Hubbuzz's Northern Colorado, CO Blogs

How to Avoid the Swine Flu for Apartment Dwellers

CityBuzz — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:16:01 -0600

The ever-so-scary swine flu is really just an intense and elusive version of the regular flu that we have all had at some point in our lives. However, because the swine flu is more resistant to medicine and is highly contagious, it’s important for people to be aware of how to prevent any type of cold or flu—especially those living in close quarters with many other people, such as apartment renters.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy at your apartment this flu season:

1.) By far the #1 most important and effective way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. And not just after you go to the bathroom, either. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after working out at the community fitness center, shooting pool in the clubhouse, using the business center computers or even just pushing the elevator buttons.

2.) It’s one thing if you want to cover your own apartment in germs, but PLEASE, if you have to cough or sneeze in the hallway, laundry room or any other public areas of your apartment building, make sure you turn your head into your elbow or shoulder! No, it is not sufficient to use your hand to cover your mouth because then you will spread your germs to the next surface you touch (unless, of course, you run straight to a bathroom to scrub your hands ?)

3.) Get a regular flu shot. There is much debate about what time of the season you should have the flu shot administered, but most health professionals agree that getting a flu shot is a solid step towards preventing illness. Go one step further and work with your apartment manager to organize a flu shot clinic at the community to encourage your neighbors to get one, too.

4.) If you live with roommates, make sure you all pitch in to clean your apartment at least weekly. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters with an anti-bacterial cleaner and a clean sponge and/or paper towel. Also, regular vacuuming and sweeping cuts down on dirt particles that can aggravate allergies (which cause sneezing and germs).

If you still get sick this fall, do your best to stay at home so you don’t infect your neighbors and/or co-workers! Don’t use the community amenities during your down time, including the fitness center, hot tub or TV/game room, and make sure to wash your bedding and toss your toothbrush once you’re back on your feet again.

And, if you're really worried about getting H1N1, maybe you should invest in a neat face mask like the one in this picture haha.

You can find more information about swine flu on the Center for Disease Control website.

Looking for an apartment to rent in Northern Colorado? Search apartment rentals by neighborhood now on hubbuzz.com!

2010 Northern Colorado Home Improvement Show

headline — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:57:30 -0600

Come out on to the 10th annual Northern Colorado Home Improvement Show and get ideas from the experts on everything for your home.....floor to ceiling, inside and out. We have wonderful vendors every year, and they are available to help you with all of your home improvement needs. It is free all weekend, and we are very proud of the variety that our show offers. Come support your Colorado vendors! See you at the show. Need more info or want to be an exhibitor? Call Gary Krahn at 970-218-5645.

Boulder based Mix 1 is not your typical energy drink

CityBuzz — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:24:10 -0600

When the PR Rep for Mix 1 wanted to send a few cases of their all-natural protein and antioxidant shakes to Hubbuzz.com for an honest taste-test, we were stoked. Like many Colorado-based companies, our employees lead healthy, active lifestyles and are always up to try something new, exciting and nutritional—especially if it was created by locals!

That said, there isn’t one person in our office who regularly buys or drinks serious protein shakes. Although everyone was excited to hit the kitchen to try the new snacks during that evil 3 pm slump, most had doubts that Mix 1 would be something worth craving. Even if we were looking to beef up Schwarzenegger-style, the enhanced muscle tone wouldn’t be worth the abuse our taste buds would have to take from the thick, chalky taste of typical protein powders.

Luckily to our pleasant surprise, none of the flavors we tried (mix berry, mango, blueberry vanilla, tangerine and dark berry) had traces of the aforementioned nastiness. Not only do they taste good, but they are chock full of good-for-you ingredients:

• 15 grams of superior whey protein isolate
• 23 vitamins & minerals
• 3 servings fruits & veggies from antioxidants*
• 3 grams of soluble fiber
• 2.5 grams of heart healthy fat
• antioxidants = to 4 cups of green tea
• free of lactose, gluten, soy & caffeine
• for more nutritional info visit What’s Mix 1?

The fully-balanced nutritional food-drinks were originally created to help busy, on-the-go people get a much needed shot of wellness. The handy (and recyclable!) spill-proof, screw-top containers of goodness can be enjoyed in-between meetings, halfway up the summit, in the car (yes, they will fit in your cup holders!) or while hurriedly walking the dog before work (at least that’s when I have one).

