It’s mid-January in Northern Colorado, which usually implies sub-zero wind chills and frozen shut car doors. Instead, we’ve got 50-degree days, confused houseplants, and a classic case of what the old-timers call an "Open Winter."
This weather has created a seasonal identity crisis, splitting NOCO into two very distinct camps:
Team Cozy: You are committed to the hibernation bit, regardless of the thermometer. You’ve got the stout, the wool socks, and a sourdough starter named Gerald. You aren't hiding; you're thriving.
Team Crazy: (Stir-crazy that is) You saw the sun and immediately laced up the trail runners. You’re pacing the living room, convinced that "windburn builds character" and that it would be a crime to waste this Vitamin D.
Both = valid. Both = NOCO.
This week, we're honoring the full spectrum. We've got liquid gold (soup) for the nesters, a sun-trap trail for the restless, a cozy bookstore hideaway for everyone, and garden wisdom for those already dreaming of spring — at least until winter remembers to come back.
Enjoy the "False Spring" while it lasts!
— Megan
The "Snow Eaters" vs. “The Blockade”
Since we're basking in this unusually mild stretch, let's look back at how Colorado winter can behave, before we get too comfortable.
Over a century ago, one of the most legendary storms in Colorado history buried the Front Range under feet of snow. From December 1–5, 1913, the Great Colorado Snowstorm — sometimes called “The Snow Blockade” — dropped about 34½ inches on Fort Collins alone, with Denver seeing nearly 46 inches. Roads, railroads, and daily life ground to a halt. Snow stacked against buildings, drifted high across the prairie, and stranded livestock and people alike. It wasn't a single snow day; it was a multi-day siege that defined what a Colorado winter can do when conditions align.
But we also have a historical precedent for this week's warmth. Colorado is home to Chinook winds — the "Snow Eaters" — warm, dry downslope winds that can flip a frozen morning into a balmy afternoon in hours. When Pacific air masses descend the eastern slopes of the Rockies, they compress and warm, pushing mid-winter temperatures into the 50s or 60s. Snow melts. Farmers plow in shirtsleeves. And then, days later, winter snaps back like nothing happened.
It's the same reason we can be grilling in January one week and scraping ice off windshields the next.
The takeaway: Soak up this sunshine while it lasts. But keep the snow shovel handy; winter around here can change its tune in a heartbeat.
Fort Collins, South side of West Mountain, Looking East, 1913
We always knew how to do snow the right way 😄
For Team Cozy
Northern Colorado's largest used bookstore — and arguably its coziest hiding spot
Where: 827 10th Street, Greeley | Open daily 10am–8pm
Why We Love Them:
The Hunt. They stock new and used titles across every genre imaginable — rare books, vintage paperbacks, banned books, comics, you name it. It's not about grabbing the bestseller. It's about getting lost in the stacks and finding a weird 1970s sci-fi paperback you didn't know you needed.
The Community. This place feels like a living room. The staff genuinely wants to talk books, not just sell them. They run book-to-film clubs at The Kress Cinema, support local teachers and book clubs, and even sell audiobooks through Libro.fm to keep money local.
The Vibe. If you're Team Cozy this week, this is your spiritual home. Grab a stack, find a corner, and disappear for a while.
How to Support:
Stop in and browse. Buy a book (or five). Join their book-to-film club. Support a bookstore that's actually building community, not just moving inventory.
For Team Crazy
The Sun Trap — Devil's Backbone
Devil's Backbone in Loveland is a go-to winter hike for a reason: exposure. The trail sits on a ridge of dramatic red rock formations that soak up heat like a lizard on a warm stone. When it's 50 degrees in town, it feels like 65 out here. When the rest of the foothills are muddy or icy, Devil's Backbone is dry and ready.
The views don't hurt either. You'll get sweeping looks at Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, and the plains stretching east. The trail itself is moderate — about 3 miles round-trip with some elevation gain — but you can turn around whenever you want and still feel like you got your fix.
The Reality Check. It will be busy. Everyone else has the same idea on warm January days. Parking fills up fast, and you'll share the trail with dogs, families, and fellow Vitamin D seekers.
