2016-12-22 05:05:58
Along the Front Range between Boulder and Loveland, Longmont is a stop-worthy destination for all the reasons visitors love Colorado — great brews and views, a distinct flavor of local arts and access to the outdoors. VISIT LONGMONT You’ll find three spectacular golf courses, beautiful parks and a Certified Colorado Creative District. Survey the work of local artists in galleries and coffee shops — especially during the Second Fridays at the Firehouse events. Explore the recently expanded Longmont Museum & Cultural Center for outdoor summer concerts, exhibits on the history of the region and more. The area’s brewery scene is also noteworthy. Left Hand Brewing Co. And Oskar Blues’ Tasty Weasel Taproom are longtime favorites, while 300 Suns, Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse, Großen Bart, Shoes & Brews, Wibby and SKEYE recently opened their doors. The Brewhop Trolley transports craft-beer lovers to all nine breweries. For a little twist on adult beverages, visit St. Vrain Cidery and one of the town’s five craft-spirits distilleries. Now it’s time for a snack: The Art of Cheese is a local cheesemaking school with courses that cover cheesemaking, pairings, tours, cheese tasting and more. For more cheesiness, there’s also Cheese Importers and Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, both with culinary experiences to explore. For those seeking thrills, Mile-Hi Skydiving Center (where the Denver Broncos’ Thunderstorm sky-diving team trains) hosts excursions to Longs Peak for all experience levels. There’s also the Warrior Playground, an outdoor obstacle course and training facility, styled after those on “American Ninja Warrior,” where visitors can hone their ninja skills. For a more relaxing excursion, consider stand-up paddling and kayaking on Union Reservoir or cycling along the St. Vrain Greenway, which links numerous parks and runs along St. Vrain Creek. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Firestone (page 203), Frederick (page 204), Longmont (page 208), Lyons QUICK TIP Just a short drive south, the Celestial Seasonings tea factory tour is one of the cutest things going. If your sinuses survive the infamous mint room, be sure to leave lots of time for the gift shop.
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