You may think Paris is the city of love, but we think it’s Loveland, CO! Ready to see why? The city’s name is no joke—you really will love every second you spend in Loveland. Nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and just a 30-minute drive south of Fort Collins, Loveland is the loveliest city for a weekend getaway for fun, romance, or adventure! Check out the top 10 things we love about Loveland. We think you’ll fall head over heels for…
1. The Sweetheart City Valentine Program
Since 1947 the city of Loveland has been spreading the love of Valentine’s Day to people in all 50 states and across 110 countries. Each February, more than 100,000 people send pre-addressed valentines to volunteers and post office workers in Loveland. Once received, the valentines are hand-stamped with a special Valentine’s Day verse and sent on to the intended recipient. Visit Loveland’s Chamber of Commerce to see how you and your sweetheart can be a part of this unique tradition!
2. The Chapungu Sculpture Garden at Centerra
You can’t visit Loveland without taking in this cultural treat. As the only permanent exhibit of it’s kind in the U.S., this 26-acre park features 82 African stone sculptures all carved by artists from Zimbabwe. As one visitor put it on Trip Advisor, the Chapungu Sculpture Garden is, “literally a world apart, an astounding collection of African sculptures.”
3. Sylvan Dale Dude Ranch
Tour the west the real way—on horseback! Spend a few hours or days exploring the wide, wonderful west at Sylvan Dale Dude Ranch. This family-owned dude ranch provides unparalleled personal service, along with unparalleled mountain views! No matter how long you stay, you can enjoy bass and trout fishing, horseback riding, hearty ranch meals, and even white water rafting!
4. The Many Breweries and Distilleries
With more than eight local breweries and distilleries to choose from, Loveland is the place to go for a little liquid therapy. Book a brewery bus tour through NoCo Short Bus Tours and leave your weekday worries behind! (A note from the locals: New to the altitude? Watch your alcohol intake. Altitude sickness affects many sea-level travelers and drinking can magnify its symptoms. One drink could end up feeling like two drinks, leaving you feeling very, very dizzy and nauseous.)
5. The Art Scene
Whether you love traditional pastoral paintings or sleek modern sculptures, Loveland has an art scene to match. On the first Friday of every month, local galleries open their doors to show off new exhibits—for free!
6. The Candlelit Dinner Playhouse
Looking for an activity that has a little more romance? Grab your sweetheart and book an evening at the Candlelit Dinner Playhouse, where “going out” is special again. You’ll enjoy the best live theater Colorado has to offer, along with a scrumptious candlelit meal.
7. Loveland Ghost Tours
Calling all skeptical fans of the spooky! One night on a Loveland ghost tour and you just might change your mind. Learn about local legends, hauntings, ghostly sightings, and strange happenings during a 90-minute town tour. We think you’ll have a fang-tastic night!
8. Shopping at Over 150 Outlets
Yes, Loveland has over 150 outlet stores to choose from! If it’s cold, snowy, or you’re just hankering for some good old retail therapy, head on over to the Outlets at Loveland and the Promenade Shops at Centerra for major discounts on the latest trends.
It’s time to let Loveland sweep you off your feet! Indulge in the best shopping, art, and entertainment that northern Colorado has to offer and you’ll see: all you need is love…land! Follow ApartmentSearch.com on Facebook and Twitter for more great ideas for local trips!
