Tacos Al Molcajete

Where: 926 Main St
Hours: 7am-11pm (closed Tuesday)

There are plenty of good places to get your taco fix in Longmont, but our current favorite is Tacos Al Molcajete, located on Main Street just above 9th Ave. This unassuming spot has seen several Mexican restaurants come and go in the past decade or so, but we are hoping Al Molcajete is in it for the long haul -- we're not sure if we could live without their absolutely delicious Tacos al Pastor. Something about the sweet-n-savory flavors here adds up to absolute perfection. Those have been highlights each time we've visited, but truth be told, we haven't had a bad dish yet, whether it's crispy flautas or whipped-cream-topped churros. The fresh salsa bar is a treat too -- though be forewarned: those neon orange varieties are positively nuclear. With an extremely friendly staff, low prices and food that's always on point, Tacos Al Molcajete is a very welcome addition to Longmont's culinary scene.

36 Hours in Longmont, Colorado

Planning a visit to Longmont and wondering what to do or where to eat? For this itinerary, we've put together our suggestions for a perfect day-and-a-half of exploring, eating, and imbibing. These are our personal favorite places for giving out-of-town guests a feel for our city.

Friday

5 p.m. ROSALEE'S PIZZERIA, 461 Main Street

Get to this downtown pizza joint early because it fills up fast on weekend nights (or any other night for that matter). Once that massive, East Coast-style pie is brought to your table, you'll know why. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are big, and the crust is just about perfect. Rosalee's has the best pizza in Longmont ... by a long shot. Order the buttery, garlic-y Sausage Knots if you've got a good-sized group with a good-sized appetite.

8:00 p.m. LONGS PEAK PUB, 600 Longs Peak Avenue

Cap off the night with a trip down the street to the Longs Peak Pub, where good vibes and excellent craft brews can be found in abundance. Part of the Boulder-based Mountain Sun empire, the beer list includes their own creations (the Colorado Kind Ale is a favorite), alongside some expertly chosen selections from the best Centennial State breweries. Longs Peak Pub's ambiance is always lively, often with a bluegrass picking session taking place and groups of locals gathered at the community tables. During the warmer months, head to the patio for a game of cornhole and enjoy the night air.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. CHEESE IMPORTERS, 103 Main Street

For a very good morning, stock up on tasty, flaky pastries and a steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee at the famed Cheese Importers' French-inspired cafe. And definitely take a trip into their expansive, walk-in cooler with 350 cheeses from all over the world available, not to mention olives, cured meats and more (lots of samples, too). If you're a cheese lover (and who doesn't love a little fromage?), you may well think you've died and gone to heaven.

Cheese Importers

9:30 a.m. GOLDEN PONDS, 2651 Third Avenue

Coffee in hand, take a stroll around the lovely Golden Ponds, where a sweeping panorama of Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Front Range greets you. It's just steps away from one of Longmont's main drags, but once you're there, it feels like another world, with Canadian geese gliding across the water, lots of happy dogs, and quiet trails that loop around the ponds. Don't miss the waterfall on the south side of the park.

Golden Ponds

11 a.m. DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
There are more than enough big-box, big-name retail options in Longmont, but we suggest a stroll down Main Street for a more satisfying shopping spree.

• OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS (501 Main St.) offers an array of apparel, gear and accessories for any outdoor adventures you might be planning. 
• BARBED WIRE BOOKS (504 Main St.) is a great spot for bookworms, with shelves upon shelves of vintage volumes, along with a section devoted to new books as well. 
• ADORN (665 4th Ave.), right off of Main St., is a good place to browse a while if you're looking for a gift or two, with a whimsical cards and stationary, unique home décor and handmade jewelry. Its sister store next door, ADORNABLES (661 4th Ave.), focuses on out-of-the-ordinary toys and books for babies and small kids. 

1 p.m. LUNCH
Grab a bite to eat! Main Street has plenty of lunch options. For fantastic tacos (and supremely spicy salsa, if you like it hot), try TACOS AL MOLCAJETE (926 Main St.). The menu at THE ROOST (526 Main St.) is filled with delicious small plates  -- candied bacon sliders, anyone? Their rooftop patio can't be beat, either. SUN ROSE CAFE (379 Main St.) is a local favorite, with friendly service, great sandwiches and wraps, and extremely refreshing lavender lemonade. A few blocks from Main Street, you will find phenomenal ribs and pulled pork (and a lot more) at GEORGIA BOYS BBQ (237 Collyer St.).

