Things To Do
Estes Park
Estes Park, Colorado, is surrounded by a treasure of natural and scenic wonders. It’s the perfect basecamp for adventure, boasting more than 300 shops that showcase everything from handmade local goods to outdoor gear to good food and drink. It’s become a destination for art lovers, foodies, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. And with it, all comes those incredible views that attract visitors from around the world.
Lily Lake Hike
The Lily Lake Trail offers excellent views of Lily Lake and near by mountain peaks, including Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Twin Sisters. This trail is nice and short. We have encountered deer and moose here along with a bunch of weird little salamanders in the water. *Requires a timed entry pass for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Left Hand Brewing Company
One of Charlie's favorite breweries.
Black Hawk/Central City Casinos
Black Hawk and neighboring Central City were once two mining settlements in the 1850's. Today they are Colorado's premier gambling locations. There are several casinos all within walking distance from one another as well as a small buss that travels around the area. While there are several small casinos the main ones are The Horseshoe, The Monarch, Ameristar, The Lodge, and the Grand Z. Good luck! P.S. The drive there has amazing views.
Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. *Requires a timed entry pass for Rocky Mountain National Park. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. This is a gorgeous drive. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. The views from the overlooks are stunning. A few great hikes start and end along this road. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA.
Rocky Mountain National Park
While there is plenty of amazing hikes and scenery outside of the park, there are many amazing activities and experiences that fall within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan ahead and get a timed entry pass. These are available on a first come first serve basis.
Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens
Visit the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens located at 100 4th Avenue, Lyons, CO 80540. The gardens are open and free to the public and hold dozens of local flora. The garden features native plants that grow in the foothills surrounding Lyons as well as plants from the mountains above Lyons, riparian areas along rivers, grasslands to the east of Lyons, and plants from the southwestern part of Colorado. Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens is a 5 minute walk from Downtown Lyons and is adjacent to the entrance of Bohn Park.
Lyons Classic Pinball
Lyons Classic Pinball features 37+games dating from the 1960's to present. With an amazing selection of classic and modern machines, the nostalgic atmosphere transports you back to the golden age of arcades. A must-visit for anyone who loves authentic pinball action! Be sure to check out the original Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons for a beer and to check out Lyons Classic Video Games located on the lower level.
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons
A few things that will always go together at Oskar Blues Fooderies: Craft Beer, Fresh Ingredients, Live Music and our Family & Friends. These core values are what we've rooted our brand in ever since founder, Dale Katechis, opened the doors to the very first Oskar Blues restaurant in Lyons, Colorado in 1997. Be sure to check out Lyons Classic Video games located on the lower level.
Wild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing Company
A passion project from the team at 4noses (another of Charlie's favorite breweries), this brewery and taproom focuses in Czech-style lagers and delicious Wild-Fermented Sours.
Avery Brewing Company
Longmont Arts Week September 6th- 13th
The week is a collective effort to increase awareness and promote creatives and creative organizations throughout the entire Longmont Community. Check out their website for a full list of displays and activities!