Fort Collins sits where the plains meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a college town with a disproportionate number of breweries. Colorado State University sets the pace, but it is the craft beer scene that put Fort Collins on the map — New Belgium, Odell, and Horse & Dragon are all here, and you can spend a full day hopping between taprooms along the river.
Old Town, the restored downtown district, is walkable and lively, with independent shops, restaurants, and a stretch of buildings that reportedly inspired Disneyland's Main Street USA. The Cache la Poudre River runs through town and up into the canyon to the west, offering rafting, fishing, and hiking within minutes of downtown.
The vibe is outdoorsy and relaxed. Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of town, is where locals swim and paddleboard in summer. The foothills trails are busy with runners and mountain bikers year-round. Fort Collins is not a destination most international travelers plan around, but anyone passing through northern Colorado should stop — the beer alone is worth it.