CSU GAME DAY

This fall is the perfect time to head to Fort Collins to watch the Rams in all their glory. Rather than just coming for the game, consider extending your stay for a nostalgic Fort Collins weekend packed with stops at all of your favorite haunts from your college days. And even if you’re not alum, experiencing these iconic Fort Collins locales and restaurants is something you’re sure to remember. Visit our Fall page for seasonal inspiration.

No matter what your favorite pastimes are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Collins. Here's just a few of our favorite local activities that are sure to please:

• Catch a movie: Head to Overland Trail to watch a double feature at the Holiday Twin Drive-In, one of only seven drive-in movie theaters left in the state of Colorado. Moviegoers have been enjoying flicks at this iconic spot for more than 50 years.

• Head to Horsetooth Reservoir: If you're in town for a late-summer game, head to the iconic Horsetooth Reservoir to play and cool off. You can rent a boat, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or hydrobike from the Inlet Bay Marina. If it’s a little cooler, consider hiking to Horsetooth Falls, a 3.4-mile loop hike that’s one of the most family-friendly you’ll find. For a different vantage point of the reservoir, hiking to Arthur’s Rock in Lory State Park never disappoints — the views of the reservoir and the city of Fort Collins are some of the best you’ll find.

• Explore the campus: If your significant other, friend or child has yet to really see Colorado State University, take the time to walk them around the tree-lined Oval, which is prettiest in the fall, and point out some of the historic buildings that date as far back as 1881. 

• Dance to live music: Fort Collins is a music-centric destination, and on any given night, you can experience live music. If you are downtown, you can catch a show at the historic Aggie Theater, sister venues Washington's and The Armory, intimate venue The Coast, and the iconic live shows at The Magic Rat. If you will be in Fort Collins through October, take the scenic drive through Poudre Canyon to discover the legendary Mishawaka Amphitheater for brews and beats along the river. Check out our calendar to see what concerts are happening when you will be in town.

For more inspiration, visit our things to do page!

BREAKFAST

• The Silver Grill Café (218 Walnut St): This breakfast hotspot is Northern Colorado’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1933, widely known for its enormous fresh-baked cinnamon rolls. The iconic restaurant’s breakfast and lunch menus offer traditional home-style food and weekly specials with a view of historic Old Town surround diners.

• Just Love Coffee Cafe (1335 W. Elizabeth St): A local family owned specialty coffee shop and restaurant in Fort Collins, CO, serving signature coffee drinks and a menu filled with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner food selections prepared using waffle irons.

LUNCH

•Ginger & Baker (359 Linden St): Visit this restored historic grain mill that’s become a hub for food and community. It is home to a market, bakery, restaurants, and a teaching kitchen, known for its made-from-scratch pies and comfort foods. 

• Avogadro’s Number (605 S. Mason St.): Along with fantastic live music, this offbeat eatery near CSU’s campus serves up a robust menu with lots of stellar vegetarian (and meat) offerings, including sandwiches, salads and pizzas. 

DINNER

• Crown Pub (134 S. College Ave.): This College Ave.-mainstay serves up tasty fare you might not expect to find in a pub: like Burmese samosas, Prince Edward Island mussels, blistered Shishito peppers, and more. 

• Cafe Vino (1200 S. College Ave.): This authentic Italian restaurant offers the finest, local and organic ingredients for an amazing dining experience. Decadent pastries made from scratch in-house, local craft brew, over 200 wines in a casual yet classy atmosphere where we encourage you to stay awhile.

TREAT YO'SELF

• Walrus Ice Cream (125 W. Mountain Ave.): At times, you’ll see a line out the door at Walrus Ice Cream, a beloved stop on Mountain Ave. The ice cream spot has been scooping your favorite flavors, from Swiss Dark Chocolate to Cookies & Cream, since 1987.

• Gyro Cart: Thank heavens, the Gyro Cart is still stationed at Mountain and College avenues ready to fill your tummy long after the sun sets. Considered the FoCo night bite, this is a must-visit.

CHEERS TO CRAFT BEERS

With more than 20 breweries in Fort Collins, it's no wonder Fort Collins is considered a beer enthusiast’s mecca. Visit our Breweries page to discover our amazing local breweries and sip on the best beer that Colorado has to offer.

• As Fort Collins’ oldest brewpub, CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewery is a must visit on a nostalgic Fort Collins adventure. Their delicious craft brews and convenient Old Town location make it the perfect place to spend a Happy Hour.

• Ride your bike over to the legendary New Belgium Brewing Company to enjoy their specialty draft beers like Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger, and more on their family-friendly patio. 

• The iconic Odell Brewing Company is a staple in the Fort Collins beer scene. Enjoy a specialty seasonal beer, or their classic IPA, on their beautiful tree-lined patio. 

• An Old Town Fort Collins landmark, the iconic Armstrong Hotel has played a vital part of the Fort Collins community for over 95 years. In spring 2019, they underwent thoughtful renovations to bring renewed luster to guestrooms and public spaces, while respecting the hotel's history and longevity. 

• The Elizabeth Hotel is conveniently located in Old Town, offering luxury accommodations inspired by music, art, and design. The luxury hotel pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene and features record players in the guest rooms, jazz music at the rooftop Sunset Lounge, and rock ‘n roll at The Magic Rat live music venue. Don’t miss this hip hotel’s three over-the-top themed suites: Beer & Bike; Music; and The Green and Gold Room, the perfect spot to land for an "All Things CSU" weekend.

• Remington Flats is a boutique studio hotel that also offers extended stay options, locally made snacks, and a fleet of New Belgium cruiser bikes perfect for exploring nearby Old Town.

• Edwards House is located just steps away from Old Town Fort Collins on Mountain Avenue. This bed and breakfast inn was built in 1904 in the Neo-classical “Denver” foursquare style that was popular at the turn of the century.

• Hilton Fort Collins located right across the street from Colorado State University. Complete with a Starbucks, swimming pool, and in-house restaurant, the Hilton is the perfect stay for a weekend of CSU family fun!

Check out all of our lodging options here.