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.

Blue Ribbon Farm

Where: 10147 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501 (303) 774-7717

Web: https://www.facebook.com/BRFarmLongmont

When: Every day from 9am to 6pm during their retail seasons -

Retail Seasons:

• May-July: Bedding plants
• Sept-Oct: Huge selection of mums
• Dec: Christmas trees, wreaths, boughs and garlands

Tucked away across Hover St. from Roger's Grove and the Boulder County Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon Farms is our preferred spot for gardening necessities every spring. And it's always a pleasure to visit, with bursts of floral color and scents at every turn. 

Locally owned and operated by the Sipes Family, Blue Ribbon is the kind of friendly, low-key place where they remember your name -- and sometimes even your dog's name. They also know their stuff: if you're in need of any advice, whether it's about what soil to use or what to plant in your vegetable bed, just ask any staff member. They're happy to help. You can be sure that everything they sell is carefully hand-selected for the area (unlike at big box stores where it can be hit and miss.)

Good to know: Blue Ribbon sells Christmas trees every holiday season -- a great local alternative to the supermarket.

Union Reservoir

Where: 461 County Road 26
Web: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/parks/park_list/overview/union.htm
When: March 1 - April 30, 6am-8pm; May 1 - Sept 1 (Labor day), 6am-9pm; Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7am-8pm; Oct 1 - Oct 31, 7am-7pm
Fee: Vehicle, $8; Walk/Bike-in, $2 (see website for other fees and annual passes)

Let's face it: you don't have a whole lot of options in Longmont when it comes to a day at the beach. In fact, your options pretty much begin and end with Union Reservoir. Fortunately, Union is a lovely spot in which to soak up the summer sun. Located on the east side of town, the 736-acre reservoir offers visitors a wide array of outdoor recreation options in a picturesque setting.

Union is a wakeless lake, providing a perfect spot for sail boats, canoes, wind surfers and paddle boats to glide across the water without concerns about loud motors and disruptive waves. On the sandy beaches (yes, there really is sand!) families frolic and swim while friendly, well-behaved dogs can splash happily nearby in a designated off-leash area (note: the dog beach is not fenced in). There are also campgrounds, a playground, grills, a volleyball court and more.

Union reservoir is also home to the Union Sailing Club, an active sailing club with weekly races, and the Longmont Sculling Club which caters to both new and experienced scullers.

End of Summer Dog Swim

(Updated for 2014)

Every year the summer draws to a close, and the kids' activity pools close their doors in anticipation of children returning to school. A few days later, the doors open again - for just a few hours - letting in the water-loving canines of Longmont. The pool is full of wagging tails and bobbing tennis balls, and the owners look on, soaking wet, from the sidelines. Labs and goldens are the majority here, but all friendly pooches are welcome. Bring your 3 dollars, the city provides balls and bags.

This year there is only one kids' activity pool because the Kanemoto pool was destroyed in the 2013 flood.


2014 dates:
Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20, 4-7pm at Roosevelt Activity Pool, $3

Hiking and Trails Near Longmont

How far do you have to drive from Longmont to get to trails? Not far at all. I wanted to put together a sampling of the nearby trails that you can find without driving more than 25 miles. (Willing to drive further? You will find everything you could possibly want!) Please keep in mind, that this is just a sampling and there is plenty more to be found.

IN LONGMONT

These trails are in Longmont and as such are easy and flat. Great for dog walking, hiking, biking, and stunning views.

LoBo Trail

easy, 12 mile planned trail from Longmont to Boulder (Oh, hey... we wrote about it here.)

 McIntosh Lake

easy, 3.6 mile loop around the lake (Yep, we wrote about this one too.)

Pella Crossing

easy, Braly Trails (2.5 mi) and Marlatt Trail (1.1 mi) circle around the lakes near Hygiene

Lagerman Reservoir

easy, Lagerman Loop is a 1.6 mile trail around the reservoir

UNDER 15 MILES FROM LONGMONT

Less than 15 miles gets you into Lyons and all the trailheads you can find there. Everything from easy strolls to much more vigorous climbs.

Rabbit Mountain

Lyons (12 mi from Longmont)
easy and moderate trails. Great for bikers, hikers, and equestrians.

