256 South. Downtown Lodging . Established 1923.

Thrill seekers rejoice! Fort Collins and surrounding Northern Colorado are an adventure-lovers playground. During the summer months, getting out on the water is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors. We’re lucky to have not one, but two incredible water sources in our hometown: The Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir! Read on for our perfect 2-day summer itinerary for a trip to Fort Collins.

Day One

Start your day with a delicious brunch at The Silver Grill Cafe!

This local favorite is known for its famous cinnamon rolls. These cinnamon rolls are a beloved specialty of the cafe and have gained quite a reputation in the local community. The rolls are large, fluffy, and generously coated with a sweet, buttery icing.

They are often described as melt-in-your-mouth delicious and are a favorite among both locals and visitors. The cafe also offers a variety of other breakfast items, including omelets, pancakes, and classic American breakfast dishes.

After breakfast, head to the Poudre River for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. We recommend booking your rafting tour well in advance to make sure you get the day and time you want. Rocky Mountain Adventures, Mountain Whitewater, and A Wanderlust Adventure offer exciting trips suitable for all skill levels.

For dinner, try a neighborhood staple, The Crown Pub. This cozy British-style pub is known for its friendly atmosphere and tasty bar food. They serve classic British dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, alongside a wide selection of beers on tap.

End your evening walking around Old Town or head back to the hotel and join us down at Ace Gillett’s Lounge. Our speakeasy-style bar features lively music and craft cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a nightcap. Open Wednesdav-Sundav at 5pm.

Day Two

Enjoy a tasty brunch at Ginger and Baker. Nestled in a charming. historic building, this neighborhood gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere; the aroma of fresh baked goods doesn’t hurt either! The brunch menu at G + B showcases creative flavor combinations and the use of fresh, quality ingredients. They take traditional brunch items and add their own unique twist to elevate the flavors. The kitchen often introduces special brunch items that highlight the flavors of the season. These specials add variety and excitement to the menu, allowing guests to try something new and unique during their brunch visit. Don’t miss out on a Ginger + Baker brunch!

After brunch, visit Horsetooth Reservoir, a beautiful recreational area just west of Fort Collins. Here, you can rent stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, and even boats; there is something for everyone at Horsetooth! Read our blog on The Best Things To Do At Horsetooth Reservoir This Summer for more information.

We recommend booking your rentals ahead of time at What’s SUP, FOCO Adventures, or Inlet Bay Marina. Explore the calm waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding foothills.

For dinner, try The Still Whiskey Steaks or Rare Italian Steakhouse.

The Still is a stylish restaurant specializing in whiskey and serving mouthwatering steaks and other American fare, while Rare combines the best of both worlds, offering a refined steakhouse experience with an Italian twist. It’s known for its selection of premium cuts of steak, cooked to perfection and served with classic steakhouse accompaniments like flavorful sauces and indulgent sides. Either spot is a perfect ending to a day on the reservoir!

There are so many activities to experience, places to enjoy and shops, dining and more just outside our doorstep. Check out our other blog posts for more local’s insight on the best things to do during your visit to beautiful FoCo. See you soon!