SEPT. / OCT. 202 6 | TIMES-CALL
MAGAZINE
LONGMONTMAGAZINE.COM
SAVORING LONGMONT The Culinary Vision of Sean & Rebecca Gafner
HARVEST FUN
6 LONGMONT-AREA FARMS THAT GO ALL OUT FOR FALL
FALL VIBES
LOCAL ITEMS TO SAVOR THE SEASON
A CULINARY EVOLUTION
TRANSFORMING LONGMONT INTO A FLAVOR DESTINATION
THE SCOOP
WHERE WE’RE EATING
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DENVER CO PERMIT #1116
INSIDE
FOOD, BREWS & FARMS EDITION
From seasonal tune-ups to system replacements, we keep your home feeling just right, so you can focus on what matters most.
110 S Bowen Circle, Longmont
720-712-0298
www.mandmhvac.com
11 Years Running: Voted Best in All Trades
THANK YOU!
TO OUR OVER 2,000 PAST AND PRESENT LONGMONT CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US BEST ROOFER FOR A SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR!
VOTED BEST IN 2026: CUSTOMER SERVICE • ROOFER • LOCALLY OWNED SERVICE PROVIDER
(720) 684-5500 GreenPointRoofing.com 1030 Boston Ave. Longmont CO 80501 FREE INSPECTIONS! | FREE UPGRADE TO CLASS IV IMPACT RESISTANT SHINGLES
E D I TO R’ S NOTE
Taste Autumn in Longmont Fall is easily my favorite time of year. Between visiting nearby farms, picking pumpkins with the family, enjoying an autumn ale on a patio with friends/family or spending the day at an area festival, nothing beats the crisp air and colorful energy in Longmont and across Colorado. At home, the seasonal transition is unmistakable. My wife decorates every corner with fall-scented candles, while pumpkin spice and apple treats fill our kitchen. We even have a friendly, ongoing debate: she remains loyal to pumpkin spice, while I hold fast that apple reigns supreme. This issue celebrates those autumn traditions alongside the best of our local food scene. You will find plenty to inspire your season: •
Autumn Adventures & Flavors: Get into the spirit with orchard visits, pumpkin patches and cider donuts, plus fall style and seasonal cocktails curated by Wyatt’s Wet Goods.
•
Culinary Highlights: Discover Downtown Longmont’s transformation into a hub for global dining. We spotlight local visionaries Sean and Rebecca Gafner, dive into scratch-made bites at Pelo’s Deli & Provisions and share our top picks for area eateries and breweries.
•
Community Spirit: Explore unique local spots like a new indoor golf simulator bar, learn how the Interfaith Quilters foster connection for area seniors, and see how the Circle of Care Project expands access to local arts.
Before the season slips away, grab a warm or seasonal drink, check our community calendar and go enjoy autumn in Longmont. Happy reading, Greg Stone, editor
Sub s c rib e to L ongmo nt magazine !
prairiemountainmedia.com/ longmont-magazine/subscribe
September/October 2026
WHAT’S INSIDE
S e p t. / O C T. 2 0 2 6
8
12
20
47
8 HARVEST FUN
Few things signal fall quite like apple cider donuts, pumpkin patches and getting lost in a good old-fashioned corn maze
12 LIVE IT UP: FALL VIBES
Autumn items to savor the season
15 RAISE A GLASS
Fun seasonal cocktail ideas from the experts at Wyatt’s Wet Goods
20 LONGMONT’S CULINARY EVOLUTION
The transformation of downtown into a thriving destination for global flavors
39 BUSINESS: ELEVATED FLAVOR, CLASSIC SOUL
Inside Pelo’s Deli & Provisions – Longmont’s favorite scratch-made deli
47 HEALTH & FITNESS: EVERYDAY IS A GOLF DAY!
Golf simulator bar has something for everyone
49 SENIOR CORNER: A STITCH IN TIME
Studies show keys to strong mental health are activity, engagement and purpose. Interfaith Quilters have found these keys.
23 LOCAL INFLUENCER: SAVORING LONGMONT
50 MAKING A DIFFERENCE
29 THE SCOOP
44 SAVE THE DATE
The culinary vision of Sean and Rebecca Gafner
Where we’re eating: The eateries, breweries and entertainment venues that rank as the best in Longmont
Circle of Care Project gives seniors rides, support to cultural activities
Mark your calendars and explore a variety of events happening in and around Longmont this fall LONGMONT MAGAZINE 5
Read online at LongmontMagazine.com M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SEPT. / OCT. 202 6 | TIMES-CALL
MAGAZINE
LONGMONTMAGAZINE.COM
SAVORING LONGMONT The Culinary Vision of Sean & Rebecca Gafner
Jill Stravolemos jstravolemos@prairiemountainmedia.com 303.473.1420
EDITOR/ DESIGNER
A Publication of the Longmont Times-Call. To advertise, call 303.473.1400 or email advertising@prairiemountainmedia.com
Greg Stone
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
HARVEST FUN
6 LONGMONT-AREA FARMS THAT GO ALL OUT FOR FALL
FALL VIBES
LOCAL ITEMS TO SAVOR THE SEASON
FOOD, BREWS & FARMS EDITION
A CULINARY EVOLUTION
TRANSFORMING LONGMONT INTO A FLAVOR DESTINATION
THE SCOOP
WHERE WE’RE EATING
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DENVER CO PERMIT #1116
INSIDE
ON THE COVER
Sean and Rebecca Gafner at their flagship concept, The Roost in Longmont. | Photo: Jitka Perez
PUBLISHER
Brittany Anas, Linda Thorsen Bond, Jared Fiel, Rebecca Furuta, Courtney Johnson, Wendy McMillan, Darren Thornberry, Shelley Widhalm
Jeanine Fritz
ADVERTISING SALES Julie Casper, Ruth Garfield, Thais Hafer,Parker Krug, Billy Magrini, Francine Wahlgren
LONGMONT MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL & EVENTS
To submit a story idea, visit longmontmagazine.com/contact-us/ or email gstone@prairiemountainmedia.com Read our latest and past editions online at: LongmontMagazine.com
Longmont Magazine is published six times a year in print and e-edition with circulation of more than 83,000 copies. ©2026 Prairie Mountain Media.
R I S T O R A N T E BOULDER COUNTY’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
W h e r e tradition t r a d i t i o n meets m e e t s taste, t a s t e , and a n d every e v e r y guest guest b e c o m e s family family Where becomes 7916 NIWOT RD | NIWOT,CO LOCATED IN COTTONWOOD SQUARE (303) 834 - 8281 | WWW.FORTEZZARISTORANTE.COM
6 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Longmont Symphony Orchestra Guild
Annual Home Tour Saturday September 19th, 2026 10am-3pm
Take a turn through Longmont’s Historicc Westside Neighborhood with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra Guild. See the details of our town’s beautiful homes upp close while LSO musicians underscore your visit.
Get your tickets today! Tickets $40/person All proceeds support the Longmont Symphony Orchestra
LONGMONTSYMPHONY.ORG
September/October 2026
(303) 772-5796
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 7
LOCAL FARMS
HARVEST FUN These 6 Longmont-area farms go all out for fall
Few things signal fall quite like apple cider donuts, pumpkin patches and getting lost in a good Old-fashioned corn maze.
8 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Brittany Anas | Longmont magazine
F
arms and orchards in and around Longmont celebrate the season with sunflower picking, live music, haunted attractions and plenty of opportunities to bring home a pumpkin. Here are six to add to your fall bucket list.
YA-YA FARM & ORCHARD Apples, cider donuts and bluegrass Set on eight acres, Ya-Ya Farm & Orchard is home to about 1,000 fruit trees, mostly apples, along with cherries, plums and pears. The seasonal farm stand captures the flavors of fall with freshly picked apples, daily-made cider donuts, pies, apple butter, honey and cider. Visitors can also meet the farm animals, bring a picnic or pick dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers and other blooms without a reservation, depending on availability.
