All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 151 - 195 of 195
Niwot Market and Niwot Tavern are teaming up this summer to bring hot rods, muscle cars, lowriders and live music to Cottonwood Square on Friday nights. On May 14, five-year-old Xander Caragiannides of Niwot took his turn in the driver's seat of a classic AC Bristol owned by Ian Rainford. When in motion, the car can reach speeds of 120 miles an hour. Also showing off a classic ride was Ron Wierma with his 1957 Chevy....
A tip from a Gunbarrel reader led the Courier to this new store, dedicated entirely to the sale and care of houseplants, at 375 McCaslin Boulevard in Louisville. The business, called Plante, is the creation of co-owners and general partners Trevor Kuntz and Kyle Rutz, experienced plant growers with longstanding ties to Boulder County and the Niwot-Gunbarrel area. "Plants are inherently good, and they help you remember things, increase self-esteem," Rutz said. "We think anybody can be...
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you're considering how to show appreciation to someone special, there are plenty of options for local gifts. Better yet, dollars that are spent in the community stay in the community, supporting local retailers and their families. Below are several gift ideas that can be purchased in the area. Each of them centers around different approaches to celebrating the mother in your life. Surprise her with something unusual Sometimes the best gift is...
For months, Niwot has been the site of a string of events to give residents a reason to safely gather during the pandemic and keep them in front of local businesses. These events have offered something to appeal to a wide range of interests. There have been fun runs, events for every holiday including St. Patrick's Day, scavenger hunts, window decorating contests, a whole-lifestyle approach to fitness in January, concerts, and sidewalk sales. But an event coming up May 15 might be the most...
Last week's unexpected spring storm may have snarled traffic, but it didn't stop Cory Buenning from showing up at his future brewery, Fritz Family Brewers. Under bright blue skies and snow-heavy trees, Buenning was there doing something that's become familiar to him - managing the myriad details that need attention before he can open his doors this summer. We first talked to Buenning last November on the day he bought the former Bootstrap Brewing space in Cottonwood Square. At the time, Buenning...
As warmer spring weather takes hold and homeowners enact plans for lawncare and landscaping, North Denver Metro water providers are banding together to ask residents to use their water carefully. A dozen suppliers have joined together to help educate the public on wise water use. According to a recent press release, despite heavy snow on the front range in March, mountain snowpack is still below average in some areas and streamflow levels are expected to be low to average in the future....
Last year, Niwot's signature summer music series, Rock & Rails, went off the rails thanks to pandemic-related safety restrictions. This year, event organizers are doing everything they can to get it back on track. "Right now, we have most of our regular favorites ready to return on the stage," said Satir DeMarco, who is in charge of arranging performers, managing the stage and emceeing the event. "We know people like to get out and dance. And we need to come together to comfort and appreciate...
Last fall, Boulder County kicked off its planning process for the future of Highway 287 with an extensive feasibility study focusing on bus rapid transit, or BRT. As part of that effort, on April 14, officials held the second in a series of transportation-focused virtual public meetings. The online information session was attended by approximately 38 people, according to Jeff Butts, the County's multimodal transportation planner. Butts helped run the meeting and has been key to coordinating comm...
One of last year's favorite Niwot downtown events, the Sidewalk Sale on 2nd Avenue and at Cottonwood Square, is set to return. "We've got a better idea of what people like, what goes, what doesn't. It's starting to get a bit of a following and people are actually asking about it now," said the event's creator, Deborah Fowler of DRF Realty/Colorado Landmark Realtors. The Sidewalk Sale is not only coming back, but it is also getting bigger and better. Instead of three dates, there will be six:...
Recently, Longmont-based Left Hand Robotics experienced one of the biggest transitions a company can have. The beloved regional business, which focuses on creating autonomous turf mowing and snow clearing machines, was acquired by the Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. "It's important to us that we now have the ability to get all the technology, all the work that we've done, to a much, much wider audience in a much shorter time than we were a...
A trip to the Flower Bin is a spring ritual for many homeowners. The nursery is their resource as they're planning their vegetable gardens, brightening outdoor spaces, or seeking out overflowing hanging baskets for their porch. This year, the family-owned business is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since its opening as a small greenhouse in 1971, it's grown to include a gift house with multiple larger greenhouses on Nelson Road in Longmont, and a 50,000-square-foot greenhouse on a 20-acre...
