Your Guide To The Ideal Fort Collins Staycation

From browsing back-alley boutiques to indulging at iconic eateries, discovering miles of beautiful biking trails to enjoying a relaxing massage, you don’t have to venture far from home to score the benefits of a little getaway. In fact, taking the time to explore some of the best kept secrets in our neighborhood can be a refreshing and welcome adventure. We put together a few of our favorite ideas for you to make the most of your next Fort Collins staycation.

Rent A (FREE) Bike & Explore

Check out one of our complimentary cruiser bikes to explore all of what Downtown Fort Collins has to offer! Take a self-guided brewery tour checking out some local favorites of New Belgium Brewery, Odell Brewing, and Horse & Dragon. After discovering your new favorite beer, head back to the hotel and downstairs to Ace Gillett’s for dinner and to find one of your favorite seasonal beers on tap!

Take the scenic route and explore the Poudre River Trail, located just a few minutes away from the hotel. Over 40 miles of scenic views awaits.

Relax, Recover, Recharge

What’s a little staycation getaway without the opportunity to relax and recharge? Schedule some time for self care during your stay, your body will thank you. Here are two great spots we love!

Amara Massage – located beneath the Armstrong Hotel, Amara Massage is locally owned and truly dedicated to a customized experience for you, in an environment that’s a perfect fusion of spa and wellness.

Hydrate IV Bar – located in Old Town Fort Collins on Linden Street, Hydrate is a quick (and beautiful) walk from The Armstrong Hotel. This locally-owned IV therapy spa promotes wellness from within, featuring comfortable chairs, soothing music and a menu of services for altitude sickness, wellness recovery, athletic performance and beauty. Their menu of services, professional team of nurses, and spa-like atmosphere is a unique way to experience Old Town Fort Collins as a traveler or local. And as an added perk – they always save space for last-minute appointments for guests who need to feel better fast. SPECIAL OFFER: With a confirmed reservation, you’ll be eligible to receive any signature IV cocktail up to $165 value for only $125.

Brunch

Who doesn’t love brunch? Not us. When we’re not serving up our seasonal brunch at Ace Gillett’s & Ace Café, here are a few of our other favorite spots to grab the best meal of the day and some bubbly.

Luciles – a creole café serving up Louisiana-inspired favorites like cajun biscuits and gravy with grits or Eggs New Orleans. Don’t skip an order of Beignets to start, and try a Cajun Mary or fresh squeezed juice to wash it down.

Silver Grill – an iconic spot that’s been serving Northern Colorado since 1933. Their “breakfast all day” menu has something for everyone from Chicken Fried Steak and Giant Cinnamon Rolls to Beer Braised Corned Beef Benedict.

Rainbow – a colorful breakfast & lunch restaurant with a great outdoor patio. Serving up vegan & gluten-free options, it’s a haven for those with special dietary needs, plus they serve yummy cocktails.

Unique Dining Experiences

From Airstreams & Trolleys to individual fancy sheds, Fort Collins has many unique and unforgettable dining experiences for all comfort levels and weather conditions. Here are a few of our favorite local spots.

Rio Grande – this Mexican restaurant serves up mouthwatering TexMex dishes and killer margaritas. Take a spot on their patio or in one of their super-awesome trolleys or mini airstreams!

Rare Italian – a traditional Italian restaurant serving up authentic dishes made from local, fresh, seasonal ingredients.  They are touted for some of the best steaks in Northern Colorado, and boast an extensive wine list of 60+ wines in-house. Dine outside on their patio which has been converted into mini “greenhouses” – each house for each separate group – which are cozy and safe from the winter weather

Linden Street – this area of town boasts lots of great restaurants and shops and flanks the Old Town Square. Most restaurants have extended their outdoor patio space under a canopy of lights for a great evening experience. For laid back beers and delicious pub grub, try Coopersmith’s, Pour Brothers or The Blind Pig. And be sure to stroll down to Ginger & Baker – a café, market, kitchen and bakery set in a historic old mill.

Explore & Discover

Riding The Trails

There are hundreds of well-maintained biking and hiking trails within the city of Fort Collins and surrounding area. From Horsetooth Reservoir to the Poudre River, there are lots of beautiful natural wonders to take in as well. Front Range Ride Guides provides customized guided rides for all ages & abilities included mountain biking, fat tire biking, and trail riding!

Visiting The Museums

History and culture abound in Fort Collins, and all of our wonderful museums are within walking distance of the Armstrong hotel!

The Fort Collins Museum of Art exhibits large, touring art shows including many contemporary artists, housed in a historic Post Office.

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is great for families with kids (or the kid in you!), providing a full hands-on experience, exploring and playing with music, science, and history.

The Global Village Museum offers a huge collection of international miniatures to explore.

Local Shopping & Gifts

Nuance Chocolate – serving up local, authentic, honest, spirited bean-to-bar chocolate, made straight from beans roasted and ground in Old Town Fort Collins. Their Chocolate Flights are something that cannot be missed!

Rocky Mountain Olive Oil – owned by a husband and wife team who are passionate about healthy living, this local shop has you covered for cooking, baking, eating and gifting. Sample a variety of their oils with an Olive Oil Tasting, and we’re sure you’ll leave more knowledgeable and truly satisfied! Bonus – they offer discounts for hotel guests!

Little Horse Vintage – this unique antique shop is always fun to browse around, with everything from vintage records to books to chotchkies.

Topo Designs – born and bred in Fort Collins, this outdoor adventurer haven will have you styling as you take on the many activities and adventures around our city and beyond.

So there you have it! Next time you’re looking for a great little getaway to beautiful Northern Colorado, you can bookmark this handy list and take full advantage of our little town.