| Photo: Ya-Ya Farm & Orchard
Although the orchard’s 2026 U-pick season for apples and pears is sold out, no reservation or admission fee is required to visit the farm stand. Ya-Ya’s ticketed Applefest celebrations return on select October weekends with barbecue from Nordy’s, apples, cider donuts and live bluegrass music, and the farm and orchard is hosting a ticketed murder mystery dinner on Halloween for those 16 and up. 6914 Ute Hwy., Longmont; yayafarmandorchard.com
www.LongmontMagazine.com
| Photo: Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUMPKIN RANCH Pumpkins, playtime and carnival rides Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch celebrates the season with two ways to experience the farm. During the Fall Festival, visitors can explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy the hay maze and the patch playground, and add on activities such as the petting zoo and pumpkin painting. In late September and on the weekdays in October, it gives families a chance to bring a picnic and enjoy the farm at a slower pace. On October weekends, the farm turns into a lively carnival with a hay maze, petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin painting, obstacle-course bouncer, the patch playground and more. Ticketed attractions include an animalthemed train ride, Dragon Roller Coaster, kiddie haunted house, fire truck slide, five-minute escape room and more. There are also food vendors and face painting. Whether you come for the fall festival of the carnival, you can shop for Certified Organic pumpkins, squash and gourds while taking advantage of colorful fall photo opportunities throughout the grounds. Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 17 to Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., farm closes at 6 p.m. October Weekend Carnival: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3–Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 9059 Ute Hwy., Longmont, rockymtnpumpkinranch.com
THE BEE HUGGER FARM Sunflowers and pumpkins The Bee Hugger Farm offers u-pick sunflowers during its flower season, which typically runs from August through October. The pumpkin patch is open seasonally in September and October. Families can explore the fields, feed farm animals, ride ponies, climb on tractors and jump on hay bales. Check the farm’s calendar or social media for seasonal hours and updates. 12590 Ute Hwy., Longmont, thebeehuggerfarm.com
September/October 2026
| Photo: The Bee Hugger Farm
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 9
OLLIN FARMS Seasonal produce and farm-to-table dinners Ollin Farms is a family-run operation centered on naturally grown produce, regenerative agriculture and community education. In fall, its farmstand is stocked with tomatoes, sweet peppers, chiles, eggplant, corn, potatoes, onions, winter squash, cucumbers and Palisade fruit. It is open full-time through October, then on Wednesdays and Saturdays in November. Farm-to-table dinners are scheduled for Sept. 19 and Oct. 17, and the pumpkin patch opens in October. The farm will also host a Salsa Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 5. Kids’ Day on the Farm takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month through December, with hayrides, animal visits and children’s activities. 627 North 95th Street, Longmont, ollinfarms.com
SUSHI RESTAURANT
SUNFLOWER FARM Visit farm animals and experience Halloween magic
| Photo: Ollin Farms
Sunflower Farm’s reservation-only Farmfest invites families to meet goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, cows and horses while exploring tractors, playhouses, an old airplane and other hands-on activities. Seasonal highlights include an October pumpkin patch, a “Magical Halloween Forest,” and a bonfire for toasting marshmallows. The farm stand is also open during Farmfest. Check | Photo: Sunflower Farm the website for available Farmfest dates and to make reservations. 11150 Prospect Road, Longmont, sunflowerfarmacres.com
ANDERSON FARMS Pumpkins, mazes and after-dark frights
2026 Best Sushi & Seafood (tie)
Our menu offers Shrimp, Unagi, Flying Fish Egg, Sushi Box Roll, Crunchy Shrimp and more!
Anderson Farms transforms into a sprawling fall playground from Sept. 23 through Oct. 31 for its annual Fall Festival. Families can pick pumpkins, navigate a 25-acre corn maze, meet farm animals, play yard games, listen to live music and, on weekends, watch pumpkins soar from a cannon. New this year, the Barnyard Challenge adds a low-ropes course to the lineup. After dark, thrill-seekers can brave Terror in the Corn, the farm’s haunted attraction offered on select nights from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31. For a cozier end to the evening, private campfire sites are available to rent, a fun option for families and groups of friends who want to toast s’mores and enjoy an evening at the farm. 6728 County Road 3 1/4, Erie, andersonfarms.com
BOX
Japanese – Asian VEGETARIAN OPTIONS SEPTEMBER SEASONAL BREAK
Reopening October 1, 2026 We look forward to seeing you this fall!
1844 Hover St, Suite C, Longmont,CO 80501 (303) 772-2995 www.sushiboxlongmont.com/order 10 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
| Photo: Anderson Farms
www.LongmontMagazine.com
September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 11
LIVE IT UP!
CHILLY AIR AND MUM’S BRIGHT GLARE
Pops of autumn glory in your yard, porch or driveway. $12.98 for 4.5” to $49.98 for 14”, flowerbin.com
COZY POUR OF FALL
APPLE SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE
Warm apple spice on a plate GF, DF $5.50, moxiebreadco.com/ moxie-longmont
ESPRESSO YOUR LOVE FOR FALL
Spice, cream, caffeine in one – Pumpkin Shaken Espresso w/Sweet Cream Cold Foam. $7.05 16oz to $9.00 32 oz, ziggiscoffee.com
AUTUMN LEAVES AND PUMPKINS, PLEASE
Porch decor perfection for the season. $325 and up, punkinporch.com 12 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Pumpkin spice latte nitro. $7 for 16 oz, lefthandbrewing.com
Fall
V ibes Autumn items to savor the season
EARTHY TONES, WARM KILNS AND AUTUMN WINDS
Story time to open studio time seasonal themed projects. From $10 to $138 for projects with a light kit, ecrackpots.com
Courtney Johnson | Longmont magazine
SCENTED CANDLES AND COZY BLANKETS
Lofting aroma for the season – pumpkin, chai, cinnamon and apple. 8 oz $30, waxcrescent.com
WRAP UP INTO THE SEASON
Stay cozy and warm with a Look by New York poncho. $49, ivyroselongmont.com www.LongmontMagazine.com
Your Dream Our Magic KITCHEN REMODELS BAT H RO O M R E M O D E L S C A B I N E T D E I S G N & SA L E S
When it comes to your home, it’s important to hire someone you can trust. We have a longstanding reputation of captivating clients because we transform ordinary houses into extraordinary homes. We offer the perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship - so the outcomes connect both function and charm.
Schedule a consultation today
303.746.9561
W W W.ALCHEMY-HOMES.COM
200+ Longmont homes served since 2011 September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 13
14 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
FALL DRINKS
Raise a
Fun seasonal cocktail ideas from Wyatt’s
GLASS!
for about 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. If pumpkin isn’t your thing, apple cider offers another easy seasonal cocktail. An Apple Cider Mule combines vodka, fresh apple cider, lime juice and ginger beer. The cider brings sweetness and fall flavor, while the lime and ginger beer keep the drink bright and refreshing. An apple slice and cinnamon stick complete the presentation.
APPLE CIDER MULE Makes es 1 cocktail cocktail
INGREDIENTS odka - 1½ oz. vodka - 2 oz. apple cider esh lime juic juice - ½ oz. fresh - 3-44 oz. ginger be beer - Ice
Pumpkin Spice Martini. | Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Darren Thornberry Longmont Magazine
A
s long, hot summers go, this one’s been a doozy, but over the past week, have you noticed an ever-so-slight change in the weather? A cooler temperature when you head out the door in the morning. Leaves spottily turning yellow. We’ve made it to September, and now… It’s just a matter of time. Fall is a great season to experiment behind the bar, whether you’re mixing drinks for the weekend, hanging out around a fire pit, or just looking for something a little different after a long day. And you needn’t be a fancypants mixologist to transform a drink that’s perhaps a little too familiar into something that tastes like the season. Tiffany Lough, general manager at Wyatt’s Wet Goods in Longmont, shared three fall cocktail recipes with us, and reader, please believe we’re going to make them! For a creamy, dessert-inspired option, try a Pumpkin Spice Martini. Vanilla vodka and coffee liqueur provide a sweet, rich base, while pumpkin purée, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice bring classic fall flavor. A little whipped
September/October 2026
cream and cinnamon on top are approaching dessert in a glass.
PUMPKIN SPICE MARTINI Makes 1 cocktail
GARNISH - Apple slice tick - Cinnamon stick DIRECTIONS
Fill a mule mug or rocks glass with ice. Add vodka, apple cider and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and gently stir. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
INGREDIENTS anilla vodka odka - 1½ oz. vanilla offee ee liqueur, liqueur - 1 oz. coffee such as KKahlúa ahlúa - 1 oz. half half-and-half -and-half or heavy hea vy cream eam - 1 tbsp tbsp.. pumpkin pur purée - ½ oz. maple ssyrup yrup - ¼ tsp tsp.. pumpkin pie spic spice - Ice - Whipped cream eam and cinnamon ffor or garnish, optional DIRECTIONS
Add all ingredients except the garnish to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously
Apple Cider Mule | Photo: nblx/Shutterstock
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 15
For entertaining, it’s hard to beat a pitcher cocktail. Cranberry Sangria combines dry red wine or rosé with cranberry juice, orange liqueur and fresh fruit. Apples, oranges and cranberries give the drink plenty of color and seasonal flavor, while a little maple syrup can add sweetness if needed. Adding cinnamon sticks while the sangria chills gives it warmth. Add the club soda or lemon-lime soda immediately before serving to keep the drink’s fizz.
CRANBERRYY SANGRIA
INGREDIENTS - 1 bottle dry redd wine or rosé - 1 cup cranberry anberry juice - ½ cup orange Secc ange liqueur,, such as TTriple riple Se - 1 orange, ange, sliced - 1 apple,, chopped - 1 cup fresh esh cranberries - 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup yrup or simple ssyrup, optional - 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda - 2 cinnamon sticks, s, optional
Cranberry Sangria. | Photo: Natalya Bond/Shutterstock
DIRECTIONS
Combine the wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, orange slices, apple and cranberries in a pitcher. Add the cinnamon sticks, if using, and chill for at least two hours so the flavors can blend.
Just before serving, stir in the club soda or lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh cranberries or an orange slice. Stop by Wyatt’s Wet Goods at 250 S. Hover St., Unit C, in Longmont for ingredients for these fun fall cocktails.
Thank you, Longmont! We are honored!
