I moved to this location about 8 years ago from the midwest. Fort Collins is one of the friendliest, cleanest, and safest places you can ever visit. I used to be a huge fan of Boulder, but I feel this town has the fun of that town, without some of the things tourists dislike (such as, panhandling goth teens.)
If you visit, be sure to see New Belgium Brewery, home of Fat Tire. The brewery has a lovely tasting room where you can saddle up to the bar and request 4 samples (generous size) of whatever beers they have on tap. Being a bartender at the Tasting Room is a coveted thing--the resumes are a mile deep for this job, and you won't be disappointed. Your bartender will engage you with witty conversation and will throw in a few gifts--decals, etc. New Belgium encourages their employees to bike to work, and they even award special workers with bicycles, which you'll see lined up in the "parking lot" as you enter.
Fort Collins also offers access to 3 great hiking trails--if you want to get up high and breathe in that Rocky Mountain foothills air. Google Horsetooth Rock, Arthur's Rock, and Grey Rock for more information. The first is a county park, the second a state park, and the third, US Forest Service.
For dinner, hit Old Town, the main street here. Coopersmith's is a popular place for microbrews, pub fare, and great salads. Try Nico's Catacomb's for pricier, high-end food in a rathskellar setting. Great wine list here.
I have to add, I have never lived anywhere with such great second-hand thrift shops. Check out both Goodwill locations, the ARC store, and Savers.
Colorado State University is here, so if you like sports, take ina football or basketball game.
There's a wonderful pool in the city, complete with a lazy river to tube through and two waterslides. In City Park (where the pool is) you can also take trolley ride or visit a working farm.
And if you seek adventure, we have quite a few river outfitters here, who are happy to take anyone at any skill level down the Cache La Poudre River. Try contacting Rocky Mountain Outfitters first. You haven't lived til you've done the river. Kids love this!!! Way better than a theme park.