Besides being quick and easy to consume, they are designed (or mixed) to provide you with 4 hours of continuous energy. You know what that means? It means you can kiss that familiar 3 pm slump goodbye!

Some people balked at the amount of calories and sugar (most flavors have 200 calories and about 22 grams of sugar), but it is important to examine what ingredients are responsible. First of all, Mix 1 uses only all-natural cane and fruit sugars to sweeten the bevvies, which is much healthier for you than highly processed sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup used in other “nutritional” shakes.

Also, Mix 1 shakes are intended to be used as well-rounded snacks or light meals that contribute to a balanced eating plan, and therefore should provide some calories. Besides, calories measure energy, which is the whole point! Drinking zero calorie sodas will not truly get you past a slump at any time of the day (trust me!).

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain weight, help your heart or improve your athletic performance, just go check out the Mix 1 Website. There is a ton of great health and fitness info in the form of articles, blogs and nifty interactive graphics for you to explore.

New map sites help you navigate your Northern Colorado neighborhood

CityBuzz — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:47:58 -0600

I’ve noticed a lot of new mapping tools floating around the Web lately and a few of them seem like they would be very handy for people living in apartments and/or people who are living in a new city or neighborhood.

One is YardSaleTreasureMap.com which lets you enter an address, search radius and day of the week to generate a list and a map of local yard sales taking place around Northern Colorado that day. The listings are pulled from craigslist ads and not only show the location of the sale but also details about what sort of items will be up for grabs.

If you have recently moved into a new house or apartment in Northern Colorado and need some new furnishings this could be a very helpful tool that will save you time and money. And if you’re not familiar with Northern Colorado, don’t worry, the site helps you map a route and lets you print directions so you don’t get lost.

Another great site is MapMyFitness.com which has a ton of fitness tools, including articles from popular fitness magazines, local running paths, fitness plans, and a ton of other cool tools for fitness buffs.

This tool would be especially helpful for someone who has just moved to a new Northern Colorado neighborhood and needs to create a new fitness routine, or even for someone who travels a lot and needs to change their routine often for different locations.

You can also hook up with other members to join fitness groups in Northern Colorado on the ‘community’ tab. There are so many links and resources on this site that you could spend hours browsing and planning. Related sites include MapMyHike.com, MapMyRide.com and MapMyTri.com.

Speed Dating in Fort Collins!

mcshock — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:25:19 -0600

Wednesday, July 15th

6:30pm (Ages 42-50) Bring a male friend for free!

8:00pm (Ages 31-42) Bring a friend of the opposite sex for free!

Go to www.cupid.com/predating to sign up!

Other info:

cost: $35 (use promo code: msftc5 for $5 off!)

email fortcollins@predating.com for questions

Northern Colorado Home Improvement Show

headline — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:38:11 -0600

Just wanted to tell people in Northern Colorado to come get great ideas for your home at the Ranch in Loveland from Friday January 23 through Sunday January 25. The show is FREE to attend, as is parking. There is no football that weekend, so this will give you something to do! We have great vendors ready to help with any kind of remodeling you might have planned in 2009. This is a great show, and we are proud of the variety it offers. Please come support Colorado companies! We want to see a crowd at the show each day this year....come on out to the Ranch!

Halloween Themed Events Going On In Northern Colorado!

hubbuzz — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:48:06 -0600

Destination Terror Haunted House
Date: 10/3 - 10/31 (Thursday - Saturday)
Time: 6:30pm - 11pm weekends and 10pm weekdays
Location: Foothills Mall - 15 E Foothills Pkwy, Fort Collins, CO
Details: As you walk through the haunted house you'll hear a ghost story and take in scary sounds, elaborate sets, scary costumes and frightening monsters around every corner. Tickets are $17.
More info: www.screamtheme.com

Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Date: 9/20 - 11/2
Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Bartles Fam - 3424 E Douglas Rd, Fort Collins, CO
Details: Pick a pumpkin, gourd or late season veggies and enjoy the activities such as hay rides, petting zoo and a mini maze.
More info: www.thebartlesfarm.com

