Things to do in Longmont, CO
Longmont, CO: It’s all here
If the friendly people, light traffic and get-more-for-your-money home prices haven’t sold you on Longmont, the variety of offerings in this city will turn you into a believer. Walk out the door and Longmont delivers. Eateries, markets, trails and festivals abound. And if you came to this post for inspiration, that’s here, too. We’ve collected the scoop on everything from spas to hotspots. This is your Longmont. Prepare to enjoy.
ESPRESSO YOURSELF: COFFEE AND TEA SHOPS IN LONGMONT
There’s no excuse for drowsy in this corner of Colorado. Coffee shops abound in all pockets of the city, in every direction. Grab your tablet and spend a quiet hour with a pot of tea, or connect with a friend while the kids are in school.
Take your coffee break on Ozo’s patio at Village of the Peaks mall.
LONGMONT BREW PUBS
With Colorado out-ranking every state in the country for gross beer production, it’s no surprise that our state places third in the nation for craft breweries per capita. Longmont holds its own in the brew pub department with a roster to make any beer-loving citizen proud. Check the list below, then plan your pub crawl.
Meet the gang at Left Hand Brewery in Longmont, CO.
Mike O’Shays Restaurant & Ale House
LONGMONT RESTAURANTS
Savor the food scene in Longmont, CO.
Foodies, listen up: the restaurant scene in Longmont is thriving, with more places and cuisines than we can highlight in a blog post. These are some of our favorites (P.S. several are close to West Grange).
Finding that rare ingredient for a favorite recipe won’t be an issue.
LONGMONT SPECIALTY FOOD SHOPS & GROCERY STORES
Specialty food shops abound in Longmont, along with supermarkets, superstores, bulk markets and butcher shops. Peruse the list below to locate your favorites, then give something new a try.
Cheese Importers Warehouse Featuring an impressive selection of natural, organic and imported cheeses, cured meats, specialty oils, spices, olives, chocolates and assorted specialty foods. La Fromagerie, their wholesale section for discriminating restaurants and hotels, is open to the public. Shop the wide selection of European home items, linens, perfumes, soaps and children’s goods. Enjoy lunch in the French Café, Bistro des Artistes. Family-owned since 1976.
The deli at Lucky’s in Longmont.
Lucky’s Market Put a basket on your bike and head to Lucky’s, just a few miles east of West Grange on Nelson Road. Dedicated to making people’s lives better through food, Lucky’s bills itself as a one-stop shopping experience for busy families, professionals and students seeking healthy, flavorful food. Lucky’s in Longmont features several departments, including apothecary, bakery, beer, wine & spirits, bulk items, dairy, grocery, The Kitchen deli, local vendors, produce, meat and seafood. Check out Lucky’s Private Label for discriminating, price-conscious foodies. Open daily 7AM – 9 PM.
Natural Grocers Located on the corner of Main Street and 17th Avenue, Natural Grocers has been a staple for Colorado shoppers for more than fifty years. Community focused and committed to healthy eating, Natural Grocers is a go-to for organic produce, vitamins and supplements, body care, and free nutrition education.
Whole Foods Market is conveniently located minutes from West Grange at Village at the Peaks in Longmont.
Whole Foods Market Arguably the country’s most famous eco-minded national chain, Whole Foods Market features natural and organic grocery items, house wares and other products. Grocery delivery is available to nearby West Grange, or hop on the bike. You’ll be there in no time.
Sprouts Farmers Market Conveniently located near West Grange, Sprouts offers online ordering, an olive bar, deli catering trays, fresh sushi and pickup. In-store events are posted on their website.
Simply Bulk Market Pay for the product, not the packaging, goes the motto at Simply Bulk Market. The shop offers natural and organic food, spices, pet supplies, whole body care, coffees, teas and more.
Your Butcher, Frank A locally-owned business that’s been serving Longmont with quality meats and deli offerings since 1980.
Robin Chocolates Artisan chocolates and confections from award-winning chocolatier and pastry chef, Robin Autorino, named by Dessert Professional as one of the Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America in 2013.
LONGMONT SUPERMARKETS
Get out and ride!
BIKE-FRIENDLY LONGMONT, CO
Designated cycling streets, bike lanes and multi-use trails crisscross the city of Longmont, giving folks who opt to run their errands on two wheels plenty of options. Use the Longmont Bike Map to outline your route. Multi-use trails and streets with bike lanes and wide shoulders are color-coded for easy reference and route finding. The map calls out all things bike-related, including repair shops, shelters and share stations.
The 16-mile cycling loop is a great way to check out city sites, trails and neighborhoods. Follow the loop on the map. You’ll get a feel for the vibe and energy of the community, and begin to understand what makes Longmont such a special place.
Jump on Nelson Road from your home in West Grange and you’re instantly connected to a network of popular routes that weave throughout Boulder County, a nationally-recognized mecca for cyclists. Ride north on 75th Street to Hygiene and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast on the patio at the Crane Hollow Café. From West Grange, head west on Nelson Road to Hwy 36, then north to quaint and lively Lyons. Another option, ride south to Boulder and hang with the cycling crowd at Amante Coffee in Uptown Broadway before looping back to Longmont.
LONGMONT PARKS & REC CENTER
The 23-acre Dry Creek Community Park just south of West Grange features trails, disc golf and an accessible playground.
Golden Ponds Park and Nature Area offers four ponds, an ADA-accessible fishing pier and nine picnic shelters as well as views of Long’s Peak and the Front Range.
