Paddler's Pub

Prepare to be super-mucho impressed everyone, because I know someone who plays in a non-school band. He's a not-too-geeky computer guy by day and a funky trumpet player in the band Futaba by...well, in this case it was early evening. (They play at night, too, if I ever want to stay up later than the 9:00 news.) 

Hearing the band perform at a reasonable hour was a great reason to get us out to Paddler's Pub for the first time. The pub is part of the Mountain Whitewater Descents rafting company and is described as "the first true outdoor pub in Fort Collins." 

The atmosphere is genuine Colorado casual. There's no kitchen, the floor is gravel, and the bar serves only local beers and wines. The eats come from pizza delivery or one of the food trucks that frequent the parking lot. If you remember the B-52's song "Love Shack," this is indeed a funky little shack.

Even though we hadn't spent the day paddling down the Poudre, we didn't feel at all out of place at Paddler's Pub. The place is all about friendly and fun, with a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a nature trail, stuff for kids to climb on, and great views of the foothills. And the music, of course, which wraps up by 9:00--just right for semi-geezers like me. (Click here for the Paddler's Pub music schedule)

And If you ever get the chance to hear Futaba play, please do, unless you are allergic to great music that makes you want to shake your booty and/or groove-thing.