Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

With the first snowfall predicted for Oct. 10, Boulder County restaurants are closing up patios for the turn season. That doesn't mean that our local watering holes and coffee shops are hibernating this fall or winter but instead, embracing the change. Beloved dishes, cocktail menus and draught lists are shifting to feature autumn's tasty bounty of fresh vegetables. Restaurants around south Longmont, Gunbarrel, and Niwot have just begun to feature favorite fall flavors. Here are some more of our favorites!

Avery Brewing Co., a nationally-celebrated brewery beer based right here in Colorado, recently released a host of delicious beers perfect for warming up on crisp evenings. Old Jubilation Ale and PB & J stout combine interesting flavors for killer combinations. Old Jubiliation's hazelnut, toffee, and mocha flavors make for a rich, creamy beer that almost drinks like a dessert. PB & J is exactly like it sounds - fresh, floral raspberries mingle with light peanut goodness - you'll immediately be transported back to the school yard at lunch time. Stampede is Avery's release to celebrate the CU Buffs football season and while it is a year-round release, it goes down extra-smooth during autumn game days.

Lucky Pie is known to feature the gorgeous, ripe produce from Colorado's fertile farm lands and orchards. This fall is no different. Recently, Lucky Pie has opted to collaborate with local legends, UpSlope Brewing, to create an oat milk stout, just in time for fall. Innovative, healthier (sort of), and still just as creamy, this oat milk stout is sure to delight.

Ollin Farms' produce is a local favorite and its fall offerings are equally delightful. Join in the family-run farm for its autumn festival or pick up produce at the Longmont Farmers market through the end of November.

Much to our delight, Gunbarrel Brewing just tapped 8 beers for the season. Queen of Tarts is a meticulously brewed, sour cherry beer aged in oak barrels with generous portions of milk sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla. Skip dessert this holiday season and grab a pint of Queen of Tarts instead. If Belgium Quads are what you crave, then look no further than Gunbarrel Brewing's Tell Me Lies. This indulgent brew was aged in maple bourbon barrels and offers drinkers mouth-watering notes of fig, vanilla, and maple.

While it's still a relatively new establishment, Apertivo has been making a name for itself throughout the Boulder County area. This charming Italian-style cafe and restaurant serves authentic, high-quality breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. This autumn, the Gunbarrel eatery is rolling out a plethora of new lattes, including pumpkin spice, lavender, turmeric, and huckleberry. For dinner, try the creamy butternut squash risotto.

No matter what you're in the mood for this autumn, treat yourself to one of our area's breweries or restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you and you can feel good supporting local business!