Tiny Tot Halloween
Date: 10/31
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Old Town Square and Beyond
Downtown Fort Collins, CO
Details: Meet in Old Town Square at 10 am and receive a goody bag to use for trick-or-treating at local businesses. Kids up to 7 years old. Free event.
More info: Tiny Tot Halloween

Halloween Organ Extravaganza at CSU
Time: 6pm and 8pm
Location: Lory Student Center Theatre - CSU Campus, Fort Collins, CO
Details: Concerts and special showing of the classic silent movie, The Phantom of the Opera. Costumed performers play thematic organ music. Tickets required. 6 pm concert tickets are $3 and 8 pm concert and movie tickets are $5.
More info: Halloween Organ Extravaganza

The Manifestation Celebration

jrthahn — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:09:56 -0600

With dynamic presentations on topics ranging from realistic sustainable solutions to the exploration of the potential for human consciousness, attendees will gain access to a wealth of valuable information. Interactive booths and workshops will provide attendees the opportunity to experience self-healing techniques, a variety of holistic healing approaches, organic foods and nutritional products, creative expression through drums and dance, symbiotic spiritual expression through group meditation, and a wide assortment of eco-friendly solutions. Ending with an evening of live music and dance, The Manifestation Celebration will serve as a gathering of friends ~ a community of people drawn together by the common desire to manifest abundant health, joy, and harmony on this planet.

Featured Events
Invocation/Blessing
Navajo Storytelling
Communal Art
Drum Exhibition and Fire Twirling
Spirituality of the Brain: Meditation,Communication, and the Neuroscience of Compassion
(Mark Robert Waldman)
Time of the Earth; Time of Humanity
(Rennie Davis)
Evolving Masters: The Art of Life
(Dr Jason Hahn, Rose Hahn & The Re:evolution Media Performance Troupe)
Sustainable Solutions Now
(Kellie Falbo, Executive Director and Founder of Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Association)
Nuturing the Indigo Generation
(Gloria Wolfshol)
Full Screening of Alex Grey & the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors: CoSM The Movie

Spoken Word
Jorah LaFleur
Rose Hahn

Music
The Phamily Band
Language Love!
Shamanic Ritual Technology
Goddess Alchemy Project
Elemental Harmonics
Ott (Twisted Records)

Workshops
Fire Twirling
Group Meditation
Reiki/Energy Healing
(Certification Workshop Facilitated by Corey West)
Communal Drum Circle
Chakra Cleansing Workshop
(Facilitated by Angelique Fowler)
Divine Feminine Energy Workshop
(Facilitated by Rose Hahn)
The Power Of Words: Using Your Poetic Voice
(Facilitated by Jorah LaFleur)
Compassionate Communication
(Facilitated by Mark Robert Waldman)

Live Painters
Todd Sheppard
Flea

Live Florist
Tammara

Over 50 booths and vendors in all fields of wellness, art, and eco-living.

The Consumer Pulse of Fort Collins

Amber Rose — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:47:01 -0600

I know Craigslist is probably popular in many cities, but in Fort Collins it is pretty much the only classified arena. Read today to find out how to find anything in Fort Collins.

Jeep Wrangler: $4995
Wanted: Piano for child
Air Conditioner: $300
Wanted: Dog Walker

These are just a few of the ads I’ve posted in the past year. From babysitters to dog walkers to housing, I’ve found it on Craigslist (CL) for Fort Collins. I even landed a few good jobs via CL. But WHY is CL so essential in Fort Collins?

Simply (and bluntly) put, no one really reads the Coloradoan classifieds—thus not many ads are posted there. Craigslist is the place. And once you are a resident—or in my case, even in my relocation efforts—you realize how vital it is to be connected to CL.

I used the Childcare search to find daycare and babysitters at a time when I knew no one here. It was so fabulous to get multiple responses, interview competent people (no crazies!), and find the right care for my kids. Real people connect and network about childcare, kids’ issues, and needs. Every once in awhile issues get out of hand and people argue via posts, but that’s just funny to me.

I advertised my garage sale a few weeks back, and as the sole advertising spot, CL brought in close to a hundred shoppers. FREE advertising is pretty cool when you don’t have a clue how much you’ll bring in on a project.

