2021-12-09 04:26:31
Along the Front Range between Boulder and Loveland, Longmont is a stop-worthy destination for great brews and views, distinct local arts and access to the outdoors. You’ll find three spectacular golf courses, three National Historic Districts, beautiful parks and a Certified Colorado Creative District in Longmont. Stop by the downtown Visitors Center for maps and brochures. Then, survey the work of local artists in galleries and coffee shops — which are especially bustling during 2nd Fridays events. Make your way to Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, which houses exhibits on the region’s history and hosts outdoor summer concerts and movies. Or head to the Dickens Farm Nature Area, a 52- acre site along St. Vrain Creek with biking trails, an accessible naturethemed playground and a nine-drop whitewater park for tubers and kayakers. The area’s brewery scene is noteworthy. If you want to easily sample beers across the city, the hop-on/ hop-off BrewHop Trolley transports craft-beverage lovers to a dozen-plus venues every weekend. For a twist on adult beverages, visit St. Vrain Cidery or one of the town’s craftspirits distilleries. Time for a snack! The Art of Cheese offers courses covering everything curdy. For more cheesiness, there are also culinary experiences at Cheese Importers and Haystack Mountain Cheese. Heartier options range from casual hangouts to upscale bistros. Savor local Longmont flavor on Wonder Tours’ new Farm Hop, which takes you to area farms and fills you with the freshest lunches for miles. Stroll off that meal with Longmont Museum’s free walking-tour app to experience the area’s past on foot (available in Spanish and English). Dougherty Museum, which is open weekends, June to Aug., has an impressive collection of antique autos, farm equipment and more. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Heritage Center stars cool interactive exhibits and a 1909 farmhouse with period furnishings. For thrills, Mile-Hi Skydiving Center offers sky-high views of Longs Peak. There’s also the Warrior Playground, an obstacle course and training facility styled after those on “American Ninja Warrior.” For a more relaxing excursion, consider stand-up paddleboarding on Union Reservoir or cycling along the St. Vrain Greenway — the crown jewel in the city’s trail system — which links an abundance of scenic parks and runs along St. Vrain Creek. LOOK UP! FALL LEAF PEEPING IS A BREEZE IN LONGMONT, GIVEN ITS PROXIMITY TO STATE PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. TREAT YOURSELF TO AMAZING BIRDS’-EYE VIEWS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS BY BOOKING AN EXCURSION WITH FAIR WINDS HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS. Stay & Play Options Boulder (page 179), Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Lyons (page 185)
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