16 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
VOTED BEST BREAKFAST & BRUNCH - BURRITO ★ PIE
623 Ken Pratt Blvd., www.EatatGoodfellas.com Longmont, CO September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 17
LET YOUR APPETITE LEAD THE WAY. RESTAURANT WEEK OCTOBER 2 - 11
The fun continues
OCTOBER 18 | 1-5 PM AT PARKWAY FOOD HALL get your tickets at longmontrestaurantweek.com
18 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
WHERE WE'RE EATING
From mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers, tacos and salads to authentic dishes, margaritas, dumplings and other local culinary treasures – savor all the top flavors that Longmont and the St. Vrain Valley offer.
FOOD & BREWS
Free Estimates/Emergency es/Emer Service S 11AM - 9PM DAILY LUNCH & DINNER BEAUTIFUL PATIO HAPPY HOUR 2-5 10 ROTATING TAPS
• Hot Water Heaters • Leaks/Drips • Gas Piping • Pipe Thaws • Remodels • New Construction • Fixture Installations Local Family Owned
303-651-1898
www.stevesplumbinglongmont.com
Fall Quilt Boutique https://InterfaithQuilters.net
Saturday, October 3, 2026 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM $1.00 Entry Donation First Lutheran Church 803 Third Ave, Longmont, CO
ORDER ONLINE NIWOTTAVERN.COM 303-652-0200 | 7960 NIWOT RD, D-12 September/October 2026
Featuring Holiday Items Wall Hangings Table Linens Lap Quilts Baby Quilts
Proceeds benefit
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley OUR Center
Credit Cards, Checks & Cash Accepted More Information visit: www.Interfaithquilters.net Email: interfaithquilts@gmail.com
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 19
Rooster wings at The Roost in Longmont. | Photo: Branded Beet
Culinary Evolution LONGMONT’S
Strategic investments, bold local chefs and an adventurous community transform downtown into a thriving destination for global flavors. Rebecca Furuta Longmont magazine
L
ongmont’s downtown dining scene has reached an interesting point in culinary evolution. You can order a burger with tikka masala, sit down to Persian chicken stew in a historic house or take an elevator to the top of Hotel Longmont for a cocktail and dinner above the city. There are dumplings, craft cocktails, inventive coffee drinks and enough variety to make a downtown dinner a point of serious deliberation. What do you want to try next? 20 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
That kind of choice is exactly what the Longmont Downtown Development Authority hoped to create. Several years ago, the organization took a closer look at what downtown was missing and uncovered a need for more diverse food offerings. “About three years ago, we did a survey that looked at gaps in the downtown area retail and restaurant mix, and food was a big one,” says Kimberlee McKee of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority. The finding gave the LDDA a clear place to focus, but attracting restaurants to downtown meant more than simply finding people willing to open their
doors. Older buildings, in particular, can come with a long list of expensive hurdles, from adapting the space for a commercial kitchen to bringing aging infrastructure up to modern standards. The LDDA began using grants and other incentives to help offset those costs, including programs aimed at retail conversions and improvements to historic properties. The grants helped lower some of those barriers, but money alone doesn’t create a dining scene. It also takes people willing to invest in a place, and a growing number of restaurateurs began to see Longmont as a viable prospect for a burgeoning food scene.
www.LongmontMagazine.com
LEFT: The Front Range is seen from the patio of Longmont Supply at the Hotel Longmont. RIGHT: The dining room at Longmont Supply | Matthew Jonas/Longmont Times-Call
“We had this influx of young, smart, motivated restaurateurs who saw Longmont as an opportunity,” McKee says. “They wanted to come here. That momentum really helped drive our vision for downtown.” Sean Gafner was one of them. Gafner owns several Longmont restaurants – including The Roost, Jefe’s, Swaylo’s Tiki and 99 Bar Saloon – each bringing a variety of cuisines and dining experiences to the community. He says conversations with McKee helped convince him that downtown was a place where he wanted to invest. “We talked to Kimberlee McKee, and her vision for downtown Longmont helped set the hook for us deciding to move to Longmont and open a downtown restaurant,” he says. He also noticed what was happening outside the restaurants. “The beautification efforts and having them put money into these walkways and planters and signage really made downtown a place people wanted to come to.” That investment in the public realm matters. Restaurants depend on people choosing to spend time in a place, not simply drive through it. Longmont’s Arts and Entertainment efforts, streetscape improvements and attention to public spaces helped create a downtown that feels inviting before a diner ever reaches the front door. Instead of selecting a single destination, locals can just “head downtown” and find a variety of excellent local fare. Perched atop the new Hotel Longmont, Longmont Supply is bringing rooftop dining to downtown for the first time. The restaurant looks out over the city toward the Front Range, with an open-air roof terrace designed for sunset cocktails and long summer evenings. Its menu focuses on seasonal produce and wild game, complemented by local beer and creative cocktails. It is a striking new piece of the downtown landscape. Rather than adapting an existing storefront, Longmont Supply was built into
September/October 2026
a new five-story boutique hotel, creating a destination dining space above the streets. Hotel Longmont opened in June 2026, adding 84 rooms and a rooftop restaurant and bar to the downtown core. But the evolution of Longmont’s food scene isn’t defined by one grand new restaurant. It’s the variety. At Gaia Masala & Burger, Indian flavors meet American comfort food, with dishes such as tikka masala burgers, masala pizza and momos. The concept reflects the kind of culinary cross-pollination that is increasingly finding an audience in Longmont. At The Longmonter, a historic house provides the setting for food that refuses to settle into a single category. Truffle-butter shrimp mac and cheese shares space with Persian chicken stew and other globally influenced comfort food. Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings brings another dining style to the mix, with small plates designed for sharing and a menu centered on dumplings and dim sum. The coffee scene is changing, too. Independent cafés are embracing drinks that go well beyond the traditional latte: matcha, golden milk, cold-pressed juices and functional additions such as mushroominfused Chagaccinos. At places such as Wild Bloom Coffee and MeCo Coffee Collective, the atmosphere is part of the offering, with art, community and welcoming spaces drawing people in. For Gafner, the growing variety has created something bigger than a collection of individual restaurants. “A rising tide raises all ships,” he says. “The fact that we do have so many really good options coming into Longmont has made everyone better.” And the diners have changed along with the restaurants. Longmont’s growing population includes people from across the country and around
the world, bringing diverse food traditions and expectations. Gafner says that has created a more adventurous dining audience and one willing to try unfamiliar ingredients, unusual combinations and restaurants that don’t fit neatly into one category. That gives chefs and restaurant owners room to push. “There’s a big mix of cuisine and restaurant environments,” Gafner says. He has seen that evolution in his own businesses, including recent remodels at Jefes and The Roost. The goal was not simply to freshen the rooms, but to create places where the surroundings match the quality of the food. The result is a higher standard for everyone. “You can’t come to Longmont and open a restaurant that’s good enough anymore,” Gafner says. “You now have to have a really good product to compete because that’s what people are used to.” That competition doesn’t necessarily mean restaurants are trying to outdo one another. Instead, Gafner sees a community of owners and chefs feeding off one another’s creativity. “We are all inspiring each other,” he says. That may be the most important shift of all. A stronger restaurant scene makes diners more curious. More curious diners permit restaurant owners to experiment. And more experimentation gives people another reason to come downtown. McKee describes the goal: “We want downtown Longmont to be a place where people can go to explore options. They know they will find something downtown.” Now, exploring those options can mean looking out over the rooftops with a Colorado cocktail in hand, sharing dumplings under downtown lights, digging into a plate of trufflebutter mac and cheese or discovering a coffee drink you can’t quite pronounce but definitely want to try.
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 21
Sean and Rebecca Gafner at their flagship concept, The Roost in Longmont. | Photo: Jitka Perez
LOCAL INFLUENCER
SAVORING LONGMONT
The culinary vision of Sean & Rebecca Gafner Wendy McMillan Longmont magazine
S
ometimes a place speaks to us, stirring the heart with familiarity despite never having been there before. That’s how Longmont struck Sean and Rebecca Gafner when they came here to visit friends in 2014 – it called them home. They heeded the call wholeheartedly and then some. That same year, Sean and Rebecca moved to Longmont with their four children – Skylar, Caleb, Ryder and Hailey. They brought a modest startup budget to lay the foundation for realizing a shared vision: fine-dining standards in unpretentious, welcoming environments. They cashed out funds, worked extra events, borrowed money from friends and family, and even paid contractors in burgers to open their flagship concept, The Roost. Resources were lean, but they were rich in resourcefulness, relying on Sean’s culinary experience, Rebecca’s creative vision and a
September/October 2026
They didn’t know it then, but when Sean and Rebecca Gafner opened The Roost in downtown Longmont in 2015, it was the beginning of something much bigger. | Photo: Jitka Perez
growing team to build the company from the ground up. They didn’t know it then, but when Sean and Rebecca Gafner opened The Roost in downtown Longmont in 2015, it was the beginning of something much bigger. What
started with one restaurant has since grown into Gafner Hospitality Group (GHG), employing approximately 300 people across six distinct concepts in Longmont and Estes Park and serving nearly 10,000 guests each week. The scale is a long way from where
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 23
20 Pool Tables VOTED BEST POOL HALL!
Upscale Family Atmosphere Any Skill Level Welcomed
(including never played)
Take Our Group Lessons OPEN 4 PM Weekdays 11 AM Fri - Sun
All Ages Facility
TABLE R E K O 10’ SNO
24 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
You t e In re G o He t e r e av H en
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Swaylo’s Tiki. | Photo: Branded Beet
they started. From inception, their goals extended beyond building a successful restaurant. “Our mission is to be a great company to work for,” Sean says. Having experienced unhealthy work environments themselves, the Gafners wanted to build a positive culture centered on quality of life, opportunity and hospitality. They also wanted to create spaces where their own kids could feel comfortable, safe and proud to grow up in the business, without losing perspective on what matters most, Sean shares.
