About 30 miles from Longmont, the town of Estes Park is nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in the area. The town offers a variety of shopping, galleries, restaurants, a microbrewery, and is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can listen to folk musicians, eat haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), listen to a string quartet, or celebrate midsummer at the Scandinavian Festival. Learn more about Estes Park here.

Within minutes of Estes Park, the spectacular scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park beckons with world class hiking (both easy and extreme), climbing and fishing in the many high mountain lakes and creeks. Pack a picnic, sit along the river's edge, or enjoy the wildlife, such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, hummingbirds and mountain blue jays.

The City of Boulder is in a small valley about 15 miles southwest of Longmont. Home to the Universidty of Colorado, its signature location marked by the Flatirons mountains, is well worth visiting for a hike or simply to watch the sunset (or sunrise). You can get a history lesson on the area as well as a few laughs if you take Banjo Billy's 90-minute tour. Boulder was named Bon Appétit's "Foodiest Town in America" for 2010.

Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder is well known throughout the country as an area with unique boutiques, restaurants, specialty stores, and unusual entertainment on the main walk, such as jugglers, street musicians and fire-eaters. The children's climbing rocks give a preview of the options available nearby for climbing (slightly larger) rocks. On your way back to Longmont, stop by Celestial Seasonings in Gunbarrel to tour its manufacturing plant or have lunch or brunch in the café and browse the unique gifts in the shop.

Denver is a vibrant city with year-round adventure and the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in the city's backyard. From a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class attractions and endless shopping possibilities, to nationally recognized chefs, exciting nightlife and abundant outdoor recreation, Denver welcomes you to discover how the Mile High City will awaken your sense like nowhere else. Explore the Denver Zoo's Primate Panorama, take in a major league sports game, or travel through space and time at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Watch the sky come to life each year at the Erie Balloon Festival, just a stone's throw south of Longmont. The vibrant hot air balloons are an explosion of color against the backdrop of Longs Peak. Mark your calendars for spring and get your seat for the balloon launch and the Erie Town Fair.

Several other towns located within 40 miles of Longmont are well worth a visit. Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University and the Anhueser-Busch Brewery. Lyons, home of Rockygrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest, is a true Colorado delight. Loveland is well known for its sculptures and several foundries draw sculptors from around the world.

by: Lisa Pogue