A Perfect Shopping Day in Old Town Fort Collins

I'll admit I'm biased, but I think Old Town Fort Collins is one of the best places in Colorado to spend a day. The tree-lined streets, historic brick buildings and buzz of Old Town Square make even a quick errand feel like a little getaway.

Whether you're a local looking for a fresh weekend plan or visiting for the first time, here's how I'd spend a perfect shopping day downtown.

Morning: Coffee and a Stroll

Every good day in Old Town starts with coffee. Grab a latte at Explorado Market, a gluten-free bakery and cafe right in Old Town Square, and pick up a little something from the bakery case while you're there. Then take your coffee for a slow walk. Wander through Old Town Square, peek down the alleys (they're full of murals and charming strung lights) and stroll Linden Street toward the river.

This is where your outfit matters. You'll be on your feet, popping in and out of shops, so comfortable shoes and a hands-free bag are a must. I always reach for a crossbody like the Clare V Petit Moyen Messenger in Caramel or the Clare V Kathryn in Red, which keep your hands free for coffee and shopping bags.

Late Morning: Shop Old Town Square

Old Town is packed with independent shops, and half the fun is discovering something new. Of course, I hope you'll make Style Curated your first stop. You'll find us right in Old Town Square, and you can see our hours, address and parking tips here.

When you visit, you'll get to see, touch and try on everything, and you'll find some new arrivals in the shop before they go online. Come say hi! I love helping visitors find a piece that reminds them of their trip.

What to Wear for a Day Downtown

Colorado weather can change by the hour, so I always plan on layers. Start with a cozy knit like the Michael Stars Pia Cable Knit Sweater, add your favorite jeans and finish with a boot you can actually walk in. The Silent D Naydo Boot has a stacked block heel that's chic and practical for a full day on your feet.

When the afternoon cools off, wrap up in the Ovcio Cloudpuff Cashmere Scarf. For more outfit ideas, check out my guide to what to wear in Fort Collins this fall.

Lunch: Take Your Time

By now you've earned a long lunch. Head down Linden Street to Bread Fellow, a cozy, family-owned bakery and cafe known for slowly fermented breads and hearty soups, in a historic building that first opened as a restaurant in 1891. Or, if you're craving Italian, Maida Trattoria on College Avenue serves handmade pastas and seasonal dishes for lunch, and it's a lovely spot to linger.

Afternoon: A Sweet Treat and One More Lap

Need a pick-me-up? Stroll a little farther down Linden to Ginger and Baker, set in a historic grain mill in the Downtown River District. Their market and bakery is famous for pie and cinnamon rolls, and the coffee is the perfect excuse to sit on the patio for a minute.

Afterward, I love taking one more lap around the Square. Sit by the fountain, people-watch for a few minutes and pop back into any shop where you spotted something you're still thinking about. (Trust me, that's usually a sign.)

If you'd like more one-on-one help, you can book a personal styling session with me in the boutique. It's a relaxed, pressure-free way to find pieces that work for your life.

A Few Tips Before You Go

Free street parking is available for up to 2 hours on most surrounding streets, and there are paid lots and garages within a short walk. Parking is free all day on Sundays in most areas, but always check the signs. You'll find more details on our Visit Us page.

One more friendly tip: check each spot's hours before you head out, since a few of them are closed on certain days.

Planning a visit this season? Mark your calendar for the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Old Town Square. There's live music, and at 6:30 the trees all over Old Town light up for the season. It's one of my favorite nights downtown, and the perfect excuse to do a little holiday shopping while you're here.

And if you want to make an evening of it, end the day with dinner at Maida Trattoria. Handmade pasta and a glass of wine after a day of shopping? That's my kind of Saturday.

I bring in just a few of each piece, so if something catches your eye, come by soon. I hope you have the best day in Old Town, and I can't wait to see you in the shop!

Jenna