All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 51 - 82 of 82
As we eagerly await the official start of spring, there's plenty to look forward to in Niwot during March. Starting March 1, and continuing all month, visitors to Niwot can participate in a St. Patrick's Day-inspired virtual scavenger hunt. This festive activity, sponsored by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) and the Niwot Business Association (NBA), will send players on a quest to find the lucky leprechauns hidden around town. Owner of Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate (DRF) and recent L...
Boulder County's newest commissioners Claire Levy and Marta Loachamin got a crash course in the history of the Niwot Local Improvement District when the BOCC met with members of the LID advisory committee on Feb. 25. They also got an earful about some missteps by their predecessors, as well as some still-lingering conflicts that arose from the NRCD building moratorium from two years ago. But the meeting ended with an optimistic tone, and an agreement from both boards to work more cooperatively...
The addition of the "purple" on the COVID dial last November made the six color levels more like stepping stones between safety level precautions, rather than jumps. With the recent downgrade to level yellow (concern), businesses in Niwot appear to be largely the same. The most notable difference is restaurants are allowed to have indoor dining. "It's [COVID restrictions] definitely taken a toll," said a WiNot Coffee employee. " I think that since the restrictions have been lowered, and having...
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...
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...
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...
We're in the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and for those of you with a few names left to check off your gift list, be sure to consider one of the dozens of unique items from the artists, authors and crafters that call Niwot and Gunbarrel home. Niwot in watercolor Niwot's historic downtown is a frequent subject of resident and renowned artist Jane Langdon, whose graceful style evokes warmth and nostalgia. Recently, her wintry depiction of 2nd Avenue was featured on the Niwot...
Jane Leland Langdon's art expresses what's in her heart - a genuine love for life and others. You've seen Langdon's oil and watercolor paintings in Niwot and Boulder County businesses and homes. She's the Niwotian you just can't help but notice because of her lovely large smile and easy laugh. I met Langdon years ago waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store where she struck up a conversation and I was thrilled that we continued to cross paths again and again. This Familiar Face column...
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...
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...
Though most traditional fall events had to be shelved in 2020, autumnal-themed fun is still on the agenda in Niwot, courtesy of two brand new offerings from the Niwot Business Association. "In COVID times, more than ever, we need to think of different ways to get Niwot residents and those from neighboring communities to frequent the businesses downtown," longtime realtor and NBA vice-president Deborah Read Fowler said. "We are having regular meetings to brainstorm and launch new events to get us...
After a summer of cancelations, on Saturday, Sept. 12, Niwot saw its second weekend of outdoor events with its second sidewalk sale. Merchants in Cottonwood Square and 2nd Avenue put up tents and welcomed customers into their shops, though with limited capacity. The weather even cooperated. Following the Friday, Sept. 4, first Art Walk of the year, the Sidewalk Sale was a smashing success, with most merchants giving the event a thumbs up. Liz Gould of Little Bird said that people were buying...
Local restaurants are hanging on thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, Boulder County grants, loans from the federal government and creative offerings. But the first yellow leaves of fall are creating fear for eateries that now depend on outdoor dining. "This is the really important piece; the community has kept us in business," said Michael Tomich, co-owner of Old Oak Coffeehouse in Old Town Niwot. "They have been incredibly supportive." "We have had an outpouring of support,"...
It is a truth that food brings people together-family gatherings, casual business meetings, and first dates often occur with some sort of dining experience. Even pop-culture recognizes the level of importance of restaurants. Famously, in When Harry Met Sally, Marie (played by Carrie Fisher) said, "Restaurants are to people in the 80s what theatres were to people in the 60s." Dining out has become more complicated lately, especially in light of COVID. In response, the Niwot Business Association...
He was number 1,200 in the cue for the Small Business Administration helpline. Two and a half hours later, Michael Tomich got through to a real person who pointed him to a specific loan application to get a lifeline for his business, The Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot. It was a different form than the one he initially found on the SBA website, making it worth the time and patience he needed to spend hours on hold. "This is stressful and I'm spending huge amounts of time on it," said Tomich who is...
Niwot businesses are staying nimble as each day brings new developments in the fight against the coronavirus. A new page on the business community's website, Niwot.com/COVID-19, has the latest information on when shops and restaurants are open and what services they are providing. The idea is to support the local economy by keeping potential customers in the loop, according to the town's economic development director, Catherine McHale. "I think we all have to get a little bit clever about how...
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...
Autumn ushers in more than scenic golden aspen groves and crisp fall evenings. Our locally loved Niwot coffee shops, bars, and restaurants have added delicious fall-themed flavors to their menus. From spiced treats to pumpkin-infused eats, here's the round up of area locales that have new fall surprises on their menus. The Old Oak, on 2nd Street, has a beautiful, hand-drawn menu announcing it's fall favorites. Warm coffee-based drinks are hand-crafted by the shop's experienced baristas and are...
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, or where they’d like to know your name and serve you a warm cup ‘o joe often. One of those friendly places is Niwot’s Old Oak Coffeehouse - thanks in large part to manager Hannah Carlson, this month’s Familiar Face. Customers at Old Oak are recipients of Carlson’s smiles, stellar customer service and culinary contributions, as well as her curatorship of art and music. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where did you grow up and what brou...
