Ft. Collins CO suggestions
 

We'll be spending a couple of days in Ft. Collins later this month with our 2 grown children (20s). Any suggestions for activities, restaurants, lodging? We have never been to FC and would like to spend our time in or close to town (not Estes Park, Boulder or Denver). Thanks!

No idea what your interests are--but Old Town is very popular with many--shops, restaurants http://visit.ftcollins.com/visiting/oldTown.php

If you want to get out of town a little, a drive up Poudre Canyon (west of town) is fun and very scenic--take a picnic and stop and eat by the river. http://www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/poudre.html

Thanks martym, I'll check those out. Any specific restaurants you recommend?

The only restaurants I've eaten in lately in Ft. Collins (we're from the Denver area)-- Back Porch Cafe--great for breakfast; Coopersmith's in Old Town--brewpub food; Jay's Bistro on Oak--pricy but good. Friends of ours own Elliott's Martini Bar downtown--but it's more of a drinking than eating place.

If you'd like an unusual day trip, visit the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya--http://www.shambhalamountain.org/stupa.html It's about a hour outside Ft. Collins at the Shambhala retreat center. It's quite a structure.

There are lots of great walking/hiking trails into the foothills, an easy hike would be to Horsetooth Falls.
You can rent bikes around the city and enjoy the great trails. One of our favorite restaurants is Austin's located in Old Town and also on Harmony Road. Check their web site for their menu.
Inter-tubing and rafting down the Poudre River is another outdoor option.

Thanks for the suggestions!

The Rio is a happening Mexican restaurant in town. Food is only average to be honest but their margs are legendary and thee vibes their are decidedly fun. Great fun salsa dancing there on Tuesday evenings. All ages and abilities, non threatening.

El Monte, owned by the same folks serves great food and drinks. Location is hard to find but worth seeking out.
http://www.elmontegrill.com/

Around the corner from the Rio on Mason is Tasty Harmony, and organic vegetarian joint that is great. Try their burrito (after having a Rio marg!) or their big boy burger. Fantastic. Great desserts too and live music on Thursday.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tasty-harmony-fort-collins
http://www.tastyharmony.com/

Bisettis is a long-running Italian restaurant on College just south of Mountain, now conveniently located next to a gellato store.

Jays is a popular upscale restaurant and lounge
http://www.jaysbistro.net/

Lulu, across college from Bisettis, servers great Asian food.

Coopersmiths patio (especially the one on the square) is a great place to soak up the local vibes.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/coopersmith-...o-fort-collins

For cheap food you won't be disappointed at La Luz or Big City Burrito.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/laluz-fort-collins
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-city-burrito-fort-collins

The Rainbow is a staple of Fort Collins, they have been in town for more than 30 years.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rainbow-restaurant-fort-collins

The Fort Collins bike trail system is wonderful. Rent a bike and ride out to La Porte then back along the Poudre and Spring trails to Cathy Fromme prairie.

Check out the Swetsville Zoo south of town (not what you might think). Sadly there is a new super Walmart across the street now.

Just go downtown and hang out on any simmer evening. Free music on Friday and the first Friday art walk is great. Wonder around and see what catches tour eye, Lots of dining options.

Have a drink at Luscious Nectar.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/luscious-nectar-fort-collins

For nearby hiking try Horsetooth Rock, Lory State Park or Greyrock Mountain, all can be hot in the summer but go early or late in the day.

Go have a beer at New Belgium Brewery.

Their is a new jazz bar downstairs in the Armstrong hotel.

Have fun.

Thanks for the great suggestions! I think we need a longer stay :)