Guide to Longmont Colorado | Lodging, Dining, Activities, Shopping, History

Visual Treats: Amazing Art Around Town

More than 50 diverse pieces of public artwork are placed along greenway trails, in parks, in city facilities and along public walkways and gathering places. Enjoy a creative range that includes bronze pieces, colorful sculptures and mosaics, and interactive, organic works of art. For a map of public art, call 303-651-8924.

Visit historic downtown's art and entertainment district for a wealth of unique shops, galleries and museums. Special cultural events are planned throughout the year. Don't miss ArtWalk (303-678-8417, held three times a year) when businesses and arts organizations sponsor an evening of free exhibitions, music, live theater, dance and children's activities.

In 2002, 22 Colorado artists were selected to put their talents to work creating sculptures commemorating Longmont's large Canada geese population. Keep you eyes open for the 10 sculptures that remain on display throughout the city. Call 303-776-9210 for specific locations.

Stop by the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center (303-651-8374) at 400 Quail Rd. to explore four exhibit galleries, a classroom for special events and programs, and an outdoor courtyard, all in a beautiful building featuring public art and great views. Frequent art openings and cultural events as well as educational workshops and summer camps for children make the museum a popular piece of the community.

View one of the finest collections of antique automobiles in the region at The Doughtery Museum. Admission (for one season, if you sign the guest book) is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Call 303-776-2520 for more information or to arrange a group tour. The museum is open 11 am to 5 pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 1 through Labor Day weekend. The Old Firehouse Art Center has enriched the community through exhibits, education and outreach since 1986. Most activities are free. Visit www.firehouseart.org or call 303-651-2787 to learn about current exhibits.

New Horizons

Prospect, Colorado's fist New Urbanist community, is designed to minimize negative impact on the land. Located on an 80-acre former tree farm in south Longmont, Prospect features narrow, tree-lined streets connecting homes to numerous parks and public amenities, shops and offices. The result is a uniquely livable blend of traditional and modern planning concepts in a broad range of architectural styles. In 1996 Prospect won the Governor's Smart Growth Award and now includes a solar village designed for energy efficiency. Prospect is located in the southwest corner of Longmont on Hwy. 287 and Pike Road.

Fresh Air: Plenty of Park & Rec

A 736-acre body of water on the east side of town, Union Reservoir, provides countless recreational activities. The reservoir was carved out during the Skateboarding in Longmont, Colorado

last glacial age and is one of the only a few natural lakes in Colorado. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, wakeless boating, camping, windsurfing and picnicking. Directions: Take 17th Ave. or 9th Ave. east to County Line Rd. and go south to County Road 26. Head east to the reservoir. For additional information, call 303-772-1265.

Loomiller Park is a 15.3-acre park in central Longmont featuring a beautiful scenic walkway that wraps around a large pond. Amenities include a nine-hole disc golf course, picnic with barbecue areas, restrooms (handicapped accessible), a playground, bridge and town shelters that can be rented for gatherings.

Those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush will be thrilled to learn that Longmont is one of the state's premier skydiving destinations. A handful of local operators offer safe, individual and group jumps for experienced divers or first-times with an unmatched scenic Front Range backdrop.

Local Flavor: Brewery Hopping & Farm-fresh Shopping

After you've exhausted your mind and body in the fresh Colorado air, quench your hard-earned thirst with a handcrafted beer from one of many area breweries. Colorado has a passion for good beer, and a trip to regional breweries will prove just how obsessed local brew masters are with creating that perfect pint. Longmont is home to a handful of favorites, and several popular breweries reside in nearby Fort Collins, Boulder and Golden. Take a brewery tour for a behind-the-scenes look and sample the best in the business.

Get the true field-to-fork experience at the Longmont Farmers Market. Browse tents and booths filled with locally grown produce, flowers, honey, artisan breads, farm-oriented crafts, plants and much more. The market is held rain or shine on Saturdays, May to October at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Visit www.boulderfarmers.orgfor more info.

By Lisa Pogue