My testimonials could continue, but at the risk of sounding like a crazed Craigslist junkie, I will simply say this: if you need it, want it, need to get rid of it, or just need to connect with the community—go to Craigslist first. It is the consumer pulse of Fort Collins.

Yale Avenue-Yale Way

Amber Rose — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:46:03 -0600

I got a flyer last week on my door inviting us to a Yale Avenue/Yale Way Ice Cream Social. I kid you not! Not a big, hard-to-organize block party, but a simple get-together. Bring your favorite topping and join in.

My daughter and I arrived right at 7 p.m. and immediately started meeting folks I had never seen or talked to—and a few I did know from the pool. While we spooned delightful dessert into our mouths, conversation flowed. We lingered on topics like how long we had lived here—where we came from—what houses had sold recently. I scouted out babysitters and dog walkers. My daughter slipped away after her ice cream to run with other neighborhood kids that she hadn’t met before. An adult had set up kid games and my daughter kept returning to me with a heavier prize bag.

I had only planned on staying twenty minutes, but stayed an hour.

A sign up sheet went around to communicate raking and snow shoveling needs or offers to help. Information about neighborhood grants was shared. Pamphlets on growing food in this area, bus schedules, and other resources were available on tables.

I’ve lived in a lot of neighborhoods in my thirty something years. Never before have I witnessed such a simple gesture of togetherness. I beamed the entire walk home, grateful for the choice I made to live out the rest of my years on Yale Avenue.

Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine

Amber Rose — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:15:39 -0600

My sister and her four children visited last week. I have lots of stories about all of our comings and goings around Fort Collins. With three adults and six children, lots can happen that causes one to write (or purge in some cases).

After a cool-off at the Oak Street Fountains (mentioned in a previous blog), we dried down the kids and pondered lunch. Chicken nuggets and pizza had been exhausted, and who were we kidding, eating out doesn’t always have to be about the kids. My sister and I see each other infrequently and always love to indulge in Indian food and we happened to be right near one of the two Indian restaurants in Fort Collins: Taj Mahal. I knew their lunch buffet could satisfy everyone—at least to some degree.

When you enter the restaurant, an elegant, quiet feel immediately wraps you. This is even true for a three year old bundled in a towel. The children settled down at once and sat nicely at the long table, studying the interesting art and drinking ice water out of real glasses. My sister, my husband and I nervously glanced at one another waiting for one of our small charmers to fly out of a chair and swing from the nearest elephant trunk.

A variety of dishes, rice, salad items and desserts flowed from the buffet line to our table. Fresh naan sat softly in the sweet hands of well-behaved children. Our children…behaving like miniature soldiers at a beautiful restaurant…could it be?

It was. And it lasted. Sometimes all kids need is a solemn, gentle atmosphere, filled with savory, filled-with-love food to settle them down. No hamster tunnels to climb through or tv’s blasting the Olympics. Just the expectation that we are here to eat and enjoy each other’s company.

Taj Mahal
[where: 148 W Oak St., Fort Collins, CO]
970 493 1105

Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

Amber Rose — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:12:43 -0600

If you are new to Fort Collins and peruse any newspaper in town, you will surely notice a lot happening at Avogadro’s Number. Musical performances are abundant at this venue as well as other artistic endeavors. But I didn’t first approach Avo’s from the entertainment perspective. I was hungry.

My hair stylist’s salon is located across from Avogadro’s Number on Mason Street. One morning after a haircut I was starving and was told that the place across the street was good. Good was a serious understatement. I ate a platter of scrambled eggs topped with fabulous roasted (fried?) potatoes, cheese, seasonings, veggies, and who knows what other grand ingredient. It was one of those dishes you just can’t stop eating even though you are stuffed.

I now regularly schedule haircuts during the morning hours just for Avo’s breakfasts.

I also regularly schedule happy hours for the one-of-a-kind bloody mary’s and other tasty cocktails (and brilliant tap selections).

Aside from the great food and drinks, Avo’s has atmosphere to offer: four different atmospheres to be precise. The main dining hall near the ordering counter provides an eclectic bohemian feel perfect for newspaper reading and large groups. The stage area, typically abandoned in the daytime, offers a hundred or so seats for performances. The next room over is the bar which provides the full bar as well as a couple of pool tables. It has a slight “dive-like” feel. Lastly, saving the best for last, is the back patio. Another stage, a tree house/play area for the kids, lots of tables—this is no ordinary restaurant porch. I love Avo’s especially in the spring/summer/fall for the lovely outdoor seating!

