The Heart of the city- Old Town Square
Photo Credit Remington Flats
Fort Collins frequency on many of the “best of” lists makes it a bucket-list destination for those seeking an active and adventurous vacation with the backdrop of the Front Range Rocky Mountains in a city with a chill vibe and relaxed pace. A popular destination for future active residents and retiree’s alike, Fort Collins boasts several notable reasons to visit. Like all of Colorado, Fort Collins boasts an abundance of hiking, climbing, camping, mountain and street biking and watersports activities. What is unique to Fort Collins is a Walt Disney inspiring Old Town shopping/dining district, world-class veterinary research/teaching hospital, expansive agricultural/botanical and natural aviary areas and of course an industry shaping, record setting craft-brewery scene. Not to mention it is home to Colorado State University.
WHERE TO STAY
Remington Flats Hotel
Remington Flats is for those who prefer a local, authentic, Instagram worthy independent stay. Boutique lodging in the heart of all of the best Fort Collins has to offer, across from Colorado State University and five blocks from the center of Old Town Square you’ll get the amenities and service of a Five-star hotel, the charm and coziness of a quaint B&B and the privacy of a Airbnb or VRBO. It has the highest google review rating for a reason but you must plan ahead as Remington Flats only has four studio suite rooms each with a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony or patio with private entrance and free off-street parking and is sold out most nights from May-October. The grounds offer a beautiful setting with secluded gardens (vegetable and flowers) fire-pit and lounging areas as well as complimentary New Belgium Cruiser Bike Rental. Too many extras to list here but one note-worthy extra is complimentary craft=brews upon check in. A stay at Remington Flats is worth every penny and if you’re a Stash Rewards Member, you’ll earn 5X points for your stay! Because we are frequently sold out, we recommend these alternated local favorites.
SEVEN DAY ITENIRARY
Photo Credit Trinity Ackerman
Day 1- Visit Lory State Park and hike Arthurs Rock. Located west of the city and Horsetooth Reservoir, LSP offers mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing. The 26 miles of trails are satisfactory for people of all fitness levels as the grade rarely exceeds 12 percent. The trail up to Arthurs Rock offers some of the most scenic views of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir but the last mile of the trail should be reserved for the more able hiker/climber as it is quite challenging. The park also offers a great backdrop for a romantic picnic (pick up a charcuterie at Get Plattered) or backcountry camping if you feel like spending the night underneath the stars.
Since you will be feeling accomplished, we recommend finishing the day with a Patio Happy Hour in Old Town. Our favorite patios are Odell’s Brewery for the craft brew crowd, The Rio for those wanting chips & Salsa with the best margarita in the state to wash them down or Pour Brothers for snacks and a variety of local craft beers and cocktails.
A better first day will be hard to find.
Photo Credit Ana Beth Dye Photography
Day 2- Horsetooth Reservoir is a kind of “must do” day if you’re visiting FoCo (The natives nickname for Fort Collins) as it provides the scenic backdrop to the city. There is plenty to do at Horsetooth including biking, hiking but most locals go for the watersports. You can try your hand at Paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing and then enjoy a sunbathe on the beach. You could also rent a boat and water-ski or tube around the expansive 10 mile lake. Finally, if you’re an Angler who enjoys shore fishing, Horsetooth has some great fishing holes.
By the end of day two you’ll have worked up an appetite so treat yourself to some fine-dining. Our picks are Rare Italian for steaks or Northern Italy inspired dishes, Jax FishHouse for inspired unique seafood dishes or Whisky Still for the steak and potato crowd. Rare and Jax have excellent wine selections and Whisky has rare whiskies. One of the best parts of visiting Fort Collins is the relaxed vibe so all restaurants are casual or semi-casual. Nowhere is a suit and tie mandatory and jeans are always acceptable.
Stodgy Brewing
Photo Credit Kelsey Burket
Day 3- It’s BREWERY DAY!!! If you know anything about FoCo you know that is practically the birthplace of American Craft Beer. With over 20 local craft breweries it is worth doing some research prior to visiting to narrow down which ones you want to hit up but we have a local’s take on some perfect self-guided brewery tours. A walking tour begins at Remington Flats and takes you south a few blocks to Prost Brewery to experience the joy of German Beers. Next you’ll head north about 8 blocks on Remington to one of the first small batch breweries, Equinox for some truly authentic craft beer. From there head west a few blocks to the newly opened Guilded Goat. Finally, because you’ll likely be tipsy from all this beer catch an Uber to Stodgy Brewing where you’ll enjoy some of the best craft beer you’ve ever had (try the Mexican if they have it) and nosh on some delicious Food Truck treats in an outdoor setting where 90% of patrons are locals.
