15 Places to Read by the Fire

The winter weather doesn’t have to keep you from reading outdoors. In fact, outdoor fire pits and fireplaces are the perfect place to cozy up with a great book. Not interested in braving the outdoors? How about some great local spots with indoor fireplaces? *

Grab your book and settle in! Some of these spots are open to the public; others might require you to indulge in a favorite beverage or meal while you’re relaxing. Many of these places would also be great spots to gather with your book club to chat about your latest pick.

Blue Agave Grill, 201 South College Ave.
This places features a fire pit patio with fire pit tables and super comfy seating. And margaritas, so you’ve got that going for you if you like.

Blue Agave Grill features an outdoor Fire Pit Patio with fire pit tables.

The Budweiser Biergarten, 2351 Busch Dr.
Multiple fire pits means lots of opportunities to settle in and read. Plus, depending upon when you visit, you can enjoy Fire Pit Fridays, holiday lights, and Clydesdales.

Café Vino, 1200 South College Ave.
Decadent pastries, amazing tapas, and more, all while sitting alongside a cozy fire pit with your book.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave.
If you haven’t relaxed next to the indoor fireplace at Council Tree Library, then you’re missing out. Plus, look at all the books to choose from!

Council Tree Library’s fireplace is a great space for reading, relaxing, and chatting.

The Exchange, 200 North College Ave.
The outdoor plaza at the Exchange is part of an “entertainment district” that also includes a fire pit, free book library, and more.

The Exchange Fort Collins offers great restaurants, retail, and fun activities…including an outdoor fire pit feature. Photo: The Exchange – Fort Collins.

Foothills Mall, 215 East Foothills Parkway
Linger at the peer-through fireplace near the Mall’s center court for some reading and people watching.

Front Range Village, 2720 Council Tree Ave.
The shopping center includes a fire pit with seating just a stone’s throw away from Council Tree Library, so you can grab a book and settle in to read.

The Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland
This outdoor ice rink is open from November through March and outdoor fire pit, live music and a giant lit Christmas tree. And of course, you can rent ice skates or bring your own.

Jessup Farm Artisan Village, 1957 Jessup Dr.
This shopping area has great fire pits with ample seating for reading along with options for coffee, food, and retail therapy.

This fire pit outside of Bindle Coffee at Jessup Farm is just one of the many great spots to read by the fire. Photo: Bindle Coffee.

Lory Student Center at CSU, 1101 Center Ave. Mall
There are two spots to check out at the LSC! The Legacy Lounge on the third floor has a dual-side fireplace and comfortable seating that’s perfect for reading, studying, and relaxing. The Diane Warren Kindness Lounge on the second floor offers great views and a fireplace.

The Moot House, 2626 South College Ave.
An old English pub-inspired restaurant with a great outdoor fire pit and outside dining…and sticky toffee pudding!

Morgan Library at CSU, 1201 Center Ave. Mall
The CSU library features a unique fireplace created using water vapor since there was no gas line running near the library. It’s a fun design surrounded by plush chairs.

CSU’s Morgan Library has a comfortable fireplace area ready for reading and studying. Photo: CSU Morgan Library.

Odell Brewing Taproom, 800 East Lincoln Ave.
Just outside the taproom is a large fire pit at the center of their outdoor patio which often includes live music and local food trucks.

Union Bar & Soda Fountain, 250 Jefferson St.
This restaurant’s outdoor patio includes a fire pit, heated seats, and yard games.

The Villaggio Shops, Harmony Rd. and Snow Mesa Dr.
This spot along Harmony includes fire pits and water features – the best of both worlds for reading and hanging out – along with retail, restaurants, and walking paths.

*This list does not suggest any endorsement of the business by the Library District, just an endorsement of the practice of reading near fire pits and fireplaces. All locations are in Fort Collins unless noted.

What other fire pits or fireplaces are missing from this list?