The Strrategy. Go early (like 8am early) or go late (after 3pm). You'll dodge the crowds, catch better light, and have the trail closer to yourself.
The Details:
📍 Trailhead: Hidden Valley Dr, Loveland (just off US-34)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate, 3 miles round-trip, ~500 ft elevation gain
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on leash
🚗 Parking: Free but limited — arrive early or be patient
For Team Cozy
The Soup Cure
If you are refusing to leave the house for anything less than liquid gold, we have good news: Spoons makes it worth the trip.
Founded in 2003 by Chef Tom Stoner with the goal of "making soup better than anywhere else," Spoons became a local legend at its original (now closed) basement spot in the Northern Hotel. While that nostalgic location is gone, the legacy is stronger than ever with locations across town, including several that have teamed up with another local favorite, Gib’s Bagels.
They offer ten unique soups daily, rotating through classics like Mom's Chicken Vegetable and Tomato Basil alongside creative seasonal batches. The menu changes constantly, using locally sourced ingredients, which keeps things interesting for the regulars who can't stay away.
The staff will let you sample as many as you like before committing — which is crucial, because choosing is genuinely hard.
The Move: Grab a quart (or two) to go. Do not skip the daily house-made focaccia bread (or try the Focaccia Grilled Cheese if you're feeling wild). Take it home, pair it with a blanket, and enjoy the smug satisfaction of knowing you’re doing January right.
The Details:
📍 Where: Multiple locations (Campus West, Harmony, Link Lane, & more)
🕐 Hours: Generally 10am–8pm (Check specific locations; some close earlier or are closed Sundays)
💰 Cost: Very affordable; quarts available for takeout.
💡 Pro Tip: If you head to the Link Lane or Drake locations, you can grab a Gib's bagel for tomorrow morning while you're getting your soup for tonight. Two birds, one stone.
Dirt and Altitude
New Section! Gardening for the High Plains.
I’ve been slowly turning my black thumb green over the last decade and a half, and want to share what I’ve learning along the way. The hard-won lessons, the seasonal rhythms, and the weird quirks of gardening at altitude and on the High Plains. So, here goes…
Itching to Dig? Wait. (But Water.)
The warm weather is a trap. Do not, we repeat, do not, be tempted to uncover your perennials or plant anything outside yet. Our average last frost is still months away, lurking around mid-May like a vindictive ex.
Task of the Week: Winter Watering
This is the unsexy hero work of Colorado gardening. When it's 55°F and dry (like this week), your trees are quietly dying of thirst while you're out there in a t-shirt soaking up Vitamin D and feeling delightful about it.
Evergreens and newly planted shrubs are especially vulnerable. They don't go dormant the way you might think they do (we learned this one the hard way).
The Rule: If we haven't had snow cover for 2+ weeks, water.
The Method: Water midday when it's above 40°F. Soak the drip line — that's the outer edge of the branches where roots actually live — not just the trunk. Your trees will thank you in April when they don't look like crispy sadness.
The Fun Stuff: Seed Math Season
Now is the time to dream. Grab the catalogs (Botanical Interests is a NOCO gem — well, they’re based out of Broomfield, but we won’t fault them for that :), map out your beds, and make wildly optimistic plans about how many tomato varieties you can reasonably grow.
Spoiler: It's fewer than you think. Plant them anyway.
Dreaming is the best part of January gardening. The soil can wait.
From Berthoud in the south to the Wyoming state line up north, Fort Morgan in the east to Estes out west, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.
January 13-19, 2026
Featured Event
2026 First Peoples Festival @ Estes Park Events Complex (Estes Park) — Saturday, Jan 17th - Sunday Jan 18th — starts at 9am, events all day! — Celebrate Indigenous culture with art, music, and community! Explore a premier art market, cultural demos, and a competition Pow Wow. 👉 Honor the heritage!
