A Hidden Gem, a Hub for Culture

A dreamy day trip itinerary in the Town of Lyons

By Chloe-Anne Swink

Do you ever wonder if escaping the ski crowds over the winter is still possible? Do you dream of venturing off Colorado’s groomed and heavily trodden paths? You know the ones—clad in ski resorts, pricey restaurants and brand name shopping.  

The Town of Lyons offers that respite.

Some call it “quaint;” Kim Mitchel, Communications and Community Relations Director for the Town of Lyons, fondly refers to it as “kind of constrained — surrounded by Boulder County open space and U.S. forest land.” 

I find it cozy and endearingly eclectic. Peaceful and refreshing. Speckled with local businesses and art installations. 

Lyons has the heart of a classic mountain town—the kind old holiday movies leave us yearning for. A hidden gem, cradled by public land, passed through as a gateway to destinations like Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Lyons quietly slipped under the radar of development many mountain towns have seen over recent years.

Nonetheless, this little town is lively and vibrant, and it has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike.

A Dreamy Winter Day Trip in Lyons

Arrive in Lyons and start the day on the right foot at Moxie Bread Co.’s Mercantile. Moxie Bread Co. was originally founded in Louisville, but the artisan bread concept quickly swept across Boulder County.

Moxie Mercantile is an homage to the artistry that blooms from every corner of the town. Stop in for a pastry baked fresh in-house or grab a sandwich made on Moxie’s legendary bread made daily using freshly milled, carefully sourced, organic grains. There are also plenty of hot drinks to warm your digits. 

With a steamy beverage in hand, head to LaVern M. Johnson Park to access the St. Vrain Trail. 

The St. Vrain River is the lifeblood of Lyons, weaving through town, providing a romantic soundtrack that ranges from a trickle to a roar depending on the season. The area is blessed with striking red rock canyons and vistas looming above the trail. 

Walking the St. Vrain Trail is one of the best ways to take in, not only nature’s masterpieces, but incredible art by local artists along the way. 

In fact, there’s an app for that. The Clio App highlights locations and background information of art installations along the trail and throughout the historic downtown.  

Follow the river as it meanders along the cliffs, then head over the 4th Avenue pedestrian bridge. The most iconic piece of art in Lyons lies nearby at the Town Hall: The Lyons Mural, by local artist Android Jones. Jones’s electrifying work has been exhibited and admired across continents—even having been projected onto canvases such as the Sydney Opera House. 

The St. Vrain Trail trail through town spans about 2.5 miles. Those who visit with little ones can enjoy playgrounds at each park along the way.

When you’re ready to warm up again, stop into Spirit Hound Distillery for a tasting and distillery tour. Whether you have a taste for dark or clear spirits, Spirit Hound Distillery delivers. Housed in a repurposed motorcycle repair shop with a warm modern lodge aesthetic, one can’t help but get lost in the character of the place. 

Sub Lyon’s Classic Pinball for the distillery experience if the family is in tow (or if you prefer zero-proof fun).

Like something born straight out of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Lyon’s Classic Pinball emanates nostalgia. Jam-packed with over 35 pinball games dating back as far as the 1960s and topped with classic video games, one could find themselves lost in the sea of flashing lights and the sounds of “Ding! Ding! Ding!” for hours. 

If the ideal day in Lyons ends in a lavish dining experience complete with opulent craft cocktails, make a reservation at Farra. This flamboyant Spanish and Latin American fusion concept adds flavor and flare to this quintessential Christmas town. The hospitality is warm to match.  

For cold beer, live entertainment and cozy pub fare, Oskar Blues can’t be missed. Home of the notorious Dales Pale Ale, like Android Jones, Oskar Blues is one of Lyons’ great points of pride. There must be something special about this tiny town to breed such national and international cultural icons. 

The Lyons Holiday Artisan Market takes place on December 7-8 this year. The theme is “The Magic of Lyons,” and the festivities kick off with an enchanting parade and drone show on December 7.