GROWING WITH LOVE
Over the past eleven years GHG established several distinct dining concepts in Longmont, each offering unique flavors and flair while reflecting Sean, Rebecca and their team’s shared commitment to quality and authenticity. | Photo: Branded Beet
99 Bar Saloon. | Photo: Branded Beet
September/October 2026
Over the past eleven years GHG established several distinct dining concepts in Longmont, each offering unique flavors and flair while reflecting Sean, Rebecca, and their team’s shared commitment to quality and authenticity: The Roost, offering scratch-made American favorites and an extensive craft cocktail and whiskey program; Jefes Taco & Tequila, renowned for inventive street tacos and wide selection of tequilas and mezcals; Swaylo’s Tiki Restaurant & Bar, captivating with vintage tiki décor, Pacific-inspired island fare, and classic craft tiki cocktails; 99 Bar Saloon, named after the multi-generational 99-Bar cattle brand of Sean’s grandfather and featuring casual comfort food, including signature burgers made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef. In addition to the thriving Longmont establishments, GHG successfully expanded to Estes Park. Modern American restaurant, bar and venue Ember sits on the shores of Lake Estes, where a meal feels like a serene retreat. GHG’s latest concept, Club House Fairway Tavern, also offers mouthwatering American fare, a tantalizing bar and premium event space at the Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course.
Clubhouse. | Photo: Branded Beet
The Roost. | Photo: Branded Beet
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 25
Swaylo’s Tiki. | Photo: Branded Beet
Given the immense popularity of The Roost, the Gafners could have chosen to replicate the model in town after town. That was never their intended approach, however. Rather, success has always been built on genuine investment in the community – identifying a need and filling it. “On a bigger scale of why we do this, it’s all about being in community together, supporting each other,” says Rebecca. While every restaurant has a unique feel, certain pillars underpin them all – among them generosity, authenticity and a commitment to quality ingredients. Citing the sourcing of local ingredients as a key responsibility and priority, GHG prizes its community partnerships. Grass-fed beef, pork and lamb come from the Buckner family farm here in Longmont. Coffee is from Traction Roasters, on 3rd and Martin. Over 11 local farms provide the freshest of produce, many of which employ regenerative agricultural practices. As GHG has grown, they have continued to prioritize these local relationships, making local farms, producers and businesses part of that growth. “[Food] looks, feels, smells and tastes so much better because it can actually be grown to peak ripeness,” Sean says. “It’s not having to travel hundreds or sometimes thousands of miles like much of the product you find in the grocery stores.”
Jefe’s. | Photo: Branded Beet
That commitment extends to the experience inside the restaurants as well. “I want people to come in and feel comfortable – whatever they’re celebrating, whatever difficult time they’re going through,” Rebecca says. “I want to meet them with a level of hospitality and service for them to feel known and seen and cared for.” Although the Gafners maintain active involvement with their entire restaurant collective – Chef Sean Gafner continues to write all the establishments’ varied recipes – they credit GHG’s success to the team they have built. “We have an amazing team,” Sean enthuses. “We have the right people, many who have been with us from the beginning; we’ve built this thing together.” That culture has also created opportunities for employees to build careers within the company. Among them are Executive Director Matt Grimes and Director of Operations Alishia Moore, both of whom started their careers with GHG as bartenders at The Roost that first year. An ethos of encouragement, respect, recognition, genuine care and worklife balance has remained central to the company as it has grown.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Life is always in flux, but some things will
Ember. | Photo: Branded Beet
never change – for Sean and Rebecca, that means core values, high standards and commitment to community. GHG gives back 40% of profits each quarter, distributing proceeds to employees and a variety of local non-profits. This past summer, GHG hosted a big event to benefit the OUR Center. Last fall, they hosted a gala for Can’d Aid’s Instruments For Change, which provides musical instruments to students in the St. Vrain Valley School District. Teachers receive an ongoing 10% discount at all restaurants. “Profitability is a rule of the game, but not the value we filter our decisions through,” Sean says. “That’s not why we want to exist.” When they aren’t in restaurants, you’ll likely find Sean and Rebecca enjoying time in the Colorado outdoors and, most of all, with their children, who have indeed grown up with joy for the business. In fact, Caleb is now Head Chef at Club House Fairway Tavern after completing culinary training and an internship at a Michelin 3-Star restaurant in France. Their daughter, Skylar, recently joined Indigo Restaurant Group in Charleston, South Carolina, after graduating from CSU with a degree in Business and Marketing. “They know that the future of GHG is them, if they want it,” Sean says.
The Gafners strive to build a positive culture centered on quality of life, opportunity and hospitality for its team. | Photo: Branded Beet
26 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Proudly Brewed in Longmont, Colorado
Join us for a Pint! Left Hand Tasting Room
The Garden at Left Hand
1265 Boston Ave longmont, co
1245 Boston Ave longmont, co
OPEN YEAR ROUND
OPEN APR–OCT
Independent Together * Colorado Craft Beer A Advocates * Employee Owned September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 27
DID SOMEONE SAY PUP CUP?
Stonum Automotive 2183648
Keep your car in top shape for all the members in your family.
OFF OFF $30 10%LaborOFF $20 A/C Service 4 Wheel Alignment Up to $50 maximum discount. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 10/31/26
Not valid with any other offers. Expires 10/31/26
(R1234yf and R134a)
Not valid with any other offers. Expires 10/31/26
Stonum www.stonumautomotive.com • 303-485-9303 Open Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
1812 Sunset Place (corner Ken Pratt & Sunset)
Automotive
Tune Ups • Fluid Service • A/C • Brakes • Alignments • And More 28 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
FOOD & BREWS
THE SCOOP
snyderjewelers.com 2201 Ken Pratt Blvd, Suite E Longmont, CO 80501 Tuesday-Fri 10-6PM, Sat 10-5PM (303) 776-2992
Where we’re eating...
Biscuit Mike’s
Jewelry as meaningful as they are. Shop Snyder Jewelers for all your special occasions!
Making a remarkable leap from wheels to walls, Biscuit Mike’s scored big by taking home top honors in this year’s Best of Longmont for both Best Sandwich / Sub and Best New Restaurant. Founded as a food truck in 2020 by Mike Simuns, the beloved local brand transitioned to its first brick-andmortar location in March 2026. Operating solely in the mornings, the eatery stands out as one of Colorado’s rare dedicated biscuit sandwich spots, serving fresh-baked biscuits daily. Top crowd-pleasers include the Sausage, Egg & Cheese, the Fried Chicken & Honey and “The Brian”. 900 Coffman, Ste. B, Longmont, (303) 946-3828, www.biscuitmikes.com
Bricks On Main
Hitting all the right notes for local entertainment, Bricks on Main is Longmont’s pick for best place to hear live music. Founded in 2021 by Jennifer Ferguson, Joe Taylor, Krissy Lewis and Tim Crain, the venue hosts live performances every Thursday through Sunday. Guests can enjoy diverse genres, open mics, dance floors, Miss Chrissy’s Bistro and a shop featuring local items and souvenirs. “I truly believe we won Best of Longmont this year because of our secret weapons, which are the lights and sound engineers who generously give up their talents and time,” said Owner Jennifer Ferguson. 471 Main St., Longmont, (720) 600-2350, www.bricksonmain.com
September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 29
Colorado Dumplings
Culver’s of Longmont
Entering its second year inside downtown Longmont’s Old Town Marketplace, Colorado Dumplings crafts handmade, Nepali-inspired dumplings made with heart. What began as traditional favorites has expanded into rotating specials and creative dumpling dishes. Owner Mo writes, “Longmont, keep showing up hungry. We’ll keep making the dumplings”. The local eatery plans to open a second location, Colorado Dumplings North, at 624 Main St. next to Drifters Thrift Bar. The new spot will feature late-night hours, new flavors and a distinct dining experience. 332 Main St., (303) 578-2090, www.coloradodumplings.com
Experience the taste of genuine care and small-town Wisconsin roots at Culver’s of Longmont, a beloved gem since 2016. Their mission is simple: to ensure every guest leaves happy, cherishing the wholesome, delicious meals and heartfelt smiles they provide. Hometown hospitality is at the heart of their service, treating each customer as they’d want to be treated. From fresh, never frozen beef to family farm-fresh dairy for their Frozen Custard, quality is their top priority. Every ButterBurger is cooked to order and served with a lightly buttered, toasted bun, while their Fresh Frozen Custard is made in-house. 1218 S. Hover Road, Longmont, (720) 600-6787, www.culvers.com
Cool Shoes for Fall!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US
BESTand BestFAMILY OUTING p Art Studio & Makerspace PARTIES CLASSES EVENTS WALK INS WALK-INS
373 Main St. • Longmont
303.776.2920
30 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sunday.