Tacos al Molcajete

Georgia Boys BBQ

3 p.m. EXPLORE BEERMONT
At this point, there are probably too many Longmont craft breweries to visit in just one afternoon. But you should at least visit two or three -- just remember to pace yourself. Oskar Blues' taphouse, THE TASTY WEASEL (1800 Pike Rd.), is always a great time, with rare beers galore, free peanuts, live music ... and skee ball! LEFT HAND (1265 Boston Ave.), the other major brew player in town, has a creekside tasting room where you can relax outside with a Nitro Milk Stout or a Sawtooth Ale. Upstart Longmont breweries have been popping up all over, and 300 SUNS (335 1st Ave.), WIBBY (209 Emery St.), GROSSEN BART (1025 Delaware Ave.) and SHOES & BREWS (63 S. Pratt Pkwy.) are all worthy contenders. They're also all within easy walking distance of one another ... Cheers!

Wibby Brewing

7 p.m. SUGARBEET, 101 Pratt Street
Probably Longmont's finest fine dining experience, Sugarbeet (named for what was once Longmont's primary cash crop) is tucked away in the industrial section of town. But what it lacks in exterior aesthetics, it makes up for in farm-to-table goodness. Dinner here never disappoints, whether you're digging into housemade gnocchi, crispy heritage pork belly roulade or grilled filet mignon. The menu is always evolving, so no Sugarbeet experience is ever quite the same.

8:30 p.m. BIN 46 WINE BAR + RESTAURANT, 600 Longs Peak Avenue
End your day lingering over a glass of wine or craft cocktail and dessert at Bin 46, a stylish, mellow spot near Roosevelt Park. The wine list is extensive and the staff is happy to share personal favorites.

Sunday

8 a.m. JAVA STOP, 301 Main Street
Kick off your last day at Java Stop, located downtown in the historic Imperial Hotel building. The couches are comfy, the coffee is excellent, the art is local, the pastries are fresh, and the vibe is extremely low key and friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable too -- almost too reasonable. (Cash only.)

  Java Stop

9 a.m. Stroll around the HISTORIC WEST SIDE and THOMPSON PARK, 4th Ave and Pratt St
Coffee in hand, take some time to explore the tree-lined streets of Longmont's Historic West Side, home to some of the city's most impressive architecture. Thompson Park is a great open space to soak in a relaxing Sunday morning.

11 a.m. COMIDA CANTINA, 721 Confidence Drive
Brunch? Oh yes. A few years back, one of the Front Range's best food trucks has made the leap back into the brick-and-mortar world, with dazzling results. Comida, located in Longmont's Prospect neighborhood, puts an inspired spin on classic Mexican street food. You could pretty much choose from their menu at random -- everything we've tried has been amazing.

36 Hours in Longmont, Colorado

Planning a visit to Longmont and wondering what to do or where to eat? For this itinerary, we've put together our suggestions for a perfect day-and-a-half of exploring, eating, and imbibing. These are our personal favorite places for giving out-of-town guests a feel for our city.

Friday

5 p.m. ROSALEE'S PIZZERIA, 461 Main Street

Get to this downtown pizza joint early because it fills up fast on weekend nights (or any other night for that matter). Once that massive, East Coast-style pie is brought to your table, you'll know why. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are big, and the crust is just about perfect. Rosalee's has the best pizza in Longmont ... by a long shot. Order the buttery, garlic-y Sausage Knots if you've got a good-sized group with a good-sized appetite.

8:00 p.m. LONGS PEAK PUB, 600 Longs Peak Avenue

Cap off the night with a trip down the street to the Longs Peak Pub, where good vibes and excellent craft brews can be found in abundance. Part of the Boulder-based Mountain Sun empire, the beer list includes their own creations (the Colorado Kind Ale is a favorite), alongside some expertly chosen selections from the best Centennial State breweries. Longs Peak Pub's ambiance is always lively, often with a bluegrass picking session taking place and groups of locals gathered at the community tables. During the warmer months, head to the patio for a game of cornhole and enjoy the night air.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. CHEESE IMPORTERS, 103 Main Street

For a very good morning, stock up on tasty, flaky pastries and a steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee at the famed Cheese Importers' French-inspired cafe. And definitely take a trip into their expansive, walk-in cooler with 350 cheeses from all over the world available, not to mention olives, cured meats and more (lots of samples, too). If you're a cheese lover (and who doesn't love a little fromage?), you may well think you've died and gone to heaven.

Cheese Importers

9:30 a.m. GOLDEN PONDS, 2651 Third Avenue

Coffee in hand, take a stroll around the lovely Golden Ponds, where a sweeping panorama of Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Front Range greets you. It's just steps away from one of Longmont's main drags, but once you're there, it feels like another world, with Canadian geese gliding across the water, lots of happy dogs, and quiet trails that loop around the ponds. Don't miss the waterfall on the south side of the park.

Golden Ponds

11 a.m. DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
There are more than enough big-box, big-name retail options in Longmont, but we suggest a stroll down Main Street for a more satisfying shopping spree.

• OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS (501 Main St.) offers an array of apparel, gear and accessories for any outdoor adventures you might be planning. 
• BARBED WIRE BOOKS (504 Main St.) is a great spot for bookworms, with shelves upon shelves of vintage volumes, along with a section devoted to new books as well. 
• The just-opened YORE (381 Main St.) features an expertly curated selection of quality goods that are practical, responsibly manufactured -- and extremely cool. 
• ADORN (668 4th Ave.), right off of Main St., is a good place to browse a while if you're looking for a gift or two, with a whimsical cards and stationary, unique home décor and handmade jewelry. Its sister store across the street, ADORNABLES (661 4th Ave.), focuses on out-of-the-ordinary toys and books for kids. 

Yore

1 p.m. LUNCH
Grab a bite to eat! Main Street has plenty of lunch options. For fantastic tacos (and supremely spicy salsa, if you like it hot), try TACOS AL MOLCAJETE (926 Main St.). The menu at THE ROOST (526 Main St.) is filled with delicious small plates  -- candied bacon sliders, anyone? Their rooftop patio can't be beat, either. SUN ROSE CAFE (379 Main St.) is a local favorite, with friendly service, great sandwiches and wraps, and extremely refreshing lavender lemonade. A few blocks from Main Street, you will find phenomenal ribs and pulled pork (and a lot more) at GEORGIA BOYS BBQ (237 Collyer St.).

Tacos al Molcajete

Georgia Boys BBQ

3 p.m. EXPLORE BEERMONT
At this point, there are probably too many Longmont craft breweries to visit in just one afternoon. But you should at least visit two or three -- just remember to pace yourself. Oskar Blues' taphouse, THE TASTY WEASEL (1800 Pike Rd.), is always a great time, with rare beers galore, free peanuts, live music ... and skee ball! LEFT HAND (1265 Boston Ave.), the other major brew player in town, has a creekside tasting room where you can relax outside with a Nitro Milk Stout or a Sawtooth Ale. Upstart Longmont breweries have been popping up all over, and 300 SUNS (335 1st Ave.), WIBBY (209 Emery St.), GROSSEN BART (1025 Delaware Ave.) and SHOES & BREWS (63 S. Pratt Pkwy.) are all worthy contenders. They're also all within easy walking distance of one another ... Cheers!

Wibby Brewing

7 p.m. SUGARBEET, 101 Pratt Street
Probably Longmont's finest fine dining experience, Sugarbeet (named for what was once Longmont's primary cash crop) is tucked away in the industrial section of town. But what it lacks in exterior aesthetics, it makes up for in farm-to-table goodness. Dinner here never disappoints, whether you're digging into housemade gnocchi, crispy heritage pork belly roulade or grilled filet mignon. The menu is always evolving, so no Sugarbeet experience is ever quite the same.

8:30 p.m. BIN 46 WINE BAR + RESTAURANT, 600 Longs Peak Avenue
End your day lingering over a glass of wine or craft cocktail and dessert at Bin 46, a stylish, mellow spot near Roosevelt Park. The wine list is extensive and the staff is happy to share personal favorites.

Sunday

8 a.m. JAVA STOP, 301 Main Street
Kick off your last day at Java Stop, located downtown in the historic Imperial Hotel building. The couches are comfy, the coffee is excellent, the art is local, the pastries are fresh, and the vibe is extremely low key and friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable too -- almost too reasonable. (Cash only.)

  Java Stop

9 a.m. Stroll around the HISTORIC WEST SIDE and THOMPSON PARK, 4th Ave and Pratt St
Coffee in hand, take some time to explore the tree-lined streets of Longmont's Historic West Side, home to some of the city's most impressive architecture. Thompson Park is a great open space to soak in a relaxing Sunday morning.

11 a.m. COMIDA CANTINA, 721 Confidence Drive
Brunch? Oh yes. A few years back, one of the Front Range's best food trucks has made the leap back into the brick-and-mortar world, with dazzling results. Comida, located in Longmont's Prospect neighborhood, puts an inspired spin on classic Mexican street food. You could pretty much choose from their menu at random -- everything we've tried has been amazing.

Longmont Bike Night - 2015

When: Wednesdays, 6:30pm, May-September  (Bike Night launches on May 13th!)

Where: Rides start at Roosevelt Park, under the flags on the east side of the park. 

Web: www.bicyclelongmont.org

Blog: www.longmontbikenight.org

Wednesday evenings in the summer are filled with the cheerful sound of ringing bike bells, as hundreds of cyclists young and old cruise through the shady streets of Old Town Longmont. Bike Night is a very popular summer activity — and every week seems to draw bigger crowds. Routes generally stick to the Old Town area and they're usually pretty easy, not to mention safe, thanks to the presence of police escorts (riding along on bikes, of course). Kids will love the whimsical weekly themes, which encourage dressing up. This year has included rides devoted to the totally rad 1980s, Prom Night and, entertainingly, the holiday season. Nothing stranger and more charming than a flock of cyclists in Santa hats rolling into a hot summer night.

