CyclHOPS Bike Cantina

Where: 600 S. Airport Rd 

Web: http://eat.oskarblues.com/cyclhops/

Hours: 11am-midnight, seven days a week

The geniuses at Oskar Blues Brewing continue their takeover of Longmont with this inspired blend of a taco joint and bike shop. And I for one, welcome our new craft beer overlords. After all, they haven't let us down yet, from CHUBurger to the Tasty Weasel, from Homemade Liquids and Solids to the Bonewagon. CyclHOPS, located in the western part of town, doesn't break OB's streak. The tacos are extremely fresh and flavorful (the carnitas option with pickled onions was the clear winner the first time around), there's a wide array of tequilas to choose from and the Dia de los Muertos-inspired decor is fun and unique. And perhaps it goes without saying, but there are great beers on tap, too (both from Oskar Blues' arsenal and elsewhere).

The interior is spacious and family friendly with plenty of natural light pouring in. And it'll be even more appealing in the warmer months, thanks to its very inviting patio. Then you've got the bike part of the equation -- CyclHOPS is the official retail location for Oskar Blues' line of very cool, very customized REEB mountain bikes and offers a full-service bike shop to boot. Tacos, tequila, craft beer, and bikes? It's about as Colorado as it gets. 

Longmont 100 at ArtWalk!

Remember when I was all sad and mopey, bemoaning the high flood waters in Longmont? That is so several days ago! Now I am pleased as punch to be telling you that Longmont 100 will be at ArtWalk this Friday, September 20th!

 

My food photography partner-in-crime and business partner-extraordinaire (she's the same person, her name is Sarah, and she's pictured above) and I have put together a series of photos depicting the farm-to-table scene in Longmont. We were lucky enough to get behind-the-scenes tours of Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, Harold's & the Bayonet Room, and Oskar Blue's Hops & Heifers Farm. These three awesome businesses embody the artisanal food scene in Colorado that gets us excited - plus, it is right here in our own backyard. We will also have Colorado Crafted gift boxes and treats for sale. Good stuff.

Come out to ArtWalk and say hello. Our photos will be on sale, and every last cent of profits will go to the St Vrain Flooding Relief Fund via Longmont Community Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the St. Vrain Flooding Relief Fund will go directly towards helping the community recover from the devastation of the recent flooding.

After you visit us at ArtWalk, you should walk over to Roosevelt Park and enjoy Oktoberfest (also going on noon to 10pm on Saturday.) Since Left Hand Brewing took over this event, it has become truly awesome, and this year all the proceeds to go flood relief! So if you ever needed a reason to drink a beer with friends, there you have it. It is for a good cause, people.

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

ArtWalk

When: Select Fridays in the Summer, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Main Street, between 3^rd and 6^th Aves.

Web: www.artlinklongmont.org

Always a fun way to say goodbye to the work week during the summer, ArtWalk sees Downtown Longmont turn into a family friendly street party. Art is the focus, obviously, with galleries staying open late, local artists displaying their work and opportunities to create your very own masterpiece. But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg – expect live music, performing arts, feats of acrobatic daring, martial arts demonstrations, food carts and much more. Traffic is diverted around Main Street during the event, which means you can stroll up and down the busiest strip of asphalt in town for a few hours without worrying about being run over. Which is nice. 

Don’t miss the last ArtWalk of the season this Friday, September 21!