

A S UMMER REVIVAL OF EPIC PROPORTIONS








Dear Readers,
Welcome to the July issue of Fort Collins City Lifestyle! As the summer sun graces our beautiful city, we are thrilled to bring you a collection of stories that capture the vibrant pulse of Fort Collins.
In this issue, we celebrate the resurgence of the FoCo Foxes, our beloved baseball team. With their triumphant return and an exciting season ahead, we delve into their journey, upcoming games, and the community spirit that rallies behind them.
Our culinary scene continues to flourish, and we're excited to introduce you to Japango, a new restaurant that promises to elevate your dining experience with its exquisite offerings. From sushi to sake, Japango is set to become a favorite among food enthusiasts.
For those with a passion for exploration, we highlight the adventures of traveling with Millbrook World Travel. Discover the latest travel trends, destinations, and tips to make your next journey unforgettable.
As the real estate market heats up, Elevations Credit Union offers insights into summer home purchases. Whether you're looking for your dream home or considering an investment, their expert advice will guide you through the process.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration in the stories we’ve curated for you.
PUBLISHERS
Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com
Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Macey VanDenMeerendonk | macey.v@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Morgan Henderson | morgan.henderson@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Matthew Hart | matthew@thecreativeagencyco.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Henry Magarotto | henry@thecreativeagencyco.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Deyo | tony@thecreativeagencyco.com
STAFF WRITER
Allie Bellows | allie@thecreativeagencyco.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The Creative Agency | hello@thecreativeagencyco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathleen Martin, Robin Norell, Allie Bellows, Macey VanDenMeerendonk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Josh Plunkett
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Proverbs 3:5-6
Do what you love, love what you do! Teacher Training is available at Club Pilates Front Range Village and here is the Class of 2024. Check them out in the studio with new classes just added to our schedule.
Justin Salisbury, president of Breeze Thru Car Wash, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Receiving the BBB Torch Award for Ethics is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to trust, ethical practices, and serving our community. Our vision at Breeze Thru Car Wash is about so much more than just washing cars."
Japango released their brand-new cocktail, Obachan's Garden, this month to celebrate our July issue! Check out the recipe on page 17.
Exclusively at:
Since 1944
THE NEWEST OLD TOWN RESTAURANT THAT’S BRINGING FORT COLLINS A TASTE OF MODERN JAPAN
ARTICLE
BY
MACEY VANDENMEERENDONK
Japango Fort Collins is the newest restaurant in Old Town that’s serving up Japanese cuisine with a modern and sophisticated touch. Their twist on Japanese classics gives diners an exciting fusion of flavors while prioritizing the ancient craft of sushi and Japanese dishes.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
Owners Jon and Erin Banis took over Japango’s Boulder location in 2008, continuing the mission of bringing people together while serving high quality Japanese cuisine. The couple, and their two daughters, fell in love with the family-centric values of Fort Collins and knew their second location belonged in Old Town.
“We’ve always loved Fort Collins. We’re in awe of downtown and how it feels so
family oriented. It felt like the perfect time in our life to set sights on this,” Erin said.
When the restaurant's design plans began, the Banis’ had heavy input on what they imagined the space would look like. Using wood accents to bring warmth into the space, strategic lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, and multiple dining areas throughout that allows diners to get the most out of their dining experience
“WE’VE ALWAYS LOVED FORT COLLINS. WE’RE IN AWE OF DOWNTOWN AND HOW IT FEELS SO FAMILY ORIENTED.”
ERIN BANIS
was all curated to create a restaurant that people wanted to keep coming back to.
The traditional Japanese aesthetic of precision and detail in their build and decor was used to match the current design in their Boulder location while also creating a space that stands on its own as a unique restaurant. This intentionally designed space takes from traditional Japanese interior design while maintaining an element of warmth that gives diners an experience rather than just a delicious meal.
“We wanted elements [of Japango Boulder] to carry over, but also feel like growth and refinement of our style,” Erin said. “We wanted it to be a place that
matched the cuisine and spoke familiarity while being a little different.”
The authenticity of Japango doesn’t start and end with the ambiance of their restaurant. It is woven into the core of its history and evident in their menu and craft expertise. Master sushi chef, Yukiji Iwasa, started his sushi training at 15 years old in Japan and is classically trained in the art of traditional Japanese sushi. Iwasa has been with Japango for over 20 years, formally training chefs to bring the highest quality of Japanese cuisine to Japango’s diners.