The funny thing about Avogadro’s Number and the fact that I am writing about it is that I haven’t even been able to experience it as a performance venue. I am that busy. No but seriously, it’s hard to get out in the evenings for me. But it is on the date night list. In the meantime, there is always breakfast and happy hours.

Avogadro’s Number
[where: 605 S. Mason, Ft. Collins, CO, 970.493.5555]

Whole Foods = Pure Temptation

Amber Rose — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:01:40 -0600

Travel along College between Prospect and Drake and you’re sure to see the congestion of cars, bikes, and pedestrians entering and exiting the Whole Foods parking lot. This well-known, worldwide, healthy grocery store chain popularizes organic and pure foods in nearly every city it touches. Fort Collins is no exception.

The store simply offers the best in Fort Collins. Walk in and the aroma of fresh picked fruit and vegetables greets you. Next the fishmongers offer the freshest selections, advise on cooking, and will even offer samples to the kids (my daughter likes to show off and try the octopus). Round the corner and an entire aisle of brilliant bulk foods can overwhelm any granola chooser. The butchers and cheese artisans are housed together on the other end of the store. Their expertise guides your choices, so there is no second-guessing yourself. The fresh scent of bread soon reaches you as you depart the cheese area. The bakery not only puts out fabulous crusty bread, however; their pastry case will make you cry.

So Whole Foods has amazing food selections and experts who can sell it to you. What else? Need supplements or natural remedies? They have two aisles worth. Need fresh roasted coffee and a latte right now? They’ll set you up. Want a freshly rolled California Roll? Stop in at the sushi counter. Need a prepared lunch or dinner immediately? You got it. Need cards, gifts, plants, or fresh flowers??—look no further.

We often follow up our shopping trip with a snack or meal that we take to the patio. Lots of tables and a few comfy chairs invite patrons to enjoy the many ready-to-eat options.

Maybe you’ve been to a Whole Foods before. Despite your experience, you’ll have to visit the Fort Collins store to truly appreciate all that it has to offer. Some folks call it Whole Paycheck—since you can easily blow your whole budget in a trip. It’s just that good. So be careful, but enjoy.

The Train

Amber Rose — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:00:57 -0600

Maybe it’s the love of Cash and his recurrent theme of the whistle blowin’, maybe the American literature I love—describing the building of the railroad—the early days, or maybe it is the connection to my late father who simply loved the sound of the whistle…the train is a thing of romance for me.

For most Fort Collins drivers, it is a thing of inconvenience.

The train runs through the city in two major ways—from top to bottom separating the West from the East and diagonally through the East section of town. Essentially, if there is a train, there is a wait somewhere in town.

I’ve been caught in traffic because of the trains—it’s sometimes not fun (especially when I’m running late to teach a class); however, I’ve also felt relief when those crossing gates come down just before I reach the tracks. “Okay,” I say to myself, “it’s time to slow down and take a break.” I watch patiently as the train approaches, anticipating that this will be a long one—they usually are. I turn off my engine, the music, and just listen. Whistle blowing, wheels rolling violently over tracks, the sighs of drivers behind me. For a few minutes (okay sometimes nine or ten minutes) we all just stop.

One of the coolest train experiences is to be on Mason Street during a train passing. Once we were at a restaurant when the train whistle called us to the window. The train runs right through the street—slowly chugging along as cars drive along side of it and pedestrians wait to cross the narrow avenue. One can be just feet away from the engine as it says, “Hello, Fort Collins—coming through from Wyoming to Denver to deliver some goods.” My kids were in awe as it bounded between the buildings like a big friendly dog.

Early American literature tells stories of the railroad construction, the beginning of fresh produce being sent from California to arid states that couldn’t imagine lettuce in November, and the dreams built on the prosperity brought by the rails. The train preceded the car and the plane—and like all romantic things of the past—it is a thing to treasure. It’s one of the jewels that makes Fort Collins so special.

