A very Fort Collins
If you’re lucky enough to have a day to play in Fort Collins, here’s Dave’s recommended itinerary.
1. Fuel up at the Silver Grill.
The best way to start the day off right is at the Silver Grill. A Fort Collins landmark since 1933, this warm, inviting restaurant serves tasty, hearty breakfasts and is known for its unbelievable cinnamon rolls and cinnamon-roll toast.
2. Stroll around Old Town.
Now that you’re full up, it’s time for a walk. There’s a lot to see in the charming downtown (so charming it was used as the model for Disneyland’s Main Street!). Head two blocks west to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery—an interactive science-y museum that’s great for kids but has plenty for adults, too, including a Fort Collins history section. Just north of the Silver Grill, the Poudre River runs west-to-east and is edged by a wide walking/biking path. If it’s a warm day, you can stand on the bridge and watch kayakers navigate the Whitewater Park below. South of the Silver Grill is Old Town Square and lots of local shops housed in turn-of-the-century buildings.
3. Take a drive up Poudre Canyon.
When you’re ready to sit for a bit, hop in the car and drive into the foothills. One of the most beautiful routes into the Rocky Mountains is Poudre Canyon—just 15 minutes north of Old Town. The Poudre River flows down Poudre Canyon, and legend has it that name arose after 1800s French fur trappers stashed a cache of goods and gunpowder at the mouth of the canyon. Poudre means powder, and the river’s full name is Cache la Poudre.
The Poudre Canyon road (Highway 14) is a twisty two-laner flanked by foothills and sometimes sheer rock faces on either side. From the mouth of the canyon, if you drive about six miles up, you’ll reach Greyrock Trail—a fairly strenuous but popular 7.2-mile loop trail that climbs 2,400 feet in elevation and rewards you with amazing views at the top. If you’re going for a hike, be sure to carry water; you’ll need it! Drive another five miles up the canyon to Mishawaka restaurant and music venue. A local icon since 1916, it sits right on the river, and if the day is nice, you can grab a sandwich or burger and dine riverside on the deck. Many well-known bands play there during the summer, so you might want to return in the evening for a show.
4. Head back to town.
After the Mishawaka, keep going another 2.5 miles up the canyon. You’ll drive through a neat little rock tunnel and then see Stove Prairie Road. If you’re ready to head back to town, take a left on Stove Prairie Road. Travel south for five miles and you’ll come to Rist Canyon, which will take you back to Fort Collins. You’ll come through a small community called Bellvue. From there, head west and drive around Horsetooth Reservoir, a man-made lake about six miles long where Fort Collins residents waterski, fish, kayak, swim, and play. There are also camping spots, picnic areas, more hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and lots of places to boulder if you dare. What’s amazing about Horsetooth is it’s only a few minutes from town!
5. Pick your fancy.
If you’ve still got energy to spare and aren’t ready for dinner yet, you could take a stroll around the campus of Colorado State University, founded in 1870. CSU brings about 38,000 students to town each year and helps keep “Fort Fun” interesting and youthful. Students love the area so much that after graduating, many of them—as I did—stay, and Fort Collins keeps growing. Popular programs of study include business, biology, engineering, and parks and rec. CSU also launched a Fermentation Science degree program a few years ago, which brings me to a mention of Fort Collins’ many excellent breweries. You might want to pop in for a pint at one of the city’s famous craft breweries, like New Belgium or Odell, which both have lots of outdoor seating and for kids, room to play. About 20 years ago I helped found Fort Collins Brewery, which is now Red Truck and located next to Odell. Or if you have you young children, stop by The Farm at Lee Martinez Park and get an up-close view of the farm animals.
6. Relax and have dinner.
Why not settle in for dinner and conversation at another Fort Collins landmark? The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant—locals just call it “The Rio”—serves excellent Tex-Mex fare and legendary margaritas. My favorite is the Big Tex. Sit on the back patio next to the fountain if you can.
7. Plan for tomorrow.
Maybe tomorrow you could rent bikes and check out the area’s bike trails. A 35-mile paved bike and walking trail runs all over the entire city and up into the foothills. Or there are public gardens to meander, natural areas to explore, and more museums (and great breweries!) to visit. Plus Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hour’s drive away, up Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park.