the world could use more of these people
by richiecdisc
And what tasters they were: four good sized beers served in goblets, probably around 6 ounces each and many beers to choose from. My wife, who evidently had majored in negotiations failed to push me to drive the rest of the trip to the national park and said I could have most of her samples. With twelve of their beers on tap I was thankful for the sweet gesture.
The bartender was fantastic and animated. She even stood on the bar to take a photo of us and guaranteed it would be a great one. She was right and she was right on in her job. It was not only serving beer, it was selling the concept of New Belgium. The company started in 1991 when a home brewer enamored with Belgian style beers and egged on by friends heralding his beer, started a very much grassroots operation. He was also an avid biker and had traveled around Belgium on bike, hence the name of his first brew: Fat Tire. It has grown immeasurably but has retained a commitment to being green with many innovations to make the brewery run more efficiently and save energy. The one everyone likes most is the company's push to get everyone to ride bikes. Employees that have worked in the company for a full year get one of their retro New Belgium bikes for a bonus. Many of their employees ride to work and it's quite a sight to see all the retro bikes lined up outside the brewery. It looks like a grade school but make no mistake about it, these are fun-loving adults that believe they and you can make a difference in this world. My guess is the world could use more of these kinds of people.
The beers ran the gamut of styles and not a real clunker in the batch and while perhaps only a couple were truly special, what made this a great stop was how much fun it was. They create a real festive atmosphere but in no way seems like a show. I think they are just having that much fun. (continued below in Fondest Memory)
Downtown Architecture
by HasTowelWillTravel
The downtown area is full of really nice 19th century architecture, dating back from the mineral rushes of the town (when Ft. Collins actually had a fort). As you shop and dine, keep an eye on the structures, the elaborate brick work throughout the older downtown areas. Makes for an interesting backdrop to your visit to the town.
AN OUTSTANDING MICROBREWERY
by Rich62
VISIT THE "NEW BELGIUM" BREWERY in Fort Collins. It's the third largest microbrewery in the United States (Sam Adams is first).
Its located in the 500 block of Linden Street. From Linden Street in Old Town, drive northwest, cross the Poudre River, and in a couple more blocks you will see the brewery on your right. There are tours at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm. The brewery opens at 10 am and it is wise to get your (free) tour tickets shortly after that, then come back for the tour. After your tour (or before), the tasting is free.
Their most famous beer is "Fat Tire." I like "1554" which is a darker, heavier beer. There are many different kinds to sample.
Quick-cas food
by flooredfun about Qdoba Mexican Grill
You know you like burritos, tacos, etc. that you can find at Taco Bell, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, etc. However, this place provides you with better food, at about the same price that you would spend on 4-5 bean burritos or 3-4 hard tacos.
Qdoba is a Colorado-based quick-casual food company (like Chipotle Burritos) that serves descent Tex-Mex food if you have to eat on the run.
You won't find ground meat here, it's all shredded steak or chicken. The veggies are usually fresh
Bright interiors, interesting 'southwestern' colors, touches of brushed steel throughout the store, and of course the neon signs that requirements for almost all fast-food restaurants. My favourite dish is the Steak taco salad. You get all the goodness of a salad (greens and other veggies) and you get a good 'southwestern' taste with the cubed steak and a good salad dressing.
Plus, with a drink it all rounds out to few dimes under 7 bux.
Mexican at its Finest!
by Sagespot about Consuelos Mexican Restaurant
This place has the best green chili sauce north of the border. They now sell it by the bottle and I took six home from our last trip!
Its a medium sized Mexican dive with small town ambience. All the flat bread tacos with veg. green chili sauce. Very very spicy!
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