Between Fort Collins And Denver Is A Charming Getaway With Outdoor Fun, Breweries, And A Historic Downtown

Colorado's blend of stark desert, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and snow-capped Rocky Mountain landscapes makes it a stunning destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The Centennial State's underrated mountain towns make for incredibly scenic getaways, combining views, arts and culture, outdoor activities, and a great craft brewing scene that's hard to beat. Whether it's the fresh air and frontier spirit of Leadville or the iconic sand dunes of Alamosa, Colorado boasts an incredible array of picturesque towns, perfect for a nature-filled escape. Add Longmont to the list of Colorado's most charming spots, too. 

Longmont sits on the edge of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, between Denver and Fort Collins. With a beautifully preserved historic downtown and a vibrant drinking and dining scene surrounded by magnificent Rocky Mountain peaks, the town offers a lovely mix of cultural interest and natural beauty. Here's why it's worth a visit if you're in the area.

Longmont is the quintessential Colorado town, offering a selection of all the things that make the Centennial State a great place to visit. Founded in 1871, it has held on to its rugged frontier aesthetic thanks to its delightful historic downtown. Now, Longmont's Main Street bustles with shops, galleries, and cafes, and is the heart of this charming town. Longmont wears its past on its sleeve, and history buffs will love the Longmont Museum, as well as the beautifully restored antique vehicles at the Dougherty Museum, and the chance to step back in time at the Agricultural Heritage Center.

Longmont also leans heavily into Colorado's reputation as a haven for craft beer lovers, being home to dozens of breweries and taprooms. Left Hand Brewing Co. has been at the forefront of the craft beer wave since 1993, and a tasting of their innovative brews is an exceptional way to spend the afternoon. Oskar Blues' Tasty Weasel Taproom is another longstanding Longmont favorite, while newcomers 300 Suns Brewing, Shoes & Brews, and Bootstrap Brewing keep things fresh and funky. And it's not just beer, either. St. Vrain Cidery has been making Longmont a cider destination for more than a decade, and Dry Land Distillers offers a wealth of interesting, unusual concoctions inspired by Colorado's great outdoors, like heirloom wheat whiskeys, prickly pear spirits, and gin.

A great way to experience the best of Longmont in one go is the BrewHop Trolley. This hop-on, hop-off tour guides visitors around the historic town, stopping at many of the city's best breweries, distilleries, and other venues.

Of course, one of the main attractions of a visit to Longmont is the chance to enjoy its spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and experience some of the best outdoor fun that Colorado has to offer. You don't have to head far out of town to get a taste of the great outdoors. Dickens Farm Nature Area on the St. Vrain Creek offers 52 acres of biking trails, a nature-themed playground, and access points for kayaks and canoes, as well as tubing experiences, making it an ideal way to enjoy nature close to the city. The St. Vrain Greenway is another excellent option, offering a network of parks and trails along St. Vrain Creek that gives walkers an array of hiking options.

If you are after something to get the blood pumping, Longmont has plenty to offer. The Mile-Hi Skydiving Center lets you experience the Colorado landscape from a unique perspective, plummeting out of a small plane over Longs Peak, while the Warrior Playground is an exciting obstacle course with ninja skills training. Further afield, Longmont is less than an hour's drive to some of Colorado's most spectacular hiking areas, including Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins and Devil's Backbone Open Space in Loveland. Lakes like Union and McIntosh are beautiful places to paddle. In winter, Eldora Mountain Resort offers 680 acres of skiable terrain and is a great spot for powder hounds.

Longmont is located in Boulder County, about half an hour by car from Boulder and 45 minutes from Fort Collins and Denver. The nearest airport is Denver International Airport, which is home to the largest United Airlines lounge in the world.