While Iwasa has mastered tradition and technique, it’s his playful spirit that breaks the mold and makes Japango’s menu so incredible.
“While he brings formal and traditional training to our other chefs, he understands that many creations have become more contemporary. His fun side has really come out in the last couple of years,” Jon said.
Iwasa has had a heavy influence on the menu over his long-spanning career, but the magic behind the menu is the collective flavors and creations that have come from past and current chefs.
“Our menu is a history yearbook of all the chefs that have come through Japango. You can look back and some of the dishes have been on the menu for 10 or 15 years from chefs I’ve never even met, and I’ve been with Japango for 14 years,” Erin said. “It’s really fun that each chef that comes into the restaurant leaves a mark in one way or another. So many creative minds working together, all while having Iwasa’s traditional element to everything.”
With such a vibrant menu, Japango prioritizes the quality of ingredients to achieve their culinary excellence. They serve traditional Makis and bring in high quality and authentic fish prepared in ways unlike anywhere else in Northern Colorado. With most of their fish sourced from Japan and an effort to source as many ingredients as possible locally, Japango strives to bring its customers the best of Japan and Fort Collins on every plate.
While a high-quality menu and the traditional aesthetic play a massive role in making Japango what it is. The main goal Jon and Erin set out to achieve is creating a place where people want to come back to. They would describe their restaurant as “a reprieve from the bad times and a celebration of the good times,” in an effort to create a space that feels like a nice restaurant while remaining approachable.
“We want to offer an experience. A break from your everyday life, whether you’re having a great day or a bad day. We’re here to welcome you and give you a break,” Jon said. “To create an experience with great service and great food that really takes you away from your everyday life.”
The efforts to combine genuine Japanese culture with new-world ideas is not only evident when you walk through the doors of Japango, but are the very essence of what this restaurant is. The care they place in cultivating an experience for their customers starts when you’re greeted by the host and continues when their serving staff helps find the perfect menu item to try, all while their chefs and bartenders work their magic with the freshest ingredients. From start to finish, Japango offers experiences that will keep you coming back for more.
Japango is releasing Obachan’s Garden this month in celebration of our July Issue!
ingredients
• 1.5oz Gin
• 1.5oz Pressed Cucumber Juice
• .75oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• .5oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• .25oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and your favorite sugar bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until all the sugar is dissolved, then cool.
ARTICLE BY MACEY VANDENMEERENDONK
Step up your S’mores game this summer with these creative recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Nutella S'mores
ingredients:
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Nutella
• Marshmallows
directions:
Step 1. Place roasted marshmallow between 2 chocolate chip cookies lined with Nutella.
Samoa Cookie S'mores
ingredients:
• Graham crackers
• Chocolate
• marshmallows
• Carmel sauce
• Toasted coconut flakes
directions:
Step 1. Place roasted marshmallow between 2 graham crackers lined with chocolate, caramel sauce, and toasted coconut.
Oreo Cookie S’mores
ingredients:
• Oreo Cookies
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate
directions:
Step 1. Place roasted marshmallow between an Oreo cookie lined with chocolate.
• Graham crackers
• Chocolate
• Marshmallows
• Bacon
• Brown sugar
directions:
Step 1. Preheat oven to 375-400°F. Sprinkle both sides of strips of bacon with brown sugar. Place on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet and cook in oven until crisp, about 15-25 minutes. Transfer candied bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Once cool, cut into bite sized pieces.
Step 2. Place roasted marshmallow between 2 graham crackers lined with chocolate and candied bacon.
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate
directions:
Step 1. Place roasted marshmallow between 2 thin rice krispie treats lined with chocolate.
• Your favorite candy bar (e.g. Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, etc.)
• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
directions:
Step 1. Place roasted marshmallow between two graham crackers lined with your candy bar of choice.
Experience hassle-free travel on a European river cruise
A European trip during the summer is the perfect way to spend quality time with your family while slowing down this fast paced season. Taking in the rich history of a country, or two, exploring the sights, and eating dishes from around the world are a few of the many possibilities European travel offers. While these experiences are thrilling, the reality of having to plan and prepare for an extravagant trip can be daunting.
With the perfect planning, and the help of a travel agent who can find your perfect fit, you and your family’s dream vacation is easier to plan than you may think. With so many ways to enjoy another country, my favorite way to explore European countries stress-free is by river cruises.
