Winter Excursion to Sunflower Farm

Where: 1150 Prospect Road
Web: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com
Hours: See website

We wrote about Sunflower Farm many years ago, and they have gone through some programming changes, but it remains a fantastic place to visit. We stopped by this past afternoon with a picnic lunch in hand and took some photos that I wanted to share. How lucky we are as Colorado residents that we get to have a picnic lunch at a lovely farm in the middle of February. (Of course, it could have just as easily been a snowstorm.)

These days the farm is open somewhat erratically so it is best to take a look at the website to find out what their upcoming hours will be. When they are open, you will discover a farm buzzing with energy. Seemingly endless varieties of chickens, peacocks, turkeys, and guinea hens roam freely. Goats, sheep, and llamas beg for a taste of corn. Horses and cows bask in their sunny pens, completely unaware that they have one of the best views in town.

There is a hay maze that kids can climb through or leap around on top (see above), a long zipline, tree swings, horse rides, an extensive tree house, and a lot more. Bring supplies for s'mores and you can join the crowd toasting marshmallows around the campfire!

Longmont Holiday Market

When: 1pm - 5pm on December 10th, 2016

Where: 321 Main Street, Longmont

Web: http://www.longmontcolony.com/longmont-holiday-market/

I am very pleased to be involved with a new holiday market in Longmont! The aptly-named Longmont Holiday Market will be taking place downtown in a newly renovated historic space on the same day as the city's annual holiday parade (a must-see event). 

The Longmont area has a bustling scene of artisans and makers, and this Market has a curated collection of some of the very best. Here is a sampling:

Brylo - A Longmont-based design studio that specializes in letterpress gift cards.

Verbena - Beautifully designed, small-batch skincare made in Boulder.

Motherlode Provisions - Bloody Mary mix, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce based in Longmont.

Fairisle Coffee - Ethically sourced, organic coffee roaster from Longmont.

Moxie Bread Co. - Exceptional artisanal breads and pastries from Louisville. 

Yore - Modern minimalist and traditional practical goods from downtown Longmont.

Colorado Crafted - Gift collections of locally made foods and artisanal goods (yes, this is my shop!).

There are quite a few more and you can find out about them at Longmont Colony's website. Colony is a newly formed collective of creatives, makers and small business owners who have come together to strengthen our community and showcase the unique individuals who make Longmont interesting. They will be sponsoring more events in the future, and the websites features profiles of local artisans accompanied by beautiful photography. Check it out!

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch

Where: 9057 Ute Hwy  Longmont, CO 80503 (303) 684-0087

Web: www.rockymtnpumpkinranch.com 
When: The October Pumpkin Festival is on weekends in October, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Select activities also available M-F, 9a.m.-5p.m.

October in Longmont isn't complete without at least one visit to the Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch. On Saturdays and Sundays, this Highway 66 spot offers carnival rides, petting zoos, pony rides, bouncy play structures, corn mazes ... and oh yeah, a whole lot of pumpkins. Pick out your perfect Jack O' Lantern, soak up the late fall sunshine and take in some gorgeous, unobstructed views of Longs Peak. The Pumpkin Ranch isn't slick, but it's a lot of fun. Admission is free, but you have to buy tickets for the rides.

During the week, the Pumpkin Ranch is operating at a much smaller scale, and for $7, kids can do all the activities that are open as much as they want. No petting zoo or rides, but plenty of bouncing and running through the hay maze. The market is open every day, so even if you don't have kids, it's a necessary trip if you want a fresh caramel apple or some tasty apple cider. During our last visit they were even roasting some wonderful Colorado green chilies.