Northern Colorado Summer Bucket List: A Local’s Point of View
Yesterday CSU posted that move-in day was just 7 weeks away, which doesn't leave much time for students to explore Northern Colorado before classes start. Don't worry! I made a comprehensive bucket list so you can experience the best of NoCo before the summer is over.
1. Take a Rafting Trip with Friends
Colorado is known for its outdoor activities, and this one is great for the more adventurous individuals. The Poudre River offers some of the best rafting in Colorado. There are tons of outfitters around town that offer day trips and guided floats down Colorado's only national "Wild and Scenic" River, so grab some friends and gear up to take on some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado!
2. See Some Live Music
Before the pandemic, Northern Colorado was a great place to see live music. While 2020 put a temporary halt to all live music and festivals, Fort Collins and the rest of NoCo are coming back with a bang. If you love live music in an intimate location, check out a show at The Mishawaka. The Mish is home to two stages, an indoor and an outdoor stage.Tthe outdoor stage hugs the banks of the Poudre River, making it one of the most unique venues in the country.
3. GO TO A FESTIVAL
That's right; they are back! Festivals like the Greeley Stampede, New West Fest, and Taste of Fort Collins are all a go for 2021. They offer some of the best entertainment NoCo has to offer with a mix of local talent, food, and drinks, not to mention some national acts like Nelly and The Spin Doctors! These festivals happen all summer long and are an essential part of any summer bucket list in NoCo.
4. Hike
This HAS to be on your summer bucket list. Living in NoCo affords us some of the most scenic and accessible trails in Colorado. From Greyrock to Horsetooth and everything in between, the options are endless. For family-friendly hikes, try something like Coyote Ridge Trail or Arapahoe Bend. If you want something more challenging, check out Timber Trail or Mill Creek trail. If you want something difficult or something more casual, there is a trial for everyone.
5. Go To a Food Truck Rally
While there are tons of great restaurants around Northern Colorado, it's always nice to try something new. Every Tuesday in Fort Collins City Park, local food trucks line up on Sheldon Drive and serve up some of the best grub in town. Starting at 5:30 and ending at dusk, walk around City Park with your furry friend and check out some live music while sampling some amazing food! The Food Truck Rally will go all summer long till September 14th.
6. Go on a Tour
If you want to see some of what Fort Collins and NoCo have to offer, try a tour. There are Beer and Bike and Bike tours for the 21 and over crowd where you ride from brewery to brewery. If you are in for something more adventurous, check out a guided mountain bike tour. If you are in the mood for something spooky, try the Fort Collins Ghost Tour. Go around to interesting historical locations downtown and even venture underneath the city to learn about local legends and hauntings!
7. Tubing the Poudre
This is a personal favorite. No summer is complete until my friends and I grab some beers and float down the Poudre River. Currently, the river is too high for this activity, but mid-August through mid-September is the perfect time for this summer activity. There are a few starting points you can pick from, but the two most common ones are Filter Plant, up the Poudre Canyon, and Legacy Park. If you pick the first option, you will get the more scenic route, but be warned, this one can be a bit choppier, and inexperienced tubers should probably avoid this stretch of water their first time around. Legacy Park is located just north of Old Town. It is closer to Fort Collins, and the water isn't as rough here. If you are looking for a relaxing day on the river, this is the float for you!
There you have it: a summer bucket list guide from a local! Make sure you get in all these activities before school starts back up, and remember to check out Townsquare Media's Taste of Fort Collins on July 24th and 25th to get the full NoCo summer experience!
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