Tag: Things to Do

Culture Makes Fort Collins Special

Fort Collins is a great place.  As we discussed earlier the trail system is a major contributor to our sense of place.  However there is so much more about Fort Collins that makes it a great place to live.  Our local culture makes Fort Collins special. With that in mind here are some pieces of our local culture that set Fort Collins apart from other communities in the area, and nationwide. 

Art in Public Places

First, Fort Collins enjoys the beauty of art in public places. Art helps to form the culture that makes Fort Collins special This program was started in 1995 to bring art to outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.  This includes painting on transformer boxes around town, pavers in sidewalks and pianos around town.  This program showcases local artists work and even children are able to get involved with the sidewalk pavers. You can learn more about this program here.

Pianos About Town

This project started in Fort Collins in 2010.  Pianos about town is a seasonal project that combines art and music. Each spring more than one dozen pianos are painted by local artists and then the pianos are placed about town for people to play.  I recall sitting at a restaurant patio last summer.  While we ate someone walking by one of the pianos sat down at the piano and started to play.  All of us sitting on the patio enjoyed the spontaneous music of this person for the brief time that they entertained us. You can learn more about Pianos About Town from their website

Alley Beautification

In 2004 the City of Fort Collins began a strategic alley beatification project. The purpose was to improve the beauty of the alleys in Old Town and make the alleys more pedestrian friendly. Since the inception of this project, seven different alleys have been beautified.  The process includes adding pavers, planters, art, lighting and more to make the use of the space more desirable. Some local artists have added art to the alleys too! You can find out the locations of these works of art from the Downtown Development Authority’s website.

Live concerts in Old Town and at CSU

We do love our arts and music in Fort Collins.  During the summer enjoy live music in Old Town or at the Lagoon on Colorado State University’s campus.  The schedule of the concerts, location and who is preforming will vary from year to year, but how much locals enjoy this tradition does not change. Concert lists are updated annually for CSU at their website.

Culture Makes Fort Collins Special, But There Is So Much to Enjoy

It is hard not to mention our over 300 days of sunshine a year.  While the sun is shining you can enjoy outdoor recreation at Horsetooth Reservoir which is just outside of town, or enjoy a hike at Lory State Park or Horsetooth Mountain Park.  If something a bit easier is more to your liking, enjoy one of our many city parks or how about a visit to The Farm at Lee Martinez Park.  It is an actual working farm.

Additionally, there is always the Discovery Science Museum just north of Old Town.  How about a stop and a sip at one of our local brewers?  There is always the option of visiting The Gardens at Spring Creek.  They are not just to visit in the spring and summer. They are beautifully decorated for the holidays too.  I guess that is one of the other things that makes Fort Collins so special. There is always something to do here. Contact Us if you would like some personalized recommendations or for a free tour of the area. You can call this amazing area your home too.

Fall in Love: Some Fun Things To Do In Northern Colorado

Fall is here! There are all sorts of activities to do in and around Fort Collins. Here is a list of ideas of fun things to do In Northern Colorado this fall. Grab this list and get out there and enjoy yourself.

1) Take in a CSU football game.

This tops the list of our fun things to do in Northern Colorado this fall. If you have not been to the new stadium, is it beautiful! Go to tickets-center.com and plan a fun time!

2) Autumn colors are sure to be beautiful come mid to end of September.

The exact time cannot be determined much in advance. Listen to the TV news or check the Coloradoan for more details. They will usually announce when we are at peak viewing for colors. Then take a trip up the Poudre Canyon and while you are there why not stop at the historic Mishawaka for a burger.

3) Elk Bugling at Rocky

It is not fall if you have not gone to Rocky Mountain National Park and heard the elk bugle. It is the most and beautiful sound that just cannot be described. Once you arrive at the park the ranger can give you advise on where best to go. Best times are in the evening.

4) Pick a Pumpkin!

A great place to go is Bartels Farm. This family operated farm was established in 1905. They have pumpkins that start at just $1.00. They offer hay rides and a corn maze too. All sorts of fall fun is available at 3424 E. Douglas Rd. Fort Collins. Be sure to call for their hours. 970-493-3853.

5) Road Trip To See the Gnomes

Fall is a great time to just hit the road and go for a drive with no particular destination in mind. Take a trip up to Red Feather lakes. Try your hand at fishing at many of the local lakes in that area that are open to the public. Ask for directions to the Gnome Road. This is where locals have created their own attraction of gnomes on the side of the road. See if you can find the Elvis Gnome. Do not take them, break them or relocate them. Just enjoy!