“Great oaks from little acorns grow,” and The Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot is no exception. Since its opening in July 2017, the small shop has become deeply rooted within the town and community of Niwot, and now serves as more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. Though still a fairly new business, The Old Oak (136 2nd Avenue) has quickly become one of the most popular gathering spots in Niwot. Over the past two years, owners Michael Tomich and Patty Machen have continuously worked to imp...
Twenty-eight artists, 59 completed people’s choice ballots, and three judges’ professional opinions have resulted in the winners for this year’s “Why Not Niwot?” Juried Art Show., sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA). Displayed at more than 15 businesses throughout town, the eclectic and imaginative entries illustrated what makes the town of Niwot inimitable. Following a musical performance by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band at June’s First Friday Art...
Free entertainment for the community Niwot High School has a beautiful auditorium; the acoustics are fantastic, the seats are cushioned, and it’s a fabulous setting to enjoy a performance. On Tuesday, March 19, NHS is extending an invitation to the entire community to experience Spectacle 2019 – a no cost concert featuring four bands chock full of energy and skill. Joining NHS’s two bands, the Niwot All-Stars, an advanced student jazz band, and the Lefthand Jazz Ensemble, will be professional lo...
Let’s face it. For some, Valentine’s Day is a thrill--what will my sweetheart buy me? What fantastic restaurant will we indulge at? For others, it’s a stressful minefield of procrastination, uncertainty about gift choices and inadequate feelings about available finances with which to buy said gifts. Those minefield veterans often walk through the door with last-minute mylar balloons, a sheepish smile, and are often met by a cold-shoulder welcoming committee. And for others, it’s just plain l...
Since Michael Tomich and Patty Machen opened the door of Old Oak Coffeehouse a little over a year ago, it has lived up the symbolism of its namesake – it’s become a thriving and solid part of the community. So, when a smash and grab burglar made the cafe one of the victims of a string of small businesses robbed in the last two weeks, Tomich said the tree was a bit shaken. “To see someone in my shop, with a mask and gloves destroying and stealing,” Tomich said of the video footage he reviewe...
Niwot’s 2018 holiday season officially gets underway on Friday, Nov. 23 with the 18th annual Enchanted Evening in Old Town and Cottonwood Square. “It is a wonderful family and community event,” Dr. Nancy Bureau, co-owner of Left Hand Animal Hospital commented. She is helping to organize this year’s festival for the Niwot Business Association, along with Chuck and Linda Klueber. “The best part of the evening is enjoying the sense of community that this event brings.” This year’s tradition-ste...
Two Boulder law enforcement agencies are investigating a string of “smash-and-grab” burglaries that occurred at seven area businesses in the overnight hours of Tuesday, Oct. 30, and at least one more on the night of Nov. 5. Three businesses in the Cottonwood Square shopping center (7960 Niwot Road) in Niwot and four businesses in Gunbarrel’s King Soopers shopping center (6565 Gunpark Drive) suffered damage to glass windows or doors, and an unspecified amount of money and property was also stolen...
On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the Niwot LID Advisory Committee welcomed county commissioners Cindy Domenico, Deb Gardner, and Elise Jones to the Left Hand Grange for a “very timely” discussion of the state of local affairs during the past 12 (or so) months. Ordinarily used as an opportunity to showcase the town’s recent successes, this year’s presentation to the commissioners was fraught with anxiety about the county’s development moratorium, which was scheduled for a public hearing on Oct. 30. Ackno...
More than 400 ticket holders let the wind blow them around Niwot to enjoy wine, art, food, and the hospitality of Niwot businesses. Niwot’s fourth Wine about Winter event took place the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 24. While the sun was shining brightly, the temperature was still wintery cold and the exuberant wind battered the event’s celebratory balloons. But, the strong breeze didn’t prevent the flow of happy mug-toting participants from moving from one warm welcoming location to anoth...
Tip Top Savory Pies, a Boulder-based company, is looking to break into the local food scene and beyond. Currently only sold over the counter at Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot, their pies are mainly available by order. After opening last July, the business found that the pies are popular enough that two employees had to be hired. They aren’t pies in the sense one would think of in America.These pies are savory and sweet pies that come in a variety of flavors, and are based on the style of pies f...
Several years ago the Niwot Local Improvement District had a transportation and connectivity study done through Boulder County that identified a need for a dedicated parking lot in or near the business district downtown. Bruce Warren, who participated in the study, said that when parking usage downtown exceeds 74 percent of the available spaces open to the public, it’s time to explore options for a parking facility, and when it reaches 85%, it’s time to act. Anyone who frequents downtown Niwot can attest that often times it is hard to find par...
For Niwot locals, it seems the Old Oak Coffeehouse appeared overnight in the long vacant Emporium storefront on 2nd Avenue. Brightly colored umbrellas shade outdoor tables surrounded by flowers in full bloom. Inside the well-furnished room, the coffee bar is fully stocked with drinks and tasty bites and a steady stream of customers wander in and out. The walls display fine art and every decoration is deliberately placed. Patty Machen and Michael Tomich, owners of the eatery, have a different...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 6 at the Niwot Fire Station. After the meeting was called to order, members reviewed the June budget reports prepared by county liaison Pete Salas and LID treasurer Harris Faberman. According to their figures, the LID has committed to just over $66,000 in expenses so far this year, including about $11,000 in pending requests, and has nearly the same amount remaining in the 2017 budget. The...