This past month, the Niwot business community grew larger with the opening of Blessings Day Spa in Cottonwood Square. With owner and aesthetician Julie Stenz at the helm, the business operates with a philosophy of care and support, offering customers the opportunity to renew, rejuvenate and relax. "Our service is all about the person as they enter our spa," Stenz said. "We really want to take care of them, whatever their needs are. In that sense, our name implies to us that there's kindness here...
Savory pies, whiskey barrel roasted coffee on nitro, and New Zealand-style ice cream are just some of the items customers can enjoy when Tip Top Savory Pies of Lafayette opens a second location in Gunbarrel this spring. The 4,000 square-foot location will open doors in late April or early in May in the Gunpark Drive development close to King Soopers and next to Anytime Fitness. It will include plenty of on-site, indoor and outdoor seating for customers to enjoy menu options. It will also have a...
This month, Gunbarrel-based Beyond the Mountain Brewing announced that it will begin distributing to liquor stores throughout Boulder County. This was a major step for the business, which first opened in late December 2017 at 6035 Longbow Drive. "We're pretty excited and we think the cans are looking great," said the brewery's managing member, Chuck Hixon. He shared that as a local craft brewer, owners are prioritizing distribution in Longmont, Niwot, and Boulder. While the business currently...
5 is getting off to a good start for one Niwot business. DRF Real Estate, LLC, has been certified as a B Corporation, an ambitious designation that recognizes a business's commitment to the planet and to the community. Similar to a "fair trade coffee" designation, the recognition doesn't bring direct benefits to a business, but it allows customers to know more about a company's values and approach to its operations. It also makes the business part of a regional and global community of other...
With its large front windows, bright red sign, and prominent patio area, it's hard to miss Pinocchios Restaurant as you drive down 2nd Avenue. But behind the exterior there has been a great deal of change. As of Jan. 18, the restaurant has new owners, Kelsey and Joe Deboard. Kelsey Deboard isn't new to Pinocchios, in fact, she's been part of it for a while. "I started as a server looking for extra income, but when I came on board I enjoyed everything I did. From the social aspect of it to...
The Little Holiday Shops at Niwot, the Cottonwood Square microbusiness retail store that closed its doors at the end of last year, is poised to reappear permanently as the Little Shops at Niwot. On March 1st, it will set out a welcome mat in the old Shopgirl space next to Winot Coffee. "There were so many festivals and markets that were canceled due to COVID 19, and so many artists. We wanted to give them a place where they could still sell," Leigh Suskin, the Little Shops proprietor, said. ""Th...
Most Niwot residents know that the Niwot Business Association (NBA) offers business support and networking, and also hosts Rock & Rails with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association on summer Thursday nights, as well as sponsoring other community events such as the Great Pumpkin Party, Enchanted Evening and the Holiday Parade. Fewer residents know the NBA is responsible for things that are easy to take for granted. Tasks such as changing street light bulbs, paying the electric bill for the lights,...
In a year full of challenges, educators have gone above and beyond to support their students. Teachers have been placed in situations they didn't ask for and had to quickly build new skills to reach learners who were often on the other side of a screen. Now, the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation and the St. Vrain Valley School District are asking those who know of someone who has gone to lengths to help their student, to nominate them for 2021's Teacher of the Year award....
On Saturday Jan. 30, Niwot's downtown will be transformed into a festival worthy of any Colorado ski town. A subcommittee of Niwot Business Association members has created a celebration of cold-weather fun they've named an Après Ski Event, in honor of one of Colorado's best-known winter activities. Festivities will take place from noon to 4 p.m. with plenty of activities. Organizers have scheduled free horse-drawn carriage rides, a 3:30 p.m. children's storytime at Inkberry Books, a...
There's good news for anyone looking for more variety when they eat locally in Niwot. As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27 , the 1914 House (121 2nd Ave.) is reopening for limited dine-in seating and takeout. According to owner Nick Mastronardi, now felt like a good time to step back into service. With spring coming soon, the beginning of a vaccine distribution plan, and improvement in the COVID-19 cases tracking curve, he was optimistic that reopening now is the right thing to do. "We'll start...
As part of Jump Start January, everyone is invited to join in a community fun run. Runners should meet in front of Niwot Market on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 9:15 a.m., with the starting gun set to go off at 9:30 a.m. At the end of the four miles, participants are invited to join in for free coffee, hot cocoa and a prize drawing. Prizes are yet to be determined. The untimed race will be relaxed and fun, not competitive. It will be held in any weather, including rain, shine, or snow. All participants...