6) Local Beer Offerings

Sip a seasonal beer on a patio. New Belgium is sure to have a new one this year. Go check it out.

7) Outdoor Theater

Another of our fun things to do in Northern Colorado this fall is to go see an outdoor movie at the Lyric. The lyric offers outdoor movies all summer and into the fall. The Lyric is located at 1209 N. College Ave. Fort Collins. For what is showing and schedule go to lyriccinema.com

8) Autumn Apple Picking

How about going to pick apples. You do not have to live in Wisconsin to enjoy doing this. You can do it right here at Adam’s Apple Orchard in Ault. Visitors are invited to pick their own apples during their approximately 11-week season. They also have a general store. They are located at: 42135 Co Rd. 43 Ault.

9) Go For A Hike

One of the wonderful things about hiking in the fall is that the days do not get as warm. Take a jacket in case the weather changes and remember that the days are not as long. Rocky Mountain National Park is full of great hiking and the trails are not as busy this time of year!

10) Visit A Farmers Market

The season is winding down but there is still great things to find at the farmers market. Check out the Fort Collins Sunday Market that is open until November.

Fall is a great time to enjoy northern Colorado. The fun does not stop just because the days are getting cooler. There is still plenty to do! Get out and enjoy! If you need any suggestions we are always happy to be your local guide, just contact us and we would be glad to help.

10 Things To Do In Fort Collins This Summer

Fort Collins is an award winning place to live. As things begin to reopen, here is a list of 10 things to do in Fort Collins this summer.

10 things to do in Fort Collins this summer

  • Catch a movie at the Holiday Twin Drive-In.  Nestled near the foothills of Fort Collins for almost 50 years, the Holiday Twin is one of Americas few remaining drive in movie theaters. Bring a blanket or camp chairs and head down out for that double feature.
  • Ride the Tolley.  Ride back in time on Birney Car 21, a restored 1919 street car that has been running its summer route from City Park up Mountain Ave. for 32 years.  Car 21 is owned by the city and operate by the volunteers of the Fort Collins Municipal Railway. Take a ride Noon to 5pm weekends from May through September.
  • Take a Dip.  Gather the kids for a day at the pool.  The city operate on outdoor pool.  City Park Pool, offers daily admission $7 for adults and $6 for children age 2 to 17 years of age. City Park Pool is not just a pool it also include water slides for fun. 
  • Want so more water fun?  Head to Horsetooth Reservoir.  There is no place quite like it.  Head to Inlet Bay Marina at 4314 Shoreline Drive to rent a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or hydrobike.

Some Other Ideas

  • Do I even have to say it?  Go on a brewery tour,  Call head to schedule your tour of New Belgium to secure a spot or make a reservation 24 hours in advance for Odell’s tour.  We have a whopping 21 breweries so even it some don’t offer tours they are likely to have a patio for a relaxing spot for a beer. 
  • Tube the Poudre.  Why head to a water parks lazy river when we have one of our very own. From Mid-July through August dust off the tube stashed in the garage and drop it in the river for a cooling trip down the Poudre.  Know the dangers and tube at your own risk.  Note I did say Mid-July through August.  Earlier may have the river too high and moving too fast.
  • Bike to work. Every month is bike month in Fort Collins but June is actually Bike Month in Colorado.  To celebrate pedal yourself to work and enjoy all that our bike trails have to offer.  Find out more at the Bike to Work Website.
  • Go Put Putting!  Have some fun and play mini golf.  Fort Fun is located at 1513 E, Mulberry is just waiting for you with one of the most fun mini golf courses in the area.  They also offer go karts, bumper cars, giant slide and an arcade.  You do not have to be a kid to have fun here.

And Finally

  • Play a painted piano in Old Town. Pianos about town, brings locally painted pianos to our city’s nooks, crannies and alleys.  Thirteen donated pianos are all about town.  Sit down and show the world what you can do on a piano.  Is your song a simple one?
  • Catch a concert. Try out the Lagoon Summer Concert Series at Colorado State University. They are making a comeback after 2020 series being canceled.  This year they have two scheduled.  One on July 9th and the other on July 31.  Go to LagoonSeries.com for more information. Grab your lawn chair and a blanket and get ready to enjoy some live music.