5 Hidden Gems Everyone in Fort Collins must visit
Fort Collins, the gem of Northern Colorado. The place I’ve called my “home away from home” for the past year and a half. As a sophomore at Colorado State University, I’ve gotten to explore my college town and pick out my favorite places. As much as everyone loves a day at Horsetooth Reservoir or a stroll down Old Town, I favor the small gems throughout the town. The small town feels inside a city as big as Fort Collins is rare, but becomes the best place once found. To help first-year students, and even graduating seniors, experience my favorite places, I compiled the best five to share.
- Maggie’s Tacos
Maggie’s Tacos has become a staple in my food place rotations ever since I discovered it over spring break. The taco truck, located up North College, in the Jax Outdoor Gear parking lot is a little piece of heaven in Fort Collins. Offering a range of authentic Mexican street food. Maggie’s Tacos hits the spot through taste and budget every. Single. Time. The burritos, enough for two meals, are $5. I have never been disappointed whether it’s the quesadillas or even the Mexicali burger. Offering everything from carnitas to lengua (tongue), Maggie’s has everyone’s favorite.
2. The Lyric
The Lyric can best be described in one word, eclectic. Best known for its unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else around town, let alone in America, The Lyric is home to a variety of events. Whether it’s a local band playing, or a cult classic movie showing, The Lyric has it all. Their food isn’t one to be brushed off either. The chicken fingers with garlic dipping sauce are not to be missed.
3. CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens
Right off College Avenue, in front of the University of the Arts, is one of the university’s best-kept secrets. The trial gardens are the best place to take a stroll at the beginning of the semester or go for a date night picnic in the summer. Dedicated to horticultural research, the flower garden began operations in 1971. Originally located on the body of the main campus, the gardens were moved to their current provide more adequate room for new plant genera and varieties.
4. The Pond Ice Rink at Foothills
Looking forward to winters in Fort Collins can be daunting. Even as someone who loves to ski, I loathe the slush on the roads, the frigid walks to class and always having four layers on. The pop-up skate rink at Foothills Mall scrapes my worries away. The frozen body of water is the largest outdoor rink in Northern Colorado. It runs each winter from late November through March. Students even receive discounts on admission and rentals! The food vendors on-site provide a great variety of after-skate session snacks.
5. Old Town Churn Ice Cream
The Giant bucket churn in Old Town is hard to miss, even by newbies to the town. The 26-foot-tall ice cream churn is in The Exchange, in the upper corner of Old Town. A catalyst where local artists perform, and vendors sell their food in a dog-friendly environment, Old Town Churn Ice Cream provides the perfect sweet craving after having a bite. Offering shakes, malts, sundaes, banana splits, and even Pup Cups in addition to their handmade ice cream, the oversized bucket has someone for everyone.
