Longmont | COME TO LIFE 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 week-ends, 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. COLORADO DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES ST. VRAIN GREENWAY CRAZY ABOUT LONGMONT 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 nature-themed 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 craft-spirits 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 LOOK UP! FALL LEAF PEEPING IS A BREEZE IN LONGMONT, GIVEN ITS PROXIMITY TO STATE PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. FROM TOP: VISIT LONGMONT; ST. VRAIN CIDERY. TREAT YOURSELF TO AMAZING BIRDS’-EYE VIEWS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS BY BOOKING AN EXCURSION WITH FAIR WINDS HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS. ST. VRAIN CIDERY Stay & Play Options Boulder (page 179), Firestone , Frederick , Longmont , Lyons (page 185) COLORADO . COM 175
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 175