For more than a year and a half, The Old Oak coffeehouse has displayed local art to their caffeine-craving customers. Now they're starting off 2021 by going in a different direction. They're displaying work by the people who've always satisfied those cravings: the baristas, managers, and the coffee house's co-owner Patty Machen. Throughout January, the caffeine slingers' art is adorning the Old Oak's bright yellow walls. The style of the seven, distinct displays range from the geographic and...
I started to write this article to soothe my nerves, as I sat in my car just prior to my COVID-19 vaccine appointment. I was eligible for it because of my part time work as an in-home care provider for older adults. I agreed because I want to do my part to stop the virus from spreading. Earlier in the week, when I first learned I was eligible and booked my time, those I told were excited for me. Some people even congratulated me. I was less enthusiastic. I'm not typically an early adopter of...
The start of a new year typically brings a fresh effort to make better habits. People take part in fitness programs, eat healthier, and set lifestyle improvement goals. A community-wide New Year's focus on overall health, positive change and self-care? That's not so common, but it's taking place in Niwot. The effort, called Jump Start January, was organized by the same local group of business owners that meet weekly on Wednesdays at The Niwot Tavern. In response to pandemic-related challenges,...
This past month, Niwot's Bootstrap Brewing received some positive news to finish out its year. The brewery medaled three times in a pair of some of the most well regarded beverage competitions in the country: the U.S. Open Beer Championships and its counterpart, the U.S. Open Cider and Beverage Championships. In the beer competition, one of Bootstrap's most well-known beers, Wreak Havoc Red, took home gold in the Imperial Red Ale category. As more of a welcomed surprise, the brewery's newer...
The Christmas holidays may be a lower-key affair this year, so what you serve on your table can bring festivity back into the day. The pressure is on for cooks, and but you're not sure what to have to make your menu extra special, the answers could be closer than you think. The Niwot and Gunbarrel areas have their share of exceptionally talented chefs, mixologists, and even a world class cheese supplier. Some of them were willing to share their expertise so that your meal is everything you want...
December has brought a range of new art to the walls of Niwot businesses. These micro exhibits give needed visibility to regional talent during the holidays, and the exposure is appreciated by both the artists and community members alike. This is the case for Amanda Maldonado, the artist currently featured at Winot Coffee. Maldonado shared that her style has grown a lot in 2020 and that she's leaning more towards community-based work. "I wanted to find a way to feel more connected to the rest...
A recently published book is an ideal gift for local history lovers to find under their tree. Erik Mason, Curator of Research at the Longmont Museum, has published the coffee table book, "Longmont: The First 150 years." The book, Mason's first, includes both carefully researched text and nearly 300 images. Many of the photos were made available when the museum received custody of the Longmont Times Call's photo archives in 2015. Compiling the book took time. Mason began his research and writing...
Each Wednesday morning, small business owners gather in a side dining room at the Niwot Tavern to strategize about keeping their businesses healthy in the wake of the pandemic. Before mid-March, their meeting space was used for seating the Tavern's customers. By mid-November, as the restaurant has shifted to a take-out focused business model, it has become a storage space for restaurant supplies, baskets and holiday donations. During their meeting, participants sit six feet apart with their chai...
Pints will be brewed and poured in Cottonwood Square again. Last week, co-owners Leslie and Steve Kaczeus closed on the sale of the former Bootstrap Brewing location on 79th Street. New owners Cory and Kelly Buenning plan to open a family brewery in the building. They aim to start serving customers sometime next spring. The location will be known as Fritz Family Beer, and will offer the varied range of beer styles that Buenning produced while head brewer at both Snake River Brewing in Jackson...
In a special meeting of the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) Board of Education held last week, Superintendent Don Haddad indicated that due to rising rates of COVID-19, the district would return to fully remote learning. The change will take place when classes resume after Thanksgiving break. Haddad said the district's decision about whether in-person classes could resume in the new year would be announced in the first week of winter break. Niwot High School principal Eric Rauschkolb...
As Thanksgiving approaches, there's no shortage of advice on how to make the best turkey, what new sides to serve along with beloved family recipes, and what wines or cocktails to have. While information is available from a lot of sources, culinary talent from the Niwot Tavern and newly opened Niwot Wheel Works have their own suggestions. Read their thoughts as you plan your holiday meal. Suggestions for Thanksgiving meals Head chef Juan Reyes and Chef Hugo Ordiz have been in the kitchen at...
In a year when many well-loved group events have had to be canceled, it's refreshing to see the beginning of a new annual tradition: The Niwot Turkey Trot. Holding an event in light of rising Covid-19 numbers isn't something to be taken lightly. The event's organizing committee, a group of Niwot business owners, know this. They're doing everything they can to be careful. While the race, due to its nature, will be held outdoors, there are other things organizers are planning to keep things safe....
