When we first started, Be Local NC was a most valuable supporter. Now as we build our airport shuttle transportation company, we work closely with many Be Local members. Every local independent organization should join and continue to build on the economic strength of Northern Colorado.

Tell Your Story

Tell us how you spent your $20 this week
and check out what others are doing…



This weekend I did all my Christmas shopping at the Winter Farmer's market and made 6 baskets for family around the country full of amazing local products- then went and bought a $100 gift certificate

Aimee

I stopped by Edward's cigar shop, and purchased T.L. Johnson cigars which are local as well as a bag of Cafe Fumar coffee which is roasted locally.

Michael

stopping in at White Balcony today to get a plaid hat!

Sally

Buying all of my meats from Choice City Butcher.

Ryan

My wife and I are heading out shortly for a stop at Equinox Brewing. They tap a firkin each Thursday, and in the month of March they are adding mushrooms to the brew! Today it is a chantarelle mushr

Rick

On average, we spend between 20 & 60$ a week at the Ft Collins Food Coop - buy local!

Sam

Used my coupon for The Light Center - great staff, great choices!

Tara

I spent my $20 bucks............well, actually, $40....at my favorite local sushi restaurant...JeJu. Definitely worth it....and will be spending more there this week :-)

Wendy

I bought my musician son a really great shirt at Killer Rabbit.

Cindy

Bought some Hanukkah cards at White Balcony. I LOVE their card selection!

Amy

We just bought a drum at Colorado Drum and Percussion in Old Town Fort Collins. Loved seeing a local musician from Bohemian Nights one weekend, and purchase from him the next week!

Dawn P.

grandson's second birthday is coming up so off to clothes pony & dandelion toys. Wasn't hard to spend 20 infact the challenge was to not blow my budget. I think he'll love the stomp rocket.

cathy

Love to support downtown, I get my daily coffee at Mugs and Bean Cycle where I also picked up some coffee beans. Also got some misc kitchen gadgets at The Cupboard.. i think it went a bit over the $

Renee

Poudre Feed people are extremely helpful even when there is no profit to be made.

Paul O.

Going to Lyric Cinema for a brew, a treat and a film.

Bill

At The Cupboard,I bought the most amazing lunchbag that looks better than my purse, and a "wrap-n-mat", that you use to wrap your sandwich instead of plastic ( And I think the mat is a Fort Collins pr

Chelly

We spent our (first)$20 on tickets to the Lyric to see Food Inc. and some locally grown popcorn. Inspiring movie!

Sarah Peacock

Catching up with friends at Jays! Celebrating the opportunities and vision in our community!

Sue McFaddin

Old Town is always the place to go shopping for birthday presents. I stopped by EsScentuals and Kansas City Kitty and picked up my sister great presents for her b-day.

Erin

We buy our "daily grind" at Cafe Vino, located in our office building. The staff is great and the coffee is delicious! We usually have lunch and/or an after work drink there at least once a week as we

Dawn

During farmers market season it is so easy in just one day. Corn, cheese, carrots, greens and fruit

Dawn

We loaded up on flavored honey spread from CoPoCo's Honey Store on N. College Ave. this weekend. Lots of fun and tasty local products if you have not visited yet!

Adam

I bought a big bottle of organic cleaner from Queen of the Meadow at the Farmer's Market.

Gail

A celebration at Coopersmith's with friends - enjoyable and local!

Ariana

I got my hair cut at Europa spa! It included a neck massage, a wash and a paraffin hand dip. SO relaxing!

Jaime

We went to the Chili House in South Fort Collins today - near the Hobby Lobby. Great lunch bargains and delicous Asian food. Give it a try.

Michelle

Totally outfit the girls at Prima Bodywear. Everyone is now ready for dance classes starting tonight at Canyou Concert Ballet.

Julie

purchased labels from local company LabelTec, made on site. >$500.