The ease of your accommodation following you along your travels allows for you to fully enjoy your time without thinking about getting your belongings from one place to another and meticulously planning every location. Cruises often offer food and beverage packages and creature comforts like wifi. While the option to explore each port and city you stop in on your own is available, excursions are typically included or offered as add ons.
I recently traveled on my sixth river cruise – Avalon Waterways on the Danube River from Budapest, Hungary through Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Avalon Waterways is one of my top picks for river cruise lines because of the upscale and memorable experiences they offer.
ARTICLE BY ROBIN NORELL, PRESIDENT/OWNER OF MILLBROOK WORLD TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY ROBIN NORELL
This river cruise experience started by boarding the ship in Budapest, Hungary. With a relaxed itinerary on the first day, I was able to explore Budapest on my own. Castle Hill is a hub for historic sites in Budapest and is accessible by a funicular. I spent the afternoon soaking in the panoramic views of the city below and visiting St. Stephen Basilica. Budapest’s architecture and history is fascinating and beautiful, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to spend an afternoon sightseeing.
The rest of the first day consisted of meeting the ship crew, picking my excursion for the second day, unpacking and unwinding from busy travel, and enjoying complimentary drinks at the happy hour in the ship’s Panorama Lounge.
Throughout the week a myriad of excursions are offered based on food exploration, arts and culture, architecture, adventure and recreation, and so many more that touch on almost every interest someone might have in exploring a European city.
With these excursions and tours, you get a glimpse at what makes each place you visit so unique. Budapest is home to the largest bath house in Europe and has a park with castles built in Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture styles. You and your family will leave with countless fun facts!
Bratislava, Slovakia was the next city and country that we cruised to. Adventurous excursions like hiking and biking were available and allowed us to explore the city on foot, or wheels. Excursions are guided but there is plenty of opportunity to break off from the group and explore on your own. I took the opportunity to visit shops, including the “oldest shop in town” where I bought a bottle of strawberry wine to enjoy on the ship. River cruises are more relaxed than ocean cruises when it comes to bringing and enjoying alcoholic beverages onboard.
The next stop was Vienna, Austria and it brought with it historical and cultural uniqueness. After exploring a palace that was once used as Austrian royalty’s summer home, we attended the evening excursion – a classical music concert at the Eschenbach Palace where we heard classical musicians, opera singers, and watched dancers perform.
While there’s plenty to do off the ship, the moments on ship can be just as spectacular. While cruising through the Wachau Valley the next day, the cruise director provided commentary on points of interest along the shore. Their guided expertise will help you get the most out of your trip without having to leave the comforts onboard.
• Danube (Western)- most popular, lots of history and music history
• Rhine - castles and the Rhine Gorge
• Douro - Portugal, wines (newest river to have ships on it)
• Seine - Paris, Normandy, art
• Rhine Dutch Waterways - windmills and tulips
• Main - German countryside and small towns/cities
• Moselle - steep vineyards, countryside, castles, small villages
• Danube (Eastern/Lower) - unique history, less visited destinations, medieval history
• Rhone - French countryside and wine
You can choose the perfect cruise by what the river offers. These are the most popular rivers for sailing in Europe and what they’re known for. CONTINUED >
Time spent on the ship grants you full access to the amenities that make it a home away from home. Dining options throughout the day are based on your preference. Whether it be for light bites or full meals, and options for where you’d like to savor the cruise’s culinary excellence – with views of the port and city or in a traditional dining room. The beauty of river cruises is that the experience is tailored to you.
Different areas on the ship offer different activities. The Club Lounge offers a variety of games and a library of books, along with snacks and beverages 24 hours a day. Many river cruise ships have salons and offer massages, and have hot tubs and/or pools on their deck. Staterooms offer TV and streaming services for those needing to get away from the crowd to relax. On slow mornings, cornhole was a popular game for passengers as we cruised along our river route.
Taking in the scenic landscapes on the deck was a favorite way to spend evenings on board. Watching as cities come and go while you imbibe complimentary drinks and take part in lively conversation with other passengers gives you the ease in travel and the ability to enjoy every moment. One evening the offered onboard entertainment was superseded by everyone going up to the sun deck to watch our ship go through a lock.
Another day on my Danube River cruise was an immersion in the world of The Sound of Music. After a two hour drive to Salzburg, we were guided through multiple sites filmed
in The Sound of Music. We walked through Mirabell Gardens where the cast sang “Do-Re-Mi” (in Salzburg) and we saw Basilika St. Michael (in Mondsee), the church where Maria and Baron Georg von Trapp were married in the movie. A fun fact we learned was that the actual church where they were married was in Salzburg, but the director thought this church was prettier.
