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!

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.

Delicious Places in Longmont Where Kids Eat Free (or on the Cheap)

At Longmont 100, we love going out to eat, and usually we have our kid along for the ride. One way to make that easier on our wallets is to visit local restaurants offering free or half off kids' meals. Here is a round-up of our favorite Longmont spots offering specials for kiddos. 

Left: Wahoo's, Top right: Modern Market, Bottom right: Chuburger

Modern Market

700 Ken Pratt Blvd, #100
Sunday and Monday: Kids eat free from 5pm to close (one per adult entree purchased)

This has been our favorite go-to spot lately. Our kid always opts for the kids' pizza (with or without pepperoni), and we especially enjoy their sandwiches and salads. Seriously, they have the best salads in town.

Samples World Bistro

370 Main Street
Sunday: Kids eat free (one per adult entree purchased)

Samples World Bistro offers great kids' meals in a pretty sophisticated setting (don't miss their rooftop deck). Our kid goes for the mac 'n cheese, of course.

Chuburger

1225 Ken Pratt Blvd.
Tuesday: Kids 10 and under eat half price after 4pm

If we ask our daughter where she wants to go out to eat, she will say Chuburger 9 times out of 10. They have really fabulous grassfed beef hamburgers and addictive fries.

Longs Peak Pub

600 Longs Peak Ave.
Thursday: Kids eat free before 6pm

Longs Peak Pub is the place to go with a noisy kid, because they will never be heard over the nightly hubbub. (i.e., Not the place for a quiet conversation, no matter the age.) Remember to go early (before 6pm) to get the deal.

Wahoo's

1087 South Hover Road Unit B
Thursday: Kids eat free after 4pm (two per adult entree purchased)

Wahoo's is pretty inexpensive, and you can get two kids' meals per paying adult, so it is definitely a steal of a deal. Our daughter was pleased to get fries with her quesadilla and then be able to watch a little surfing on the television.

Small Business Saturday: Where To Shop in Downtown Longmont This Year

Downtown Longmont is bustling with small businesses, and we are rounding up our favorites in honor of Small Business Saturday (November 26, 2016). This year, get out there and Shop Small! Keep money local and help our community thrive. (Have any favorites that we left out? Mention them in the comments!)

Clockwise from top left: Discoveries Egyption Imports, Yore, Colorado Crafted, Cheese Importers

Yore (381 Main St.)

The sleek Yore is one of our downtown faves. It features an expertly curated selection of quality goods that are practical, responsibly manufactured, and extremely cool.

https://yore.us

Old Town Outfitters (501 Main St.)

Outdoor adventurers will love anything you pick out here -- Old Town Outfitters offers offers an array of apparel, gear and accessories.

http://oldtownoutfitters.com 

Barbed Wire Books (504 Main St.)

If you're shopping for a bookworm, this is your spot. It's got shelves upon shelves of vintage volumes, along with a section devoted to new books as well.

http://www.barbedwirebooks.net

Discoveries Egyptian Imports (454 Main St.) 

A hidden downtown gem, Discoveries Egyptian Imports is stocked with Egyptian jewelry, crafts and sculptures - everything that they carry is made in Egypt. Definitely worth checking out! 

https://egyptianimports.com

Cheese Importers (103 Main St.)

Explore the tres bien gift shop, and take a trip into Cheese Importers' 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).

http://www.cheeseimporters.com 

Adorn (668 4th Ave.)

Adorn offers 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.

http://visitlongmont.org/adorn-home-gift-gallery

Larry's Guitar Shop (508 5th Ave.)

Make the musician in your life very happy and find a guitar, amplifier or musical accessory at this cozy stringed instrument shop, where the staff is as friendly as they are knowledgable. 

http://larrysguitars.com 

Colorado Crafted (online shop)

Skip the generic gift baskets this year. The Longmont-based Colorado Crafted's online shop sells stylish gift boxes of artisanal foods, all made right here in the Centennial State.  

http://www.coloradocraftedbox.com