Loveland Colorado, a Visit to Old Town

Every summer I try to think of fun stuff for my kids and I to do that are not expensive but yet interesting and new. Hard to do after a few years but by adding new twists to old ideas can create a new one and when you venture out from the local neighborhood.

Loveland Colorado is a beautiful small town that we usually just drive through as we are heading somewhere else. But we made a specific visit last week to check out the older side of town. The architecture in the older parts of communities is always interesting and is more art then structure.
In old town we stopped in at the funky monkey, and a couple of other thrift slash almost antique stores. It was fun rummaging through and discovering old fun stuff. My daughter came across a book of Picasso's art at the funky monkey. And then at another thrift store for McKee Medical Center, I found a pair of Ralph Lauren jean shorts for only a dollar for my eleven year old daughter. Very cool!

We visited the Loveland Museum/Gallery and enjoyed the current artist on display only somewhat. I think we enjoyed the mock version of an 1800's view of old Loveland more then anything else. You have to see this it is very interesting how they set it up indoors and be sure and look in at the jail cell. My girls freaked out at how real the dummy looked, and yes I even had to take a second look.

We then stopped in at the Lincoln Art Gallery, where we met a very nice man who actually is the person who is in charge of one of our favorite yearly events in Loveland and that is "Art in the Park" in August. On display were the current entries for an annual art show event. It is wonderful to enjoy the gifts of others through their artwork.

After a bit more wondering the streets and taking pictures of the sculptures on display we headed to Heidi's Brooklyn Style Deli. The people working here and at Two Sister's Pizza which is connected by an entry way are really nice. The pizza at Two Sister's is amazing we had it a couple of weeks ago, and we were very impressed. We took everything to go, and headed to Loveland Lake Park where we had a picnic, sort of. A true picnic is one I make at home and pack up in baskets. But this works for a last minute lunch.
Exploring local areas is a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids and avoid the "I'm bored blues".

www.heidisbrooklyndeli.com
532 N Lincoln Ave
Loveland, CO 80537-5620
(970) 624-7940

The Lincoln Gallery is located in downtown Loveland, Colorado:
429 North Lincoln Avenue
Loveland, Colorado 80537
970-663-2407

Loveland Museum/Gallery503 N. Lincoln Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537
(corner of Fifth & Lincoln
Downtown Loveland)
970-962-2410

Lake Loveland
Swim Beach:
Corner of 29th St. & Taft
(in North Lake Park)
Loveland, CO 80537