Amy

Spreading the love to the Food Coop and the Farmer's Market outside of the Lyric last night. No to mention the delicious meal at Cafe Vino yesterday! Today is a Cranial Sacral treatment at the Atrium

Christa

Just got a groovy waffle-weave hoodie from Adobe Designs in Loveland (in the old winery). The perfect shade of green.

AnnD

Had breakfast with my mom at Mugs one of her favorite coffee shops today. She also got to meet McCabe the owner. Also ran into other Be local members to share the 20/20 challenge and they went right i

Rich

Bought books this morning at Reader's Cove. "Three Cups of Tea", a biography of Mary Queen of Scots, "Pillars of the Earth" and an impulse biography called "Mozart's Women".

Mary Pat

Took a business group to The Egg and I for lunch today. Tomorrow night we're going to Chippers lanes.

Jennifer

La Creperie - try the tomato, onion and swiss galette; Brand Spanking Used on College - button-maker, ice cube tray, glass cutting board; OldFirehouse Book Store - Narrative of the Life of Frederick D

Julie

The Farmers' Market makes it easy -- peaches, blackberries, mushrooms, dog cookies, wine.

Trish

I shopped at Ranch Way Feed,Ft Collins, for pet products, wow, what great prices and they have so many choices of treats and dog food to choose from! My dogs loved me when I got home: Then I went to

Dixie

Fresh eggs, $1/dozen from Grant Family Farms at the Farmer's Market - Score!! plus much more at the market on Sat. Pizza from Mancini's, Dinner at the Canyon Grill on Horsetooth Reservoir and a lunch

Cassy

It is so easy to spend at least $20 every Saturday at the Farmers' Markets! From grass-fed beef to peaches, and all the beautiful vegetables! Wow~!

Linda

Fabulous Saturday morning at the Farmer's market. Fun conversations. Great bread that I shared with others. Next time I will have my "wallet" sheet that I printed off your website to get signature.

Bill

Incredible facial at Europa!

Jen

Human Bean 2x a day, I've got my pledge in 2 days - rather than a week. But I'm addicted. My friends know it. My husband knows it. Oh well, it's wonderful! Milky Way Sugar Free Decaf Latte, 20 oz.

Laurie Macomber

I spent $96. at Bob Reed's Poudre Drug -- the only sole proprietorship pharmacy in the city. He takes an individual interest in his customers.

Marilyn Barnes

Where to begin, spend lots of $$ at the Sat Farmers market on Howes St, a couple trips to Starry Nights, bought a used book at Firehouse Books, coffeebeans at Bean Cycle, shopped a few times at Beaver

diana

I needed a toner cartridge - Green Cartridge, which takes care of one week and then some. Farmer's Market too, and then we went to Lyric and saw Food, Inc, today. Not exactly "fun" but a good outing.

Hill

Breakfast at Lucile's then replenished our nearly empty wine rack at Wilbur's.

Jo

I spent $220 at the vets for check ups/shots for two dogs. They are local and awesome. Paws N Claws.

Teresa

I started my day with a coffee meeting at Bean Cycle, a lunch meeting at Lulu's and a cocktail meeting at Jay's to the tune of $38/day. The best part was I left my car parked at home.

Doug Johnson

It turns out that Human Bean is not actually LOCAL - it's a Western Franchise, albeit utterly yummy. SO today I tried a truly local coffee shop, Bean Cycle, and got 2 wet cappuccinos - one for Ron Z -

Laurie Macomber

Dinner Saturday at the Rio, Wednesday at Young's Cafe. Coffee from Mugs, Starry Night and Cuppy's. Jeans from Tula (HS reunion coming up, must look good.) I should get back to taking classes at Can

Mary Pat

Will be purchasing a $25 gift card to give as a birthday present from Ten Thousantd Villages(Probably buy it on Sunday).

