I’ve always been drawn to college towns. I love their energy. Athens, Oxford, Charleston. All favorites of mine. So on our national parks road trip, we needed a good stopping point between Lander, Wyoming and Estes Park, Colorado.
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, became a natural stopping point, especially because of the many breweries located nearby, which may have weighed heavier than I’m willing to admit. But what we needed from the crash pad stop turned into more.
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We arrived late in the day on Labor Day and spent a few hours walking around downtown before we could check into the La Quinta Inn Fort Collins, our digs for the night. It was the first time we’d seen the sign about not smoking anything in your room, complete with the leaf symbol.
I loved the vintage shops, colorful murals, and all-around city pride we found in Fort Collins. They have a bike share program, sponsored by New Belgium, that helps both locals and visitors get around with ease.
I was also pleased with the food and drink options around town. We started out at Fort Collins Brewery after we found that Odell Brewing Company was closed, where Sammi and I each tried a different style of beer. After checking in and getting our bearings, we went back out to Funkwerks, Inc. for my favorite sour beers and then to Black Bottle Brewery for hoppier varieties.
Sammi saw The Colorado Room recommended online, so we headed over for a dinner of tasty sandwiches (for me) and poutine (for her). Since New Belgium Brewing was closed for the holiday weekend, we stuck around in the morning until they opened at 11 am. It was the best decision of the entire trip because visiting the mothership allowed me to sample truly delicious beers that I wouldn’t otherwise have found.
The colorful, Victorian homes around town are more than just student apartments. You can also stay in them on your trip through Fort Collins. Fernweh Inn & Hostel is a budget-friendly option, opened by a traveler who had experienced the hostels of Europe, in a historic home.
They have both dorms and private rooms. The Armstrong Hotel is another historic property, built in 1923, has a modern loft feel. Remington Flats Hotel is another property in Victorian homes with funky furnishings. Airbnb has plenty of properties in town, allowing for a more local experience.
Hey Caroline! I was in Fort Collins at the end of August. We just missed each other! I have family that live just outside the town on some farmland. I had a blast there. Did some great shopping. Kanas City Kitty and White Balcony were great shops I went to. Also loved someone the places to eat!
Great suggestions, Kara! Next time, I’ll stay longer.