Most will agree that fall is the best time of the year. For most, it is the season to watch leaves turn, suck in the crisp air, and explore what Northern Colorado has to offer. Besides, you can’t spend the entire weekend sitting on your concrete patio enjoying a hot beverage and toasty fire. Northern Colorado is home to several activities that will make you enjoy the season even more. Your concrete contractor suggests that you take notes and set aside a few weekends to get through your to-do list.
Let’s Go Shopping
Old Town Fort Collins offers a magical experience for all who visit. Downtown Fort Collins is packed with unique shops and excellent eateries. Mind you, there is a lot to take in, so plan on spending the day there. And don’t worry about the kids, there are plenty of places they will enjoy as well. For example, Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys is filled with games, puzzles, science toys, and more. Just know that once you enter, your kids won’t want to leave.
For the adults, The Cupboard offers kitchen and home accessories, the kind of premium stuff you can’t really find anywhere else. In addition to kitchen tools and cutlery, The Cupboard stocks an impressive selection of specialty foods for your enjoyment.
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All of that walking and shopping in Old Town is bound to make you a bit peckish. So when it’s time to take a break and grab a bite to eat, there are several places you might want to check out. One staple in Old Town is Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing, and it is a delightful experience. Sor starters, they offer two patios, that’s right, you can enjoy your meal outside either in the front of the establishment or in the back, where there is ample seating. One of our favorite choices is the Bangers and Mash, with matches well with any of their brewed choices, even their homemade root beer.
Johnstown Plaza is another great fall destination for those who enjoy shopping adventures. The shopping center is filled with great names, including Scheels Sporting Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Tuesday Morning. You can even stop in for a haircut at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. And when it is time to eat, Cheba Hut offers some very tasty and creative sandwiches.
Sip Some Coffee
Coffee is a staple for many of us; we can’t go a few hours without thinking about a hot cup of Joe. So it’s a good thing that coffee shops can be found just about everywhere in Northern Colorado. We have nothing against the big chains that dot the landscape, places like Starbucks and Ziggi’s Coffee are plentiful and good, but we also like to support locally owned establishments.
If you are in Loveland, make sure you stop by Loveland Coffee Co. when you need a caffeine fix. In addition to all of your coffee favorites, this little gem of a shop also offers baked breads, bagels, and cookies. In a short period of time, you will be caffeine-fueled and ready to continue your daily tasks.
If you happen to be in Fort Collins, Cups Community Coffee has plenty to offer. Of course, they have an extensive selection of coffee and lattes, but they also provide wonderfully tasty smoothies. And since we all need food in addition to coffee to keep us going, there is an impressive menu filled with breakfast choices, sandwiches, and homemade banana bread.
Check Out the Beautiful Colors
There definitely isn’t a shortage of colors in Northern Colorado, and we are indeed fortunate to live so close to the mountains and the beauty they offer. There are so many places to hike and enjoy the fall foliage that we don’t even know where to start. There are several trails that provide excellent hiking and views like Devil’s Backbone, Coyote Ridge, and Horsetooth Mountian. But these places can get quite busy on the weekends, so here are a few places that might not be as busy.
Prairie Ridge Natural Area in Loveland is a new destination, and it isn’t too busy yet as many aren’t aware it exists. But, of course, this will change over time, so enjoy it before it becomes a busy place. Prairie Ridge offers a nice trail for hikers and cyclists, but leave Fido home as dogs are not allowed.
Pinewood Natural Area is an excellent place for a hike or bike ride if you are in Fort Collins. The trail circles Dixon Reservoir and wildlife is abundant. In addition, the trails snake through Spring Canyon Park, which offers a dog park, skate park, and baseball fields.
Northern Colorado is an exceptional place to live, and it is full of all sorts of things you can do. And while it is nice to stay at home and enjoy your patio, it is important that you get out and explore the region. If you live in Fort Collins, we encourage you to visit Loveland and see what it has to offer. If you live in Loveland, spend some time exploring what Fort Collins has to offer.
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