brownslongmont.com
www.LongmontMagazine.com
September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 31
32 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Flavor of India
Flavor of India is a family-owned Indian restaurant in the heart of Longmont, bringing authentic North Indian flavors, warm hospitality and a love for community to Main Street since 2006. For 20 years, it has been proud to serve generations of families, friends, locals and visitors from near and far. Popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Makhani, Saag Paneer, Lamb Rogan Josh, flavorful tandoori specialties, fresh naan, vegetarian dishes as well as delicious desserts. It also offers a variety of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Beyond the food, Flavor of India is a place to gather, celebrate and create memories. “Thank you Longmont for 20 incredible years,” said Co-owner Sukhi Kaur. 370 Main St., Longmont, (303) 682-9010, flavorofindiacolorado.com
September/October 2026
Fortezza Ristorante
Founded by Longmont natives Adam and Natalie Moore, Fortezza Ristorante offers a true taste of Northern Italy in neighboring Niwot. The steakhouse and eatery emphasizes French and Central European culinary influences, housemade pastas and exceptional Wagyu steaks. Highlighting hyper-seasonal ingredients, the rotating menu features dishes like summer squash blossoms stuffed with shrimp mousse alongside the crowd-favorite Anatra – a Hudson Valley duck breast with parsnip puree and black trufflecherry jus. Guests can also dine on the garden level patio featuring an Italian fountain beneath 150-year-old cottonwood trees. 7916 Niwot Road, (303) 834-8281, fortezzaristorante.com
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 33
The Garden Gate Cafe
Since 2000, The Garden Gate Cafe has served homemade breakfast and lunch in historic Niwot, offering a peaceful, welcoming space where time slows down. The menu features classic comfort fare alongside popular items smothered in signature homemade green chile, including Huevos Rancheros, Spicy Pork Tamales and Pappas Fritas. Recent additions include Red & Green Chilaquiles, while seasonal traditions like Pumpkin Spice Pancakes return every fall. Guests can relax on the tree-surrounded patio – which even features a menu for dogs – while kids enjoy the signature Turtle Pancake. Vegetarian and gluten-friendly options are also available. 7960 Niwot Road, Unit B4, (303) 652-8595, www.thegardengatecafe.com
WINNER for 2026!!
Goodfella’s Diner
Sweeping three top culinary categories, Goodfella’s Diner took home wins for Best Breakfast / Brunch, Best Burrito and Best Pie in this year’s Best of Longmont. Established in 2013 and recently acquired by owners Mauricio Miguel and Pilar de Posadas, the diner continues its tradition of outstanding food and attentive customer care. The popular local spot serves up classic breakfast favorites alongside hearty burritos and freshbaked pies. “I think the service at Goodfellas, the awesome food, and how everybody is so caring of their work and of the customers is what makes Goodfellas unique,” shared Co-owner Pilar de Posadas. 623 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 485-7000, www.eatatgoodfellas.com
THANK YOU AGAIN LONGMONT!!
#1 BEST FAST FOOD RESTAURANT #1 BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE #1 BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS Happy Hour 2-5pm Mon-Fri Buy One Dessert Get One FREE!
25% OFF Entire Order
Expires 10/31/26. Coupon Not Valid With Online Ordering Or With Kids Meal Purchases. Reproductions of this coupon are not accepted. Not valid with any other offer. Value 1/200 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid at the Longmont Location Only.
Locally-Owned & Operated by the Gonzales Family
34 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Visit CULVERS.com
1218 S. Hover Rd • 720.600.6787 Just West of Sam’s Club on Hover!
Hacienda San Raphael Cocina Latina
Reflecting owners Ana and Guillermo’s Mexican heritage and travels throughout Latin America, Hacienda San Raphael Cocina Latina celebrates wide-ranging flavors from Argentina to Mexico. The menu features Venezuelan cachapas, Colombian tostones, scratch-made tacos, enchiladas and chile rellenos, emphasizing fresh, organic or non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. Creative craft cocktails, homemade salsas and decadent desserts complement the authentic dishes. Guests can gather for daily happy hour specials from 3 to 5 p.m. or watch sports broadcasts on the dining room TVs. Delivery, catering and drinks to go are also offered. 1935 Main St., (303) 834-8056, www.haciendasanraphael-co.com
www.LongmontMagazine.com
September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 35
Left Hand Brewing Company
Brewing in Longmont since 1993, Left Hand Brewing Company welcomes guests to two vibrant Boston Avenue spaces. The Tasting Room features a European public house feel with over 30 taps pouring favorites like Milk Stout Nitro – a smooth beer with mocha notes and a signature cascading pour. Nearby, seasonal outdoor space The Garden offers an outdoor bar, lawn space, live music and rotating taps. Visitors can grab food from resident food truck MF Bacon, which provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. Non-beer options include cocktails, wine, cider and nonalcoholic drinks. 1265 Boston Ave., (303) 772-0258, www.lefthandbrewing.com
Mana Thai Comfort Food
Bold flavors, comforting portions and a fiercely loyal following – Mana Thai Comfort Food delivers on its name and then some. Since 2021, this mom-and-pop, take-out-focused spot has been serving Longmont dishes rooted in tradition and bursting with personality. Owned by Noi and Greg Hoefer, Mana Thai earned Best Asian Restaurant, Best Thai and Best Takeout in this year’s Best of Longmont Awards for good reason. Favorites like drunken noodles, eggplant stir-fry and pineapple fried rice share the menu with lesser-seen gems such as Khao Soi, Rad Na and Yentafo – classic Thai soups rarely found elsewhere. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory or soul-soothing, Mana Thai makes every bite feel like home. 510 3rd Ave., Longmont, (303) 776-8161, www.manathaicomfortfood.com
STOP SMOKING thank you for voting Bricks on Main as the best place to hear live music in Longmont! Enjoy live music Tuesday-Sunday Full food and drink menu, dance floor, amazing lights, all ages. We look forward to seeing you soon!
in ONE
Hypnosis Session
!
90% SUCCESS RATE
CALL TODAY! 303.579.8919 C.C. Ht. Rachel Koeningsberg, Koenigsberg, C.C. Holistic Wellness Center 16 Mountain View Ave. Longmont, CO 80501
471 Main St., Longmont, CO • bricksonmain.com 36 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.healthythoughts.net www.LongmontMagazine.com
You can paint! Let us prove it. The Canvas is Longmont’s independent paint and sip studio. We offer 100% Colorado-made drinks, snacks, and art! From instructor-led classes to drop-in practice and happy hours, we have the perfect creative night out for you.
PRIVATE PARTIES AND EVENTS Starting at:
$15
PER PERSON
Drink packag packages and specialized add-ons available. CHECK OUT WHAT’S UPCOMING! Browse our calendar of classes and book now at thecanvasartbar.com
333 1st Ave, Unit 1 Longmont, CO 80501 September/October 2026
(720) 340-1941
www.TheCanvasArtBar.com
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 37
Niwot Tavern
Niwot Tavern serves as a warm hub for local connections, taking top honors as the Best Community Gathering Place in the Best of Longont. Established in 2005 and owned by Stacy Szydlek and Tara Shaheen since 2020, this women-owned spot offers efficient, friendly service from owners who still actively bartend. The menu highlights classic comfort foods like “The Codfather” – known as the largest fish & chips you will ever have – alongside popular items such as mac & cheese, Shepherd’s pie, deviled eggs and bacon-wrapped dates. “Niwot is the best community. Just ask anyone from here. It is literally small-town America at its finest,” said Owner Stacy Szydlek. 7960 Niwot Road, D-12, (303) 652-0200, www.niwottavern.com
Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse
Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse pairs craveably crafted food with an extensive craft beer lineup and uncommon hospitality. Known for hand-crafted New York-style pizza, the menu also features wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads and new additions like Pasta Alla Vodka. The popular Uncle Sam pie comes topped with pepperoni, cream cheese, pickled jalapeños and crispy bacon. Gluten-free and cauliflower crust options ensure something for everyone. Guests can dine inside or relax on the outdoor patio overlooking a green courtyard while enjoying family dinners, sports games or rotating weekly taps. 1232 S. Hover St., (303) 651-1010, www.parryspizza.com
Exciting
NEWS! NED A
WE’VE OPE
NDEECW K
M SHOWROO
99 Inverness Dr. Unit #170 Englewood, CO (720) 856-9008
Pelo’s Deli and Provisions
Largest Composite Deck Dealer in Northern Colorado!
