Traveling with a dog changes a lot of things, but it can be done and it can be done well. Choosing the right city to visit with your fur friend is crucial and from dog-friendly accommodations to dog-friendly breweries and medians (yes, medians), Fort Collins, Colorado is the place to go.
As most of you know, we got a puppy. Her name is Fritzi, and so far, she’s been everywhere with us. Lucky dog. We will not continue taking her on every trip but she will play a much bigger role here at HeidiTown than our previous dog did.
I am learning a lot by taking a dog with me on a trip, some things I had never considered until I was traveling with a dog. So without further ado, our overnight trip to Fort Collins was a barking success.
Dogs + Beer
Fort Collins is referred to as the Napa Valley of Beer and that’s because the craft beer scene is huge. There is a brewery in every neighborhood (sometimes, more than one). And if you want to bring your dog, you’re in luck most are dog-friendly.
On our December visit to Fort Collins, we stopped in at Intersect Brewing. This place puts the friendly in dog-friendly. On the evening we arrived they were hosting their 3rd Annual Howliday Yappy Hour. That’s right, it was a chance to get your dog’s picture with Santa. Yes, a real Santa (or guy dressed as Santa for the nonbelievers among you).
This place also sells vinyl and plays great music so it’s a favorite of ours, especially my discophile husband, Ryan. Oh, and the beer is good too!
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Fritzi got to meet dogs and their humans and we had a very good time. Fritzi is a little shy so maybe we’ll get a photo with Santa next year.
Dogs + The Armstrong Hotel
We stayed at the dog-friendly boutique hotel, The Armstrong Hotel. I had stayed here in the distant past, long before the recent remodeled. I loved it then, but today it is extra special.
Oreo is still there, yes, the cat that has graced the lobby with her presence for many years still greets guest with as much enthusiasm as she can muster (she is a cat after all). Five-month-old Fritzi breezed passed Oreo several times, blissfully oblivious to the cat.
Our accommodations, #202, has a living room, bedroom and large bathroom. #202 is an end unit that overlooks College Avenue. Equipped with a dog bed and dog bowls (they supply both) it was ideal for Fritzi and she made herself right at home.
The comfort level of this hotel is off the charts. Our rooms were cozy and spacious all at once. The history of the building is still celebrated but the renovations were completed with modern conveniences in mind. For instance, there is a Nespresso Coffeemaker in the living room.
The hotel offers an array of rooms including accommodations with a kitchenette; all a traveler’s needs are met at The Armstrong.
The location of the hotel is ideal for exploring downtown Fort Collins and walking an energetic pup.
Dogs + Medians
A dog-free person will not recognize the convenience of a large, grassy median, but someone traveling with a dog (me) loves this. I am talking about that area between the sidewalk and the street. I’ve been visiting Fort Collins for years and yet I had never noticed the large, grassy medians all around downtown.
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Walk out of The Armstrong, which is on the corner of College Ave. and E. Olive Street and grassy medians abound. Plus, Library Park is just two blocks east.
Take your dog to Fort Collins, Colorado. She’ll be impressed (and so will you).
Thank you to Visit Fort Collins for hosting us on this experience.
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