COME TO LIFE | Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley Avery House and adobe Museo de las Tres Colonias tell historic tales of gold seekers, water works and sugar beets. Most of the city’s 20-plus breweries offer free tours and tastings — pick up a tasting journal from the Downtown Visitor Center . Odell Brewing and New Belgium are cherished breweries within short distance. If you’re craving beaches more than beer, visit Horsetooth Reservoir . Red-stone cliffs flank the 6.5-mile lake, a favorite of hikers, bikers and rock climbers. Or hop in a raft to ride the Class III and IV rapids down the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Cache la Poudre . In the evening, whether you’re after thought-provoking pieces or lively entertainment, many performance venues are sure to scratch any creative itches. For starry night skies, Red Mountain Open Space , Soapstone Prairie and Coyote Ridge natural areas are a few places to spot far-away galaxies. The Northern Colorado Astronomical Society and Stargazer Observatory also host public events. COLORADO DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES NEW BELGIUM BREWING COMPANY BIKES, ART & BEER Cruise between Fort Collins , Loveland and Greeley , where bike trails, breweries, farm-to-table menus, museums, sculpture gardens and other artful spaces compete for visitors’ attention with natural beauty, plentiful recreation and the Poudre River. Day 1 In Fort Collins, you’ll find more than 280 miles of bike trails and lanes, and 70 percent of all the state’s craft-beer production. So whether you ride a cruiser, fixie or just a plain old bike, hop on and get pedaling! Kick-start the day with a cup from one of Historic Old Town ’s artisan coffee shops. Explore bookstores, shops and galleries while you sip. Hook up with a master naturalist for eagle watches, ecology walks, skygazing and more at the city’s more than 50 natural areas. For lunch, stop into one of three cool food hubs: Ginger and Baker , Jessup Farm Artisan Village or The Exchange , where food and craft beverages gather to make tasting easy. 156 1-800-COLORADO MILES/LISA SEAMAN. Kids in tow? Stop by the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery , focusing on the history of science and the science of history. Across town, Inspiration Playground lets those with and without disabilities play independently on the same equipment. Stop at the new Conservatory Butterfly House at The Gardens on Spring Creek for fluttery delights. The Victorian-era ALL THREE CITIES HOST FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS AND MOVIE NIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. Day 2 Point yourself a half-hour’s drive south to arts-obsessed Loveland . Spend time among Benson Sculpture Garden ’s more than 150 sculptures. Then head downtown, where charming blocks showcase historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Check out The Foundry , a new downtown MAGIC BUS TOURS AND MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS SCENIC RIDES OFFER EXCURSIONS THAT RUN THE GAMUT FROM FLY-FISHING-AND-BEER COMBO PACKAGES AND FARM-TO-TABLE DINING TO CRAFT-BREW CRUISES AND PRIVATE TOURS OF YOUR OWN MAKING.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 156