South College Community Association Pool

Amber Rose — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:39:25 -0600

A colleague of mine “raised her children” at the SCCA pool—back in the 70’s and 80’s. She convinced me this spring that it was the way to spend the summer with my kids. We joined the pool—a little hesitantly because of the membership costs—but with the promise to ourselves that we would use it. After about six weeks of summer, there is no doubt we will continue our membership for years to come—without a thought of the membership fees.

Fort Collins can get hot. Some days…it is down right beastly—as my grandmother used to say. Kids need to be outdoors where they can run, jump, and scream; in the heat they need to be in water.

At SCCA our kids take swimming lessons in the morning. The classes are inexpensive and small in numbers. The lifeguards teach the classes, then get to know the kids well enough to call them by name later in the day when it is free swim.

We usually end up back at the pool in the afternoon. We bring a picnic dinner and plenty of sunscreen. After we eat, swim, and tire out the kids we can shower them right there and come home and toss them right into bed. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer evening.

The pool membership includes guest passes, the ability to reserve the BBQ area or the kiddie pool for parties. The facilities are on the older side, but that doesn’t really bother anyone. The snack shack’s charm lies in its cinder block walls and low priced treats. The beach volleyball court, kid’s climbing structure, and plenty of shade and chairs make the pool even more comfortable.

I’ve met some great people this summer at the SCCA pool. The community is very welcoming and laid back. A great day—that revealed much about the pool’s leadership and community—was the Fourth of July. Fun events, a free picnic, kid’s contests and prizes filled the day with unforgettable memories. A crazy crowd, filling the pool with more people than water, it was still friendly and familiar. Everyone looked out for each other’s kids and kids make friends they never would have made.

Anyone can join the pool, regardless of where they live. Most members are from the South College Heights area, however. Wherever you might live, joining SCCA will connect you with some very friendly families and keep you cool all summer.

SCCA Pool
[where: 313 Tulane Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525]
970 493-4102
www.sccapool.org

Oak Street Near Old Town

Amber Rose — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:38:22 -0600

Being a kid in Fort Collins during the summer doesn’t get much better. Every class, activity, park, lesson, every IMAGINABLE thing a kid could want is here. Of course kids have to have a really cool parent to take part in the fun of it all. I earned cool parent status for at least one day this week, which hopefully negated the uncoolness I was carrying around since messing up seeing fireworks on the 4th. Anyhow, I took the girls to Oak Street.

A half block section of Oak Street is a beautiful “park” of bistro tables, umbrellas, benches, good architecture, and fountains, yes, fountains. Everyone knows kids love water, and the City of Fort Collins knows how to please kids. This free spot, surrounded by great shopping, restaurants, and museums is a great place to hang out for awhile and let the kids be kids. The various in-ground fountains are also joined by slippery marble “statues” that allow for somewhat safe sliding. I have girls that tend to follow “the rules” so they slithered around for fun, but if you have a rambunctious one, be sure to mention the “no surfing the marble rule.”

Sit back, laugh, shoot some pictures, and get to know the other cool parents. Or get a little crazy and splash around, too. Just be sure that still qualifies you as “cool.”

The Oak Street fountains are located at just West of College Avenue at Oak Street. Parking is available on College, or go around the back way and park on Oak or Mason.

Wilbur’s Total Beverage

Amber Rose — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:36:34 -0600

Upon moving to Fort Collins almost a year ago, I discovered a liquor store that surpassed all expectations and experiences I have encountered in my years of being of drinking age. Now some might think that silly, but take into account that I lived in Las Vegas for years—I know liquor stores (they are open 24/7 there!). In grad school, I lived across from the notorious Liquor Mart in Boulder—pretty stunning in size and selection, not much to look at or feel—in any way—elegant.

Wilbur’s Total Beverage defies the laws of liquor stores to engage its clientele in a sensory experience you might hardly expect in a modest town such as Fort Collins. Expansive, beautifully organized, helpful staff, and a variety that rivals any I’ve ever seen in one house. I feel as though I am in the New York City Public Library—only instead of Watership Down I am staring at a brand of beer I thought I could only buy in a small California township.

The wine selection is a pretty defining area of a liquor store. I highly doubt you will have trouble finding the wine you came for—but you may kill an hour or two wandering the labels of thousands of bottles.

