Experiential travel is on the rise, and Fort Collins is full of wonderful experiences! If you're looking for a creative outlet, you need to stop by burn. Candle Bar located in Old Town Square. This locally owned spot is a wonderful place for date nights, girls night out, or just a fun thing to do with family and friends. While creating custom candles is what they're known for, you can also stop in to purchase a pre-made candle or book an experience to create your own custom perfume.
We spoke with Kathryn Hutson, the owner of burn. Candle Bar to learn more about this Only in Fort Collins experience!
What do you love about Fort Collins?
What I love most about Fort Collins is the incredible sense of community and how people really come together. There’s something special about how locals support each other, whether it’s through small businesses, community events, or just the general kindness that you feel when you walk around town. It’s a place where people genuinely care for one another, and that creates a unique, welcoming atmosphere. Beyond that, the city itself is just so beautiful. Between the natural scenery, the charming downtown area, and the overall vibe of the place, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. It’s a perfect blend of community and charm that makes Fort Collins feel like home.
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
My top three activities to do in Fort Collins are simple but always bring so much joy.
- First, I love picnicking at Horsetooth Reservoir, it’s such a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and spend time with family.
- Second, taking my toddler to the splash pad in Old Town Square is always a hit.
- And finally, there’s nothing like the ice cream options we have downtown. I can never pick!
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
If you are visiting for the first time, the can’t miss stop is obviously Burn Candle Bar. One of the most fun parts for visitors is customizing your creation with Colorado and Fort Collins themed stickers, turning your candle into a meaningful keepsake from your trip. Instead of leaving with a typical souvenir, you leave with a scent memory that reminds you of your time in Fort Collins every time you light it.
What makes burn. Candle Bar unique?
Burn Candle Bar puts a unique spin on the popular pour your own candle trend by combining hands on creativity, eco conscious values, and strong local community vibes. Guests can choose from over 50 non toxic fragrances and a variety of vessel shapes, sizes, and colors to create custom candles. There are options to add dye for color and decorate vessels with fun stickers, making each piece completely one of a kind. With a wide range of price points based on the vessel selected, there is truly something for every budget, whether you want something simple or a standout statement piece.
Beyond candles, Burn offers a full custom fragrance experience. Guests can create personalized perfumes, reed diffusers, and room sprays using the same clean, high quality fragrance oils, allowing them to carry their signature scent into every space and moment. The shop’s signature DIY Perfume Experience takes it even further, offering a more intimate and elevated session focused entirely on crafting a personal fragrance.
Sustainability is a major focus at Burn. The shop uses clean burning soy wax and safe, non toxic fragrance oils. A refill program encourages customers to reuse their candle jars, reducing waste while offering a discount in return.
Burn also partners with local businesses for collaborative events, pairing candle making with wine tastings and other creative experiences. Private parties, team building events, and mobile workshops round out the offerings, making Burn more than just a candle shop. It is a full sensory, hands on creative experience designed to bring people together.
How did burn. Candle Bar get its start?
Burn Candle Bar started in December 2023 as a mix of creativity, passion, and a strong desire to bring people together. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma and have always loved crafting and creating things by hand. When my husband and I moved to Fort Collins to start our family, I immediately felt connected to the community. I was inspired by the area’s love for nature, creativity, and meaningful experiences. What began as a hobby making handmade gifts for friends and family slowly turned into something more. People truly loved what I was creating, and I realized there were few hands-on, indoor activities in the heart of Fort Collins that offered a creative outlet. That is when the idea for Burn Candle Bar really started to take shape. When my daughter was born, it deepened my drive to build something meaningful. I wanted to create a space that brought people together and helped them make lasting memories. Burn Candle Bar was built with that intention. It is a welcoming place where people can slow down, connect, get creative, and make something personal. At its core, Burn is not just about candles. It is about creating an experience that feels fun, intentional, and rooted in community.
What do you want visitors to experience at burn. Candle Bar?
We want visitors to feel inspired, connected, and creatively fulfilled. Scent is powerful and personal, often tied to memories, and here you get to create your own. Whether you're crafting a custom-scented candle or blending your own personal perfume, the experience is hands-on, fun, and completely unique to you. It's a chance to slow down, connect with others, and make something meaningful in a welcoming, laid-back environment. With a focus on sustainability, clean ingredients, and thoughtful design, Burn is a space where creativity thrives, memories are made, and everyone is invited to express themselves.
(Photos provided by burn. Candle Bar.)
burn. Candle Bar
Address: 1 Old Town Square, Ste 104C
Hours: Monday and Thursday 11am to 5pm (Appointments available until 7pm). Friday and Saturday 11am to 6pm. Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Phone: (970) 400-1124
Email: info@burncandlebar.com
Website: https://www.burncandlebar.com/
Facebook: burn. Candle Bar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burn.candlebar/
TikTok: @burn.candle.bar
