Nostalgic Northern Colorado: Fuel Fond Memories in Fort Collins

A nostalgic Fort Collins fixture, Totally 80's Pizza, boasts the world’s largest collection of '80s pop culture memorabilia in its impressive restaurant museum, including rare vintage arcade games, cereal boxes, autographed photos, computers and original handwritten lyrics from the biggest names in 1980s music.

By: Visit Fort Collins
Updated: February 29, 2024

No wonder the restaurant was featured on the History Channel’s 2022 show “Adam Eats the 80s” with TV host Adam Richman. Plus, the restaurant has a new double-the-size location with delicious 'za, a full arcade and a souvenir shop. 

In honor of this accomplishment, here are some other totally nostalgic experiences in Northern Colorado to add to your bucket list.

See a Drive-in Movie

The iconic Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater's film lineup runs from spring through Halloween and is a Fort Collins must-visit. Along with reasonably priced movies ($9 for ages 10 and up; $6 for age 6–9 and over 65), the drive-in offers tasty eats from its concession stand, along with local beers from Odell Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Company, Horse & Dragon Brewing Company and wines from The OBC Wine Project

Ride the Trolley

This summer, hop on the Fort Collins Trolley on Birney Car 21 (also known as “Car 21” or just “Birney”) as well as Car 23 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in Fort Collins. Only around a dozen Birneys worldwide still operate as rail lines today, and Fort Collins has one of them. The trolley runs from Old Town to City Park and Grandview Cemetery on Mountain Avenue. Each 3-mile trip takes about 30 minutes. Or tour/ride Birney at the FoCo Food Truck Rally, which takes place in City Park on Tuesday evenings through mid-September. Follow FoCo Food Truck Rally on Facebook to see the food truck and music lineup.

Refuel at the Silver Grill Cafe

Along with a killer breakfast and lunch, the Silver Grill Cafe has plenty of history to share — after all, it is the oldest restaurant in northern Colorado. Don’t forget to order an enormous cinnamon roll — they bake more than 10,000 delicious buns each month and are famous for these sweet treats!

Play Pinball & Arcade Games

Pinball Jones is a true gem, chock-full of vintage and brand-new pinball machines, as well as pool tables, air-hockey tables, Skee-Ball and all manner of arcade cabinets, old and new. It's sure to leave even hard-to-please teens and tweens grinning.

Snag a Sammy at B & B Pickle Barrel Bar & Deli 

An institution among current and former Colorado State University students, the B&B Pickle Barrel Bar & Deli celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. The East Coast-style deli serves truly excellent sandwiches, homemade soups and tasty bakery items.

Roll Around Rollerland

Strap on your roller skates and let the good times roll at Rollerland Skate Center. Skate around a 12,000-square-foot smooth rink while a live DJ plays crowd-pleasing music, including plenty of throwback favorites. Be sure to check out the laser tag, arcade and three-story playground.

Play Away the Day at Fort Fun

From go-karts and mini golf to bumper boats and an arcade, Fort Fun has plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages laughing. There are also escape rooms sure to get your brain working.

Explore Bee Family Centennial Farm

Bee Family Centennial Farm has been around since development began in northern Colorado, so no wonder it’s on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. It’s been an active working farm since 1894. Discover the “minds-on” museum with plenty of farm-focused exhibits. The farm also hosts education programs and events, where you can learn what life was like 100 years ago and see bread and butter making or quilt and sewing demonstrations, learn about food preservation, enjoy trolley rides and more. Note: The farm will be closed in 2024.

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A version of this article originally appeared on visitftcollins.com.