Tuesday 13th
City Star Trivia Night @ City Star Brewing 6:00 to 8:00pm (Berthoud) — Gather your brainiest buddies for a night of competitive trivia and local craft beer in the taproom. 👉Prove you’re the smartest person in the room
Union Bar & Soda Fountain @ 250 Jefferson St 5:30–9:00 PM (Fort Collins) — A relaxed evening designed for mingling, laughter, and meeting new people in a casual, welcoming setting. $40 • 21+ 👉 Mingle with singles
Wednesday 14th
Comedy Open Mic Night @ Comedy Fort Collins — Doors @ 7:00pm (Fort Collins) — Bring your laughs to an open mic comedy night in Old Town. 👉 Get your laugh on
What It’s Like to Walk the Camino @ Avogadro’s Number — 7pm (Fort Collins) —Curious about walking the Camino de Santiago? Hear firsthand stories, practical tips, and what it’s really like to take on this iconic pilgrimage. 👉 Walk it out
Geoff Clark Acoustic @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5pm (Estes Park) — Americana chops meet Irish drinking songs! Settle in for a jovial mix of Folk, Rock, and Alt-Country tunes from a local favorite. 👉 Get your jig on!
OBC Winery Series Ft. Robin Lewis @ The OBC Wine Project — 6pm (Fort Collins) — Sip on soulful tunes! Warm your evening with the velvety Indie-Folk sounds of local songwriter Robin Lewis in an intimate winery setting. 👉 Uncork the magic!
Thursday 15th
Alex Thoele Acoustic @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5pm (Estes Park) — Catch the Chain Station guitarist solo! Enjoy an evening of high-energy mountain music and bluegrass roots by the fire. 👉 Tap your toes to the tunes!
Open Bluegrass Jams @ Horsetooth Tavern — 7–10pm (Fort Collins) — Bring your instrument or just your ears to an open bluegrass jam night. All skill levels welcome; pickin’, grinnin’, and good tunes in the brewery. 👉 RSVP & details
Plant-Based Greek Cooking Class @ Ginger & Baker — 5:30–8:30pm (Fort Collins) — Learn to make plant-based Greek dishes with hands-on instruction, seasonal ingredients, and an apron-ready good time. Great for curious cooks of all levels. 👉 Olive oil encouraged
Friday 16th
Friday Night Live Music (Luke Hahn-Zollo & Friends) @ City Star Brewing 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Berthoud) — Kick off your weekend with the perfect pairing of soulful local tunes and award-winning Colorado ales. 👉 Trade your keyboard for some beer-fueled rhythm
Fort Collins Foodie Walk —· 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Taste your way through downtown Fort Collins on a guided walk featuring local bites, stories, and neighborhood flavor. A great way to meet fellow food lovers and discover favorite spots. 👉 RSVP & details
United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience — 9pm (Fort Collins) — Get your glow on downtown with an all-ages rave night featuring DJs, lights, and good vibes. Dance, watch, or just soak up the energy with friends and fellow music lovers. 👉 RSVP & details
Trivia Night @ Marr’s Mountain Cabins and Tavern — 6pm (Red Feather Lakes) — Rally your team and head to the mountains for a battle of wits! Test your knowledge over cold drinks and friendly competition. 👉 Win bragging rights!
A Special Night with Snowbelt Bluegrass @ Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. Publick House — 6pm (Estes Park) — Enjoy an intimate evening of live music! Don't miss this special performance by Snowbelt Bluegrass at the Publick House. 👉 Listen in!
Saturday 17th
2026 First Peoples Festival @ Estes Park Events Complex — starts at 9am, events all day! (Estes Park) — Celebrate Indigenous culture with art, music, and community! Explore a premier art market, cultural demos, and a competition Pow Wow. 👉 Honor the heritage!
Saturday Night Sessions (Rachel Alena) @ City Star Brewing 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Berthoud) — Enjoy a vibrant Saturday evening featuring live musical performances and a selection of small-batch brews. 👉 Let the music take the wheel while you hold a pint
Matt McCloskey @ Marr’s Mountain Cabins and Tavern — 7pm (Red Feather Lakes) — Settle in for an intimate night of acoustic storytelling. Northern Colorado singer-songwriter Matt McCloskey shares heartfelt original tunes blending rock and Americana vibes. 👉 Cozy up with a cold one!
