Last Saturday, because it was going to be a balmy & sunny day, we decided to take advantage of the weather and head north for our first visit to Fort Collins. It's about 25 minutes from Longmont.
Our drive up was along Hwy 287, which is the more scenic route, taking us through downtown Longmont and Loveland up to the heart of Fort Collins.
Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University. From our brief drive past, it looks to be a very impressive campus, one to which I would like to return and wander (like we did at Tulane in NOLA). It looks like it would be its most beautiful during the blooming of late spring or, the opposite, under the blazing colors of fall. (A future employer of either, better yet both, of us, perhaps??)
Boulder & Fort Collins share similarities: college towns, walkable downtown shopping/eating areas, residential areas near both. But there was a different feel to Fort Collins. I can't really describe it. (However, a high school friend, while chatting about this subject on Facebook, mentioned it to be different than "the People's Republic of Boulder"! He lived in Longmont, worked in Fort Collins and his wife worked in Boulder, so he was well-versed on the areas.)
We parked at the county courthouse and walked about 2 blocks to the bustling downtown, which is comprised of many old buildings that have been repurposed for other commercial uses. I love the history!!! Almost immediately, Chris says how he LOVES it here and could live here. Except...it is a bit more north than we like, not to mention he would have to be working at CSU as there is NO way he would commute to CU-Boulder or Johnson & Wales in Denver!!!!
I could see it, too, tho. I mean, it is another 25 minutes or so north of Denver, THE City, but I think one could find pretty much all one needs within Fort Collins (and, besides, Longmont and even Boulder aren't THAT far to the south)!! I believe the housing prices are more reasonable than either Boulder or Denver (maybe, Longmont...I would have to research that). It's got the big college. There are lots of restaurants, so you wouldn't be repeating any too soon. (We received a recommendation for The Crown Pub, for bangers & mash!!) There was a performing arts theatre. Several bars, too. And, if I'm not mistaken, I believe New Belgium beer is produced in Fort Collins. There are museums and other culture, as well. Plenty for the two of us!!
Coincidentally, it is one of the two places my friend, Trixie, and her brood would pick upon their (eventual) return to Colorado. The other, I suspect, is the People's Republic of Boulder! :)
Oh, and it seems that, contrary to what we both thought, Fort Collins gets less snow than Boulder! (Longmont a little less than Fort Collins...yet, I just can't see us settling in Longmont.)
It was a pretty windy day that was really putting a bite in the air. And you know what that means, right? We needed a hot beverage! Off to select a coffee shop!
Chris spotted one, Café Bluebird, so in we went. Quaint, tiny place. Wood tables & chairs, a bit mismatched. Small baked goods display, inside which were goodies made on site, to include both sweet & savory delights. While we didn't avail ourselves of any of the eye candy (THIS visit), we ordered 2 coffees. To our surprise, a delightful one at that, they French press to order! The condiment bar (which also doubles as the place to bring used dishes) was a very large wood armoire. I am looking forward to our return visit, where we will enjoy our coffee & sweets while sitting at one of the tables in this French-inspired café!
We are going back between now and Christmas to see the downtown area under holiday lights! And, I think, to enjoy some bangers & mash!
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