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!

Discovery Days

Where: Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road

Web: http://www.longmontmuseum.org/education/discovery-days/

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9:00 to 10:15 am, 10:15 to 11:30, and 12:30 to 2 pm (Discovery Days is open when school is in session, and closed during all breaks and holidays)

Looking for something to do to get out of the house with your little one? Discovery Days at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is the perfect rainy day activity. Geared for the 2 to 5-year-old set, Discovery Days offers many tables of hands-on activities based around a theme. If your preschooler likes to get messy with paint, glitter, and glue, this is the place to do it!

There are also permanent play stations such as a play castle that our 4-year-old can't resist, a table full of beans and cups for pouring fun, and a puppet theater. Discovery Days is $4 for residents and $4.50 for non-residents (fee is per child), and each drop-in session is 45 minutes.

Check the Discovery Days calender to see what the weekly theme is. We unwittingly showed up for Super Heroes week which, while popular with many kids, was not too exciting for our girly girl. Fortunately we decorated our super hero cape to be an Elsa cape, and all was well.

Sledding in Longmont

A few days of snowfall has left Longmont looking quite picturesque. If you are wondering where to take the kids, there are three spots around town that are the go-to sledding locations.

In Old Town, there are a few rolling hills in Sunset Golf Course (where all these photos were taken). Head to the area right behind the pool. 1900 Longs Peaks Avenue.

Our friends rave about the sledding hill in the new Dry Creek Community Park, near the corner of Clover Basin Drive and Grandview Meadows Drive.

In the southern part of the town, check out the big hill at Sunset Middle School, 1300 S Sunset St.

In the eastern part of town, go to Skyline High School, 600 E. Mountain View Ave.

Any other suggestions? Please share!