Date of Trip: Memorial Day Weekend May 27 – 28, 2007
A long Weekend: What to do?
While looking for a camping reservation a few days before Memorial Day Weekend, we didn’t find anything within a three hour radius of our home. Not to mention the work to get together a camping trip did not seem appealing. So, we decided to get out of town for one night, stay at a hotel, and check out the sites around Loveland/Fort Collins, Colorado.
Horsetooth Reservoir: Our Weekend Picnic
We headed straight for Fort Collins and drove down Harmony Road. Making a quick decision we turned onto C.R. 23 rather than C.R. 38E. Not knowing where we were going, this quick decision determined the events of the day. We drove about 5 miles, most of the length of the reservoir, before finding a ranger to talk to at Satanka Bay. He suggested turning around, picnicking on the reservoir and then driving back to C.R. 38E and Horsetooth Mountain Park. We wanted to hike to the waterfall at Horsetooth Mountain Park. A certain Uncle/Brother who used to live in Fort Collins recommended the hike. The ranger told us Horsetooth Mountain Park was under construction and new picnic facilities were expected soon. But, the hogback along the reservoir would be a better picnic place this trip.
Horsetooth Mountain Park: Waterfall Plans thwarted by rattlesnake
Our afternoon hike at Horsetooth Mountain Park was lovely. We kept hearing a sound that was either the wind blowing through the aspen trees or a waterfall. Many of the creek beds looked dry, so we didn’t expect to see a waterfall. Around the bend, we were planning to turn around and head back to the trail head. A group of hikers told us they had seen a rattlesnake ahead. We didn’t take this warning seriously. Then as we got ready to cross the bridge ahead, a young couple was climbing down the hill through thick brush. They told us to stop. They were climbing around a rattlesnake sprawled across the path. When they came down, they showed us the snake. The photo to the right shows the snake. The snake is a blur toward the right of the third farthest stair. We watched him for awhile before turning back. The young couple stayed and warned others. Then, on our way back, the young couple caught up to us. They had moved the snake off the path after we left. Next time we are in Fort Collins, we plan to hike the waterfall trail, avoid rattlesnakes, and reach that waterfall!
Old Town Fort Collins: Austin’s Grill and Walrus Ice Cream Shop
Next, we headed down town to eat dinner at Austin’s Grill and dessert at Walrus Ice Cream Shop. The grill is located at College and Mountain in Fort Collins. There are several other Austin Grill locations in the area. Walrus Ice Cream Shop is located on the South side of Mountain just West of College. Once again, these two suggestions, made by a certain Uncle/Brother, were a big hit!
To Loveland: Swim and Sleep
Finally, we headed back to Loveland, Colorado for some hotel pool swimming and sleep at the Marriott Fairfield Inn located near the outlet mall. We often stay at Marriott Fairfield Inns. The Loveland Fairfield Inn had the fanciest free breakfast we have ever seen.
Benson Park Sculpture Garden: A Classic Outdoor Art Museum
On a beautiful Memorial Day morning, we walked around Benson Park Sculpture Garden. We really enjoyed looking at the mostly bronze sculptures. A few had marble, glass, and stone material. A highlight was reading the titles and understanding a little more about the artwork. We spent all morning on the South Pond and only were able to see about half of the 100 sculptures on display throughout the park.
Swetsville Zoo: An Unusual Outdoor Art Museum
A certain Aunt and Uncle on their way from Anchorage to Austin, suggested checking out the Swetsville Zoo. We had seen photographs, so this ought to be easy to find! First, we drove by a white house with a sculpture by the mailbox. This surely couldn’t be what we were looking for. After a bit of a drive we turned around and drove back. Once again, we drove by the mailbox thinking surely this couldn’t be what we were looking for. Across the highway, we turned around, drove back to the mailbox and turned into the driveway. We had arrived at Swetsville Zoo!
An Art of Love: Sculptures made of Car Parts, Machinery and Scrap Metal
We picked up the laminated paper tour guide and walked through the sculpture garden. Each sculpture had a name, description, and comment that made the metal sculptures more interesting. We especially liked the humorous comments. Each family member took a photo next to their favorite masterpiece.
CSU Environment Learning Center: A Bald Eagle in the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
We checked out the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program located at the East end of Drake Road in Fort Collins. More information is at the CSU Environmental Learning Center website. We saw a beautiful Bald Eagle in an injured raptor cage which was definitely a highlight. Also, we walked the Cottonwood Trail which crossed the Poudre River and connected with many other trails.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Was this a good family choice?
In one of our Colorado Family Guide Books, the Anheuser-Busch facility was mentioned. We were having allergy problems outside, so an indoor activity seemed like a good choice to end out our trip. We remember reading about the Clydesdales and thought this could be interesting. So we found our way to the tour center. As we walked in the door, the greeter behind the desk asked us if we wanted to go on the tour. We were told it left two minutes ago, and we could catch them if we hurried. So without really knowing what we were doing we were off on a Brewery Tour.
The Brewery Tour and Clydesdales
The adults in our group were really impressed with the magnitude and scope of the brew process. I believe everyone was impressed with the canning area where cans and bottles whizzed by so fast you could barely see them. Each child kept a souvenir of Beechwood used in “Beechwood Aging”. The recycling aspect of the operation was impressive. The advertising aspect was a little unnerving for our young group. The Clydesdales were a highlight. We viewed the beautiful horses in cages at the end of the tour. Although soda pop was an option, we did skip the tasting part of the tour. After rereading our family guide, we realized it recommended a 25 minute video, the Clydesdales, and exhibits at the Tour Center, not the entire Brewery Tour.
Johnson’s Corner: Finally Stopped There
So, we had heard rumors about the famous cinnamon rolls at Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop. The truck stop is located 3 miles South of Loveland on I-25 Exit 254. Every time we drove by, we were in a hurry. On the way home, we finally stopped for dinner and a cinnamon roll for dessert. Johnson’s Corner has an interesting history, claim to fame through the Food Network, and has never closed their doors since opening in 1952.
Must Sees for Next Time
- Waterfall at Horsetooth Mountain Park
- Shoreline/Horsetooth Reservoir Camping
- Middle Pond at Benson Sculpture Park
- Starry Night Coffee: located on the East side of College just South of Mountain in Old Town Fort Collins