Loveland Visitor Center Shoppers
Art

16 Last-Minute Gifts for $25 or Less

With Christmas approaching faster than Santa’s sleigh on a downhill straight-away, many find themselves looking for the perfect last-minute gifts. But who wants the hassle of a long search and a drained bank account to get them? Not us.  Fortunately, the Loveland Visitors Center has that covered! With the help of our staff, we present sixteen great locally-made, last-minute gift

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Heaven's Popcorn booth at the Winter Wonderlights Holiday Market
Blog

Winter Wonderlights Live Holiday Market

Winter Wonderlights – one of the top free choreographed holiday light shows in the state – is underway at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, running nightly through Jan. 1, 2025. Mark your calendar for the final signature LIVE Nights on Dec. 13 and 14 that include live entertainment, themed activities, live reindeer, ice carving, visits with Santa Claus, the new

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Blog

2024 Loveland Holiday Gift Guide

The perfect present awaits in Loveland. Colorado’s Sweetheart City boasts a slew of unique, locally made options sure to make your loved one feel extra special. Find the perfect gift for your plant-loving mom, your artsy sister and your adventure-seeking bestie, and read on for more fun ideas.  Infinity Slopes For the Experience Seeker Grab a gift card to Infinity Slopes and

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Holiday lights reflect off of a pond at Loveland winter wonderlights.
Blog

Lighting up Loveland: Winter Wonderlights & More

Festival of Lights on Fourth Street in Downtown Loveland From the Festival of Lights downtown, to Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park, Loveland sure knows how to put people into the holiday spirit! Make your way downtown to check out Loveland’s Festival of Lights, including the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony, on 4th Street in Downtown Loveland, on November 22.

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A drink sits on a table on an outdoor patio.
Bars & Beverage

A “20-Somethings” Guide to Downtown Loveland

I have to admit: I didn’t know much about this city until I began an internship here this past summer. Despite attending CSU just up the road in Fort Collins, I hadn’t ventured south very often, and when I did, it was usually on I-25 headed to Denver. Loveland—also known as America’s “Sweetheart City”—is a place with stunning natural beauty,

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Hart Gallery Interior Loveland
Art

Loveland Art Studio Tours Return

Art Studio Tour Returns with 18 Art Studios, Galleries The free event features 35 talented artists and is open to the public  The free Loveland Art Studio Tour celebrates its 16th anniversary this month when it returns on Oct. 12-13 and 19-20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekend.   During the two weekends in October, visit artists in their studios,

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A woman holds a trout in the Big Thompson River.
Blog

Fall for Fly Fishing in the Sweetheart City

Fall fly fishing in and around Loveland offers exceptional opportunities for hooking various trout species. Northern Colorado’s storied Big Thompson River is a top destination for many anglers and Loveland is ideally situated to act as a basecamp for fall fishing adventures. We’ve included more about the Big Thompson, local outfitters and expert intel here. The River The Big Thompson

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Art

“Must See” Monuments in the Greater Loveland Area

It seems like just yesterday, a monolith mysteriously appeared on a Northern Colorado hillside earlier this summer and was promptly removed. While its origins are unknown, it was quite a spectacle. Fortunately, there are still many more natural and human-made wonders worthy of a visit to Loveland and it’s surrounding NoCo communities. These must-see sites are accommodating to visitors and

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Sculptures sit outside of a tent at Sculpture in the Park at Benson Sculpture Garden.
Art

Six “Must See” Artists at ‘Sculpture in the Park’

Sculpture in the Park celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. The annual show and sale will bring more than 2,000 sculptures to Benson Sculpture Garden. We talked to business manager Amy Huggins who highlighted six must-see sculptors and the pieces they’re bringing to this year’s event. Amanda Markel — Montana-based abstract artist Amanda Markel tells stories with her bronze animal

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George Walbye sits with one of his sculptures.
Art

A Cornerstone of Loveland’s Art Scene

For 40 years, sculptor George Walbye has participated in every Sculpture in the Park show, an event he helped create. “George is age 93 going on 50.” George Walbye signs an autograph during a tour of Benson Sculpture Garden on a snowy day in March of 2023. At 93 years old, Loveland sculptor George Walbye is still creating art, leading

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Loveland Visitor Center Shoppers
Art

Small Business. Big Summer!