Serendipity Mercantile

Serendipity Mercantile closed their doors in 2016. Sad! :(

Where: 635 Third Ave.

When: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm

Web: facebook.com/serendipitymercantile

Longmont has several large indoor flea markets around town, but Serendipity Mercantile is by far the most pleasurable shopping experience. Located in a historic building one block off of Main Street, part of its charm is the brick walls and the large windows. 

Serendipity also offers a more curated collection of vintage and antique merchandise than its competitors (i.e., there's less crap to sift through). I love to browse their selection of antique and mid-century furniture, and if you like kitschy kitchenware, this is definitely the place. Serendipity also has a large selection of vintage clothing and jewelry (perfect for Halloween costumes).

In the back of the store, there is a small collection of vinyl (my husband's first and only stop) and a section of architectural salvage (old doors, shutters, and hardware). While much of the merchandise is pricy (these folks definitely know the worth of what they are selling), there are plenty of deals to be had as well.

End of Summer Dog Swim

(Updated for 2014)

Every year the summer draws to a close, and the kids' activity pools close their doors in anticipation of children returning to school. A few days later, the doors open again - for just a few hours - letting in the water-loving canines of Longmont. The pool is full of wagging tails and bobbing tennis balls, and the owners look on, soaking wet, from the sidelines. Labs and goldens are the majority here, but all friendly pooches are welcome. Bring your 3 dollars, the city provides balls and bags.

This year there is only one kids' activity pool because the Kanemoto pool was destroyed in the 2013 flood.


2014 dates:
Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20, 4-7pm at Roosevelt Activity Pool, $3

Flooding in Longmont

I have debated doing a Longmont 100 post on the little beach that we like to go to along the St. Vrain Greenway for a while now. My daughter loves it, and it makes a great biking destination on a hot day. My dog also loves to dip his paws in the cold water. But it is just a tiny, rocky area with only a small creek rushing by. It feels crowded if there are more than two families enjoying the clear water. Tyler and I come from opposite coasts, where calling something like this a "beach" would be almost laughable. I decided not to bother with a post about it.

This was us enjoying it last weekend. It was a hot day, and we all looked forward to the upcoming week which was supposed to bring cool, rainy weather. We always look forward to the rain in Colorado. The rain came, and it didn't stop for days. It rained, it poured, it sprinkled, it poured some more. Dams broke. Creeks became rivers. Streets became rivers. Clear mountain streams turned brown and turbulent, stretching hundreds of feet in width.

The rain has stopped for now, but with more expected tonight. The floodwaters have already subsided significantly allowing the city, homeowners, and business owners to deal with the damage left behind. Tyler and I were lucky. We live only blocks from where the above photo was taken, but we are up the hill in Old Town, safe and dry.

I feel heartbroken over the state of things. The people who have lost their homes. The small businesses who may not recover. The wonderful parks and greenways which have been destroyed.

Mostly, what I see on Facebook is optimism. Businesses giving the thumbs up that things aren't quite as bad as they could have been. Our awesome breweries being first in line to volunteer and to set up flood relief funds. From what I have seen, the city has done a great job handling this disaster. Here is hoping that things continue to improve. Let's see some of that Colorado sunshine.

 Golden Ponds, pre-flood

Spring Farm Season

While doing a little shopping downtown at Brown Shoes, Simply Bulk, and Sun Rose Cafe, I came across this sign outside of Old Town Outfitters. We just love Old Town Outfitters. First off, they sell great outdoorsy products and clothing, but what really makes me happy is their enthusiasm for Longmont and their involvement in the community. If you haven't stopped by recently, you should.

The folks at OTO are just as excited about the impending growing season as Longmont100 is, as exhibited by this chalkboard. The Longmont Farmers Market is only a week away (April 6th!), CSAs are taking orders, and local farm stands have already started selling produce. Indeed, it looks like spring farm season in Longmont is here!

ArtWalk

When: Select Fridays in the Summer, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Main Street, between 3^rd and 6^th Aves.

Web: www.artlinklongmont.org

Always a fun way to say goodbye to the work week during the summer, ArtWalk sees Downtown Longmont turn into a family friendly street party. Art is the focus, obviously, with galleries staying open late, local artists displaying their work and opportunities to create your very own masterpiece. But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg – expect live music, performing arts, feats of acrobatic daring, martial arts demonstrations, food carts and much more. Traffic is diverted around Main Street during the event, which means you can stroll up and down the busiest strip of asphalt in town for a few hours without worrying about being run over. Which is nice. 

Don’t miss the last ArtWalk of the season this Friday, September 21!