 Rabbit Mountain

Hall Ranch

Lyons (13 mi from Longmont)
moderate and difficult trails. Over 3,000 acres of open space provides excellent viewing opportunities for wildflowers, animals, and scenic landscapes. (No dogs allowed.)

Heil Valley Ranch

Lyons (14 mi from Longmont)
easy and moderate trails. Over 5,000 acres of beautiful hanging valleys, picturesque vistas, and forest meadows with trails open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

UNDER 20 MILES FROM LONGMONT

 Now you are really getting somewhere: the City of Boulder's great park system and more trailheads on the outskirts of Lyons.

Mount Sanitas

Boulder (16 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate, difficult trails. This is an extremely popular trailhead open to hikers and equestrians (no bikes).

Chautauqua Park

Boulder (17 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate, difficult trails. Another extremely popular Boulder trailhead which is a must-visit for out-of-town guests.

Button Rock Preserve

Lyons (18 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate trails. Beautiful views, lots of birdwatching and wildlife, and the Button Rock Dam is a hit with kids. (Read more about Button Rock here.)

Button Rock Preserve

Devil's Backbone Open Space 

Loveland (20 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate trails. Twelve miles of trails but only about 1.5 miles to the keyhole. Close to civilization, but the Devil's Backbone rock formation is stunning and the hike is pretty easy, making this a good trail for kids and out-of-town guests.

Devil's Backbone Open Space

UNDER 25 MILES FROM LONGMONT

World class hikes, rock climbing, and everything you could ask for -- just a short drive away.

Betasso Preserve

Boulder (22 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate, difficult trails. Diverse terrain means there's something for everyone.

Walker Ranch

Boulder (24 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate, difficult trails. An array of ecosystems and gorgeous vistas.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Golden (25 mi from Longmont)
Easy, moderate, difficult trails. A state park with technical rock climbing, streamside picnic areas and trails with panoramic vistas.

Downtown Summer Concert Series

Where: Corner of 4th Ave and Kimbark Street
When: Fridays at 6 p.m.: June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 26, 2013
Web: www.downtownlongmont.org

The streets of downtown Longmont are filled with the sound of music on several Friday nights over the summer, as locals gather for these very fun and very free concerts. We caught the first show last week and it was a blast, with Chris Daniels and the Kings providing the swinging soundtrack, beer from Longmont's own Left Hand Brewing and Oskar Blues, BBQ from the great Georgia Boys and a festive street party atmosphere. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy some tunes on a hot summer night.

 

 2013 Lineup

June 7 -  Chris Daniels and the Kings
June 14 - Retro Sonics
June 21 - Something Underground
June 28 - Chris Thompson & Coral Creek
July 5 - Quemando
July 26 - Girls On Top

The Tasty Weasel Tap Room / Oskar Blues Brewery

Where: 1800 Pike Road

Web: www.oskarblues.com/restaurant/tasty-weasel-tap-room

When: 12-8pm daily

Deep in the heart of south Longmont's nondescript warehouse/office park district, you'll find the place many craft beer lovers consider paradise: the Oskar Blues Brewery. Oskar Blues is known nationwide for making cans cool again -- but who cares what container they use, the brewery's beers are phenomenal, from the flagship Dale's Pale Ale to the malt-tastic Old Chub Scottish Ale. Those two examples are just the beginning of beer nirvana at OB's tap room, The Tasty Weasel, which serves as the testing ground for the brewers' latest creations. Any time you visit, there will be beers that are available nowhere else on the planet -- nitro taps, firkins, oak-aged selections, weird/wild experiments, you name it. We recommend visiting. Often. The Tasty Weasel's patio, with picnic benches and plenty of sunshine, became one of our favorite afternoon weekend spots this summer. For a brewery, it's extremely kid-friendly -- get the kids a B. Stiff & Sons Root Beer, fix them up with quarters for skeeball and some free peanuts and they'll be happy for hours. There's also usually some folky/rootsy live music happening in the late afternoon, along with a friendly crowd of locals and beer tourists. The Tasty Weasel doesn't serve food, but oftentimes Oskar Blues' food truck, the Bonewagon, is parked right out front. Their cheeseburger may just be the best cheeseburger in the universe.

Tip: Go behind the scenes and see where the magic is made -- Oskar Blues offers free tours of its brewery Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 2, 3, 4 & 5pm and every day at 4pm.