Coffee houses can unite communities together around a love of caffeine, conversation, and the arts. At the beginning of this month, Niwot's coffee houses welcomed two area visual artists to their walls. The Old Oak Coffee House is presenting work by mixed media artist Alicia Varga for its monthly showcase while Winot Coffee is displaying work by astrophotographer Jim Miller. The two installations couldn't be more different. Miller's photographs are colorful long-exposure shots that take views...
The craft beer business hasn't been immune to 2020. Even the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) was forced to evolve into a virtual version of itself, with the event's highly regarded awards program, now in its 34th year, revealing winners online. Among all of the changes at GABF, one Boulder County brewery with Gunbarrel roots stood tall. Wibby Brewing beat out 110 other entries in the American amber lager category to win a gold medal for its Volksbier Vienna Lager. A slightly crisp but malty...
There have been more tricks than treats in 2020, and among the former is the hobbling of many local Halloween traditions, such as Niwot's Great Pumpkin Party. For many area families, finding an enjoyable but safe way to enjoy the popular holiday has been a matter of getting creative. For those in the mood to be social but distant, there are a few public celebrations organized with safety foremost in mind-from a trunk or treat in Cottonwood Square, to a virtual 5K benefit race organized by a...
With the return of in-person learning on Oct. 5, Niwot schools and the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) are working to manage the impact of COVID-19 on their school communities. It has not proven to be an easy or simple task. This month, SVVSD implemented a COVID-19 tracker to keep the public informed about new and existing cases that have been documented during the current school year. The tracker segregates cases between students and staff, and between cases that are currently active...
Something sweet has found a new home in Niwot. Late this August, chocolate candy maker Little Secrets moved its offices from Boulder to a new location just behind 2nd Avenue. According to President and COO Jeremy Vandervoet, they plan to settle in. "We signed a three year lease and anticipate being in the area for the near, medium, and longer term," he said. Founded in 2015, the company has fairly large ambitions for doing something different in the chocolate world: re-making chocolate so...
An eclectic pottery collection has found its way onto the walls of Old Oak Coffeehouse, and, fittingly, it has taken the form of more than 250 ceramic coffee mugs. The lovingly crafted carafes are part of the Cuppa Artists Display Collaboration, installed in the 2nd Avenue hang-out on Sept. 4. The exhibit is designed to draw attention to local potters, and mugs seemed a perfect fit for the coffee shop environment. Customers are taking notice, too, as many lingered by the displays, appreciating...
September 8 marked the beginning of a new chapter at Niwot Vision Center. Dr. Amy Chang, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, joined the staff there and will assume ownership of the practice as of the new year. Dr. Rebecca Hutchins OD, FCOVD will retain ownership until then and plans to see patients on a part-time basis after the transition. Chang not only is new to the practice, she's new to Niwot and to Colorado. She, her husband, and their two French bulldogs moved to the area from Minnesota where she was on...
This past month, a noteworthy change came to Niwot High School's football field. The St.Vrain Valley School District installed new lights to allow for later practice times and, ultimately, after-dark home football games. Niwot High School is one of three in the district that received new light installations, the other two being Longmont's Skyline and Silver Creek High Schools. According to Athletic Director Joe Brown, the three high schools were the only ones in the district that didn't have...
On Sept. 17, as Niwot finally enjoyed the cooler temperatures of a late summer afternoon, the doors opened at The Wheel House bar and café at 101 2 nd Ave in Niwot. The new gathering spot is an extension of Wheel Works bicycle shop, founded three years ago across the street. "Business in our old location did really well, and we made the decision late last year to move across the street," Eric Bergeson, who co-owns the Wheel House with his wife Tammy, said. "We actually started the move in Februa...
Area schools received a boost to help high school students on their path to tech career readiness. The National Science Foundation awarded the Saint Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) and Front Range Community College (FRCC) a $494,175 grant to open a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program in cybersecurity. This will be the SVVSD's, third P-TECH program, with the other programs focused on biomedical sciences at Frederick High School and computer information systems...
In a year when many business headlines aren't positive, Bootstrap Brewing Company, founded in Niwot, recently made a significant staffing and financing announcement. Geoff Hess, former Regional Director of National Accounts at CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, will join Bootstrap's staff as the director of sales. In addition, Dale Katechis, founder of Oskar Blues Brewery, will join Bootstrap as an advisor and investor. The amount of his investment hasn't been specified. The good news spilled...
