|
Hi Fort Collins, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A raku gnome workshop, Katherine Blanford stand-up, a wildlife center’s new executive director, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Credentials driving community impact: Northern Colorado Wildlife Center marked 10 years and named Michela Dunbar as executive director. The licensed rehabilitator now leads wildlife care and education serving Fort Collins and nearby communities — read the full story.
Comprehensive wellness and enrichment: The Gallery at Fort Collins will open in early spring, offering independent, assisted, and memory care plus CSU-connected programming and amenities built for a maintenance-free lifestyle — learn about amenities and care.
Major lake-area improvements coming: Larimer County is upgrading access at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir, with new parking at the Quarry Day Use Area and road work near Eagle Campsite, targeting completion in 2027 — get project details and timeline.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Protect your home’s air: Fort Collins is urging residents to test homes for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Discounted kits are available at the Fort Collins Senior Center, and free short-term tests are offered. High results should be handled by certified mitigators, with state help for low-income households. Get testing and mitigation info.
Fresh fade fix: Been putting off a clean-up? Scissors & Sinners keeps it classic with straight-razor neck cleanups, hot-towel shaves, and barbers fluent in every texture and style. Chill, inclusive vibe near CSU, with steady hands and easygoing energy.
Winter bird-nerd heaven: Bundle up and wander the quiet trails at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. It’s peak bald eagle season, with wide-open prairie views, real hush, and a reset that beats doomscrolling. No bikes or pups, so your midweek breather stays calm.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
|
📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎤 Katherine Blanford @ The Comedy | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to laugh at something other than your inbox, Katherine Blanford is in town with stand-up that makes you forget your to-do list. It’s 21+ only, bring your ID, and check in a little early, you responsible rebel.
🎨 Fused Glass Garden Stakes Workshop @ The Artisan Shop & Studio | Friday (1/16) at 6:30 PM – Give your garden, houseplants, or landscaping a little swagger at this hands-on fused glass workshop where you design a one-of-a-kind garden stake. It’s adult arts and crafts without the macaroni, just color, sparkle, and the satisfaction of retiring that sun-faded gnome.
🐻 Stuffy Sleepover @ Polaris Media Center | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Your kid’s stuffy gets an overnight adventure at Polaris Media Center, you get the couch. Drop it off, we film the antics, you return to cereal, cartoons, and a highlight reel. Bring a board game, a puzzle, or ten bucks to help stock the shelves.
☕ Coffee Tasting @ Wobble HiFi | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Give your Keurig a day off and join Fort Collins Coffee Collective for a relaxed tasting where you actually taste the coffee, not the mug. Sip, savor, and learn the art, then leave with bragging rights, better beans, and a new favorite roast.
🥕 Winter Farmers Market @ Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Think winter means no farmers market? Think again. Head to the Winter Farmers Market off Foothills Parkway on Saturdays all season for local produce, hot coffee, and small-batch goodies, plus neighborly chats that last longer than your New Year’s resolutions.
🧶 Hand Knitting Chunky Throw Pillow @ The Artisan Shop & Studio | Sunday (1/18) at 1:30 PM – Whether your last DIY was a 4th grade diorama or you’ve been eyeing those chunky pillows at the shop, this hand knitting class keeps it easy and needle-free. Learn the basics, loop a throw pillow, and leave with a stylish accent, bragging rights.
🎻 Family Concert: Adventures in Sound and Imagination @ The Lincoln Center | Sunday (1/18) at 3:00 PM – Nothing beats live storytelling by an orchestra when the kids, the grandkids, and your attention span need a break from screens. Fort Collins Symphony tackles The Orchestra Games and Peter and the Wolf, turning instruments into characters, curiosity into giggles, and afternoon into culture.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📣 Own or manage a local business?
Meet BaseLocal Business — a free and easy way to get your business happenings in front of our readers.
How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
- We’ll manually verify your business is legit
- Once verified, you’ll be able to share events, news, and special deals with us any time
Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Fort Collins locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
|
📻 Fort Collins report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 64°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 58 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 8 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North northwest wind 12 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 44°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 22 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 4-bath McClelland’s Creek home in South Fort Collins backs to Zach Elementary, has mountain views, and opens to green space with trails to Radiant and Twin Silos Park. Finishes include granite counters, stained trim, and a wrought-iron staircase. The chef’s kitchen features stainless appliances, double ovens, a five-burner cooktop, walk-in pantry, and large island. Two primary suites add flexibility, including a main-floor suite with 3/4 bath.
A dining room and living room with a cast iron gas fireplace anchor the main level, and upstairs adds a mountain-view primary, loft, and laundry. The finished basement includes a wet bar. The yard offers a deck, vines, and custom garage storage.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
