A Summer Day in Fort Collins | A local Guide

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting Fort Collins for the first time, there’s no denying summer in this city is a magical season! Our sunny days, cool nights, and abundance of Rocky Mountain beauty make this place the perfect summertime destination. Not sure where to start? Here’s our itinerary for the ultimate summer day in Fort Collins!

Breakfast of Champions

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at a local hotspot! With such an array of locally owned eateries, everyone is bound to have their favorite place. We’re partial to the cajun cuisine at Lucile’s, a great place for hearty fare located in a charming yellow house a few blocks from Old Town. Not looking for a big breakfast? Grab a delicious homemade pastry and locally roasted coffee from The Little Bird Bakeshop, located in Old Town Square! Everything is baked fresh daily with a whole lot of love!  

Shop Local

Take a stroll down College Avenue to hit up the vast array of locally owned shops! Here are a few of our favorite places to discover unique finds you won’t see anywhere else: 

Sunday Supply Co: Stop in at our brick and mortar shop to say hello! We’d love to meet you. While you’re here, let us help you find the perfect outfit for those warm summer days and cool nights. Shop from our range of sustainable home goods and locally made art and jewelry. Whatever brings you in, you’re welcome here!

Old Firehouse Books: Discover your next summer read at Northern Colorado’s largest independent bookstore. Located in Fort Collins’ first firehouse, this shop hosts book clubs and compelling conversations with various speakers and authors. 

Makerfolk: Pick out a souvenir from a local artist at Makerfolk–a little market located inside Bean Cycle Coffee. From small batch candles and artfully designed cards to handmade jewelry, pottery, and more, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Sign up for a thoughtfully curated subscription box and support the wonderfully creative community in Fort Collins. 

The Cupboard: Live out your Julia Child dreams and shop all things kitchen-related across two levels of cookbooks, cutlery, gadgets, home decor, and more! 

Outdoor Stores: We know you’re probably planning on enjoying all the nature this beautiful state has to offer. Get outfitted with quality bags and clothing designed to transition easily from the woods to the breweries at Topo Designs. And be sure to check out outdoor consignment shop The Gearage for a wide range of gear, great deals, and local insights.

Boutiques: We love the amazing boutique scene in this town! No trip to Fort Collins would be complete without a little shopping at our friends’ shops. Be sure to check out all the newest summer arrivals at Blue Harvest Apparel, Kansas City Kitty, Heyday, Acey Designs, JB Elliot, Lemons & Lace, Madd Style, Magpies Boutique, and Little Piece of My Heart. 

Mid-Morning Bike Ride

Sometimes the best way to get to know a place is with your own two wheels. And as any local can attest, the bike scene in Fort Collins is one of its many charms! Take the scenic route along the Poudre River and cycle more than 280 miles of relatively flat, well-maintained bike paths.

Lunch + a Sweet Treat

Enjoy a delicious sandwich at Choice City Butcher and Deli! Afterwards, sip on something refreshing from Starry Night Espresso Cafe!

Afternoon Fun

Beat the summer heat at Horsetooth Reservoir, located just twenty minutes outside of town. Take in the views of Fort Collins from the foothills on the drive up, then cool off with a bit of stand up paddleboarding (rentals available on shore) in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains!

Happy Hour

With more than twenty craft breweries and an always expanding bar scene, you don’t have to look far for a good drink to toast the end of a great day in Fort Collins. We love the happy hour menu at The Regional, a classy yet relaxed spot serving great bites, local beers, and delicious cocktails. 

Delicious Dinner 

For tasty Italian fare in the heart of Fort Collins, Rare Italian is your place. Enjoy classic dishes made with local ingredients and an extensive wine list. Want to sample something new? Head to City Park just west of Old Town for the Fort Collins Food Truck Rally! This favorite summertime activity features a wide variety of local food trucks serving up creative cuisines every Tuesday evening, June-September, as the sun sets over the mountains.  

A Perfect Summer Evening

What summer evening is complete without ice cream? Get yourself a scoop from local legend Walrus Ice Cream, then head north down College Avenue to the Lyric Cinema for an outdoor film. Showing a range of new releases and old school classics, it’ll be a movie night you won’t soon forget! 

Whatever your plans hold for the summer, we hope this itinerary of Sunday Supply favorites will help you discover–or rediscover–Fort Collins! It’s a special place and we’re glad you’re here. 

Sincerely, Sunday 

Photos:

Kelli Kroneberger | @kellikroneberger

Maggie Ecker | @maggiemayphoto