The occult is a mysterious and often misunderstood topic that has fascinated people for centuries. From secret societies to supernatural phenomena, the occult has captured the imaginations of individuals seeking answers and adventure. In the city of Fort Collins, Colorado, there is a unique facet of the occult that often goes unnoticed - the occult rat. The occult rat of Fort Collins is a creature spoken about in whispered rumors and hushed tones. It is said to possess supernatural powers and reside in the dark corners of the city, hidden from the prying eyes of the general public. Those who believe in its existence claim that it is a guardian of hidden knowledge, able to grant insight and connect individuals with the spiritual realm.
Those who believe in its existence claim that it is a guardian of hidden knowledge, able to grant insight and connect individuals with the spiritual realm. However, the nature of the occult rat remains shrouded in mystery. Some descriptions portray it as a small and unassuming creature, while others depict it as a larger and more formidable presence.
Go Now: Magic Rat
The new Fort Collins bar—which doubles as a live music venue—is stylish and mellow, plus the drinks are all under $10.
Daliah Singer May 8, 2018At Magic Rat, expect fun takes on classic cocktails, such as the Free Money (pictured), which combines whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and house bitters. Photo by Adam Larkey
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From the jewel-toned sofas to the bright pink coffee table book by Pharrell to the a drink list where everything is $9 or less, it’s clear as soon as you walk into Magic Rat that this isn’t your typical craft cocktail bar. The Fort Collins watering hole opened in the new Elizabeth Hotel in December.
“It’s the halfway point between your neighborhood dive bar and a fancy cocktail bar,” says Brandon Wise, vice president of beverage operations for Sage Restaurant Group, which operates the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. (The Elizabeth was developed, in part, by Denver’s Sage Hospitality.) “Order an old fashioned or a PBR and feel just as comfortable doing both.”
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The menu showcases that range. The 18-beer list is mostly Colorado-sourced, with FoCo’s Horse & Dragon Brewing Company selections served alongside Montucky Cold Snacks. The cocktails are straightforward, well-balanced, and stirred with local spirits; there’s a Mule and a play on a daiquiri and a citrusy gin tipple called God Save The Queen. (Expect some lighter options to hit the menu when summer arrives and the patio opens.) The wine selection is equally low-key: four varietals—Chardonnay, rosé, sparkling rosé, and a red blend—all from House Wine. Whatever drink you opt for, expect it to arrive straw-free. Like many Colorado restaurants, the Elizabeth’s food and booze spots have ditched straws in an effort to reduce waste and other environmental harms caused by the utensil, which never biodegrades.
Food is limited to a serve-yourself popcorn machine, but hungry patrons can head over to the Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market on the other end of the hotel lobby. Stop by the New American restaurant, which also houses a coffee shop and wine market, for classic “moules frites” made with Bangs Island mussels or the hearty bison bourguignon.
Keeping with the site’s music theme (the hotel has a music lending library where guests can check out instruments to use during their stay, for example), Magic Rat doubles as a live music venue. Most of the shows are free, and the lineup is centered around Centennial State musicians. (Follow the bar’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date show details.) The Rider, a shareable $40 drink order—four PBRs, four airplane-size bottles of Jack Daniel’s, snacks (M&M’s, beef jerky), and a couple of kitschy toys—is based on the tour riders musicians request.
The name itself—Magic Rat—is a reference to a character in Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland.” (There’s also a rye whiskey cocktail named after the epic song.) But you don’t have to be a music historian, or a hard-core Boss fan, to enjoy Magic Rat. The retro aesthetic, wallet-friendly prices, and sociable staff make the bar a welcome addition to Old Town. The live music is just a bonus.
111 Chestnut St., Fort Collins, 970-493-4120
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.
The menu showcases that range. The 18-beer list is mostly Colorado-sourced, with FoCo’s Horse & Dragon Brewing Company selections served alongside Montucky Cold Snacks. The cocktails are straightforward, well-balanced, and stirred with local spirits; there’s a Mule and a play on a daiquiri and a citrusy gin tipple called God Save The Queen. (Expect some lighter options to hit the menu when summer arrives and the patio opens.) The wine selection is equally low-key: four varietals—Chardonnay, rosé, sparkling rosé, and a red blend—all from House Wine. Whatever drink you opt for, expect it to arrive straw-free. Like many Colorado restaurants, the Elizabeth’s food and booze spots have ditched straws in an effort to reduce waste and other environmental harms caused by the utensil, which never biodegrades.
Its abilities and purpose are also varied, with some attributing it with the power of divination and others suggesting it is a messenger between realms. Despite the lack of tangible evidence, stories of encounters with the occult rat persist. Some claim to have been guided by its presence during their journeys of personal growth and enlightenment, while others assert that it has granted them protection or assistance in times of need. It is these personal anecdotes that keep the legend of the occult rat alive within the local community. Whether the occult rat is merely a product of imagination or something more, its allure continues to captivate those who seek to explore the mysterious and unknown. It serves as a reminder that there are still secrets waiting to be discovered, both within ourselves and in the world around us. So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Fort Collins, keep an eye out for any mysterious rats lurking in the shadows - you never know what secrets they may hold..
Reviews for "Uncovering the Dark Occult Powers of Rat Fort Collins: A Paranormal Journey"
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to check out "The Occult Rat" in Fort Collins, but I was extremely disappointed. The whole experience felt forced and contrived. The atmosphere was more cheesy than eerie, and the scares were just predictable jump scares. The actors were trying too hard to be scary, and it just came across as ridiculous. Overall, it felt like a cheap haunted house rather than an authentic occult experience. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine scare.
- John - 1 star - "The Occult Rat" in Fort Collins was a complete waste of time and money. The concept seemed interesting, but the execution was terrible. The set design was lackluster, with nothing really standing out to create a spooky atmosphere. The actors were unconvincing and their performances felt amateurish. The supposed scares were weak and didn't even make me flinch. It was an underwhelming experience that did not live up to its promises at all.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was expecting "The Occult Rat" in Fort Collins to be a thrilling and terrifying experience, but I left feeling quite disappointed. The storyline was confusing and poorly executed, making it hard to follow and fully immerse myself in the experience. The scares were few and far between, and most of them fell flat. The actors lacked intensity and failed to create a sense of fear. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly chilling and memorable experience. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a truly scary time.