The beer selection, a garden of varieties lining the North wall, will astound any aficionado. It represents every local microbrew, of course, but also a fine assortment of other American microbrews. The world’s finest beers sit proudly amongst the Americans.

Liquor sections tend to be predictable. Keeping up with their wine and beer sections, Wilbur’s hard liquors present a range of the finest to the cheapest. The Scotch choices are unbelievable. Not only that, they actually have amazing sales. The first time my husband encountered Wilbur’s he bought a favorite bottle, usually priced at $60, for $45.

Cigars, glasses, gift bags, even a computer that will tell you exactly what you need to make that special martini—nothing is forgotten by Wilbur’s. And no one will forget the Wilbur’s experience.

Wilbur's Total Beverage
www.wilburstotalbeverage.com
[where: 2201 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525]
970-226-8662

Remington Street

Amber Rose — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:34:20 -0600

It seems odd to just write about the charm of a street, but somehow Remington has caught my attention over and over again as a beautiful, charming boulevard epitomizing Fort Collins. A street with literally a beginning and end (starting at Johnson—just south of Spring Creek Trail and finishing at the south edge of Old Town), it is a rarity in a town with streets that stretch for miles.

Houses of all ages live on Remington Street; but mostly the turn of the century types enjoy the overgrown trees and quiet, but somewhat heavily traveled avenue. It runs to the East of College, a direct parallel, and thus a scenic and less congested alternative to the heavily trafficked College Avenue.

My family takes this course when bicycling to Old Town from our midtown home since the bike lanes are friendly and wide. The adorable cottages and overwhelmingly stout Victorians make for a lovely ride.

Several landmarks like the only Buddhist center in town and the old Fort Collins High School (now a CSU music hall) as well as historically named buildings line Remington.

For a beautiful byway and an historic walk down Fort Collins architecture, visit Remington Street.

Fort Collins is on the Money Magazine Best Small Cities List

Savarin — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:30:26 -0600

What do they think is great about Fort Collins?

"...practically every new road has a bike lane..."

"...Fort Collins has a bike library..." - must be code for bikes you can check out if you don't have one. That's cool.

Old Town has great restaurants and brew pubs - gotta love that.

Bioscience and tech jobs (most of which pay well) are an economic highlight, along with the federal grant for a solar project downtown.

Sounds like a great place to live!

See the article here.

Repeat Boutique

Amber Rose — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:00 -0600

I admit it. I’ve let myself go. I used to only shop vintage clothing stores in Las Vegas while growing up an individualist teen. Even in my first few years as a career girl, I had to indulge in style via vintage because Target just wasn’t cutting it. Most of us have to live on a tight budget, but we still have to look good, right?

I needed a great new dress for the first summer wedding I’ve attended in a long time. On a fluke I stopped by Repeat Boutique, which I had driven by nearly every day for nine months. The exterior reveals a very chic shop—a much more sophisticated consignment store than I have ever seen. Greeting me at the door was a fabulous outfit donned on a dress form—carefully thrown together in only that style that can result from a multitude of clothing items meeting in one building.

The store takes every opportunity to display flare and attitude. This is not a run-down, smelly thrift store. Every item is carefully chosen, designers are everywhere, the dressing rooms make you look and feel great, and the salespeople know fashion.

After gaping at the various rooms (women’s, shoes and accessories, house décor, kid’s men’s, coats, and more) I gathered seven or so dresses, some vintage and some designer, and headed to the dressing area. The gal helping me was a gem. I needed advice and she was there for me—yes, no, this with this, that with that. Better service than most major department stores and with honesty as well! I finally decided on two very different dresses, so that the night of the wedding I could go with how I felt. I even found a little purse that matched perfectly. Two dresses and one purse: $37.50.

If all this wasn’t enough, the true test of customer service soon was written and passed. My husband really talked me out of one of the dresses, and I had remembered something about a return policy. I called the next morning, and they assured me that I could return anything within 24 hours of purchase. Return to a consignment shop? Yes! And they were as gracious with the return as the purchase. No reason needed (the tag was still attached, which I am sure helped matters).

I’m actually excited about shopping again! If a store can do that for me in this economy, it is my kind of store. Check it out.

A Repeat Boutique

[where: 1502 S College Ave Apt 1, Fort Collins, CO 80524]

(970) 493-1039