On the final day of the river cruise, we docked in Passau, Germany. We chose the hiking excursion and explored the Veste Oberhaus, a fortress that dates back to 1219. The area had spectacular views of where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet. The confluence of the rivers were a combination of all three colors of each river – this view alone was a highlight of the day.
On this last evening, they held a special dinner where all the crew onboard did a parade through the dining room. There were 43 crew members, many of whom we hadn’t seen throughout the week since they were behind the scenes making our stay comfortable and memorable. River cruises are becoming the premier way to travel Europe. The accessibility and inclusivity gives people options and the ability to explore Europe while making it luxurious and comfortable. Cruises have the reputation of targeting an older crowd, but with the addition of many active excursion options the younger generations are realizing the opportunities they provide for traveling. The ease of river cruises takes the hassle out of travel and puts you and your family in the heart of cultural exploration.
There are many options when choosing a European river cruise. The line you may have heard the most about may not be the best fit for you. Here are some European river cruise lines and what they offer.
• Viking - lower price, 190 passengers, usually only one excursion option at each port.
• Riviera - lower price, 169 passengers, sometimes only one excursion option at each port. They also offer many promotions for solo travelers, and even have “solo only” cruises.
• Avalon Waterways - medium price, 166 passengers, always includes 2-4 options of excursions each day
• AmaWaterways - medium price, 160 passengers, multiple dining options
• Riverside - 154 passengers, newer line with optional packages, every room has a butler and a doorbell.
ELEVATIONS CREDIT UNION ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING YOUR DREAM VACATION HOME
ARTICLE BY KATHLEEN MARTIN
Remember the last time you went for a mountain vacation? Coming back from a hike of sweeping vistas, you relax in a quaint mountain home and quietly think, “I can see myself owning a place like this.”
What if you did?
What if that purchase happened to boost your equity to the mountaintops? Or if your shortterm rental income flowed like the rapids?
Humor aside, it could happen. And—you could even vacation in the place yourself.
To see if there’s something more to this dream, check in with the worlds of finance, security and real estate.
Ideally you would also bring in a team of experts to see all sides of the question. Kelley Spight, mortgage loan officer at Elevations Credit Union, advised talking with a trusted financial advisor, tax advisor, realtor and lender.
“When you have a lot of professional people in your corner, you’ll get the perspectives you need so you can make the best decisions for you,” Spight said.
To begin, consider these six questions and tips about the practicalities behind a vacation home.
If you purchase a second home, will it primarily be a second home for you and your family to vacation or an investment property which you want to lease out for short-term rentals?
The two decisions come with a list of pros and cons. If you rent out your second property, you can look forward to additional income. However, you’ll also likely encounter:
• Additional maintenance, planned and unplanned, due to tenant use
• Unanticipated changes in occupancy
• Wear-and-tear from tenants (think carelessness akin to wearing ski boots on hardwood floors)
“When you have a lot of professional people in your corner, you’ll get the perspectives you need so you can make the best decisions for you."
Even when the home is occupied, the extra income will come with property management responsibilities. These can easily become a parttime job involving everything from customer issues to regular maintenance. If it’s in your budget, you can hire outside management for your short-term vacation rental. This adds to your budget but helps with those responsibilities.
As you pin down your goals for this property and look at your budget, include reserves that offer a comfortable cushion for these expenses. Once you define your goals for the property, you can be more strategic with your next decisions.
While it's important to feel inspired by a particular location or property, make sure you talk with a realtor who knows the area very well. If you’re just passing through, a more experienced perspective can help you make a smart choice about the locations that will get you a good return.
It will be very important to have a team of experts on your side as you find your property. Chat with real estate professionals, investors and mortgage specialists to get to know your market. They will have information on property taxes, neighborhood statistics and important financial advice.
If you want to use your property as a shortterm rental, put yourself in the shoes of potential vacationers. Will they want easy trail access? A family-friendly atmosphere? Or good restaurant options next to a vibrant downtown?
Prioritizing these questions alongside your budget can help you find a property more likely to offer a return on your investment.
Consider your long-term goal for earning equity and/or rental income. Then, discuss that goal with your tax and financial advisor to get their input. Together, you can estimate how much you may spend per month on your mortgage and fees, including property taxes, HOA fees and maintenance.