Kathii

just bottled local wine made from my dandelions and made peach butter with local (CO) peaches

diana

Week #1 Bought a birthday gift for a friend at Perennial Gardener and then celebrated with a matte latte at Muggs. Week #2 Enjoyed lunch at Coopersmith's, Farmer's Market goodies and then spent the b

Pam

Week #1 Scheduled a business lunch at Lulu Asian Bistro. Delicious! Spent more than $30 locally for lunch for three.

Cynthia

If you want to improve your singing, here is an easy way to spend your $20 locally for six weeks. The Singing Class (beginning voice class for adults) is $120 for six weeks on Wednesdays evenings 7-8:

Cynthia

Enjoyed the movie Food, INC at the Lyric last night. Spent money locally to learn more about why you should get your food locally. Go see this movie even if you think you already know what's in your P

Teresa K

I found quite a few awesome things at Eco-thrift yesterday, and spent $21!

Caroline

Does a $10 parking ticket on Walnut count towards my goal?

Laurie Macomber

Took 2 friends out to dinner at Taste of Harmony last nite - spent my full pledge and proud of it. Organic Riesling is splendid.

Laurie Macomber

Ordered and paid for a cycletote trailer so I can start picking up my CSA shares on my bike. Too much stuff for my backpack and basket!

Catherine

Bought a travel coffee mug at The Cupboard. They have so many different types, and not too expensive.

Erin

Monaco Trattoria in Loveland -- if you haven't tried it yet, you really should. Authentic Southern Italian cuisine(with a few excursions into Northern Italian cuisine) right here in northern Colorado.

Trish

Needed watch repair and found third generation jewelers at Golden Images at 151 S College. Fast friendly service.

Gailmarie

Wow, we went out a lot last week. Cafe Vino, Coopersmiths, Walrus.

Cassy

Spent over $20 at Poudre Feed and my typical 560-%70 at the Farmers' Mkt.

Linda

It's fun to buy gifts for new babies at Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys. And a haircut just down the block, at Europa, is always a pleasant experience!

Claudia

Ate some delicious sandwiches at Backcountry Provisions!

Dan

My birthday was in August and my daughter bought me a wallet at one of the locally owned stores in old town. I love it.

Diane Wilson

2 books from Matter Bookstore: The Geography of Childhood and Enduring Seeds. Both by Gary Paul Nabhan who kindly signed them for me after he spoke at the Center for Collaborative Conservation confe

Cele

Peaches from the Farmer's Market and Coffee beans from the Cupboard.

Jen

...spent 22 bucks at Eco thrift - love that place. W always get sheets there to rip ribbons to wrap our Solid Lotion Bars...we, at Queen of the Meadow, are all for reuse!

Daniela

Forgot... got feed ($16) at the local feed store and a rooster for $5! He is just beautiful and needs a name, any suggestions?

Daniela

Spending $20 locally is really easy and I look forward to getting my local spending down near that. At the moment I am remodeling a house and am spending many thousands locally. We are trying to sou

Cindy

Haircut by Laurie Delmerico at Laurie's Studio on the west side of town.

Linda

Last week I spend considerably more than $20, but we've been looking for a solution to our couch problem in the family room for years. A few weeks earlier, I bought a futon frame from a friend who was

Catherine

Bought a mixture of fair trade greeting cards for a gift for my sister and some Divine Dark chocolate (yum) for myself at Ten Thousand Villages this past Saturday. They will have a booth at the Sustai

Kathi

Week 4 and 5: I realize I'm spending about 70-90% of my money for local purchases, so this 20/20 challenge is easy. This makes for a great awareness campaign and can help shift regular purchases to

Pam

Riding my bike downtown last Saturday, I realized that my back wheel was out of alignment. I dropped in on Full Cycle bikes at 230 S. College (just north of Olive Street) to get some help. They jumped

Bill

Week 1 - Nonesuch theatre & chocolate cafe afterwards for dessert. What a great excuse to enjoy local outings.

Susan

I love to shop for birthday gifts at White Balcony. I always find something I would never find anywhere else, and something for me too!

