Longmont, CO (Boulder, Lafayette, Estes Park: hotel, construction, live)

[Bigfoot424]

Wasn't sure if this belongs here or not but here goes. I will be in Longmont on Monday with the afternoon free for the most part. Is there a must see kind of place that's no further than an hour drive? Preferably in the mountains. Also, will be there thru Thursday AM when we move over to a hotel at the airport. Any must eat places in the Longmont area? Pizza, American, Mexican and so on?

[JohnCurtisEstes]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Wasn't sure if this belongs here or not but here goes. I will be in Longmont on Monday with the afternoon free for the most part. Is there a must see kind of place that's no further than an hour drive? Preferably in the mountains. Also, will be there thru Thursday AM when we move over to a hotel at the airport. Any must eat places in the Longmont area? Pizza, American, Mexican and so on?

Grew up in Longmont!

Go to Estes Park thru Lyons on Hwy 66 (exit 243 on I25) and you will enjoy the trip up there. Stop by The Stanley Hotel for a pit stop.

About 45 mins away and the entrance to RMNP.

Lot's of food places in Longmont but since I do not live there now do not really know about any really good culinary choices- Tripadvisor may help!

[Sobe Itsavized]

Avoid Diagonal Highway, especially during rush hours. There's construction causing a huge delay this season.

I suggest the Flagstaff Nature Center. I don't usually go up there but whenever I am up there it is just such a nice view at any time of the day in any weather. When it's raining and completely cloudy from one horizon to the other is the best view standing at the Flagstaff Nature Center in my opinion. Boulder looks better in rainy weather anyway (in my honest opinion).

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flagstaff+Nature+Center/@40.0037321,-105.3050694,493m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x876bec0e69252703:0x7 3bb4eb5961a4c!8m2!3d40.0037321!4d-105.3033811

The Boulder Public Library also has some nice views in my opinion. Parking is usually an issue though.

The two links below: Sometimes you can see photographers at the top of the hills (parked on the side of the roads) taking pictures during the sunset or other times of the day at these specific spots. They're at the top of the hills where you can see the Boulder Reservoir.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/40...!4d-105.159085

https://www.google.com/maps/place/81...4d-105.1636952

I don't go out much to eat let alone in groups but our company management took me and my coworkers out to eat at the Good Bird Kitchen in Longmont off of Hover Road. Not being a chain restaurant it was better than I expected. Don't order their sandwiches though unless you like sandwiches with HARD and overbaked bread (I'm not kidding).

Oh and Modern Market in Longmont off of Ken Pratt is pretty good if you don't like chain restaurants.

If you want breakfast burritos, you should look at Santiago's. I've never ordered them but we get them every Friday at work from management and they're a lot better than the ones you get at Good Times. Of course homemade breakfast burrito's are always better if you know how to make them. I honestly think the Santiago's in Lafayette does the burritos better than the one in Longmont but that's just me.

[DressageRider]

Yes, for a hike you could head to Estes Park and RMNP. Another option is Brainard Lake.

Food recs...

Pizza: Rosalee's (downtown)

Mexican: Benny's or Tacos al Molcajete for an authentic taqueria type, or Comida for a more modern fusion type

Really good BBQ: Georgia Boys

More info here: 36 Hours in Longmont, Colorado | Longmont 100: Things to do in Longmont, Colorado

[Bigfoot424]

Thanks all. Sounds like some good suggestions. Due to a foot injury I'll have to stick with Driving. And of course eating.