If you want to gain rental income, consider that next to your expenses. A key question: How often can you expect the property to be booked? You can look at similar vacation rentals in the area on Airbnb and Vrbo for reference.
If you’re ready to manage a rental, start by chatting with a mortgage professional about loan options and interest rates that may be available to you. This step is crucial to help you narrow your property search and understand your borrowing limits.
A few lending tips if you’re considering purchasing a luxury home:
Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). This can help you save on interest and refinance later instead of paying a higher rate for longer. Buydown options can also be helpful, as you can get a lower interest rate for the first 1-3 years by using funds in escrow. This applies even if you refinance.
An investment home is absolutely something to cheer for. At the same time, remember that returns on investment may be a long-term goal.
Lastly, remember that success in rental property investment requires a balance of financial prudence, market knowledge and realistic expectations. Keep your feet on the ground and your eye on the prize.
An investment home is an exciting endeavor that comes with plenty of responsibilities. Instead of letting those overwhelm you, lean on experts who have your best interests at heart.
“It’s critical to have a mortgage lender like Elevations that’s going to be there for you before, during and after the transaction,” Spight said. “I truly, truly believe in our member-focused and community-driven approach.”
Visit elevationscu.com/home-lending to learn more about how investment properties and home-buying can help you save for the future.
Elevations Credit Union is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender, NMLS# 717246.
WITH NEW OWNERSHIP, THE FORT COLLINS FOXES ARE THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN THIS SUMMER
ARTICLE BY ALLIE BELLOWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
If there's one song every American knows, it's the classic tune about buying peanuts and crackerjacks. America's pastime is making a triumphant return to Fort Collins after a year-long hiatus with the Fort Collins Foxes, a collegiate summer baseball team participating in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. With new ownership and a revitalized passion, the FoCo Foxes are on a mission to fill the stands with Fort Collins families – fostering connections across generations through the timeless tradition of baseball.
With a lifelong passion for baseball, seasoned entrepreneur Preston Munsch jumped at the chance to become the new owner of the FoCo Foxes with his father. “My dad and I have been passionate baseball fans our whole lives, so when the opportunity came to purchase the Foxes it was a great way to combine our passion for baseball and business into one,” explains Munsch.
With passion at the helm and business savvy in Munsch’s back pocket, the Foxes are striving to engage the Fort Collins community every step of the way. “Our long-term goal is to make the Foxes a much-anticipated summer event in our community. When you create that type of buzz, you start getting buy-in from local businesses, community leaders, and, of course, citizens of Fort Collins. While doing that, you must never lose focus of who you are and your core values. We have been fortunate to build a number of successful businesses and they all have been built on a foundation of values,” he explains.
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This year feels like a fresh start for the team. Despite the Foxes' rich history in Fort Collins, they took a hiatus in 2023. With new ownership and a completely revamped coaching staff, the team has returned, revitalized and ready for a new beginning. “Our goal for the first year is to be a very competitive team but even more important, be a positive impact to the community.
We focused very hard on recruiting good college baseball players but more importantly, great kids! We want our players to be engaged with the community and create an atmosphere where the community is excited to have the kids back next summer,” Munsch tells us about his goals for his first year with the team.
As for the players, being a part of the Foxes is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Munsch hopes to create a “community within a community” not just for the team itself, but all that baseball encompasses – including the fans. The camaraderie between the players and the fans is something that will continue to grow as the new team members get settled into their new community. Munsch is confident in the team's skills and can’t wait to celebrate the players when they make it into the big league and remains dedicated to supporting the team members as they progress in their baseball careers.
Bringing in the community was an important step in the new approach. “We have been able to connect with local businesses who we already had a relationship with to create wonderful partnerships. We also have leveraged this opportunity to connect with new business leaders in the community which has been exciting,” says Munsch. From food trucks and live music, this is truly a Fort Collins experience. Special events at the ballpark this season promise fun for the whole family. Enjoy $2 dog nights, live concerts after the game, and the introduction of a new Foxes mascot. Savor a Foxes-inspired ice cream from local favorite Walrus Ice Cream, and experience a touch of nostalgia with Cracker Jacks tossed into the crowd during the seventh-inning stretch.
This summer, create a new family tradition by supporting the FoCo Foxes at City Park. Enjoy the thrill of live baseball, make lasting memories, and cheer on our local team all the way through to the NBC World Championships in Wichita, Kansas, where winners have been crowned since 1935.
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