Crab Cakes Benedict Cooking Class @ Ginger & Baker — 10:00am to 01:00pm (Fort Collins) — Learn to make crab cakes Benedict from scratch in this hands-on cooking class featuring fresh ingredients and chef-led instruction. Great for brunch lovers and curious cooks alike. 👉 RSVP & details
Rooftop Luau @ Ginger & Baker — 05:30 to 08:30pm (Fort Collins) — Escape to the rooftop for a tropical-themed evening with island-inspired food, drinks, and laid-back luau vibes—no plane ticket required. 👉 Grass skirts optional
Introduction to Fly Tying Class @ St. Peter's Fly Shop (South) — 10am (Fort Collins) — Master the vise! Learn the basics of tools and materials as you tie three essential patterns: the San Juan Worm, Hares Ear Nymph, and Wooly Bugger. 👉 Feed your new addiction!
TK: Tapas @ Ginger and Baker — 5:30pm (Fort Collins) — Small plates, big flavors! Learn to craft a Spanish feast featuring Ajo Blanco, garlic shrimp, and grilled pork skewers in this hands-on class. 👉 Spice up your night!
Live Music w/ Samantha Erin @ Breckenridge Brewery — 4 - 6pm (Fort Collins) — Sip a brew to the sound of local tunes! Catch this free live set while you snag a bite to eat. 👉 Start your Saturday night right!
Sunday 18th
2026 First Peoples Festival @ Estes Park Events Complex — starts at 9am, events all day! (Estes Park) — Celebrate Indigenous culture with art, music, and community! Explore a premier art market, cultural demos, and a competition Pow Wow. 👉 Honor the heritage!
Coffee Tasting @ Wobble HiFi — 10am (Fort Collins) — Sip, savor, and learn! Explore local and international beans through three different brew methods in this relaxed, "omakase-style" tasting class. 👉 Find your flavor!
Kid's Baking Camp @ Ginger and Baker — 10am to 1pm (Fort Collins) — Whisk, stir, and sprinkle! Aspiring chefs ages 10-16 will master Snickerdoodles, brownies, and hand pies in this hands-on workshop. 👉 Sweeten your skills!
East Nash Grass @ Aggie Theatre — 8pm (Fort Collins) — IBMA's 2024 New Artist of the Year! Witness a bluegrass supergroup that blends technical mastery with irreverent, high-energy performance. 👉 Catch the next big thing!
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ The Lyric — 6pm (Fort Collins) — Enjoy a magical evening of live music under the gentle glow of candlelight. The string quartet brings Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits to life in a way you've never heard before. 👉 Experience the magic!
Hell's Belles w/ The Blackouts @ Avogadro's Number — 8pm (Fort Collins) — Let there be rock! Catch the world-famous all-female AC/DC tribute band delivering a high-voltage performance endorsed by Angus Young himself. 👉 Shake all night long!
TK: Baja Birria @ Ginger and Baker — 5:30pm (Fort Collins) — Take your tastebuds on a trip to Baja! Learn to make authentic Beef Birria, Quesabirria, and Churros in this hands-on cooking class. 👉 Spice up your dinner!
Friends of the Symphony Family Concert: Adventures in Sound and Imagination @ The Lincoln Center — 3pm (Fort Collins) — A musical journey for all ages! Spark your child's imagination with playful orchestral stories like Peter and the Wolf and The Orchestra Games. 👉 Start a family tradition!
Gabriel Mervine Trio @ Magic Rat — 4pm (Fort Collins) — Jazz, wine, and sunset vibes! Enjoy the soulful sounds of this trumpet-led trio as they kick off the new Magic Sunset Series at The Elizabeth Hotel. 👉 Sip and sway!
Monday 19th (Martin Luther King Jr Day)
Beer & Bingo @ Maxline Brewing — 6pm (Fort Collins) — Monday blues? Not here! Grab a pint, grab a card, and compete for prizes in 7 rounds of free bingo fun. Kid and dog friendly! 👉 Test your luck!
Ninajirachi @ Aggie Theatre — 9pm (Fort Collins) — Catch the rising star of Australian electronic music! Dance the night away to genre-blending beats from her breakout "girl EDM" era. 👉 Get your glow on!
