If you combine the wonderful date night ideas in Fort Collins with this region’s incredible features during the summer, you’ll create the perfect storm as you embark on an outing with your significant on a beautiful Colorado day.
Check out some of our favorite summertime date activities in Fort Collins that are sure to take full advantage of the warmer temperatures, longer days, and the area’s gorgeous natural surroundings.
1. Travel By Bike to a Local Brewery
Fort Collins is known for its intense love for biking and all things craft beer, so when you bring the two together it’s a magical thing. Two wheels are a common form of transportation to and from local breweries, and people in other cities are starting to take note of this phenomenon.
Stay true to Fort Collins’ unique culture by dusting off your bikes and pedaling to a local brewery to enjoy a drink or two with your significant other this summer. If you don’t own a bike — no problem! There are several Zagster Bike Share stations around town, many of which are located at breweries.
Need a list of the best local breweries in town? We’ve got that.
Need some suggestions for urban biking trails to travel on? We have that, too.
2. Sip on Cocktails in the Sunshine at The Kitchen’s Outdoor Patio
Head to Old Town to people-watch and bask in the warm summer sun on the outdoor patio at The Kitchen. You won’t be disappointed with whatever you order, as every element of their menu features farm-fresh, creative and downright tasty food. Stop by during their daily happy hour from 3–6 p.m. to get snacks, appetizers, plates and drinks for extremely reasonable prices. This is the perfect laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy high-quality food with your date while not having to sacrifice precious time in the sun!
Looking for other wonderful outdoor patios in town? Try Restaurant 415, The Backporch Cafe, The Mainline or Equinox Brewing!
3. Go to a Drive-In Movie
While we love the sunlight during the day, there’s something so magical about summer nights. The warm breeze, the sunset turning to deep blue skies with twinkling stars, the cooler temperatures — it’s all so amazing.
Head to Holiday Twin Drive-In with your sweetheart this summer to watch a movie under the stars. Tickets cost only $7 for adults — and you get to see two movies back-to-back! Their snack bar is stocked with all the movie-going classics, and Holiday Twin recently added a putt putt golf course on site. Going to the drive-in is a unique, carefree and cost-effective way to spend time with your date!
4. Learn About Fort Collins History in a Fun Way
Whether you’ve lived in Fort Collins your whole life or you recently moved here, it’s beneficial to learn more about the city’s history. And no, we don’t mean by studying history books or spending some quality time reading Wikipedia together.
Going on a Fort Collins Tour is a fun and interactive way to learn more about the area, through thrilling tours like the Haunted Pub Tour, The Fort Collins Ghost Tour, or the Late Night Ghost Walk. Their 10 tour options range in length and topics, but they all share one thing — their ability to educate, increase curiosity and entertain. Most tours cost $15 and start in Old Town Square near the fountain.
Grab your date by the hand and discover some surprising secrets of Fort Collins’ past!
5. Go on a Bike Ride and Have a Picnic
As mentioned, biking is a perfect date activity during the summer. This time, end your bike ride with a peaceful homemade picnic at a park!
Pack up your favorite sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks in a backpack and peddle side-by-side on a warm summer afternoon.
Bike along Spring Creek Trail, which travels along the beautiful Spring Creek. This paved and relatively flat trail passes through various city parks, so you can stop at any point to replenish your lost calories. The western end of the trail meets up with Spring Canyon Community Park, which would make the perfect finale to your leisurely ride!
6. Celebrate All Things Artisan at Jessup Farm
Fort Collins’ Jessup Farm Artisan Village is the ultimate one-stop-shop for an all-day date experience. You can start the day with craft coffee and pastries at Bindle Coffee, go shopping at HEYDAY and Vortic Watch Co., grab some lunch at The Loafing Shed, stretch yourself with yoga at Reve Fitness, unwind with a drink at Jessup Farm Barrel House, and eat a farm-fresh dinner at The Farmhouse.
Or simply pick and choose the must-do elements of this creative and exciting village teeming with activity!
7. Admire Nature at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek is one of the largest cultural venues in Northern Colorado, featuring an impressive number of gardens to explore as a couple. This 18-acre botanical garden area is owned by the City of Fort Collins, and admission is completely free!
What a refreshing and life-giving experience to enjoy as a couple. And keep an eye on their special events schedule, as the Gardens on Spring Creek constantly hosts fun events worth attending!
8. Go Kayaking Down the Cache La Poudre River
Cool off on a hot summer day with a trip down the Cache La Poudre River, Fort Collins’ pride and joy for summertime adventuring. The Poudre originates in Rocky Mountain National Park and emerges from the foothills just north of Fort Collins. Northern Colorado residents flock to this gorgeous body of water all year long — especially during the summer months.
The rapid classes range from II to IV, offering a variety between intermediate to advanced intermediate rapids. For a more relaxed kayaking trip, start below the Mishawaka and Pineview Falls.
Don’t have a couple of boats, paddles and lifejackets lying around? Check out Mountain Whitewater Descents in Fort Collins for all of your rental needs!
Happy Summer, Lovebirds!
Let us know your favorite summertime date activities in the area!
Photos courtesy of: Zwei Brewery, The Kitchen, Holiday Twin Drive-In, Fort Collins Tours, Spring Creek Trail, The Loafing Shed, The Gardens on Spring Creek, Mountain Whitewater Descents
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