Cheese Importers

Where: 103 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Web: www.cheeseimporters.com

We've been lavishing praise on Longmont's mighty Cheese Importers for years. "Magical," "unbelievable," "totally awesome" are words we've used when describing the place to out-of-towners. And that was all before this fromage emporium moved to its new, (totally awesome) location on Main Street. Previously, Cheese Importers had been tucked away in the warehouse/industrial section of town, a hidden gem if ever there was one. 

Now, it's no longer hidden, having taken over the city's former power station, right on the outskirts of downtown. It was perfect before, and now it's even more perfect: there's an 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); there's a shop with cookbooks, gourmet candy, kids' toys, home furnishings, and art; and there's the Parisian-style cafe, Bistrot des Artistes, offering delectable sandwiches, pastries, coffee, desserts and (soon) wine, all in a sunny, very classy setting. As the French would say, "C'est si bon!" 

Java Stop

Where: 301 Main St.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Who needs Starbucks? There's no shortage of independently owned coffee shops in Longmont. Those in search of a caffeine fix can choose from the very popular Ziggy's, the excellent Luna Cafe (or up until recently known as Caffe Luna), the relatively new La Vita Bella and several others.

But our preferred coffee shop these days is the cozy Java Stop, located downtown in the historic Imperial Hotel building. The couches are comfy, the coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh and the vibe is extremely low key and friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable too -- almost too reasonable. 

Owned and operated tirelessly by a husband-wife team, Java Stop has the feel of a community gathering spot, where conversation flows and new friends are made. Extra points go to this spot for being very kid-friendly -- there's a fully stocked closet with toys, games and children's books.

Sun Rose Café

Where: 379 Main Street

Hours: Monday: 7am - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday: 7am-9pm, Saturday: 7am - 5pm, closed Sunday

Web: www.sunrosecafe.com

Even though it’s located right in the heart of downtown on Main St., Sun Rose still has the feel of a hidden gem, a well-kept secret amongst Longmont-ians in the know. A breakfast/lunch/dinner spot that doubles as a gourmet food market, we end up here at least a few times a week, whether enjoying a killer breakfast panini, cooling off with their signature Lavender Lemonade, or picking up farm fresh (and free range!) eggs from Berthoud’s Long Shadow Farm. We’re also absolutely hooked on Sun Rose’s pesto – it’s pretty much ruined us for all other pestos. 

The setting is fantastic, with exposed brick, high ceilings and art from local artists adorning the walls. Oh and did we mention that they serve a nice selection of microbrews and mix a helluva cocktail? It’s a nice, family friendly place for a drink that’s not a sports bar setting – a rarity in Longmont. Can you tell we like this place? Now if we could only convince them to stay open on Sundays…