Joy

You can go local even when traveling: I was in Springfield IL all week for a conference. Found a great restaurant called Maldaner's which has been there since the 1886. They use local food almost excl

Hill

at farmers market in front of ace hardware

Jim

Checking out the Sustainability Fair made me hungry, thirsty, and I must say dirty! Without any planning, I found everything I needed... a Tasty Harmony lunch with an Italian soda from Little Italia

Cele

Spent well beyond the $20 this past week at the Cupboard, Downtown Ace, Ranchway, Poudre Feed, Coopersmith's, Tasty Harmony, the Rio, Jax Farm & Ranch, Food Co-op, LaPorte Pizza and Chappelle Anim

Teresa RO

One of the easiest ways to spend my twenty is to shop at Beavers Market. What a great local none chain food market.

Todd

New skillet and saucepan, both half price, at The Cupboard--check out their sale!; paint at Downtown Ace; a stovetop smoker at JAX; and my usual at the Farmers' Market. Whew!

Linda

Just invested in a cowshare with Windsor Dairy!

Gailmarie

Ate dinner with family at El Burrito

Wendy

$20.26 for a book and a magazine at Al's Newsstand.

Joy

Signed up with Gallegos Sanitation and i go to beavers often

Matt

A night out with the fellows; Pickle Barrel, Crown Pub, Trailhead, Town Pump... Easily made my commitment for last week.

Scott

I spend money at Choice City Shots nearly every week, and this week was no exception.

Serendipity

breakfast and coffee at the Wild Boar - Tickets to CSU game. Go Rams!

Cassyt

$18 at Fiona's Deli - yummy, yummy, then $4.25 at Reader's Cove - fabulous books for my boys! $20 is too easy, we practically do this daily or every other day!

Melisa

Laporte Animal Clinic helped us with a sick chicken this weekend, thanks for being open on Saturday.

Julie

Again the farmer's market took my $20 and then some. What a delight. Great conversations. I stocked up on the last batch of peaches and pears. We freeze some for winter.

Bill

Picked up art supplies at Lloyd's on North College for my beginning watercolor class with local artist Sibyl Stork. Both store staff and instructor are easy-going and helpful!

Gailmarie

Spent $20 in Cafe Ardour alone yesterday with my daughter! Warm cozy yummy coffee and delectable delights for our appetites!

Kris Boesch

Had to get some repairs on my car, so I chose a local and green auto maintenance company, Houska! Big local and environmental impact :)

Ariana

The Little Italian Kitchen and Go West are the recipients of my 20 week pledge ... all in one week.

John

Furnace filters at Downtown Ace, about $20. And apples from Ela and Tara Parr, pressed for cider, about $55 worth, to make about 3 gallons of cider.

Linda

Had tea with a friend at Happy Lucky's Teahouse on Walnut Street. We had a super Lemon Bar to go with it that the Happy Lucky Folks get from a local baker. Super to have a teahouse! Super that it's ho

Stacey

Looking forward to an evening out with girlfriends on Saturday. Drinks and appetizers at the Chop House followed by modern dance (Impact Dance and High Performance Dance Theater) at the Lincoln Cente

Mary Pat

Bought bamboo flower pots at Bath Nursery to bring the geraniums inside for the winter.

Gail

It's flu season and I needed an alternative, natural alternative to anything prescribed. So I made a call to our Food Co-Op and, true to form, they had that Elderberry syrup I needed. Supporting our l

Bill

The Cycologist on Linden fixed our bike for $25. Then I got a gift certificate at the Old Firehouse bookstore for $30. I also spend $20 at the Old Town Farmers Market. Shop Local!

Daniela

I gifted a Be Local coupon book this week and already the receiving couple has been to Austins for dinner and on to the Lincoln Center to complete the evening.

Julie

$20 was easy to spend with our weekly share with Grant Farms. And, with the Harvestival this weekend, we did our best to support the local vendors - art, food, entertainment, BRRRR.

