Third Date Change is the Charm!
Things To Do
Little Bird Bakeshop
Sarah started coming up to Fort Collins when she lived in Greeley to go to yoga classes and found Little Bird to be a perfect place to read a book and linger over a perfect cup of coffee. She still loves indulging in a latte and a treat at Little Bird. The almond croissant is her favorite. (Closed on Mondays.)
Old Firehouse Books
Avid readers! Please support our local bookshop while you are here and buy a book, or a card, or a pair of novelty socks, or even just a CO sticker. Help sustain one of the very few remaining local bookshops on the Front Range. Also, check out Happy Lucky's Tea House next door. Thank you!
Nick's Italian
This is OUR place. Just blocks from our house, Nick's has become our go-to for all things in need of celebration including Sarah's 40th birthday + getting tenure party. It's also the place where Sarah and Nate go for date night and to have long talks about everything from life's biggest challenges to its best moments. We recommend the frito misto, the burger, the wild mushroom pizza, and a couple of Old Fashioneds to wash it all down. Be sure to make a reservation!
Pour Brothers Community Tavern
This fine establishment is one of our favorite bars for creative cocktails, an interesting beer list, and totchos. Plus, their community support business model contributes to many of our favorite non-profits in town.
Social
Even Fort Collins residents will slap on some lip gloss and wipe the mud off their hikers for this swanky cocktail lounge.
little on mountain
little is really little. A long walnut bar, some outdoor seating, and a slate of excellent farm-to-table plates perfect for sharing with a friend or two. Well worth it, but expect to wait a little. While you wait, pop into Beavers Market next door to pick up any essentials. :)
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
A very special place. We got engaged here, and if it isn't too hot, we recommend this spot for gorgeous vistas. The hiking here is a bit flatter than most areas nearby, and you may even see the herd of bison that roams the prairie.
Young Gulch
Nate and his WRV volunteers rebuilt this trail after it was destroyed by fire in 2012 and floods in 2013 (the year Sarah arrived in CO). The forest service re-opened the Young Gulch trail to the public just this past fall after four full years of labor. For the majority of our relationship, the trail has held a central role. Sarah has hiked it at many points of its development and been awed by the work. Nate has truly lived and breathed it, and sustained many injuries while rebuilding it (he'll show you photos!). While you're out there, you can look for all the bits of fingers and toes Nate and his trailbuilders left behind, or you can focus on the 23 remarkable stream crossings, the elegant switchbacks, and the hand-built rock walls carefully constructed for your hiking pleasure.
The Mishawaka
After you hike Young Gulch, head up the canyon to the Mish for food and drinks on the river. Inexpensive, rustic, and perfect for the muddiest, sweatiest mountain explorers. Nate has spent many many hours here and recommends the wings.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Want a day at the "beach"? Horsetooth has picnic areas, a swim beach, and paddleboards etc... for rent.