland Moore Park Spring Canyon Park Riverbends Ponds Natural Area Prospect Ponds Natural Area Jessup Farm Artisan Village Running Deer Natural Area Veteran’s Plaza Fossil Creek Park Reservoir Ridge Natural Area E. LINCOLN AVE. MOUNTAIN AVE. LINK LN. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Campus West Area ET PR RD i i RIVERSIDEAVE . i i North Ent r anc e CR 38E Twin Silos Park Long View T r ai l Sugar Beet Park Traverse Pa r k Police H H H N i Information Dog Parks P Parking H Hospital Police Police MAX Line MAX Route MAX Stop Community Parks i Horsetooth Visitor Center

Downtown Fort Collins and CSU Campus

Welcome

Local favorite, Magpies, has moved—not far though, only 2 blocks north of their original store on South Mason. The space is no less magical, maybe more so since it’s one open space where everyone can gather and visit without the barrier of walls. The outside appears to be ordinary, but inside is an enchanted shop full of goodies and soul that is unlike any boutique you’ve ever seen! In April 2016, Amy Goodhart, took a giant leap and gave life to Magpies in midtown Fort Collins and midtown is where is they’ll stay!

“This area of Fort Collins is growing and evolving into a destination for shopping, coffee and a laid-back atmosphere that is exciting and we love it here!” she beams.

Magpies is, as one customer said, “the Fort Collins version of Cheers for women!”

“We have gifts you won’t see anywhere else in town and that’s a great thing,” Goodhart

says, “but our mission at Magpies is to say ‘yes’ as often as we can to serve our “fellow magpies” by creating community in everything we do. We are delighted that the gifts, projects, and just about everything we do here is a part of supporting community in connecting to family, friends, and loved ones. In central Illinois, where I grew up, we ‘visit’! We really care and connect. We take off our Facebook face and have a real talk. That is the place we are creating!”

One of the things that they celebrate is repurposing all kinds of things. “The Early Bird” section, similar to the old “Who gives a scrap,” is where you can find just about any art supply that you need. This is the reuse, recycled, recreate space where they make use of all the donations they receive and vintage goodies like old zippers, old books and even furniture.

You’ll find all kinds of vintage treasures hiding

amongst their items in the front of the new shop with gifts and home decor. It’s so nice to see the mix of old and new. One stroll through and you are taken back in time. It’s quite the journey.

Not only is Amy there most days, but you’ll also run into Vicki Paul who joined the Magpies crew a few years ago. She has creativity pouring out of her soul. She is the queen of all things vintage, unique displays, loves old dominoes and anything with tiny drawers. Without her (and so many others) we would not be the Magpies that we are today.”

Amy and Vicki together are quite the team. They laugh just about all the time and it’s infectious. Once you arrive, it’s hard to leave. Many members of the Magpies community visit every day for the creativity, laughter and connection. Amy shares “Some people call Magpies their ‘happy place!’  That’s my biggest joy. That’s what makes my heart happy.”

I spy with my little eye

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND a keen eye, you’ll spot some of this region’s local 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 local 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.

o Ruby Throated Hummingbird

o Great Blue Heron o Bald Eagle

o Black Bear o Big Horn Sheep o Elk o Moose o Mule Deer

o Fox o Raccoon

o Coyote

o Prairie Dog o Rattlesnake

Don’t miss the larget collection of cold-hardy cacti in the region!

ALWAYS IN BLOOM

Throughout 12 acres of curated, botanic beauty and our tropical Butterfly House, something is always in bloom at the Gardens on Spring Creek. And with classes, concerts and community events, there’s something for everyone! Explore with us!

Plan your visit at fcgov.com/gardens