For the past four years Loveland has hosted the Snow Sculpture After Dark competition, where teams show off their snow sculpting skills in hopes of qualifying for the team that will represent Colorado at the national competition. Sculptures are displayed downtown the community votes for their favorite, so make sure to cast your vote!
For sculptures that are more permanent, stop by the Benson Sculpture Garden, a pretty park with a winding path that will let you admire 139 unique works, displayed in Loveland since 1985.
Now this is what they mean by "dinner and a show." The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse puts on a full season of performances for audiences to enjoy along with a delicious dinner by candlelight. This year's lineup includes "The Sound of Music" and "Damn Yankees."
One of the newer additions to downtown Loveland is yet another craft brewery, the Crow Hop Brewing Company. It opened last October with overwhelming popularity and four different flagship beers, and focuses on English American style brews. It's a great spot in downtown Loveland perfect for a celebration or just a relaxing drink with friends.
Get a sneak peak into the city's spookier side with an evening Loveland Ghost Tour. You'll learn all about the local ghost sightings, legends, and the just plain weird stuff that's happened in the city no one can explain. Definitely bring a flashlight along, and keep a watchful eye out.
Loveland Laser Tag is actually much more than the name implies-they do have laser tag, but you can also try out a ropes course, play games at the arcade, and even attempt to get through the laser maze, a la Mission: Impossible.
For a taste of authentic Creole grub (or just for a taste of awesome food), it has to be Mo'Betta Gumbo. You'll feel like you've been transported across the country to New Orleans by the jambalaya, crab cakes and of course, plenty of delicious gumbo.
It's an oldie, but a very goodie: The Rialto Theater was built back in the 1920s, and still serves as a center of city entertainment with nationally touring musical groups, movies and community events.
This is the definition of a classic golf course. More than 6,000 yards of smooth hills and carefully trimmed trees, along with six ponds and even an island green at hole 14.
Pie lovers, rejoice: Loveland's Cherry Pie Festival revolving around the classic dessert, with music, vendors, and of course, a contest to decide the best cherry pie recipe. Last year more than 1,900 slices of pie were served!
Be transported back into the 1940s at Artisan Hall, where you'll enjoy classy live entertainment like piano and jazz, along with small plates and delicious drinks. Drop the boys off at Crow Hop and bring the girls over to Artisan Hall for a ladies' night out.
For a different view of Loveland, get up to 1,500 feet with Loveland Balloon rides. Whether it's an original date idea or just a way to mix up your boring old weekend routine, a hot air balloon ride isn't something you'll soon forget.
The ultimate summer concert venue in Loveland, the Foote Lagoon is almost a destination in itself. Audiences sit in a circle around the lagoon, while bands play on the stage set in the middle of the water. Every summer there's a new lineup of great acts, so don't miss out.
Wine and painting. Why haven't you tried this before? At Studio Vino, you can let your creative side show with a painting class combined with fine wine and cheese for inspiration. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a hidden talent.
Escape the urban life and try a vacation at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, a bona-fide dude ranch that lets you experience what life was like in the Old West. You'll ride horses, rope cattle, sing songs around the campfire and much more. You might never want to go back home.
Loveland is proof that romance isn't dead-the city comes together every February to re-package hundreds of thousands of Valentines, stamp them with a nice poem and send them on. Volunteers hand-stamp each and every envelope with care. Last year they sent Valentines to all 50 states and more than 120 countries!
From the end of June through the end of September, you'll find Fairgrounds Park overflowing with all the fresh produce you'll ever need. And once you've had your fill of tomatoes, peaches and sweet corn, check out the other products like barbecue sauce, artisan bread and even jewelry.
For another hit of romance or maybe just a peaceful spot to spend an afternoon, Lake Loveland offers the perfect setting. The south shore has an awesome view of the Rockies, and on the north side you can play at the beach. Or just look out at the water and contemplate life.
Loveland has a multitude of ways to enjoy the outdoors, but Devil's Backbone Open Space is one of the best. About ten minutes from Loveland, this park has trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as plenty of wildlife and cool geologic formations to see.
If you're looking for a more unconventional way to have some fun, Loveland's Thunder In The Rockies event is one you're sure to never forget. This motorcycle lover's dream festival is a four-day celebration with stunts, great music, a ride through the Rockies, and more.
Loveland loves their corn, and they show it every year at the Corn Roast Festival. The event includes a parade, a corn shucking contest and even a talent competition. Plus, you guessed it, all the corn you could ever eat. Be sure to come hungry.
Ever wanted to know you were standing on the Continental Divide? Well if you're willing to drive about two hours outside Loveland, you can. And the payoff is pretty sweet. Loveland Pass is located almost 12,000 feet above sea level, and it's right on the Continental Divide on Highway 6. It's also the highest mountain in the world that stays open during winter.
Next Door Food and Drink is the perfect place to grab a bite after a show at the Rialto, or a summer concert at Foote Lagoon, or basically anytime you're hungry. And you really have to try the tapas-the menu includes peppers wrapped in serrano ham and stuffed with goat cheese, and truffled parmesan French fries. Yum yum.
For those days when you just need something small and sweet to help get you through, nothing's better than a cupcake. And B. Sweet Cupcakes knows what they're doing. Their menu has dozens of cake and frosting options, including some you may not have tried before like raspberry white chocolate and champagne. Who says cupcakes are a kids' treat?
If you're in Loveland around Halloween, you know it. The Halloween Family Fun Festival is a chance to let everyone go all out with their costumes. Try for the big prize or just stand back and watch all the characters pass by.
On second Fridays the galleries in downtown Loveland open their doors so you can wander in and enjoy the art. The Loveland Museum and Gallery also put on special events along with the gallery openings like Celtic music and lectures.
Few things make you feel like a kid again like gliding around on skates. At Loveland's Promenade Shops at Centerra, the rink is open every day in the winter. If you're not the most coordinated *points at myself* they even give lessons on Saturdays.
