(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 09, 2010 ) FORT COLLINS, Colo. — For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, people can vote as often as they like for a city or town on this year’s list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010 and declared the Fan Favorite Destination.
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a gem of North Central Colorado. One of the few communities to successfully retain its downtown pedestrian mall—known as Historic Old Town Square—the town is a vacation paradise that boasts walkable, bike-friendly streets featuring a dense collection of unique, locally owned businesses. It’s also one of the most innovative cities in the nation for green and sustainable development. In fact, an initiative currently underway would make Fort Collins’ downtown the first Zero Energy District in the nation.
In addition to strolling the cityÂ’s charming streets, visitors will find ample recreational opportunities in the mountains that serve as a stunning visual backdrop to Fort Collins. Among the world-class outdoor activities available nearby are whitewater rafting on the Cache la Poudre River and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. After returning from a day of recreation, visitors might choose from among the cityÂ’s numerous local micro-breweries, including New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company.
With so much to offer, itÂ’s little wonder that Money magazine recently named Fort Collins the #1 best place to live in the nation!
Fort Collins Highlights
• Old Town Square, which served as the model for Main Street Disneyland, is a vibrant downtown pedestrian mall adjacent to the original fort site founded in 1864
• New Belgium Brewing Company, one of six microbreweries in the area, built the first wind-powered brewery in 1999
• Armstrong Hotel, the last operating historic hotel in Fort Collins, first opened in 1923 and shows Fort Collins’ commitment to preserving its historic institutions
• Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park provides hiking, mountain biking, rafting on the Cache la Poudre River, and fishing opportunities
• Colorado State University offers a thriving local music scene
• Annual celebrations such as the NewWestFest, Colorado Brewers’ Festival, and Independence Day Celebration bring residents and visitors together year-round