780 Boston Ave., Longmont, CO
38 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Closed Sunday
(303) 678-8800 www.BudgetHomeSupply.com
Setting a high standard for local sandwich lovers, Pelo’s Deli and Provisions earned runner-up honors for Best Deli. Established in 2025 by Kim Brain, a Michelin-starred background chef raised in a family deli, the eatery operates in an early 1900s building with deep historical ties. Menu highlights include Chicago-influenced sandwiches like the Reuben, Chicago Beef and Juicy Lucy-ish Burger, alongside a vintage-inspired craft cocktail program. “What sets Pelo’s apart is our deep connection to Longmont’s history,” said Owner Kim Brain. 630 Main St., Longmont, (720) 674-6963, www.pelosdeliandprovisions.com
www.LongmontMagazine.com
FOOD & BREWS
Elevated Flavor, Classic Soul
Inside Pelo’s Deli & Provisions – Longmont’s favorite scratch-made deli rebecca furuta Longmont magazine
T
he old wood floors inside Pelo’s Deli & Provisions glow beneath the light coming through the windows on any sunny afternoon in downtown Longmont. On the patio outside, friends settle around weathered picnic tables with cold drinks in hand. The air smells of toasted rye, roasted meat and something savory simmering in the kitchen, and the sandwiches arrive at the tables, piled high and generous. On some evenings, music drifts across the patio as neighbors linger long after their last bite. Owner Kim Brain has made Pelo’s the kind of place where old-fashioned deli food gets an upscale turn in a historic Longmont building. For Brain, that pursuit of a place like Pelo’s started early. She was just 12 years old when her family opened a deli in Crockett, CA.“As soon as they bought it, we all went to work full time,” she says. Brain went on to culinary school and worked in five-star Michelin restaurants, but when she returned to Colorado, she realized she wanted to get back to the kind of space where her love affair with the restaurant business first began.
September/October 2026
“I felt like I didn’t get to complete something. I was missing family business.” Pelo’s, which opened about a year and a half ago, became the answer. Before welcoming customers, Brain made her home something of a test kitchen, feeding family and friends and refining her recipes until she was satisfied with the end result. She wasn’t just trying to make a good sandwich; she was thinking about the experience of eating it. “I wanted to make sure everything tasted good, and that the bread wasn’t so toasted it would cut the roof of your mouth, or that the sandwich wouldn’t fall apart when you took a bite,” she says. That attention to detail carries through the menu. Brain remains deeply involved in the kitchen and insists on doing things the right way. “We are 100% scratch kitchen. We make everything ourselves,” she says. “We have a lot of variety – all the classics. And I am traditional. I make them the right way.” Her classics are anything but boring. Brain’s favorite is the pulled beef sandwich, which provides a study in slowcooked richness: mounds of tender beef, fresh ingredients and bread that holds everything together. The Juicy Lucy takes a more indulgent approach, hiding molten cheese inside the beef patty. Pelo’s Reuben layers tender corned beef with tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss and creamy Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye. The menu stretches beyond deli standbys, drawing from European deli traditions and
classic American sandwich shops. Chicago beef, meatball subs, muffuletta and banh mi sit alongside salads, soups in the winter and house-made provisions. The common thread is familiar food made with care. That same philosophy extends to the bar, where craft cocktails and Colorado-made products give diners another reason to stay a while. Outside, the patio’s picnic tables create a relaxed, backyard-like setting just off Main Street. On warm evenings, DJs and live concerts turn the deli into a lively neighborhood gathering place. Brain also regularly gives back through fundraisers and food donations to local community organizations. “I really enjoy serving people in my community good food, great cocktails and having this third place where people can gather,” she says. The building itself adds another layer to that story. Dating to 1893, it has housed a grocery store, hotel and dance studio. The former grocery store even had a delivery horse named Pelo, whose name now lives on in the deli’s logo and identity. Brain has embraced the building’s history rather than trying to make the space feel brand new. Original hardwood floors remain, while historic photographs help tell the story of the downtown corridor as it once existed. Today, sandwiches come out of the kitchen, cocktails are shaken behind the bar, and music spills onto the patio as neighbors gather around picnic tables. It’s a fitting combination for a business recognized as Runner-Up for Best of Longmont Deli. Pelo’s is rooted in tradition, but it isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a family-business story, a chef ’s story and a Longmont story – all folded into one very good sandwich.
“We are 100% scratch kitchen. We make everything ourselves.”
Pelo’s is rooted in tradition, but it isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a family-business story, a chef’s story and a Longmont story – all folded into one very good sandwich. | Photos courtesy: Pelo’s Deli & Provisions
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 39
40 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Pharaoh’s American Grill and Billiards Slice House Chalk up a cue and order the prime rib sliders – Pharaoh’s American Grill & Billiards is Longmont’s top spot for serious pool and seriously good eats. Pharaoh’s is more than just tables and tournaments. It’s a welcoming hangout where friendly competition meets quality food and a community vibe. Known for attracting respectful and fun-loving players of all ages, Pharaoh’s blends billiards with a full grill menu featuring NY strip steaks, wings, burgers, tacos and their fan-favorite: prime rib sliders. Weekly leagues and tournaments keep the action lively, while regulars become part of what Mot calls a “happy pool player family.” Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just in it for the scallop tacos, this Main Street venue hits the mark. 380 Main St., Longmont, (720) 909-2215, pharaohsbilliards.com
September/October 2026
Slice House by Tony Gemignani brings the handcrafted creations of 13time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani to Longmont. Operated by local restaurateurs Mike Tingus and Dean Crescenzi, the fast-casual spot serves four authentic regional styles: New York, Sicilian, Grandma and Detroit. Guests can order pizza by the slice or whole pie, featuring standouts like the award-winning “Cal Italia” white pizza with sweet fig preserve and prosciutto di Parma. The expansive menu also offers pasta, wings, salads, desserts, beer and wine. Gluten-free crust, vegan options and outdoor patio seating are available. 725 Harvest Moon Drive, (303) 682-5756, www.slicehouse.com/locations/us/colorado/longmont
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 41
Sushi Box
Comfortably upscale yet warm and welcoming, this family-owned Longmont sushi restaurant is perfect for a business lunch, romantic dinner or relaxed weeknight takeout. Enjoy exceptionally fresh Japanese sushi at reasonable prices, with a great selection of Japanese beer and liquor alongside a variety of wines. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and enjoy a meal. This local favorite fills up quickly during the dinner rush, but reservations are available by phone. Takeout is also an excellent option when you want the same fresh, high-quality sushi without the wait. 1844 Hover St., Ste. C, Longmont, (303) 772-2995, www.sushiboxlongmont.com
The Canvas Local Art Bar
Located in the Longmont Creative District, The Canvas Local Art Bar elevates the typical paint-and-sip experience by pairing art classes with local refreshments. All paintings are designed and taught by local artists, ranging from traditional classes to quick “Snack-Classic” sessions. The entire menu highlights Colorado producers, featuring local craft beers, ciders, soft drinks and wines like the popular “All the Flowers” white wine blend from Hotchkiss-based winery The Storm Cellar. Guests can snack on Gunnison Jerky Co. beef jerky, Kettlehead popcorn, Denver Chip Company chips or gluten-free U-Luv Cookies while creating art. Kids can paint on small-format canvas boards while enjoying Rocky Mountain Soda Company drinks. 2362 Bowen Street, (720) 340-1941, thecanvasartbar.com
BEST Vegetarian / Vegan & BEST Gluten-Free Thank you for your generous support!
Best Thai - Best Take Out Best Asian Restaurant
ORDER ONLINE
Explore the exotic tastes of Thailand
Order online at: ManaThaiComfortFood.com
through authentic Thai recipes all prepared vegan.
(303) 776-8161 • 510 3rd Ave., Longmont, CO
510 3rd Ave, Longmont, CO 80501 · (720) 500-6920
42 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
The Ironwood Golf Simulator Bar
Golf enthusiasts and sports fans alike have found a premier local hangout at The Ironwood Golf Simulator Bar, winner for Best Indoor Golf in the Best of Longmont. Established in 2024 by Owner Golden Rueckert, the venue pairs top-tier golf simulator technology with a full sports bar experience. Simulator bays feature options for all skill levels, including familyfriendly games like Zombie Dodgeball and Soccer Shootout. The space also hosts early-morning Premier League watch parties, NFL games and league play. “This area is incredibly kind, supportive and generous since we opened two years ago,” said Owner Golden Rueckert. 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Ste. 105A, (720) 340-7274, www.theironwoodbar.com
September/October 2026
The Roost
Located in the heart of Longmont, The American eatery features locally sourced food and drink crafted with a focus on sustainable, plastic-free practices. Owned by Executive Chef Sean Gafner and his wife Rebecca, the restaurant serves a diverse menu ranging from signature Kennebec potato fries and Ahi Poké Nachos to entrees like Chilean salmon, short ribs and black & blue pasta. The bar program complements the food with happy hour cocktails, craft beers, wine and zero-proof drinks. 526 Main St., (303) 834-8467, theroostlongmont.com
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 43
Vegan Thai Co.
