Travel Recommendations
Getting from Airport
Flying into Denver International Airport is the easiest way to get in; it is about a 45 minute drive to Longmont.
If you are planning to take any trips around the front range or up to the mountains while you here, we highly recommend renting a car.
If you just want to head into downtown longmont and stay in the area, it is also possible to take public transit or Uber/Lyft. For public transportation from the airport; take the A Line of the light rail to Union Station in Denver, and then catch the LX1/LX2 or LD1 bus to downtown Longmont. Getting an Uber or a Lyft should cost around $90.
Where to stay
See the hotels page – we have reserved room blocks at two locations in and near downtown Longmont. If you are looking for an Airbnb, Old Town, Kitely, and Prospect are great neighborhoods to look in. You can also stay in Boulder or Fort Collins, but be aware that it will be a 30-45 minute drive.
Things to do
Hikes & Nature:
Early October should be both peak leaf season and is peak elk rut! Bull elk bugle while forming their harems. If you want to see a more impressive display of masculinity than you are likely to find at the wedding, you can witness the elk in the late afternoon and evening in Rocky Mountain National Park. You may need to reserve a timed entry to get into the park – some of the most common spots are off Bear Lake Road, which requires a reservation until 6PM. Pack a picnic so you can sit and watch!
Driving Peak-to-Peak Highway (about 45 minutes from Longmont) is a great place to see the leaves and great views of Longs Peak. The town of Raymond (close to where Jo’s grandparents lived) is often especially beautiful.
Recommended easy/moderate hiking areas near Longmont:
- Royal Arch Trail and Chataqua Park in Boulder (expect crowds)
More strenuous hikes:
- For some spectacular views, Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a personal favorite – start on the trail to summit Longs Park, but then turn off and hike to a lake surrounded by cliffs jutting thousands of feet above.
- Twin Sisters is a great hike right off Peak-to-Peak highway with great views of the Front Range and Longs Peak.
Restaurants & Drinking
- Breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe in Downtown Longmont
- Cocktails at Drylands Distillers in Downtown Longmont
- Coffee/Bread at Moxie in Lyons
- (More fancy) Mexican food at Teocalli in Downtown Longmont
- (Less fancy) Mexican food at Marcos Hot Dogs and Danny’s Tacos and Tortas
- Wibby, Left Hand, and Oskar Blues all have breweries in and around downtown Longmont.
- Burgers/pizza and beer at Longs Peak Pub and Taphouse in Downtown Longmont
- Ice Cream at Sweet Cow in Downtown Longmont
- Cheese Importers (begrudgingly adding this, apparently very good)
- Cafe Fritz in Hygiene (just west of Longmont, where Taylor went to Hygiene Elementary)