Originally published in the Winter + Spring 2018 issue. 

From modern new hotels and innovative retail projects to tasty new dining concepts, Fort Collins is hip and happening these days. Spend a few days in this craft culture mecca and you’ll soon understand what draws people back to this lively Northern Colorado hotspot again and again. Here’s the rundown on where to eat/sleep/play/drink.

Where to fuel

Housed in the former Northern Colorado Feeders Supply, a 106-year old local landmark, Ginger and Baker opened this fall. This charming spot in the hip and happening River District is dedicated to all things pie — be it a sweet berry or cream pie, or more savory fare, like a pot pie or shepherd’s pie. You’re sure to feel welcome, whether you’re there to tuck into a homemade meal from the new restaurant The Cache, to sip a warm beverage at the coffee and pie shop, scope out the teaching kitchen or shop for unique gifts in the market.

Where to rest

The new 164-room Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town opened to the public in November 2017 and pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene. With record players in the guest rooms, inspired artwork and a piano in the Sky Bar, a musical theme permeates this modern luxury hotel.

Where to play

Stop into Ascent Studio, an 18,000-square-foot climbing and fitness facility with a welcoming vibe that opened in late 2016. This bright, colorful studio offers routes for climbers of every ability. There are also a slew of yoga classes from which to choose, including power flow, restorative, Ayurveda and even acro yoga.

Where to drink

In Fort Collins, the adage “life is too short to try just one” is taken seriously and, as such, you can sample a flight at myriad spots around town. If you love beer, opt for one of the area’s 21 breweries, or sample a variety at some of the town’s award-winning beer bars — like The Mayor of Old Town or Tap and Handle. If cider is your jam, Scrumpy’s Cider on North College Avenue in Old Town serves its own Summit Hard Cider in flavors like tart cherry, strawberry basil and chocolate cherry. Vino lovers should head to Lost Prairie Winery’s tasting room and spirit aficionados should be sure to visit one of the area’s distilleries: Elevation 5003 Distillery and Mobb Mountain Distillers are both top notch but Feisty Spirits Distillery holds the distinction of being Fort Collins’ very first distillery.

Photo by Richard Haro.

As the owner of SkyWrite Communications & Content, Caramie Petrowsky crafts messages that resonate. She spent 12 years working as a journalist, including eight as the Vail Daily A&E Editor, before starting her own company, which focuses on strategic content creation and public relations.