Every town has its unique local finds and Loveland is no exception. Colorado’s Sweetheart City is known for its extensive sculpture collection and an abundance of very creative residents. Some make wearable art or design collectibles. Others know just where to find the most tempting baubles for their local boutique. Be sure to seek out these artists, makers and locally

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People dance on the great lawn at Chapungu Sculpture Garden for Sounds of Centerra concerts
Art

Free & Frugal Summer Fun in Loveland

EVENTS, GALORE! Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo The Larimer County Fair at the Ranch Events Complex is where the community of Northern Colorado comes to enjoy 4-H events, carnival midway rides, entertainment, free concerts, PRCA Rodeo events and much more.  Admission to the fair is free. Carnival rides and concessions are available at additional cost. Enjoy the event from August 2-6. Art in the

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A sculpture of Buzz Light Year at Art Castings Loveland
Art

From A Vision to A Reality

Art Castings Foundry has recently started offering public tours after a four-year hiatus. I recently had the opportunity to take a tour around the foundry that has been the stomping grounds of many artists. As an intern working for Visit Loveland this summer (and not being from here), I’ll admit I was not all that aware of what Loveland had

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A woman sips a beer on the patio at Verboten Brewing.
Bars & Beverage

18 Best Patio Restaurants & Bars

Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project Summer may be winding down, but In Loveland, beautiful patios perfect for fair weather dining and drinking abound. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a meal outdoors or sip a beer in town, including a look at a new restaurant and some dog-friendly options.  NEW This Summer HUB Café by Fresh Plate HUB

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A woman in a kayak rows across carter lake on a summer day.
Art

Memorial Day Weekend Staycation

Sticking closer to home this Memorial Day weekend? You aren’t alone. After all, staycations — with less stress and a lower price tag — are the new vacation. Consider spending a night (or better yet, two or three) in Loveland. Here are our top choices for what to do, see and eat, along with where to lay your head this

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Children playing on a sculpture in Benson Sculpture Garden
Art

Art Events Aplenty: Summer Edition

Summer in an arts community…it doesn’t get much better than this! Along with nature’s canvas of greenery with touches of floral colors here-and-there, summer arts events are back! Here is a list of notable events to save-the-date for.    Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale Occurring soonest on the list, The Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale, one of the

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Blog

DIY Food Tour of Loveland: Downtown

Along with an incredible art scene, did you know Loveland is a foodie town, too?  With nearly 200 options, there are some truly love-ly restaurants in town, especially in the charming historic downtown district.   Rather than pick just one restaurant for dinner, consider taking a more leisurely approach and hitting up two, three, or even four eateries, all within a

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Blue FCU Arena with a sold out crowd for a comedian.
Blog

Upcoming “Can’t-Miss” Fun at Blue Arena

Last fall, Loveland’s Blue Arena celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new name and a list of notable improvements, including new seats, renovated suites, fresh paint, and new food and beverage outlets. If you haven’t yet experienced the new and improved Blue, set your sights on one of these upcoming events and follow our tips below to maximize the fun.

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Blog

A Love-themed Adventure Park Coming to Loveland?!

An artists rendering of the heart loop on Love Land’s “Cupid Coaster.” Credit: Cardiac Arrest Amusements, LLC It’s no secret that Loveland has long owned up to its title as the “Land of Love.” With the number of hearts and love-themed sculptures that adorn the entire town, it makes perfect sense (and that’s beyond the word “love” in our city’s

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Egg dishes from the epic egg sit on a table
Blog

A Lovely Bunch of Brunch

Do you ever wish there was an acceptable occasion to eat breakfast and lunch at the same time that you could drink before noon? Well, dreamers rejoice! You need brunch! If you’re like us, you love a good brunch. Loveland has plenty of solid options for traditional (and some non-traditional) brunches. Here’s our list of favorites for you to try.

