Cherries & The Colorado Cherry Company

Loveland was once known for having a huge cherry industry.  In 1918 Loveland had 1200 acres of cherry trees that were harvested annually. By 1945 the acres had grown to over 10,000.  Although the cherry industry is not as predominant as it was a half-century ago, locals still celebrate with a Cherry Festival at the end of June or the first part of July.

The Cherry Festival brings locals and visitors to the downtown area of Loveland.  The festival is located by the Loveland Museum at  503 N Lincoln Ave.  This annual event continues to delight all who attend.  Cherry pie and ice cream are served.  Local musicians entertain all that attend.  Vendor booths showcase local art, handmade soaps, jewelry, clothing, teas, CBD oils, and you can watch the Cherry Pie Contest. (It gets a bit messy(

A historical presentation is given commemorating all the farmers who grew, picked, and produced the cherries.  A local historian tells about the industry and how it evolved.

By the 1950s there were 154,679 cherry trees in the area and they produced 27,248,500 bushels of cherries.

Did the growth of Colorado terminate this huge industry?  This is one theory.  Others think it was a disease or that the Michigan cherry trucks were able to sell their product at a less expensive price.  Whatever it was, the Cherry Pie Festival each year is a way to celebrate our heritage and enjoy the local music, art, and vendors.  Oh, and did I say enjoy the cherry pie and ice cream!!!

If you are hungry for a cherry pie and don't want to wait until next year to participate in the festivities, you can always go to the Colorado Cherry Company.  It's located on West Hwy 34.  The Colorado Cherry Company makes fresh cherry pie each day.

If you want more information about the Colorado Cherry Company click here.

10 Reasons To Move To Loveland CO

I get the same response about every time I'm asked where I'm from.  Loveland, Colorado. "Oh, I'd love to live in Colorado".  So why is there such a draw to this area?  Why should you move to Loveland CO?

1. The Rocky Mountains

With views as beautiful as the Rocky Mountains, who wouldn't want to live here.  Every season is as gorgeous as the last one.  From snow-capped mountains to springtime wildflowers, the Colorado Rockies are a breathtaking sight.  The majestic pink skies and cotton candy clouds are a magnificent image. Amazing as it seems, there is a view for anyone who opens their eyes.

2. The Sweetheart City

Since we are known for Love, why not send your sweetheart a Valentine from our city?  Every February you can have your Valentine sent to the Chamber of Commerce, stamped with the official Valentine stamp for the year, and remailed to your sweetheart.  What better way to share your love than with a special Valentine!

3. Big Thompson River & Area Lakes

The Big Thompson River provides excellent fishing opportunities.  If you are a novice fisherman or a beginner, you can catch trout, walleye, bass, or other fish from this river.  Loveland also is the backdrop for a lot of lakes.  In fact, Lake Loveland, Boyd Lake, and Carter Lake are just a few lakes that have public access.  If fishing isn't your forte, paddleboarding, boating, jet skiing, and swimming are other options.  Carter Lake is also home to sailboating enthusiasts. There are a lot more lakes but many are private lakes.  

4. The Public Arts Program

Loveland, CO has 475 pieces of art in its public arts collection.  The arts collection consists primarily of sculptures; however, the collection also includes murals and other flatwork.  Over 150 pieces of the city's sculptures can be found in Loveland's Benson Sculpture Garden.  This "public treasure" draws tens of thousands of visits each year.

5. Hiking/Biking

Loveland is host to 26 miles of bike and hiking trails.   The Recreation Trail System consists of paved trail nearly encircling Loveland and connecting to other regional trails, including Long View Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail.  Take a ride and enjoy the view!!

6. Microbrews

Loveland on tap consists of various brews from Sours to IPA's to Porters and Stouts.  Strawberry beer, chocolate beer, lemon etc.  Different tastes for different folks with 388 breweries in the state of Colorado and 50 new pending licenses as of January 2019.  Entertainment, greenhouses, warehouses, and eclectic decor enhance the experience of the local brews.   A new delicious brew to try each day of the week.  

Living in Loveland is home to all of the above but it's also home to (7.) wonderful schools, (8.)robust higher education opportunities, (9.)a variety of restaurants, and (10.)community events on a regular basis.  

If you are interested in moving to Loveland or Northern Colorado, contact me, Margaret Herdt, Turn Key Realty for all of your real estate needs.

Loveland Colorado Is All Above Love

February is the love month and Loveland, CO is all about love. This year there are numerous ways to celebrate in the Sweatheart City of Loveland.

On February 8th and 9th the city will hold it's Sweatheart Festival.  The event will feature:

• Art Shows
• Palace of Sweats
• Beer garden
• Musical performances
• Fire Hoola-Hooper
• And lots of vendors and happenings

More Hearts Added Each Year 

Each year, the Chamber dedicates an average of three to five HeARTs, continuing a program started by the former nonprofit Engaging Loveland as a sculpture project, launched a decade ago on Feb. 16, 2008.  You can view the hearts at local businesses throughout Loveland.  Each is unique and has a different theme.

Valentine Remailing Program

Also the ‘Sweetheart City,’ has been doing the Valentine Re-Mailing Program for 73 years. Each year, the city and its volunteers lovingly hand stamp and re-mail valentines from all 50 states and more than 110 countries. Many of the ‘Sweetheart City’s’ residents are thrilled about the program, so much so that there is a waiting list of volunteers to stamp and re-mail valentines. Loveland’s Re-Mailing Program has grown to be the largest program of its kind.  If you plan on mailing a Valentine from Loveland there is a deadline so visit the website for details.

As you make your way around our city you will find the loving spirit of it's community.  If you want to live in the Sweetheart City please reach out to me.  I would be more than happy to show you around.  

Margaret Herdt, Broker/Owner 

970-672-6069