10 Reasons to Visit Loveland, Colorado

Known as the “Gateway to the Rockies,” the historic city of Loveland, Colorado is much more than just a launch point. Filled with cultural attractions, top-notch shopping and dining options, and a plethora of local breweries, Loveland is worth a trip all on its own. Named one of the Best Places to Live by Money Magazine and US News & World Report, Loveland is located just 45 minutes from Denver and 30 minutes from Estes Park. Book a stay at the Embassy Suites (which happens to be the #1 Embassy Suites in the world, according to customer surveys) and prepare to explore Loveland’s historic streets, immerse yourself in its artsy atmosphere and adventure in nature via easily accessible hiking trails. If we haven’t convinced you to add this charming town to your travel itinerary yet, here are ten more reasons to stop in Loveland, Colorado:

1. Devil’s Backbone – An unusual sandstone formation that resembles a backbone stretches for two miles in a zone between mountains and plains west of Loveland, and the 2,198 acres of preserved open space surrounding it are perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Pack a picnic lunch and choose your own adventure: a 6-mile hike or 10.5-miles trek. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks and great-horned owls, along with mule deer, bears, elk and mountain lions.

2. Sweetheart Lanes – The name isn’t the only thing that’s appealing about this landmark bowling alley. There’s a chance you’ll get to rub elbows with one of the sport’s elite: manager Tom Crites played in the circuit for nine years, winning five national titles (a record in Colorado).

3. Next Door food & drink Restaurant – After a long day of outdoor adventure, treat yourself to a comforting meal at Next Door food & drink Restaurant. Located off 4^th Street in downtown Loveland, this tasty eatery features eclectic décor and serves up modern American fare in a casual yet intimate setting. If you’re starving, go for the hangar steak. Looking for something lighter? The quinoa patty is your pick. Don’t forget to order a Manhattan with chocolate bitters.

4. Embassy Suites Loveland – With suite-style rooms that include a sofa bed and kitchenette equipped with a microwave, mini fridge and coffeemaker, the Embassy Suites Loveland is the perfect choice for both families and business travelers. The on-site restaurant, Rocky River Bar & Grille, and spa, Spa Botanica, are both accessibly-priced and highly rated. Be sure to book an appointment for the Classic Facial ($80), which uses European techniques to cleanse, exfoliate tone and moisturize skin, complete with a relaxing neck and décolletage massage. The nightly rate at the Embassy Suites, which varies between $150 and $225, also includes breakfast.

5. Rocky River Bar & Grille – For the full Colorado experience, dine in the on-site restaurant, Rocky River Bar & Grille, which offers plenty of healthy, locally-source ingredients. Opt for the Red Birds Chicken, which is vegetarian-fed, free roaming and raised without antibiotics, the Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese, or Buffalo Burgers made with beef from Spomer Ranch in Milliken. For drinks, Rocky River Bar & Grille offers local brews from Breckenridge Brewery and spirits from Spring44 Distillery. And don’t forget dessert: Boulder Ice Cream.

6. Benson Sculpture Garden – Walk through art at this outdoor sculpture garden for an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to touch, experience and pose with art. The laidback experience features 144 world-class sculptures – download a map here before you go.

 

7. Spring44 Distillery – Using water sourced from a remote natural spring on a 10,000 ft mountain in Colorado’s Buckhorn Canyon, Spring44 Distillery makes everything from vodka to gin and whiskey. The distillery offers cocktails for $6 in their quaint tasting room from 4:00 to 7:00 on Fridays and 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Free tours are also available, with reservations required.

8. Chapungu Sculpture Park – Explore Zimbabwe at Chapungu (pronounced cha-poon-goo) Sculpture Park. A sanctuary from the everyday, the 26-acre Chapungu Sculpture Park is the only permanent exhibit of its kind in the US. Located east of The Promenade Shops at Centerra (off Centerra Parkway and Hwy. 34) in Loveland, the public park features 82 African stone sculptures carved by artists from Zimbabwe. The artwork is positioned among water features, a 1.5 mile walking trail, benches for seating and community gathering areas.

9. Explore Downtown Loveland – Head to historic 4^th Street (Loveland’s main street) to explore the town’s eclectic selection of boutiques and art galleries located downtown. From carefully curated clothing stores to independent kitchenware shops and doggie boutiques, there’s something for everyone. History buffs will also want to download the historic walking tour map, which takes you past the Bonnell Mercantile, constructed in the late 1880s, at 129 East 4^th Street, the Herzinger & Harter Building, Loveland’s first brick commercial structure at 137-141 East 47^th Street, and more.

10. Foundry Tours – Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on a bronze foundry tour during a stay in Loveland. To learn about the lost wax casting process used to cast sculptures since ancient times, schedule a tour at Art Castings of Colorado or Bronze Services Fine Art Foundry. Both offer public tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Make sure you wear closed toed shoes and keep in mind that these are working foundries – conditions may be hot and noisy!