Denver and Boulder might rule the Front Range, but Northern Colorado belongs to Fort Collins. Known for its laid-back lifestyle and friendly people, FoCo does its part to give your meetup the TLC it deserves.
You can find it here whether you’re looking for adventure or an appetizer for two. Get your great love story started right by trying one of these creative first-date ideas:
A Haunted Pub Tour
A haunted pub tour is an excellent way to impress your potential partner by showing them that you “ain’t afraid of no ghosts!” This tour takes people throughout the haunted pubs of Fort Collins, allowing you to rub invisible elbows with all the local spirits. Led by a costumed guide, it includes plenty of stories about town history and lore, beer specials, and entrance into hidden spots around the city. It’s an out-of-the-booth gem that takes courtship away from Chilis and into excitement.
First Friday Art Walk
The First Friday Art Walk welcomes people from all walks of life, from established artists to those whose art accolades are limited to their childhood drawings hanging on their grandmother’s refrigerator for 90 days straight! It’s even welcoming to those who don’t particularly like art, as it also features food, shopping, music, and drinks. It’s a beautiful niche dating option to calm the nerves; it removes the pressure of one-on-one conversation while providing more opportunities to find commonalities.
The Colorado Room
The Colorado Room is run by folks who grew up here and lovingly bask in the Rocky Mountain High. It’s a casual spot that celebrates local food, drinks, art, and goods, even giving some of its proceeds to local charities. If you’re looking for a chill vibe to avoid the pressure of an overly fancy first date, it’s the ideal locale. It’s also perfect for anyone with a healthy desire for sliders or sammies.
Cafe Vino
Cafe Vino is the quintessential date spot for those hoping to wine and dine. It features an eclectic menu with pepperings of upscale essence (including bacon-wrapped dates, mussels, scallops, sweet potato fondant, vegetable gnocchi, and pizza). Come early to enjoy a killer happy hour (Tuesday through Saturday), and bring your cabernet game; you’ll need it!
Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir isn’t a traditional date spot (you’re more likely to come across a walleye than a server). Still, it’s a stellar option for anyone hoping to use Mother Nature as a wingwoman. More than six miles long, the water offers many activities, from those that require planning (such as boating) to those that cater to spontaneity (such as hiking or watching the sunset). So, pick your poison. Who knows? It might just be a love potion.
The Emporium: An Amercan Brasserie
The Emporium: An American Brasserie can be found in the heart of Old Town, making it a terrific spot for drinks, appetizers, or dinner before you head out to other locations. While it’s a popular establishment, it prides itself on an intimate dining experience (as a bonus, you and your date can hear each other!). It’s also a flexible spot, as it offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert; there’s even room to kick back with a cup of coffee and use a little caffeine courage to keep the conversation flowing.
From fine dining experiences to niche dating adventures, Fort Collins is a prime city to meet, greet, and woo a partner. Choose from one of the above options and ensure your first date leaves a lasting impression.
TruuBlue is an AI-powered dating app for socially progressive singles, currently only available in Colorado. Its focus on issues ranging from pro-choice, climate change, and gun control to immigration laws and LGBTQ protections empowers people to find partners with shared values and passions.