Haley

Treated myself to Two Pairs facial and used a coupon from the Be Local book.

Susan

From The Cupboard: Coffee beans (Jackie's Java locally roasted), Irish porridge oatmeal, and McVitie's cookies for my back office afternoon cookie fix at Prima.

Mary Pat

My husband and I meet for lunch at least twice a week. We usually go to La Luz downtown, but frequent other local restaurants as well.

Elisabeth

Wonderful cheese from Windsor Dairy, Books from Anthology in Loveland, and lunch with my little girl at our favorite restaurant-Mt. Everest Cafe (heaven in curry form.) It's so easy!

Colleen

Oil change from the just-opened JK's Auto Care. Fast, friendly, and only $20!

Jaime

Just realized that my monthly bills to Fort Collins Utilities and Gallegos Sanitation both support independently-owned enterprises. Good to know that more money stays local while getting these basic s

Gailmarie

Went to Become Fit for a workshop, but had forgotten to sign up. One of there staff graciously offered to do the workshop just for me. I liked learning sports yoga!

Caroline

Bought a $50 gift card from Ten Thousand Villages as a present for bride and groom whose wedding I attended on Saturday.

Kathi

Just bought a new water filter at Poudre Valley appliance. Had lunch with a friend at Suheiro and used my coupon at Austins for dinner with my wife last week.

Rich

Oh yea I almost forgot to mention that I went to Sutton Naturopathic for my wellness appointment and also Inner Balance Chiropractic. They are both Incredible healers.

Rich

A friend and I had lunch at Lucile's followed by a stop at Mary's Mountain Cookies.

John

We've had visitors, so in the last 2 weeks, we've been to the Back Porch, Austin's Walrus, My Sister Knits (Easy $100 right there!, final downtown Farmer's Market for a while, and a neighborhood lemon

Cassyt

And I forgot, we bought the new Be Local coupon book!

Cassyt

I just bought a book from a local author for $20 (50 Interviews)!

Cynthia

Moot House for date night!

Brian

We got some beautiful yarn at My Sister Knits, then we went to Cafe Ardour for tea. We used the coupons...

Daniela

$35 at Poudre Feed, canning jars from Downtown Ace, 2 new fry pans from The Cupboard for $100.

Linda

Purchased a wonderful cookbook at the Cupboard!

Kendra

Having a bazaar at our church this weekend-everything pretty much local handicrafts except for resale items....paid Gallegos Sanitation Bill...bought another gift card from Ten Thousand Villages for a

Kate

Bought new windows for the home from Amerimax Windows in Loveland - yep, made right in Loveland. They qualify for a tax break too.

Linda

Bought soap-making supplies in bulk at the food co-op - sweet!

Susan

Had dinner at Paninos - our favorite local spot which never disappoints.

S & J

$21: Getting a haircut and buying shampoo supports our local independents.

Bill

Had a wonderful dinner at CooperSmiths.

Donna

Winemaking and cheesemaking supplies at Hops & Berries. I'm going to spend the weekend culturing and fermenting. Wish me luck!

Kate

Tasty burger at Coopersmiths.

Scott

Cheese from Windsor Dairy and blueberry spread from Rocky Mtn Orchards while at the Winter Market followed by cookies at Mary's Mtn Cookies. Yum!

John

I forgot a haircut at Dean's Barbershop.

John

Got a bike tune-up at Brave New Wheel

Susan

Bought all local products at the Winter markets for Christmas gift baskets.

Amy

Saturday breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Works in Campus West, squash and coupon book at the Winter Market, lunch at The Crown Pub. And I didn't even get to The Cupboard, yet!

Jen

While at the Winter Market I purchased Christmas gifts for friends from Queen of the Meadow. Later that day dinner with a friend at Coopersmith's.

John

The Lyric Cinema Cafe proved to be a fabulous investment this past week since teh film would never have made it to the big multi-screen Hollywood-type venues.

