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

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!

Lagerman Reservoir

Where: N 75th and Pike Road, Longmont, CO 80503
Web: http://www.bouldercounty.org/os/parks/pages/lagermanres.aspx
When: Day use only

Union Reservoir and Boulder Reservoir might be the more well-known manmade bodies of water in the Longmont area, but Lagerman Reservoir, tucked away on the far west side of the city, just might beat them both when it comes to spectacular Front Range vistas. The views here are positively breathtaking -- and that's saying something in a place that specializes in breathtaking views. With a 1.6-mile trail that loops around the reservoir, this is a great spot to take your dog for a walk or a go for a jog. There's also a nicely maintained picnic area, boasting some serious Flatirons panoramas.

Depending on the time of year, keep an eye out for a wide array of birds, from ospreys to great blue herons. The reservoir is also a popular fishing destination, with anglers landing channel catfish, largemouth bass and black crappie, among others species. Wakeless boats are allowed, but no sailboats or sailboards.
Take note! The western end of Lagerman is closed for nesting birds April through August.