While you may tack on an impulsive dessert at the end of your meal at a restaurant, we happen to think that desserts deserve their own specific outing. In fact, there are several establishments in town that dish up the tastiest, sweetest and most satisfying dessert options ranging from ice cream to artisan popsicles — and everything in between.
Revisit some of these Fort Collins classics or venture to a new spot you have yet to try. Whatever you do, leave all the dessert-related rules behind and indulge at one of these shops!
The Chocolate Cafe
The Chocolate Cafe is your destination for all things chocolate. This shop located in the Armstrong Hotel building has a myriad of chocolatey dessert options, including cakes, pies, pudding, brownies and more! Pair your dessert of choice with any of their drinks (like wine, martinis, beer and non-alcoholic beverages). Plus, during happy hour every day from 3–5 p.m., all drinks are half off!
Photos Courtesy of The Chocolate Cafe
Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream
Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream has attracted dessert-lovers from all over to their downtown shop since they opened their doors in 1996. This popular Old Town favorite makes the perfect mid-day treat stop or after-dinner dessert place. Choose from their selection of handmade chocolate, toffee and caramels, fudge, gourmet caramel apples, corns and brittles, and more!
Photos Courtesy of Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream
The Little Bird Bake Shop
The Little Bird Bake Shop makes every baked good and dessert from scratch at their quaint shop in the heart of Old Town. Their dedication to incorporating fresh, seasonal and local ingredients means the quality of their products are top-notch. Just try one of their pastries, such as their cookies, macaroons, bread pudding or monkey bread, and you’ll see what all the hype is about!
Photos Courtesy of The Little Bird Bake Shop
Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Mary’s Mountain Cookies has a fascinating history involving a dude ranch and a creative chef named Mary. Today, the tested-and-approved cookies straight from Mary’s recipe book are being served at this downtown shop, along with avalanche cookies, edible dough, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches, and brownies!
Photo Courtesy of Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Nuance Chocolate
Nuance Chocolate creates small-batch “bean-to-bar” chocolates made straight from beans roasted and ground at their location in Old Town. Pick up these delicious and authentic creations — in the form of fresh truffles, single-origin and flavored bars, hot chocolate and more!
Photos Courtesy of Nuance Chocolate
Revolution Artisan Pops
If you haven’t tasted artisan pops yet, you’re in for a treat — quite literally. Revolution Artisan Pops serves tasty ice pops made with the freshest local ingredients that will blow the traditional popsicle you’re used to completely out of the water. Their simple menu is packed with robust and diverse flavors, such as Cucumber Lime or Raspberry Hibiscus.
Photo Courtesy of Revolution Artisan Pops
Vern’s Toffee House
Vern’s Toffee House is a family-owned business crafting some of the best toffee in town. Their famous butter almond toffee is handcrafted the old-fashioned way with their original toffee recipe, and each batch is made with the finest and freshest of all-natural ingredients. Stop by to sample their creations or order their toffee online to send as a gift or enjoy all by yourself!
Photo Courtesy of Vern’s Toffee House
Walrus Ice Cream
Walrus Ice Cream is the perfect destination for your sweet tooth cravings during the summer — or any time of the year! This award-winning ice cream shop is locally owned, and produces 20 homemade, gluten-free, natural ice cream flavors that rotate on a daily basis.
Photo Courtesy of Walrus Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s
While this list includes mostly local businesses, we can’t not mention Ben & Jerry’s on the subject of desserts! Head to Ben & Jerry’s in the heart of Old Town to get a cone or cup filled with their euphoric ice cream flavors they are widely known for. Or grab a sundae, smoothie or shake instead! Enjoy your sweet treat of choice while you listen to live music every Friday night throughout the summer on the Old Town Square Stage from 7–9 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s
And Don’t Forget About Those Sweet Treats on Wheels:
If you’re out and about — particularly at a community event during the summer — keep your eyes open for a sweet treat food truck. Some of our favorites include…
A-maize’n Kettle Corn — Kettle Corn
Ba-NOM-a-NOM — Vegan Frozen Treats
Divine Ice Cream — Ice Cream
Koby’s East Coast Snowball Stand — Snowballs
Kona Ice of Northern Colorado — Shaved Ice
Maddie’s Hawaiian Shave Ice — Shaved Ice
Maddie’s Kettle Korn — Kettle Corn
(Hint, Hint: Take a look at our full list of food trucks in Fort Collins while you’re at it!)
Photos Courtesy of Ba-NOM-a-NOM
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