After the single digit and teen temperatures (and even some sub-zero temperatures!) we’ve experienced the last couple of weeks in Northern Colorado, we’re all looking for one thing: how to stay as warm as possible.
But don’t fret (or freeze), because there are several places in Fort Collins offering a respite from the outside elements, from cozy bookstores and coffee shops to relaxing saunas and spas. Stay warm this winter at these inviting spaces in Fort Collins!
Sip on Something Warm at a Coffee or Tea Shop
Photo Courtesy of Starry Night Espresso Cafe
One of the simplest ways to warm up is by retreating to a cozy coffee or tea shop — which we have plenty of here in Fort Collins. If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, Starry Night Espresso Cafe is especially cozy, featuring warm wood accents, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating throughout. And for the tea drinker, Ku Cha House of Tea is the place to be on a cold winter day. Peruse their selection of hundreds of teas, teaware and gifts in their Old Town shop, then sit down to sip on your drink of choice!
Take a Hot Yoga Class at Yoga Pod
Stretching and moving in a yoga class is sure to warm you up — but you can take it to the next level with a hot yoga class! Yoga Pod offers podHOT classes, which utilize a set of sequence postures practiced in a room set to 105 degrees and 60% humidity. The class is designed “to build strength, create balance and flexibility in the body, and produce a detoxifying sweat.” All levels are welcome for both the 60- and 90-minute class, which will include a mixture of breathing exercises, a standing series, and a floor series. Bring your own towel and water — and come to the class well-hydrated and ready to sweat! Check out the Yoga Pod class schedule to sign up for their next podHOT class.
Go Rock Climbing Indoors at Ascent Studio
Photo Courtesy of Justin VanAlstyne – JMVDigital via Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness
Rock climbing outside is a thrilling experience — but the conditions aren’t exactly ideal when the temperature is below freezing or the rock face is covered in ice. But thankfully, you can enjoy this challenging hobby all year long at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness. This next-generation climbing gym is focused on creating a unique indoor climbing experience and building an inclusive, friendly climbing community. The jaw-dropping studio offers bouldering with 13-foot to 15-foot tall sections and some top-out, top rope and lead climbing walls from 34-foot to 49-foot tall, and speed climbing. Try Ascent with a visitor day pass and if you love your experience, you can enjoy unlimited climbing (and many other benefits) with a membership!
Sign Up for a Workout Class at Genesis Health Clubs
It’s easier to stick to a workout routine when the weather is perfect — but when it’s freezing or snowing outside, not so much. But there are plenty of indoor workout options in Fort Collins, plus a number of regular classes so you can stay accountable to slip on those tennis shoes even on the days you don’t really feel like it. But after? You’ll be so glad you did! Genesis Health Clubs offers a wide variety of classes, whether you’re into cycling, pilates, swimming, yoga, Zumba®, barre, or BodyPump™. And if you just want to work out on your own, there are endless opportunities in this newly remodeled, revamped, and revitalized club! Upgrades and luxury amenities include their spa and salon, hot tub, steam rooms and saunas, child care, certified personal training, group fitness classes, pilates, aquatics, court sports, and more.
Have a Spa Day at Woodhouse Spas
Photo Courtesy of Woodhouse Spas
Get warmed up to your core with an immersive, relaxing spa day at Woodhouse Spas. Celebrated as one of the country’s most lauded luxury spa brands, Woodhouse Spa originally opened in Victoria, Texas and has since expanded to more than 70 locations across 21 states, including right here in Fort Collins. Their full-service menu includes a variety of indulgent spa treatments, including massage therapies, facial rejuvenation, whole-body treatments, sleep therapies, expert manicures, pedicures, waxing, and more. Book your treatment of choice at their stunning Fort Collins location.
Peruse Old Firehouse Books
We can’t think of anything more quintessential for a chilly winter day than ducking into a cozy bookstore. Named after the historic Old Town building they call home, Old Firehouse Books is Northern Colorado’s largest independent bookstore. Inside the shop, you’ll find a knowledgeable staff of bookworms, new books and used books, writing journals, cards, bookish t-shirts, and more. And after you pick out the perfect book (or books!), reading at home by the fire with a cup of tea is the perfect cold-day activity.
See a Show at The Lincoln Center
Bundle up and make your way to the theater, escaping the outside world (and the weather it brings) and immersing yourself in a captivating story. The Lincoln Center is Fort Collins’ largest event venue and, as such, is host to some of the biggest shows in town. These include nationwide comedy tours, huge concerts, Broadway productions, local acts and more. Check out their list of upcoming shows to see what’s happening on the Lincoln Center stage this winter!
Relax in a Sauna at Old Town Yoga
If you don’t have a sauna at home (we can work on that!), you may be searching for a place you can regularly immerse yourself in a warming, rejuvenating, healing sauna environment. Old Town Yoga has a collection of infrared saunas you can book for private use, for either 45 or 60 minutes. And if you think you’ll want to make this a regular part of your routine, you can enjoy unlimited sauna use with a membership for just $69 a month! Learn more and book your next sauna session here.
Visit a Cozy Brewery
Photo Courtesy of Prost Brewing
It’s no secret Fort Collins is known for its craft beer culture, which might evoke images of sprawling summer patios, refreshing ice cold pours, and dogs leashed to outdoor picnic tables. But Fort Collins doesn’t reserve beer drinking just for the summer — it’s a year-round activity here. Some of our city’s coziest breweries include Gilded Goat Brewing, Prost Brewing, and Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing. Each provides an inviting environment to take off your gloves and hat and cozy up in a booth with a dark stout or porter.
Shop at the Fort Collins Winter Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets aren’t just for the spring, summer and fall! Fort Collins keeps the fresh produce and homemade goods coming all year long with the Fort Collins Winter Farmers’ Market tucked inside Foothills Mall every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This means it’s not weather-dependent, and you can always pick up seasonal produce, local meats and dairy, breads and sweets, handcrafted art and goods, and more, from more than 90 local vendors!
Go to Ginger & Baker
Photo Courtesy of PHOCO via Ginger & Baker
Since it opened in 2017, Ginger & Baker has been a beloved staple in our community, bringing together all sorts of concepts under one historic roof: a cafe, market and bakery, restaurant, teaching kitchen and rooftop bar. It’s an extra cozy place to be during the winter because of the overall inviting ambiance and because you can do it all in one place! The market and bakery is an especially idyllic place to spend a cold afternoon; it’s located in the heart of the mill and is lined with exposed brick walls and other touches to make you feel at home. Order a hot cup of coffee and a delectable pastry, and browse their market to grab something for later!
Visit a Museum
You’re never too “local” to dive into history and culture at a museum. In fact, sometimes this community amenity is overlooked by those who live in the area! We have several museums in Fort Collins worth visiting — and revisiting — including the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and Museum of Art Fort Collins. Each has regularly rotating exhibits, which means you can always see something new here, escaping the elements all the while.
Stay Warm!
We hope you have a wonderful (and warm) rest of your winter!
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