Finding France in Fort Collins

 

      Feeling like you need a little change in scenery and would like to broaden your culture beyond the United States? Can't afford a trip Europe or can't take the time off work? Well, Europe may be closer than you think. Located at the Civic Center Park every third Saturday of the month through October 19th, The French Nest Open-Air Market is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Between 9am-3pm, vendors, musicians, and local artists come together to create a french feeling right here in Fort Collins. Among the vendors is local food products, antique furniture, hand crafted jewelry, and organic clothes. As always, this event is free admission, child friendly (with a face painter), and pet friendly. There is always at least one food truck in attendance (seeVeebo's Pizza) and the Cupcake Cruiser is consistantly there too. Parking can be challenging so I would advise paying to park in the garage (first hour is free!) or parking on Howes Street by St. Joseph's Catholic School. It does get hot since this is an "Open-Air" market so wear your sunscreen! Another great idea is to hit up the farmer's market right next to the French Nest as they are held at the same time and less than a block away but be cautioned that the farmer's market does shut down before the French Nest (see Fresh Farmer's Market in Fort Collins). -P

French Nest Info: Website & Facebook

Fresh Farmer's Market in Fort Collins

    Fort Collins thrives on a healthy, outdoors oriented lifestyle, so one of the more popular weekly summer events is the Larimer County Farmer's Market on Saturdays. There are several similar markets around town but by far the biggest with the best variety and most stalls is the market in the heart of Old Town. Since it is so early in the season, most of the stalls are not selling fruits and vegetables yet, but instead are marketing starter plants for the at home gardener. Later, there will be a variety of summer and fall fruits and vegetables (including the best peaches I have ever tasted). There are also several stalls with local honey, organic meat, toffee, and other home made goods. One of my favorite stalls is the Brazilian Sweet Rolls which has an outstanding coconut roll but they sell out quickly so make sure to arrive early. Another great stall is the Colorado Cherry Company whose cherry

cider makes them a popular store and stall. Come hungry because there is plenty of free, delicious samples to choose from. Among the stalls is Green Dog Farm and Bones Du Jours, which is an entire stall dedicated to dog treats so this is a dog friendly market but be warned that there are a lot of dogs and people there. The market also caters to families with younger kids with a face painter every week. If you come on the third Saturday of every summer month, the French Nest Market is located on the same street through October so going to both is a nice outing for the whole family. -Paige
   

May 18th - October 26th
Saturdays
8 am - Noon
200 Oak Street

Farmers Market Website