Vegan Thai Co. has captured the hearts of Longmont, earning accolades as Best Vegetarian/Vegan and Best Gluten-Free restaurant. Founded in Denver and relocated to Longmont in 2022, this gem shares a space with Mana Thai Comfort Food. “Our customer base is loyal and supportive of our delicious food,” says Owner Gregory Hoefer. What sets Vegan Thai Co. apart is its exclusive vegan Thai cuisine, available for delivery and pickup. The menu features a delectable array of gluten-free options, making it a haven for those with dietary restrictions. The flavors are vibrant, and the dishes are crafted with care, ensuring every meal is a delightful experience. Vegan Thai Co. has become a staple in the community, offering a unique culinary journey that caters to all. Their commitment to quality and taste has earned them a devoted following and these prestigious awards. 510 3rd Ave., Longmont, (720) 500-6920, www.veganthaico.com
Your Butcher Frank
Your Butcher Frank has been a trusted Longmont destination for quality meats, handcrafted deli favorites and friendly, hometown service since 1980. Founded and operated by Patrick Martien and Ron Lamb, this local favorite is committed to quality, selection and value. The retail meat case is stocked with fresh-cut beef, pork and Red Bird Farms Chicken, along with house-ground hamburger, USDA Choice Beef and Colorado-local sides of beef. Customers can also find specialty meats, convenient meat bundles, fresh deli selections and an impressive variety of cheeses; perfect for everyday meals, entertaining or stocking the freezer. Join Your Butcher Frank for lunch and enjoy flavorful favorites prepared with the same care and quality found at their butcher counter. 900 Coffman St., Longmont, (303) 772-3281, www.yourbutcherfrank.com.
Introducing ZERONA Fat Loss Laser! The worlds first non-invasive fat loss system. FDA market cleared for overall body circumference reduction. Transform your body for ultimate weight management!
Est. 1977
Lose up to 2 dress/pant sizes in as little as 2 weeks. *No Downtime *No Pain *No Side-effects
For 26 years Dr. Johnston has helped thousands of his clients understand what’s really causing their pain and what can be done to fix it. Find out today the true cause of your pain! Call Now for a Free Consultation
Dr. Derek Johnston
44 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
CELEBRATING 26 YEARS of Caring for Longmont!
TRUE NON-SURGIC CAL SPINAL DECOMPRES SSION SYSTEM
DRX9000
$59
FALL SPECIAL
Laser Body Contouring (one targeted area)
Advanced medical technology treating severe spinal conditions, including: • Herniated Discs • Degenerative Disc Disease • Chronic Back Pain • Bulging Discs • And More • Sciatica
(303) 772-5042
225 Mountain View Ave, Longmont www.Johnston-Chiropractic.com
Jamie Gaston, L.E., CLC
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Hover Senior Living Community Over 45 Years in Senior Housing
“Support Without the Surprise” No hidden fees No unnecessary Charges Just Exceptional Care, Delicious Dining, & a Community That Feels Like Home. ✓ Independent Living ✓ Assisted Living ✓ Katherine and Charles Hover
Green House Skilled Nursing
September/October 2026
303.772.9292 1380 Charles Dr. Longmont, CO.
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 45
HEALTH & FITNESS Ironwood Owner Golden Ruecker perfects his swing with a round of golf. | Photo courtesy: Ironwood Golf Simulator Bar
Everyday is a
GOLF DAY!
Golf simulator bar has something for everyone Jared Fiel Longmont magazine
W
hether you want to work on a new grip or it’s too hot outside, too cold or too wet, Ironwood Golf Simulator Bar in Longmont can help you get your swings in no matter what. “Indoor golf is a great option regardless of the weather! Our Full Swing technology features five cameras that produce data points for each shot hit as well as a replay of the player’s clubface through impact from an overhead camera,” said Ironwood Owner Golden Ruecker. “There is so much to learn about your swing from this data and overhead replay that any player, from the newbie to the experienced player, can improve their game quickly and efficiently.” 46 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
For data folks, there is clearly plenty of info available on each swing to help you figure out what might be going wrong when you are on the links. Ironwood even has leagues for those who want a little competition. “We are replicating the success of last year’s league format this year with our TGL- inspired league format,” Ruecker said. “Teams of three players compete against each other each week on the same day at the same time in 18-hole matches consisting of 12 holes of alternate shot and 6 holes of singles.” For the uninitiated, TGL is a golf league created by TMRW Sports, a venture formed
by a sports executive and professional golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour. Ruecker explains, “Each match is handicapped so everyone has a chance to compete regardless of ability or experience. We finish off the season with two rounds of playoffs to crown a champion whose name is forever on our Iron Cup here above the bar. We also host local sponsors to come and give away swag and samples and run a nightly Cash Game for prizes. Our leagues are a lot of fun!” Ironwood also has open play every day. “Book a tee time on our website and enjoy
“Indoor golf is a great option regardless of the weather! Our Full Swing technology features five cameras that produce data points for each shot hit as well as a replay of the player’s clubface through impact from an overhead camera.”
www.LongmontMagazine.com
golf game modes dedicated to improving your game, like the short game area or the driving range, or jump out on one of 68 meticulously rendered and true-to-life real courses like TPC Sawgrass and Pebble Beach, even the Old Course at St. Andrews,” Ruecker said. If you are looking for a little (or a lot) of help with your game, Ironwood offers pro lessons for newbies or experienced players every Monday, which can also be booked online. Even if golf isn’t your game but games are, Ironwood has you covered. “Our bays offer sports and games like carnival games and even bocce ball. There are about 15 game options that are not golf, plus our full bar with homemade, curated cocktails and a wide array of incredible local beer.” Ironwood also hosts events and watch parties. “We are the Longmont bar for Premier League soccer games early each weekend morning, featuring a free bagel bar and Guinness on tap along with a growing soccer watching community,” Ruecker said. “I am from Chicago and love hosting watch parties for Chicago Bears games on the big screens with the volume all the way up and free Chicago-style hot dogs.”
September/October 2026
Even if golf isn’t your game but games are, Ironwood has you covered. “Our bays offer sports and games like carnival games and even bocce ball. There are about 15 game options that are not golf, plus our full bar with homemade, curated cocktails and a wide array of incredible local beer.” | Photos courtesy: Ironwood Golf Simulator Bar
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 47
SENIOR CORNER
Save the Date! Join us for the Fall 2026 Aging at Altitude Expo offering engaging seminars on healthy and active aging, retirement planning, elder law finances and community resources. Connect with local experts, gain valuable insights and plan for a vibrant future.
Fall Aging Expo SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 8:30 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
BOULDER JCC, 6007 OREG AVE., BOULDER
FREE ADMISSION! STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!
For more information, visit:
DAILYCAMERA.COM/AGING RESERVE YOUR BOOTH & ADVERTISING SPACE NOW!
Call 303.473.1400 or email advertising@prairiemountainmedia.com for information about how you can share your services with our readers and Expo attendees. BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
A Stitch in Time
Thread by thread, Interfaith Quilters build community and support Longmont Linda Thorsen Bond | Longmont magazine
S
tudies show three keys to strong mental health are activity, engagement and purpose. Members of the Interfaith Quilters of Longmont may have found those keys! There are more than 134 members of the organization. For over 40 years, members have been getting together on Mondays to quilt, share and donate their handiwork. According to Nicole Yardley, there are all ages in the group and some members are more than 90 years old and still making beautiful quilts!
ACTIVITY
Meetings are every Monday in the Fellowship Hall of the First Lutheran Church, 803 Third Ave. in Longmont. When the group started 40 years ago, members brought their sewing machines to every meeting, but now they bring handwork, and a few bring machines and do the quilting. Throughout the year, people donate fabric, antique quilts, sewing machines and quilting supplies. Those gifts are sorted and transformed by the volunteer quilters into beautiful, handcrafted quilts that raise funds for local charities and provide comfort to neighbors in need. The members turn out an incredible amount of work. For their last sale, they created over 900 items, and they’ve been hard at work making just as many for their annual Fall Boutique on Oct. 3.
ENGAGEMENT
Nicole said, “I’m not a big joiner of large groups but I when I started in Interfaith Quilters two years ago I told myself ‘I don’t know if I want to come every Monday,’ but after about a month, I thought, ‘Really I need to come every Monday, or I won’t get to see so and so, and I’ll miss seeing their projects, so now I wouldn’t miss it!” She added, “It is such a special group, the way everyone gives to each other, gives to their families, gives to the community and donates their time and the pieces they create. There’s a wide range of ages and interests and the kind of things they want to do, like make fancies, art quilts, baby quilts or small wall hangings. There really is something for everyone, and anyone is welcome to join. If you don’t know how to quilt, they will teach you. Some people just like making tops, but they don’t quilt, and someone will quilt your pieces for you for free.”
PURPOSE
For these quilters, every quilt begins with an act of generosity. They turn donated fabrics into beautiful, handcrafted quilts that raise funds for local 48 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
www.LongmontMagazine.com
Karen Stalgren, Torian Clark, Susan Meale. | Photo courtesy: Interfaith Quilters of Longmont
Tracy Murphy, Joan Miler, Cheryl Dohrmann. | Photo courtesy: Interfaith Quilters of Longmont
charities and provide comfort to neighbors in need. It’s a circle of giving that has connected Longmont for decades. The organization donates funds and quilts to OUR Center and Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Mountain States Children’s Home, local hospitals, veterans, children and others experiencing difficult circumstances. “When we need more or a group comes to us, then members make things specifically for that group – for example, Mountain States Children’s Home. The woman who delivers the quilts to them makes a pillowcase to go with each quilt. We always have time to do something for those who have needs,” Nicole said.