The Longmont Rec Center offers everything from free weights to a climbing wall plus child care, saunas and a spa. No membership required. Open to Longmont residents and non-residents.
LAGERMAN AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE
Looking west to the Flatirons from the reservoir at Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, just south of West Grange on 75th Street.
Hundreds of acres of farm land were added to Lagerman Reservoir create the newly named Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, now encompassing nearly 1,000 acres of protected land. The Preserve attracts birders, anglers, boaters and dog walkers. At just under five miles, the new Open Sky Loop trail is a favorite among area hikers.
TAKE A HIKE IN THE LONGMONT AREA
Hiking, walking, even a leisurely stroll are favorite outdoor activities in a state blessed with year-round natural beauty and more than 300 days of mood-enhancing, endorphin-enabling sunshine every year. To facilitate your desire to get outside and move, we’ve categorized the area’s trails according to their distance from Longmont. Click the trail name for directions, map, level of difficulty and reviews. This list is in no way conclusive of all that’s out there. Lots of choices, lots of fun.
LONGMONT TRAILS & WALKING PATHS
Walking the dogs on one of the many trails in and around Longmont.
Lagerman Agricultural Preserve
LoBo Regional Trail (Longmont to Boulder)
Little Thompson Overlook Trail
TRAILS WITHIN 15 MILES OF LONGMONT
TRAILS WITHIN 20 MILES OF LONGMONT
The Indian Peaks provide a stunning backdrop on hiking trails around Boulder, CO.
Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail
Button Rock Preserve: Sleepy Lion Trail
TRAILS WITHIN 25 MILES OF LONGMONT
Eldorado Canyon State Park – 4 trails
MARKETS, FAIRS AND FESTIVALS IN LONGMONT
Flowers attract shoppers at the Longmont Farmer’s Market, open 8 till 1p every Saturday, April thru mid November.
LONGMONT FARMERS MARKET
Head to the Boulder County Fairgrounds at 95th and Nelson Road for fresh produce, local meats, and vendors galore from 8 AM – 1 PM on Saturdays, April through mid November. Enjoy live music from 10 AM – 1 PM, and free activities for the kids. The Longmont Farmers Market is one of three Boulder County Farmers Markets. The nonprofit organization has been operating producer-only farmers markets in Colorado since 1987. A highlight during the peak produce months is the Summer Solstice Family Farm Dinner Series featuring Boulder County organic farms and local chefs in a true farm-to-dinner community experience. Tickets are available online.
Fresh and healthy is the story at the Longmont Farmer’s Market.
TABLES TO TEACUPS INDOOR FLEA MARKET
If antiques and bargains are your thing, check out Tables to Teacups, voted one of the best antique mall and flea markets on the Front Range every year since 2012. Tables to Teacups operates out of a 13,000 sq-ft building at 455 Weaver Park Road in Longmont. They’re open daily.
LONGMONT FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Longmont offers up choices galore, kicking off with the Longmont Jazz Festival in Roosevelt Park Pavilion every July. The 2018 season will mark the festival’s 20th year. Hosted by the Longmont Jazz Association, the event is free to the public. Go here for the year’s line-up and schedule.
The Longmont Farmers Market Artisan Show is held the fourth Saturday of the month, April – October, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The Artisan Show runs in conjunction with the Longmont Farmers Market. The one-day monthly event showcases fine art and fine craft from Colorado residents and local talent, open 8 AM – 1 PM.
Giddy up to the annual Boulder County Fair, Livestock Show & Rodeo held in early August at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Nelson Road and 95th Street. In addition to the car show, demolition derby, tractor pulling contest and rodeo sport racing, you’ll find fine art, fine craft, retail vendors, antique and collectible exhibits, food booths, and live music.
The Longmont Home and Garden Show comes to the Boulder County Fairgrounds every August, featuring fine art, fine craft, design trends, remodeling and gardening ideas, local crafts, retail vendors and locally grown products. The show features local and national vendors representing products and services for home, garden and lifestyle. Exhibitors include antique and collectible dealers, plus live demonstrations and food samples.
Start and finish your holiday shopping at the Last Chance Gift Fest held in mid-December at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The festival is a shopper’s extravaganza and holiday celebration featuring fine art, fine craft, toys, home décor, unique gifts, and food. Admission is free. Enjoy live music and hot chocolate while you shop.
BOOKSTORES IN LONGMONT
Find an old favorite, grab a bestseller or locate that rare title on your list at the bookstores in Longmont, CO.
Local Editions Books & Coffee True to its name, Local Editions carries only titles by Colorado authors and serves Allegro coffee, brewed locally.
Barbed Wire Books Longmont’s largest bookstore, located in the city’s vibrant historic downtown district. Featuring new and used book sections, with prices substantially less than chain bookstores.
Used Book Emporium Featuring a wide collection of used as well as new books. Check the website for in-store events, sales, and specials, and to order new books, movies and music online.
HOTSPOTS IN LONGMONT
According to the online service Open WiFi Spots, at last check Longmont has 32 free wifi spots. Venues range from restaurants and coffee shops to motels, bookstores and shops. Go here to find free wifi in Longmont.
MUSEUMS, CULTURAL & HISTORIC VENUES IN LONGMONT
Learn the history of this great community, familiarize yourself with the thriving local art scene, and enrich your life with culture.
Longmont Museum and Cultural Center
Arts Longmont Gallery & Gift Shop
SPAS IN LONGMONT
Nothing says pamper like a visit to the spa.