Back To Previous PageThe ushering in of a new year can provide a symbolic opportunity to take advantage of a fresh start. Finding the motivation to turn a new page can certainly be made easier when you’re treating yourself well. Wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so that’s why we’ve put together a diverse list of numerous ways you can treat yourself right in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado.
Find Peace in the Outdoors
Fresh air and nature are proven to help improve overall wellness. When you’re in Fort Collins, there is no shortage of opportunities to find peace in the outdoors through a calming nature walk, birdwatching, or hiking up one of the many trails in and around town. Below are a few picks for some of our favorite peaceful outdoor activities:
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Birding and Wildlife Observation at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area: This Fort Collins natural area does not allow for any pets and is handicapped accessible with 0.8 miles of paved trail. While spring and summer are more prime times for birding, an American Woodcock has been a regular winter visitor to the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for several years in a row. Mule deer, elk, and even the rare bobcat can be seen here.
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Take a Walk Along the Cache La Poudre River: The Poudre River Whitewater Park is a beautiful area north of Old Town Fort Collins to access the Cache La Poudre riverbank. There is an overlook plaza and a pedestrian bridge that connects to the Poudre Trail.
Thoroughly Pamper Yourself
Taking time to enjoy a spa day may be exactly what you need to start off the new year.
- Sanctuary Wellness Spa in the Downtown Oak Street Plaza provides a relaxing retreat through their various spa packages, all-natural botanically derived facials, body treatments, massages, reiki healing, salt therapy, and even wellness workshops.
- The Woodhouse in Downtown Fort Collins offers a variety of spa services to meet any of your desired wellness mood outcomes: connected, resilient, calm, confident, energized, or balanced. From facials, massages, to body treatments and more, there will be a service to meet your needs.
- For an even more unique relaxation experience: Float weightlessly inside of a pod or a cabin at the Samana Float Center and experience zero-gravity in a dense saline solution. The benefits are varied and can include feelings of being mentally energized and physically soothed.
Enjoy a Fresh Farm-to-Fork Wholesome Meal
Eating farm fresh produce in its season is a perfect way to taste foods at their peak flavors and even maximize their nutritional value. Fort Collins is home to several restaurants specializing in farm-fresh food :
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The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm: Dining at The Farmhouse is an opportunity to enjoy the best of handcrafted local farm-fare and craft cocktails inside of a historical rustic-inspired restored farmhouse building. Between the delicious menu offerings and the warm setting, this is one farm-to-fork restaurant you don’t want to miss trying.
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Ace Gillett’s at The Armstrong Hotel: Ace Gillett’s chefs are proud to support and be a part of the farm-to-table movement by crafting delectable menu offerings prioritizing locally sourced ingredients.
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The Regional: With so many proud local and transparent sourcing partnerships like ones with Fort Collins’ Elevations Beef, Hazel Dell Farm, Jodar Farms, Raisin’ Roots Farm, and Native Hill Farms, it’s no wonder The Regional has such a loyal following and a menu to impress the most particular of palates.
Indulge in a Handcrafted Tasty Treat
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Nuance Chocolate: Chocolate is a life pleasure perfected by hands that work with passion – those hands most certainly work to craft the best of the rest at Nuance. The truffles and bars are made that much more delicious when you walk into the cozy shop and allow the knowledgeable staff to walk you through a memorable, educational experience.
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Little Bird Bakeshop: This little coffeehouse and bakeshop located between downtown and the CSU campus crafts all their baked goods from scratch. Feast your senses on delicious croissants, cookies, bread, and more.
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La Creperie: Macarons are a true treat and La Creperie offers handcrafted macarons by French baker, Jean Claude. They also handmake croissants, beignets, and eclairs, with additional breakfast and lunch offerings.
Savor a Soothing Beverage by The Fire
Winter is here and cozying up next to an outdoor fireplace with a beverage in hand certainly makes the list of activities to treat yourself right. There are many options to enjoy a drink by the fire, though here are a few of our picks:
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Tap and Handle: A laid-back atmosphere with outdoor firepits, a generous selection of rotating beers on tap, and a food menu with shareable options, small and large bites, and burgers.
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The Exchange: This spacious and lively plaza on N. College includes food, beverage, and dessert offerings that can all be enjoyed by the fire or inside of a heated tent.
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Odell Brewing Company: The outdoor firepits at Odell’s large patio are super cozy to gather around and sip on a warming winter brew.
Embark on a Cycling Adventure
Sometimes all you need is a good ol’ fashioned bike ride to feel real, real good. Jumping on your bike for a solo mountain or road adventure is always an option. We also recommend taking a guided bike tour of Fort Collins through Beer and Bike Tours or a mountain biking or winter fat biking tour through Front Range Ride Guides.
Visit Inspiring and Thought-Provoking Art Venues
The visual arts can inspire and deeply move. Fort Collins offers numerous art venues to experience art firsthand in its many forms. See our list below and click for details on current exhibits:
Decompress with a Game Night and a Brew
Whether it’s trivia or board games that you’re into, Fort Collins shares an active gaming community with regular events to participate in. Visit our events calendar for specific event details. Below is a brief list of current game offerings:
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Stodgy Brewing Board Game Night on Thursdays
- Location: 1802 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
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Gilded Goat Bingo & Trivia
- Location: 3500 S College Ave #194, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Downtown Location: 132 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
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Maxline Brewing Bingo Mondays and Trivia Tuesdays
- Location: 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Dance The Stress Away
Dancing can be a great way to treat yourself to a fun and social activity that can help alleviate stress. Dance lessons and events in Fort Collins are regular occurrences:
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Salsa Dancing: Lessons and Social Dancing the first Tuesday of the month at The Rio Grande Agave Room
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Swing Dancing at The Sundance: Lessons Every Thursday
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Get Down to Live Music at The Magic Rat: Live bands frequently perform free concerts at The Magic Rat and the venue is definitely spacious enough to boogie down. Check out their live music schedule here.
Get a Good Laugh In
The Comedy Fort is one of Fort Collins’ relatively newer live entertainment spaces that is dedicated to comedy. Who could argue against a bit of laughter for wellness? Check their calendar of events here and grab your tickets to an upcoming show to lighten up your spirits.
