If you’re planning a visit to Colorado, there’s a great chance you’ve got Denver and Boulder on your list. But a nearby city worth a day’s visit is Longmont. Here you’ll find food, culture, history, and a walkable downtown that feels both charming and accessible.
I’ve spent a few days in Longmont this year, and it’s easy to see why this city is rising in popularity for home buyers and renters alike. If you’re searching for a first-person tour guide for your visit to Longmont, Colo., you’ve come to the right place.
What to see
Do you enjoy taking photos in front of beautiful murals? What about browsing art galleries or small boutiques? Are you in search of a fun co-working space? You can find all of those things in Longmont.
Alleyways are covered in artwork and the exterior of public buildings are painted by local artists. Boulder is beautiful and Denver has incredible artistic resources at its disposal, but for a city this size, there’s a lot to love here.
Take advantage of Longmont’s nationally recognized symphony, their in-the-works performing arts center, museum and their two community theaters. Take a studio tour, visit the city’s fifty art-in-public-places locations, or amble from gallery to gallery during the summer ArtWalk.
Where to eat
I wasn’t expecting anything too spectacular when I first visited Longmont, but the truth is that there’s a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to explore. You’ll find anything from casual diners to higher end establishments, but I’m most partial to Amie’s Love, a beautiful café that just happens to be a dedicated gluten-free facility. Be sure to indulge in a crepe, cupcake or bagel sandwich and coffee here.
Downtown Longmont
You’ll find your share of big box stores and chains, of course, but get downtown to be in the heart of the action. I highly recommend a stop in the bookstores while you’re here—they’re affordable and well-stocked with soon-to-be-favorites for you and your family.
Accessibility
What makes Longmont most enjoyable is how accessible it is, and I mean that in two ways. First, they’ve created a gorgeous, walkable downtown with ample parking and architecture that spoils pedestrians without inconveniencing drivers as much as a bigger city might. And second, Longmont’s location makes it an incredible home base if you want to explore Boulder, Denver, Loveland and Fort Collins.
Need a ride while you’re in town? The local buses here are free and, for a small fee, transportation to Longmont is available from Boulder, Fort Collins and the Denver metro area—which is handy if your campground isn’t nearby.
Suffice to say, if money were no issue, my husband and I would purchase a home in Longmont, Colo. this year before everyone else does.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to also read my article on experiencing Boulder in a day or on visiting Decorah, Iowa.
Ready to plan your Colorado RV adventure? Consider renting an Outdoorsy RV in Longmont or wherever you’re starting your travels from.
