Everyone loves a vacation. I understand it. Sometimes I picture myself sitting on a beach in the tropics or taking in the sights of Italy for my getaway. But are you like me and have noticed that vacations aren't always the most rejuvenating experiences we hope for?
However, did you know that doing a staycation instead of a vacation can make a massive difference in revitalizing your energy and mind? Staycations, mainly when sticking around the city of Fort Collins, can offer similar things that vacations can and allow you to explore without the stress.
Plus, an important thing to remember about staycationing in Fort Collins is that the money you spend goes back into our local economy. You can support an abundance of locally owned businesses in the city while grabbing much-needed R&R for yourself.
Now that we've piqued your interest in wanting to staycation in Fort Collins, you may be wondering what will constitute the perfect getaway. That's where Old Town Food Tour is here to help you out, with some tips, tricks, and what to see while staying in Old Town.
You've decided you want to staycation in Old Town, but where should you stay?
The city of Fort Collins is filled with fantastic lodging experiences, but there are two that we highly recommend to both the local community and visitors from afar. The Armstrong Hotel (259 South College Avenue) and Remington Flats (813 Remington Street) can offer you an experience that you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Let's start with the Armstrong Hotel, an icon of Old Town Fort Collins since 1923. Over the years, the hotel has seen many changes, updates, and renovations, with the last update occurring in 2019. The lobby, rooms, and public spaces throughout The Armstrong are simply stunning, and you will be in awe as soon as you walk through the front door.
We recently had a chance to call The Armstrong Hotel our "staycation home" for two nights, and we won't forget our experience. What makes the stay even more exciting is knowing that Ace Gillett's is only a couple of minutes from your room, so you can enjoy a drink (or two or three) along with the food (get the Dynamite Tots!) and not have to worry about calling an Uber or taxi. When you head to Ace Gillett's, make sure you say hello to manager Samantha Garoutte and Benjamin, who made the most amazing drinks during our stay.
We also highly recommend staying at Remington Flats Hotel, which is locally owned and operated by Annie and Doug Cross and is the city's highest-rated hotel on Google based on reviews from their guests. Remington Flats Hotel is perfectly located across from Colorado State University and only blocks from Old Town Square, so you can be close to everything going on downtown but still have the chance to break away from the busyness when you would like to.
Offering a truly unique stay on one of Fort Collins most historic streets where upon stepping onto the property you'll be transported into a whimsical setting complete with fairy and vegetable gardens, hammocks, and firepits. With carefully curated amenities which include local craft beers, teas, and coffee's along with amenities found in high-end hotels; Remington Flats will exceed your expectations. Guests at the hotel most often rave about having the comforts of home with each room having a private patio and full in-room kitchen and cozy design details which let you know that Annie and Doug have created a very special experience for their guests. They are committed to ensuring that guests receive a five-star experience during their stay, and because they operate every aspect of the hotel, they won't fall short of that.
When you staycation at Remington Flats, we highly suggest leaving your car at home! They proudly boast a collection of vintage New Belgium Cruiser bikes available exclusively for our guests. With one per guest, you'll find them a perfect way to explore Old Town and the nearby breweries; notify them in advance, and they'll send you off in style!
Lastly, if you book a stay at Remington Flats and want to participate in an Old Town Food Tour, make sure you ask Annie about the special discount that their guests receive to take part in a tour. You don't want to miss it!
You are at the hotel for a fun staycation - What should you check out?
Old Town Fort Collins has many stores, sights, and activities to participate in throughout the year - almost too many to list! But we highly recommend checking these out during your time downtown:
Take in an Old Town Food Tour or Libations Experience: While we may be biased, we think the perfect thing to do during your staycation is to sample all of the great restaurants, distilleries, and breweries that line Old Town. During the winter months, the Signature Food Tour is available Friday - Sunday 2 - 5 p.m. and, from June - October, Tuesdays and Wednesday from 4 - 7 p.m. The Libations Experience occurs every Thursday starting at 6 pm.
Museum of Art Fort Collins: MoA should be on your schedule if you enjoy art and culture. They are a nationally recognized leader inspiring others to experience the world differently through the arts, and you'll be amazed by the unique exhibits that arrive at the museum throughout the year. When you're making plans, visit their website to see their current exhibition and how you can take part in it.
The Exchange: Located in the 200 Block of North College Avenue, The Exchange is an open-air experience personified by inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and delicious beer. Whether it's enjoying a Gold n' Stormy from Coppermuse, sipping on a sour from Crooked Stave, or playing indoor miniature golf at Old Town Putt, you could spend hours at The Exchange and have fun with every minute that passes by.
Take a Fort Collins Ghost Tour: Follow up your Old Town Food Tour experience with a tour of the city's haunted history. Their tours are regularly scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays, but they can also offer affordable private tours during the week. Keep in mind that children are allowed on tours; however, they ask that you don't bring kids under the age of 12 as some of the stories told are inappropriate for those younger. However, these tours are fun and will create many memories for you and your group!
Shop local: Since you're staycationing in Old Town Fort Collins, we'd love to see that you continue to keep your dollars local and shop with the unique small businesses that are the backbone of our community. Old Town Fort Collins has something for everyone from the comfortable and stylish clothing at Akinz, the sounds of vinyl from All Sales Vinyl, and the great reading you can bring home from Old Firehouse Books.
Ultimately, an Old Town Fort Collins staycation is ideal for restoring and revitalizing your mind, body, and spirit while also supporting local. Make it a goal to capture this time in 2023. Believe us; it will create memories that you won't forget!