Bill

Haircut from Julie, Thanksgiving fixings at the Co-op, lunch at Rustic Oven-yum. That's well over $20 and enjoyed it all!

Gailmarie

It is so easy, I hardly keep track anymore, since it is mostlly all local. Bought a car from Markley's, paid my trainer, Hilary Beck-Gifford at The Other Club, saw my dentist, Dr. Mangle, and ate at

Marilyn Barnes

Went to a writing class with a local author.

Robin

I'm at the Winter Market in Downtown Fort Collins happily spending my $20!! or even more, everything looks great!

Suzanne

In July and August I bought two cases of peaches to freeze, tried a new variety of cantaloupe, and bought fresh produce at the Harmony Farmers Market. In December I bought alpaca socks at the Opera Ga

Laurie Pessetto

An assortment of cookies and Potica to take to work. From where? The Little Italian Kitchen!

John

My first day goes to....FC Food Co-op $10!!! This is a beautiful movement, thanks to all participating! We can do it!

Renee Nicole Gulliksen

I have a monthly membership at Miramont! (includes the South location)Yoga pants from Prima; Christmas gifts from Jax; Spices from the Co-Op; Easy to spend $20/week!

T

Bought my new dishwasher from Poudre Valley Appliance.

Gail

Groceries at the Co-op, oil change at Hawker's, lunch at the Red Table Cafe... and looking forward to shopping at the winter Farmer's Market this weekend!

Sarah

Downtown Ace Hardware is such a dependable and friendly place to find what you need.

Bill

At the Winter Farmer's Market buying all sorts of great foods and gifts. Haircut at Europa. Does Morning Fresh Dairy count? We get our milk delivered and easily spend over $20/week.

Ginny

My boyfriend and I ate dinner at Cozzola's Pizza. It was extremely tasty!

Teshia

Went to RusticOven in Old Town and followed it up with the documentary showing on Paddle to Seattle hosted for the Save the Poudre fundraiser held at BigHorn Brewing Co. (Thurs. 1/28/10)

Sarah

You know those delicious, humongous carrots that Cresset Farm brings to the Indoor Markets? The Food Co-Op is carrying them now, in case you need some before the next market. Also their beets and bl

Linda

Vincent Heavenly Pies and Pastas - excellent food, great value for money, fun atmosphere, friendly service and daily specials and promotions...Drake and Shields

Martin

Last week I got Valentine treats for husband and step-daughters at Ten Thousand Villages... and this Sat is Winter Market so $20 will be a snap!

Gailmarie

Matt and I had another great meal at Tasty Harmony

Rich

Saturday morning at downtown market lets me meet my favorite venders and then walk over to the Coop for whatever else I need.

Bill

$20 has been easy for us. We shop locally all the time! I love chocolate chip cookies at Tasty Harmony after a long Saturday morning run, the groomers at The Animal House take good care of my "kids",

Kris

A special night out at Cafe Vino - wonderful evening watching the snow fall outside.

Susan

Great time at Happy Lucky's Tea House in Old Town - great tea to stay and to go. Also great gluten-free baked goods and wonderful fair-trade products.

Sarah

Coffee meeting with Robert Anderson from the Small Business Advocacy Center at Cafe Adour. Business lunch at The Red table cafe and then back to Cafe Adour for another business meeting with PFC Financ

Rich

Great new coupon book! Just back from Happy Horse Tack shop

Valerie

Got a lovely wedding present for my college roommate at Trimble Court Artisans today.

Fred

Used my first coupon on Rustic Oven today - yum!

Abie

Dinner out at Bann Thai with the hubby, and a nice brunch with a friend at Lucile's last week.... this week it was a free drink at Elliots, all with the Be Local coupon book! I've already paid for m

Kate

Used the Coopersmith's coupon last week (free pitcher!) Could we get one to La Luz and Thai Pepper for next year?

Kate