An Un-Tourist Guide: Seven things for the Social Introvert to do in Fort Collins:
Everyone has their vice, and if yours is not always parties, bars or just people in general, then it should definitely be some form of dessert. Fair warned, dessert is a reoccurring trend in this article. So, from an accumulation of my own experience I have formed a list of nightly adventures to get you out of the house while staying far enough from the masses of people.
Article and Photography by Lily Shain
1. Buddha Body
Starting off the list is one of the rare occasions where I don’t include candy or dessert. This introverted adventure begins by smelling, buying, and even tasting the multitude of teas available at Ku Cha House of Tea in Old Town. After a cup of tea and a bag of loose leaf to go, Om Ananda Yoga or Old Town Yoga are perfect venues for a yoga session within walking distance. In reality, yoga can be very social, so going back to practice yoga in your own home might be the best option. Even better, getting tea and just skipping the yoga part all together, or for me personally, skipping both and just getting dessert.
Average Price of Introvert Night #1 =$10 Tea+$15 Yoga =$25
2. D.I.Y. for the Cheap and Crafty
If you are more in the “Do It Yourself” mood but aren’t interested in the appeal of Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, try finding your supplies at a local thrift shop such as Brand Spanking Used or Habitat for Humanity. From terrariums to furniture, second hand stores offer any array of options to keep your night busy crafting away in the comfort of your own home.
Average Price of Introvert Night #2= $10-$25 (Depending on how hard you want to craft).
3. Bang!Bang!
From Comedian Louie C.K. the “Bang Bang” is when you eat two entire meals of different ethnicities at two different restaurants back-to-back. I have modified this lifestyle choice to “Try Every Pizza Place In One Night.” Yes, that is exactly what you would do. I recommend starting at Pizza Casbash, moving to Krazy Karls (can’t buy by the slice), and finishing your night with Cosmo’s and a mason jar full of spicy ranch.
Average Price of Introvert Night #3= Around $15
4. Bad Soda and Even Worse Movies
When going out to the movies, I always suggest sneaking as much food into your pockets as you can in order to avoid high costs and mostly to avoid people. Rocket Fizz Pop & Candy Shop offers an array of candy that gets me more hyped than any amount of alcohol or socializing could ever do. Along with your childhood treats, Rocket Fizz overs specialty soda flavors from Bacon, Green Apple Jalapeno, to Gourmet Chocolate. The best combo for these oddities is Lyric Cinema’s Bad Movie night every first Saturday of the month. Bad movie nights consist of a mystery B-Movie with added text commentary and edits.
Average Price of Introvert Night #4= $6 Movie + $6 Candy/Soda= $12
5. Sketchy Underground Places
Sketchy places are usually the best places. That is why I am pairing food carts up with Pinball Jones. If you go to Old Town Square on a typical weekend night, there is usually a bratwurst food cart, not truck, cart. Get a bratwurst then head down the very steep metal steps to the underground world of pinball known as Pinball Jones.
Average Cost of Introvert Night #5 = $10-$12
6. Long Reads and Lactose Dreams
There is a nostalgic feeling associated with wandering down the aisles of a book store, hiding away in corners to sit for hours and ending the night with a huge bowl of ice-cream and a tummy ache. Attempting to stray away from the masses, I recommend the used bookstore, Old Fire House Books, as well as Wolverine Farm Bookstore, a nonprofit, volunteer-run bookstore inside the Bean Cycle Coffee Shop. In my advice, the oddly best match for a night of reading is ice-cream. Several shops are in walking distance, including Walrus, Kilwin’s, Ben & Jerry’s and Coldstone Creamery.
Average Price of Introvert Night #6= $5.50
7. People Watching
Probably the most introverted thing you could do on this list, and you can do it almost anywhere there is people. My favorites are watching people and what they buy at grocery stores or sitting next to them at coffee shops and listening to their conversations.
Average Cost of Introvert Night # 7 = Priceless