One purpose, according to Nicole, is that annual sales “make you quilt faster! The last sale we sold so much we worried we wouldn’t have enough for the upcoming Fall Boutique. Well now, that makes us very busy, so we have created hundreds of quilts that will go to the October sale.” Admission to the Fall Boutique is $1. When the group started years ago, they worried they might not sell enough to help local organizations. The members pledged to donate $1 each, so there would be something to share with people in need. Those early dollars have grown to make a huge impact on people throughout the St. Vrain Valley.
Thank You Longmont for Voting us Best NEW RESTAURANT & SANDWICHES/SUBS Runner-up Breakfast/Brunch
Grab and Go
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
New Brick & mortar location at 900 Coffman St. B Longmont, CO 80501
LONGMONT 1637 Main St. BOULDER 5485 Western Ave.
(303) 536-5356
www.GoGreenFlooring.com
September/October 2026
Delicious Southern-style breakfast sandwiches. From food truck to a brick and mortar! LONGMONT MAGAZINE 49
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Circle of Care Project gives seniors rides, support to cultural activities Shelley Widhalm Longmont magazine
S
Annie DeGenero at the Creek at Folks Fest. | Photo courtesy: Circle of Care
50 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
ometimes going to a concert, visiting a museum or attending a lecture can give seniors much needed social connection, but they might need the community’s help to get there. “The ticket is not enough. A ride is not enough. They need the support of the community and an individual who is offering an arm,” said Joan Raderman, founder and program director of the Circle of Care Project in Boulder. “They need all the parts to come together so it’s a community outing, not just one person showing up.” Raderman founded Circle of Care in 2004 when she realized that the seniors in a nursing home she visited were starved for entertainment and connection. She’d sung Christmas carols during the 2003 holidays,
noting several seniors had tears in their eyes and were reaching their arms out to her. “I was looking out at the sea of faces of beautiful people, people who had lost access to life as it should happen,” Raderman said. “My heart was so broken, I had to find a way to help.” Circle of Care is a multi-generational, civic engagement and social innovation project that’s also considered best-practice AssetBased Community Development. The project’s aim is to end senior isolation and decline by giving low-income older adults and seniors with disabilities expanded access to their local communities. “Social isolation in America is at epidemic proportions. Circle of Care is dedicated to changing that,” Raderman said. “We are an innovative nonprofit focused on ending age segregation and redefining what successful aging in community should look like while
www.LongmontMagazine.com
LEFT: GW Group Rally. RIGHT: June, Elaine and Matty viewing concert band. | Photo courtesy: Circle of Care
being able to age in place for as long as possible.” Raderman works with more than 50 community organizations to provide free cultural event tickets and educational opportunities in the Boulder County area by accessing tickets donated for community outreach. Volunteers, in turn, give doorto-door, arm-to-arm transportation from a senior’s home or senior living facility to the arts, cultural and educational venues. So far, the volunteers have provided more than 300,000 rides to more than 2,000 events, with a 100% safety record. The donated tickets, given to the seniors and
volunteer drivers, are to activities like concerts by the Colorado Music Festival and Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Colorado Shakespeare Festival productions, Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, museum visits and local lectures. “Circle of Care has impacted over 1,500 vulnerable older adults in Boulder County alone with many more cities asking us to replicate in their locations,” Raderman said. “Longmont has tried harder than other communities, but the challenge is it is not integrated … it takes more than just the ride.” Circle of Care is funded by local government grants, though it saw a recent cut from the City of Boulder, as well as community gifts,
Carrry Out, Drive Thru and Door Dash Delivery.
individual and community donations, and more than $2 million in-kind contributions each year. Raderman works with 100 volunteers, but has more than 2,500 people interested in helping, but first, she needs to expand the program, bringing on staff to coordinate ADA transportation services and creating a way to replicate it across the nation. “If the program had the resources and support it needs to bring on adequate staff, we would be able to bring in more volunteers,” Raderman said. “We need to expand our funding to manage what we have to grow in other communities requiring services.”
ONE FREE Custard Cookie with each combo purchased with coupon.
2250 Main St. Longmont, CO • 303.776.4101 • FreddysUSA.com September/October 2026
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 51
SAVE THE DATE
CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Mark your calendars and explore a variety of events happening in and around Longmont this fall.
Proceeds support local charities and community service. First Lutheran Church, 803 Third Ave., Longmont, interfaithquilters.net
MEAD COMMUNITY DAY SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 4-9:30 P.M.
Free family fun featuring food trucks, a beverage garden, thrill rides, cornhole, live music by Colby Acuff, and fireworks. Mead Town Park, 441 Third St., Mead. townofmead.org
ST. VRAIN HISTORICAL PUMPKIN PIE DAYS SATURDAY, OCT. 10 • 10 A.M.-5 P.M. SUNDAY, OCT. 11 • 11 A.M.-4 P.M. Browse 80+ vendors selling antiques, art, and collectibles at the 56th annual market. Tickets: $11; kids under 12 free. Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building, 9595 Nelson Road. stvrainhistory.org/ vintage-antique-markets
LONGMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GUILD: ANNUAL HOME TOUR SATURDAY, SEPT. 19• 10 A.M.-3 P.M.
Tour historic homes in Longmont’s West Side while enjoying live performances from LSO musicians. Tickets: $40. Various home sites. longmontsymphony.squarespace. com/2026hometour
THE COLORADO QUILTING COUNCIL ANNUAL QUILT-A-FAIR THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 - SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 THURS. & FRI., 9 A.M.-4; SAT., 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
A three-day fiber arts celebration honoring quilt-making traditions. $10 admission; kids under 10 free. Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. coloradoquiltingcouncil.com/ quilt-a-fair
HAUNTED HISTORY TOURS LONGMONT FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: SEPT. 18-19, OCT. 16-17 • 7-9 P.M. Longmont Halloween Parade. | Photo courtesy: Visit Longmont
LEFT HAND OKTOBERFEST SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 • 11 A.M.-9 P.M.
Family Oktoberfest featuring live music, stein-holding, brateating contests, food trucks, kids’ bounce houses, and craft vendors. $5 admission (kids 12 & under free) benefits Left Hand Brewing Foundation. The Garden at Left
Hand Brewing, 1245 Boston Ave., Longmont. lefthandbrewing.com
LONGMONT RESTAURANT WEEK
FRI., OCT. 2 – SUNDAY, OCT. 11 • 1-6 P.M.
Discover local culinary talent with exclusive menus and special dishes at participating restaurants across town. $25 general admission. Multiple locations. longmontrestaurantweek.com
PAWS IN THE PARK
SATURDAY, OCT. 3• 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
Your Pet’s Care Done Right! FEAR FREE CERTIFIED PRACTICE • Wellness • Pre-adoption/Purchase • Training • Dental • Diet • Surgery • Exercise • Pain Management • Acupuncture • Laser Therapy • Alternative Therapies
304 Franklin St. Niwot
303-652-8387 • Mon - Fri 7:30am-6:00pm www.lefthandanimalhospital.com
52 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
Enjoy an untimed 5K, pet walk along St. Vrain Greenway, and a festival at Left Hand Brewing with local vendors, music, and drinks. Proceeds benefit homeless pets. Left Hand Brewing, 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont. longmonthumane.org/ event/paws-in-the-park
INTERFAITH QUILTERS FALL QUILT BOUTIQUE
SATURDAY, OCT. 3 • 9 A.M.-2 P.M.
Shop handcrafted holiday quilts, table runners, and wall hangings.
Explore Longmont’s haunted downtown with guide Dori Spence. These fun, informative tours run monthly from May through November. Ages 13+ only. Tickets: $25 single, $40 couple, $20 seniors (60+). Call 720.453.4733 to reserve your spot. facebook.com/SpooksInc
DAY OF THE DEAD FAMILY CELEBRATION SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 11 A.M.–3 P.M.
Colorado’s 26th annual outdoor festival features live music, dancing, face painting, sugar skull decorating, food trucks, vendors, and a Gigantes Procession. Free. Downtown Longmont, 4th Ave. & Kimbark St. longmontcolorado.gov
LONGMONT HALLOWEEN PARADE AND TRICK OR TREAT STREET SATURDAY, OCT. 31 • 9:30 A.M.
Line up at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. costume parade down Main Street, followed by trick-or-treating at local businesses. Free for all ages. St. Roosevelt Park, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov/recreationservices/community-events/ halloween-parade
www.LongmontMagazine.com
TTTAKE A U HU UN NG GEER R AK KE EO OUT O UT TH HUNGER TTTAKE A U HU UN NG GEER R AK KE EO OUT O UT TH HUNGER OUT TTAKE AKE O UT H HUNGER UNGER TTTAKE A U AK KE EO OUT O UT TH HUNGER H UN U NG GEER R TTTAKE A U AK KE EO OUT O UT TH HUNGER H UN U NG GEER R
This September, help take out hunger close to home. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Every action helps connect our neighbors to nourishing food.
communityfoodshare.org
B�r�e�s n�e� b�e�. G�e�t S�l�c�i�n U�b�a�a�l� P�i�e� K�o�l�d�a�l� S�a�
1250 SOUTH HOVER, NEXT TO WHOLE FOODS MARKET LONGMONT, CO - (303) 485-9463 WYATTSWETGOODS.COM