Our biking tour takes you from Remington Flats, through Old Town to the OG, New Belgium Brewing. This first stop is worth planning in advance so that you can take their tour of the facility which has to be reserved and is typically sold-out well in advance. You’ll sample some old favorites and can grab a bite from one of the Food Trucks on site. (good to have a base!) Next, ride over to Snowbank Brewing for a variety of specialty small batch brews. Head further East to Horse and Dragon and have the GOAT of all dark beers, Sad Panda or one of the to-die-for IPA’s. Finally, for those who can’t live without a sour- Funkwerks is a must try stop. As you peddle your way back home, stop in Old Town for dinner at any of the many restaurants or just order some delivery and sit on Remington Flats back patio and reminisce about what an amazing three day’s you’ve had as you watch the sunset over Horsetooth Rock!
Day 4- FoCo Culture Day! You’re going to need to take it down a notch or two after the first three days so we recommend checking out some of the more cultural sites Fort Collins has to offer. For Museums check-out the Discovery, MoMA and Global Village, all within walking distance of one another in Old Town. You could add in a tour of the historic Avery House and finish the afternoon by catching an Indie Movie at The Lyric where you can also have a hair-of-the dog local craft brew in the open-air lobby and some yummy freshly made snacks. Don’t fill up too much because for dinner you’ll head across town to Totally 80’s Pizza MUSEUM! That’s right, for the GenX’er in all of us this 80’s themed Pizzeria has some truly cool sh…stuff! The pizza is quite good to boot!
Day 5- Because Fort Collins parks and trails have defined our city’s lifestyle no trip would be complete without an entire day dedicated to it. Fort Collins currently has over 966 acres of developed parks including 7 community parks and 43 neighborhood/pocket parks. Over 45 miles of paved trails connect our community so again, it’s worth doing some research from our partners at Visit Fort Collins to decide what appeals most to you. It’s also worth mentioning that the Colorado State University Trial Gardens, located on Remington Street is one of the most magnificent ways to spend a few hours for the avid gardener or photographers/artist.
A typical Parks & Rec day for a local would be to go to City Park for an early morning round of golf at City Park 9. This nine hole course has rental clubs and carts although it is easily walkable. Super narrow, tree-lined fairways and post-card sized greens are what makes this course challenging. Afterwards, have a picnic lunch in the historic park and do some people watching and frisbee tossing (they have a frisbee golf course). Try your hand at Pickleball or Tennis (we can help with equipment) and if you go on a Tuesday during the summer, you can stay for the Food Truck rally. However, if that’s not your thing- head to NICK’S Italian for the best burger in town, homemade pasta dishes and hand tossed specialty pizza. A local gem.
Richard in his element!Photo Credit Annie Cross
Day 6- By day six you’ll undoubtedly decide that you’re going to move to Fort Collins so you’ll check rental rates and housing prices, immediately scratch that idea and instead vow to visit every year. So, it’s only fitting that you immerse yourself in true Colorado lifestyle and is make the short drive up the Poudre Canyon where you can fly fish, hike, white-water raft or just enjoy the fresh air and scenery of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. You could drive all the way to the Continental Divide to experience what it is like to be on top of the world and above tree-line. Alternatively, you could drive to quaint town of Estes (pronounced Estiss not Esteee’s) Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Passes are required to go through the park so plan ahead. When you return back to earth, enjoy Happy Hour Tapas at Café Vino. They have a great bar and outdoor patio with fire-pits and is located across from CSU.
Day #7- To ward off the end of vacation blues we recommend rounding out the trip with some retail therapy. Stroll through Old Town Shops and Boutiques and book yourself an Old Town Food Tour for the late afternoon to round out the perfect seven days in the Choice City.
A little about us; as a life-long Colorado Natives we’ve seen the massive growth of our home towns of Boulder and Fort Collins and while there are some Natives who resent the growth, you’ll find most locals friendly and welcoming. Its our growth that has fostered diversity and acceptance of those with alternative lifestyles which has made our state more economically sound as we’ve benefitted from a diversity of ideas and perspective which have shaped our forward-thinking policies. It is our love of our state and local community that inspires us to provide the most unique and memorable lodging available in the city. It is our honor to host your stay, whether a day, a week or longer.