Photo Credit Frank A Novotny
If you’re anything like us you are definitely due for a long vacation. In fact, we’re planning a few ourselves which made me aware that many hotels and Airbnb’s don’t have any resources at all to help guests find some of the hidden gems. You know, the less “touristy” spots that the locals kind of keep secret. And these spots are indeed off the beat and path!
Behold the secretes of Northern Colorado:
Explore Outdoor Hidden Gems
Everyone has heard of Horsetooth Reservoir , The Poudre River Canyon, Devils Backbone and Arthur’s Rock but there are some real hidden gems in and around Fort Collins that the locals keep secret.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a roughly 50 minute drive but what makes it worth it is the absolute absence of people. This 28 square mile conservation area is a protected corridor linking the plains to the mountains and is home to golden and bald eagles, elk, bison, antelope and birds a-plenty. Don’t be fooled by the relative flat terrain; this adventure requires that you pack for a backcountry hike.
In the last two years the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland connected via bike trail. The Long View Trail is a 4.4-mile stretch of multipurpose recreational trail that connects Fort Collins to Loveland over relatively flat terrain that runs along the foothills. We suggest picking up one of our New Belgium Cruiser Bikes, packing a picnic lunch and enjoy your afternoon exploring Benson Statue Garden. This ten acre park is a feast for the eyes showcasing local artists and it has water and restrooms, which you’ll need after that bike ride! Loveland is a Colorado hub for artist and so it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the art gallery’s and museums in it’s Downtown District.
Never Summer Nordic Yurts is for the more rustic of folks and a favorite of our neighbors Margie & Jim who travel around the globe looking for the most remote and isolated spots, which tells you everything you need to know about this NoCo Hidden Gem.
The Historic Fire Tower Top at Running Deer Natural Area can be accessed a few miles east of Remington Flats and only by foot at either the welcome center or trailhead on Prospect. Initially you might not think much of this nearby gem but keep walking until you come upon the historic fire tower. A great place to have a picnic or bird watch.
This Hidden Gem is so cool it has “hidden” in it’s name. Explore the Hidden Clues Trail at Coyote Ridge Natural Area. This is an adventure designed for the kiddo’s but who doesn’t need to tap into their inner child? About a mile into the trail you’ll find a cabin with a short loop lined with signs designed to get you to pay attention to the insects, birds, and animals. It’s a hike we like to take to help us disconnect from our Devices and reconnect with nature. The whole hike will take about an hour so go to the bathroom at the cabin and don’t forget your water.
Photo Credit Soul Squared Brewing
EXPLORE HIDDEN DRINKS
We often feature more upscale or easy to get to from Remington Flats places in our blogs; this list requires a car or at least a road bike.
Soul Squared Brewing Co is literally our favorite Hidden Drinking Gem. Located just outside north Fort Collins They are a true farm-based Northern Colorado brewery that uses ingredients grown just feet away from their brewhouse specializing in brewing small-batch, premium gluten-reduced beers. Our fridge is regularly stocked with their Soul Squared Seltzers that pack a 5% alcohol punch but is low cal and gluten free.
In a town of just over 2700 people, it’s quite a thing to be called “LaPorte’s Finest Honkytonk” but Swing Station is exactly that. This local bar featuring beer, darts, and live music, sits just off the Poudre River Bike Trail so if you ride up on your bike, you’ll get $1 off your beer.
The Potbelly in Red Feather Lakes. Is it hidden? Yes. Is it a “Gem”? We think so! I’ve been making an annual trip to the Potbelly for about 35 years. There’s something about going to a place that you know has a lot of stories contained within it’s walls and where the people all know one another. We typically go after some fishing or golfing, have a sandwich and a few beers (it’s a drive back to Fort Collins so you have to ration the beers)
Avogadros is a place where one will find almost exclusively, Locals. It’s a restaurant, bar, and music venue featuring local artist ranging from Jazz to Eclectic Rock depending on the night. Their patio in and of itself is a hidden gem and in this case, it’s within easy walking distance from Remington Flats.
PHOTO CREDIT: GARDEN SWEET FARM
HIDDEN FARMS & MARKETS
Garden Sweet farm is tucked into a small neighborhood on the north side of town and is an easy 20 minute bike ride on the Poudre Trail. They have a shop and some really fun events throughout the summer. They will reopen in May. It’s a delightful little place run by the most delightful people!
In the nearby tiny town of Timnath, CO is where you’ll find the most charming and unique market and coffee shop in the Colorado Feed & Grain. Originally built in 1920 the then Moody-Warren grain elevator supported the rich history of agriculture and artisanship dating back to even before the founding of the town in 1882. Native Americans and wild buffalo roamed these fields before the homesteaders built their farmhouses. Since then, there have been numerous iterations of the Grain Elevator but today it is a business rich in history and charm. Check it out!
Colorado Fresh Farms is a small but growing operation that supplies many of the organics sold at grocery stores locally. This small business supports budding farmers by offering a living wage to it’s young workers, most of whom are CSU students. They are selling “Victory Garden” starter packs this May but they’ll reopen their farm stand in May.
Makerfolk isn’t exactly hidden as it is located right in the heart of Old Town but it is hidden because it’s inside Bean Cycle, so you might miss it if you’re not looking for coffee. It is a gem offering really unique and special works all made by local folks. With roughly twenty “makers” you’ll find everything from yarns and wool hats to books and custom jewelry. So if you’re looking for a special gift that can’t be found elsewhee,this is your place!
So book your Remington Flats Stay and spend a week exploring these hidden gems!
Before we finish, we want to take a brief second to direct you to some of the photography used in this blog. One of THE most talented local photographers that we follow is @FrankNovotny. His art is truly breathtaking and can be found on Instagram.