Fort Collins, CO – It’s all country & beer

A year ago, when my son Jordan said he was going to move to Fort Collins, CO to go to college, I was sad he was moving so far away. A two-hour plane ride from San Diego and then one hour drive north of Denver, Fort Collins is home to one of my favorite breweries New Belgium, so I figured out ways to visit him often during this past year. I love discovering new cities and am one of those people who picks up the local paper and city guide the minute I get there to familiarize myself with the highlights, character, adventures, and places to eat.

I just returned from a trip to Fort Collins, to move Jordan back home – YEAH he’s coming home, and sad I won’t get to go visit this quaint town as often.  I did fall in love with this town, and understand why Money magazine rates it #1 (2006) and #6 (2010) Best Cities to Live in America: “Bikers and beers. In most parts of the country, those two elements may be reasons to move elsewhere. But in the foothills of Colorado’s Front Range, bikers mean cyclists: Fort Collins has 29 miles of well-used trails.” says Money magazine 2010 article.

Here are some of my favorite things in Fort Collins, and a journal of my visits there:

The Snow – nice if you don’t have to shovel it or live in it – visit, ski, and go.

Old Town – cute boutiques & shops, unique restaurants, breweries, and peddle powered beer parties in a cart.

Starry Nights Cafe, Beaujo’s Colorado Pizza, Canyon Chop House,

Hiking and the mountains – Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Horsetooth Reservoir

Colorado State University, red brick stately and grand.

Golf – Miniature golf (Fort Fun!) and regular golfing (Collindale Golf Course)

Because I was busy moving Jordan in and then out, and the fact that he isn’t 21 yet, there are a few things I didn’t get to do but wanted to — The Peddle Pub Beer tasting tour, checking out bikes from the Bike Library and riding , around town, visiting Estes park, skiing, river rafting, wine tasting, frisbee golf, and playing in the snow.  So I’m sure I’ll be back, and likely bring Jordan with me so he can visit the friends he made while working at Fort Collins Motorsports.