Spotlight on: Lyons, CO

Tucked into the foothills north of Boulder and west of Longmont lies a small town with a huge presence; a town that many nationally acclaimed musicians call home and one that hosts a cherished bluegrass festival every summer; a town locals flock to for climbing and mountain biking; a town marked by the mighty St Vrain river which flows through its center. The towering rock cliffs that carve out the town frame the downtown area and welcome visitors, some passing through on their way to Estes Park. 

Lyons feels like a mix of a mountain town and a suburb, and the real estate reflects this. Historic mining cabins that have been updated while maintaining their charm sit alongside modern homes built in the last decade. As you come into town from Boulder and Longmont, Lyons Valley Park offers a quiet neighborhood of newer builds with modern features. 

In the downtown area, one can find a 100-year-old home on a large lot that is walkable to the many boutique shops and cafes on the main street. Ask almost any Boulder County resident about their “must-stop” in Lyons and it’s Moxie Mercantile, a local and independent bakery that sources and mills its own flour into some of the finest baked goods on the Front Range. Moxie features a daily selection of pastries, breads, and sandwiches, as well as curated picnic bags for hungry hikers en route to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’re looking for a dinner date, head to Marigold, a small and focused restaurant by famed Chef Theo Adley. Edible Magazine included them in their recent series “Head for the Hills” – a must-read! The article reads: “During evening dinner service, Lyons regulars seem to fill as many [Marigold] tables as the destination diners, with both audibly appreciating selections from the tightly curated wine list and ever-changing menu.” Another favorite of ours is Mojo Taqueria, a Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes from Oaxaca, Baja, and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. 

As you exit downtown Lyons towards Allenspark, one can find a property that is more typical of what you might see in the mountains, rustic and on acreage, while still at a lower altitude and close to town. LaVern M. Johnson Park is a fabulous place to stop on a hot day, newly rebuilt post-2013 Flood. One of our favorite family-friendly stops in Lyons is the original Oskar Blues Grill and Brew, the perfect burger and beer refuel stop after a hike in the mountains. After opening in 1997, they’ve been a spot that locals and visitors alike could rely on for delicious food, cold beer, and live entertainment.

Spotlight on: Erie, CO

Erie has so much to offer; it’s no wonder everyone who lives there talks almost constantly about how much they love it. Erie straddles the line between Boulder County and Weld County and covers two different school districts, so there are many options within one town. 

Erie features a plethora of newer neighborhoods that offer modern homes in thriving, well-planned communities full of parks, playgrounds, community centers, and newer schools. It has an affordable price point compared to the rest of Boulder County while being an easy commute to almost anywhere on the front range. Erie Highlands features charming traditional homes and an elementary school right in the neighborhood. Head to Meadow Sweet Farm if you want a traditional floor plan on a larger lot. Or drive through the quiet cul de sac neighborhoods in Canyon Creek, where the homes have great curb appeal, and kids play freely in the street. If you’re looking for an attached home, the townhomes at Grandview feature parks and incredible mountain views.

Still, Erie is not all housing built in the last two decades. The downtown area dates back to the coal mining days of the 1870s and features historic buildings that now house trendy restaurants and shops. One of the most notable restaurants in this area is 24 Carrot Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on a hyper-local menu. 24 Carrot Bistro is the perfect place for an after-work cocktail, to meet a friend for lunch, or bring in the whole family for dinner! Piripi is newer to the downtown area, celebrating recently its 3rd Anniversary. Piripi is a Latin American bistro with an incredible menu. It’s a fantastic spot to bring the family as they have a diverse kids menu, and don’t miss their Paella Nights once a month! Recently, 5280 did a feature on 8 Must-Try Restaurants in Erie, and we can’t wait to try them all! 

Erie hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including a hot-air balloon festival that draws a crowd from across the state. Erie’s growing population is making it a notable neighborhood in all of Colorado.