A Timeless Date Idea: Stepping into History at Fort Collins' Avery House

Imagine a date where the past whispers through creaking floorboards, sunlight filters through century-old windows, and the weight of shared stories lingers in the air. At Fort Collins’ Avery House, history isn’t confined to textbooks—it’s a living, breathing backdrop for meaningful connection. Built in 1879, this Victorian-era home offers couples a chance to slow down, wander hand-in-hand through time, and create memories that feel both nostalgic and new.

The Vibe: Where Elegance Meets Intimacy

The moment you approach the Avery House’s butter-yellow exterior, the pace shifts. Downtown Fort Collins’ buzz fades as you step onto the wraparound porch, its wooden planks worn smooth by generations. Inside, floral wallpaper, clawfoot tubs, and oil lamps set a romantic stage—equal parts refined and unpretentious. The space feels like borrowing your great-grandparents’ love story for an afternoon, with every room inviting quiet conversation.

Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to linger in the garden-lined courtyard. It’s ideal for breaking the ice with a casual chat before your tour.

How to Experience It Together

1. The Guided Tour: Shared Discovery

Docents in period-appropriate attire lead you through parlors, bedrooms, and kitchens—each space sparking playful “What if…?” scenarios. (“Could you imagine hosting 1890s dinner parties here?”) The hour-long tour strikes a balance between structure and downtime, letting couples whisper reactions without feeling rushed.

2. Photo Opportunities with a Twist

Challenge each other to recreate 19th-century poses by the home’s original wood-burning stove or beneath the grand staircase. The lack of modern distractions (no Wi-Fi here!) encourages genuine interaction, making even silly selfies feel intentional.

3. Post-Tour Strolls

Afterward, walk three blocks west to Old Town Square, where gas lamps and indie boutiques extend the vintage charm. Alternatively, head east to Cafe Vino for wine and charcuterie—the perfect debrief spot to discuss which Avery House artifact fascinated you most.

When to Go: Timing Your Time-Capsule Date

Saturdays at 1 PM catch golden-hour light through the stained glass, while Sundays at 3:30 PM let you avoid crowds before closing. Though open year-round, spring and fall shine brightest: imagine autumn leaves framing the house’s gables or peonies blooming in the courtyard come May.

Why It Works: More Than Just a House

Unlike predictable dinner-and-a-movie dates, the Avery House fosters shared curiosity. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with inside jokes about chamber pots and debates over whether 1800s life was simpler or harder. The home’s tangible history—think handwritten letters in display cases—subtly reminds couples that every enduring relationship is built on small, preserved moments.

Insider Move: Ask your guide about Franklin Avery’s marriage to Sara. Their story (complete with railroad tycoon drama!) adds a layer of relatable romance to the architecture.

Making It Memorable

• Gift shop gems: Splurge on $8 reproduction postcards to mail each other later with handwritten notes.
• Dress code: Neither formal nor casual—think “casual Friday meets vintage picnic” to match the home’s vibe.
• Mind the stairs: The narrow staircase forces you to slow down and walk close, an unintentionally sweet detail.

At $6 per ticket, it’s a budget-friendly date that skips cheapness for charm. As you exit through the servant’s quarters, you’ll realize the magic isn’t just in the house itself, but in how its quiet corners give modern love stories room to breathe.

The Avery House
📍 328 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO
📅 Weekends Only • 🕒 Sat 11AM-2PM, Sun 1PM-4PM
💵 Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children $4
🌐 poudrelandmarks.org/avery-house