Do It Like a Local, A Weekend Guide to Fort Collins

Outsiders think that "Planet Boulder" is one of the most green, outdoorsy, bicycle-oriented and progressive communities in Colorado, but insiders will tell you that Fort Collins is where the real fun is. For half the cost and with more of a laid back attitude than its pricier neighbor to the south, Fort Collins has something for every taste and budget. Love mircro brew beer? How about cycling? Is antiquing your thing? Fort Collins has more breweries per capita than any other city in Colorado. Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, this college town is also cycling mecca for road and mountain bike enthusiasts. There's a world class kayaking river that runs through the city, and the thriving Old Town area is so cute it was the inspiration for Disneyland California's Main Street corridor. While summer is one of the best times to visit, winter presents its own fun, with cross country skiing available minutes away in the Rockies and alpine fun at major resorts within an easy drive of downtown.

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New Belgium Brewing Company
Local hometown heroes New Belgium Brewing company operates in a completely green-powered structure where you can take a tour, sit and lounge in their comfy beer tasting room, learn fun facts about beer from their knowledgeable, super friendly staff and imbibe in up to five different generous samplings of their tastiest brews. All this,... More >
Local hometown heroes New Belgium Brewing company operates in a completely green-powered structure where you can take a tour, sit and lounge in their comfy beer tasting room, learn fun facts about beer from their knowledgeable, super friendly staff and imbibe in up to five different generous samplings of their tastiest brews. All this, at no charge. The brewery is easy to reach by bike or foot from Old Town. If you're taking a tour, call a couple of days ahead since spots fill up quickly. Just visiting the tasting room? Stop on by anytime but remember to grab a bite to eat somewhere else as they don't serve grub.
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City Park Nine Golf Course
Fort Collins has consistently been picked as a great place to golf by Golf Digest Magazine. With seven different courses and an indoor training range for those few days when the weather's too harsh to play outside, golfing on Fort Collins greens provides year round play at a fraction of the price of courses in larger cities. City Park... More >
Fort Collins has consistently been picked as a great place to golf by Golf Digest Magazine. With seven different courses and an indoor training range for those few days when the weather's too harsh to play outside, golfing on Fort Collins greens provides year round play at a fraction of the price of courses in larger cities. City Park Nine is one of three courses operated by the city of Fort Collins and known as the best nine hole course in Colorado. Located in the heart of the city in a lush, treed area adjacent to an historic cemetery, this course is a bargain to play with prices starting at just $13 for twilight play.
Affectionately known as "Avo's" by locals, this live music venue and restaurant serves up some of the best entertainment in the city.
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Avogadro's Number
Affectionately known as "Avo's" by locals, this live music venue and restaurant serves up some of the best entertainment in the city. The music varies each night but you can always find something you'll love to listen to, oftentimes without a cover charge. With all that money you saved, you can dine in the restaurant on any of their ... More >
Affectionately known as "Avo's" by locals, this live music venue and restaurant serves up some of the best entertainment in the city. The music varies each night but you can always find something you'll love to listen to, oftentimes without a cover charge. With all that money you saved, you can dine in the restaurant on any of their many bargain specials, including a good variety of vegetarian fare. Just don't expect world-class service, since this is a college hangout, after all.
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Drunken Monkey Cantina
Old Town Fort Collins is where all the cool kids go to party, and you'll find a large crowd of them every night swinging from barstools at the Drunken Monkey. How can you go wrong at a place that has swings for barstools, and a tropical theme decor? It's hard to choose between sitting on the swings or grabbing a window seat, since eit... More >
Old Town Fort Collins is where all the cool kids go to party, and you'll find a large crowd of them every night swinging from barstools at the Drunken Monkey. How can you go wrong at a place that has swings for barstools, and a tropical theme decor? It's hard to choose between sitting on the swings or grabbing a window seat, since either location is a great place to people watch and party. The full bar offers every drink imaginable, and you can even grab some really tasty 49 cent fish tacos for happy hour while you're sucking down that margarita.
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Inn at City Park
Situated on five treed acres in the heart of an historic neighborhood with stunningly restored homes and adjacent to Fort Collins City Park, this quaint five room B&B offers up tasty home cooking, comfortable surroundings and even bicycle rentals for getting around town like a local. The only negative aspect of this fabulous place is t... More >
Situated on five treed acres in the heart of an historic neighborhood with stunningly restored homes and adjacent to Fort Collins City Park, this quaint five room B&B offers up tasty home cooking, comfortable surroundings and even bicycle rentals for getting around town like a local. The only negative aspect of this fabulous place is that they don't allow pets. Rates start at just $99 per night.
Situated on five treed acres in the heart of an historic neighborhood with stunningly restored homes and adjacent to Fort Collins City Park, this quaint five room B&B offers up tasty home cooking, comfortabl...
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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