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Children playing on a sculpture in Benson Sculpture Garden
Blog

Free Family Fun in Loveland

With the arrival of spring comes the motivation to get outdoors and Loveland offers so many opportunities to enjoy nature free of charge. From city parks and open spaces to art walks and spectacular scenic drives, families will find no shortage of options that are also easy on the pocketbook.  Picture Perfect Parks The ultimate in free outdoor entertainment, Loveland’s

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Bucees Logo on Fuel Island
Blog

Buc-ee’s With a Side of Loveland

Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s mega-store opens to the public on March 18 at 6 a.m., and it’s located less than nine miles from Downtown Loveland. If you’re planning a pilgrimage, be sure to check out our tips for making the most of your Buc-ee’s visit along with five quintessential Loveland add-ons to super-size your trip.  First, a little intel. Buc-ee’s openings

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Devils Backbone Jumping
Blog

Springtime Strolls: Loveland’s Top Hikes

Did you resolve to get moving outdoors in 2024? We’re just a couple of months into the new year and we know it can be challenging to stay the course. We’re here to help! Spring is right around the corner and days are getting longer and temps are climbing. With more than 20 miles of soft-surface trails in and around

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People pose for a photo in an axe throwing stall
Blog

17 Ways to Opt Indoors in Loveland

Balance all the great outdoor winter fun in Loveland with a few inside activities. Loveland has plenty of indoor activities from which to choose when the weather is less than ideal, or you just want a break from the sunshine. Here are some of the best Loveland options, as well as some new experiences. Indoor Recreation NEW: Aiming to make pickleball

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Fiery Owl and Ice Sculptures with Sweetheart Fest Logo
Blog

A Fiery Owl Joins Sweetheart Festival

A 25-foot-tall steel owl that shoots flames out of its wings will hover over Foundry Plaza in Loveland on Feb. 10 during the annual Sweetheart Festival. Along with the owl, a corral of fiery entertainment will be on display at the base of the owl, including fire spinners and flaming Cupid, a smaller fire sculpture that has been featured at

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Sweetheart Festival Tunnel of Love
Blog

It’s Valentine’s Season in Loveland!

If you love love, February is THE time to visit Loveland. The Sweetheart City’s beloved Sweetheart Festival returns, along with the annual Valentine’s Re-mailing Program, Little Miss Valentine & Mr. Cupid contest, the Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding and so much more.  2024 SWEETHEART FESTIVAL Celebrate Valentines Season at the 6th Annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival in downtown Loveland! Bring the family

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2024 NYE Tease image
Blog

Ring in 2024: Loveland Style

It’s that time of year. Once again, we find ourselves excessively stuffed with holiday ham, minds full of new memories with loved ones and contemplating how we are already rapidly approaching the New Year. (Didn’t 2023 just start yesterday?) As you contemplate how you will ring in 2024, we recommend shaking off the post-Christmas hibernation with these awesome event and

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Paradox Fine Art Loveland building exterior
Blog

Four Art Galleries to Visit in Loveland

Many internationally known and award-winning artists call Loveland home and showcase their artwork in galleries located throughout downtown, as well as in one new gallery located near Benson Sculpture Garden. Be sure to check out these Loveland galleries: New Gallery: Paradox Fine Art Loveland’s newest gallery, Paradox Fine Art (2683 N. Taft Ave.), is a combination art gallery, art bar and

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Blog

Explore the NOCO Light Trail

From gorgeous gardens aglow to one of the top free choreographed holiday light shows in the state, it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit in Northern Colorado thanks to the brand-new NoCo Light Trail. Extending from Fort Collins to Loveland and even up to Estes Park, the NoCo Light Trail allows visitors to experience festive light displays, free family-friendly activities and even

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Loveland Visitor Center Shoppers
Blog

Loveland: Your Holiday Shopping HQ

Every town offers a distinctive mix of retail hot spots and Loveland is no exception. Colorado’s Sweetheart City is known for its extensive sculpture collection and an abundance of very creative residents. Some make wearable art or design collectibles. Others know just where to find the most tempting baubles for their local boutiques.  Beyond the artists, makers and locally owned

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Friends enjoy beers in Loveland
Blog

Liquid Arts Update Fall 2023

Northern Colorado’s craft beverage scene continues to attract due attention – and awards – with new offerings, innovation, and creativity. And it’s no longer just about new brews. Here’s the latest on Loveland’s liquid arts landscape.   Local Whiskey: From Loveland Soil to Your Snifter  Loveland’s Root Shoot Malting, a fifth-generation family farm that’s been providing barley, wheat, rye and

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Blog

Best Leaf-Peeping in Loveland and Beyond

Leaf-peeping season is almost here and, as usual, it should be quite vivid! Prepare yourself for a journey of spectacular color with some of our favorite places in the area to enjoy the changing season.  Hike a Legend – Walk along a stunning two-mile strip of Dakota sandstone at Devil’s Backbone. Take in views of the Rocky Mountains in full

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