It's been laughingly referred to as the ugly stepsister of Boulder, but Lafayette, Colorado has some of its own charms. Largely a community filled with workers who head to Boulder, Denver or Broomfield during the week, Lafayette has preserved its rustic charm while transforming into a splendid family community. Restaurants, golf courses, museums and more fill this little plains town.
Restaurants
As usual, any restaurant here has vegetarian options, though none are exclusively (or even mostly) vegetarian.
Fantastic Italian fare in a casual atmosphere makes this restaurant great for anything from a date to a meal with young children. I recommend the gnocci.
Fantastic Italian fare in a casual atmosphere makes this restaurant great for anything from a date to a meal with young children. I recommend the gnocci.
This local chain has excellent thin crust, Neapolitan style pizza. Their small pizzas are perfect for one person, or a larger one can feed a few. My recommendation is the Pontiff Pie, which features an olive oil sauce, spinach and feta cheese.
This local chain has excellent thin crust, Neapolitan style pizza. Their small pizzas are perfect for one person, or a larger one can feed a few. My recommendation is the Pontiff Pie, which features an olive oil sauce, spinach and feta cheese.
Efrain’s is generally considered to offer the best Mexican food in the area. I’m not entirely sure how vegetarian-friendly this place is, but I think there is an option or two.
Efrain’s is generally considered to offer the best Mexican food in the area. I’m not entirely sure how vegetarian-friendly this place is, but I think there is an option or two.
Perfect for that weekend morning treat or special occasion dessert, Indulge Bakery serves up fantastic fresh pastries, hand decorated cakes, mouthwatering pies and sumptuous gelato treats.
Perfect for that weekend morning treat or special occasion dessert, Indulge Bakery serves up fantastic fresh pastries, hand decorated cakes, mouthwatering pies and sumptuous gelato treats.
Coffee
Lafayette has a few nice, locally-owned options for a morning pastry and coffee.
In the back of Cannon Mine, there’s a little used book corner. It’s really more book-trade style than book purchasing, but nice if you’re looking for something to read with your drink.
In the back of Cannon Mine, there’s a little used book corner. It’s really more book-trade style than book purchasing, but nice if you’re looking for something to read with your drink.
Cino’s has great lattes, comfortable couches and rows and rows of magazines for purchase. Mostly a coffee-to-go location, go for their quick service and friendly baristas.
Cino’s has great lattes, comfortable couches and rows and rows of magazines for purchase. Mostly a coffee-to-go location, go for their quick service and friendly baristas.
Lafayette is part of the Boulder Valley School District. The town has three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, in addition to a K-12 charter school.
Though suffering from a lack of feeder schools, Centaurus High School gave both my sister and I an excellent education. There is a superb pre-engineering program, which includes college credit courses, and an IB (International Baccalaureate) program on top of its wide range of AP (Advanced Placement) courses and many clubs and sports teams.
Though suffering from a lack of feeder schools, Centaurus High School gave both my sister and I an excellent education. There is a superb pre-engineering program, which includes college credit courses, and an IB (International Baccalaureate) program on top of its wide range of AP (Advanced Placement) courses and many clubs and sports teams.
Need a place to stay? Sadly, Lafayette is a bit short on hotels at the moment. Try staying in Longmont or Broomfield for the lowest rates, Louisville for the shortest drive or Boulder for the best selection.
Distances to Nearby Towns and Cities
Boulder: 11 miles (West) Denver: 23 miles (South) Longmont: 13 miles (North) Broomfield: 6 miles (South)
Lafayette has a population of approximately 24,000.
Thanks to its high-quality youth programs, museums and schools, in 2008 Lafayette was voted one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.
Lafayette has a population of approximately 24,000.
Thanks to its high-quality youth programs, museums and schools, in 2008 Lafayette was voted one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.
An 18 hole Hale Irwin designed course, Indian Peaks Golf Course presents a challenging game. Holes range from the short, relatively easy par three of the 5th hole to the difficult uphill battle of the par five of the 17th hole. There is also a large driving range and nice clubhouse, complete with a pro shop and restaurant.
For rates and reservations, visit their website here .
An 18 hole Hale Irwin designed course, Indian Peaks Golf Course presents a challenging game. Holes range from the short, relatively easy par three of the 5th hole to the difficult uphill battle of the par five of the 17th hole. There is also a large driving range and nice clubhouse, complete with a pro shop and restaurant.
For rates and reservations, visit their website here .
Tee up at the Indian Peaks Golf Course
Waneka Lake Park
1598 CARIA DR LAFAYETTE, CO 80026
The park centers around a large central lake, circled by a 1.1-mile exercise path. There is a playground for children and sheltered picnic areas can be reserved for group events.
A look into Lafayette’s past is possible at the Miner’s Museum . Moving beyond mining history, the museum also covers other aspects of the town as it existed in the late 19th century.
A look into Lafayette’s past is possible at the Miner’s Museum . Moving beyond mining history, the museum also covers other aspects of the town as it existed in the late 19th century.
The Bob L. Burger Recreation Center has ample facilities for exercise and fun, including a gym, indoor swimming pool complete with a water slide and a play area for young children as well as outdoor fields for other sports.
The Bob L. Burger Recreation Center has ample facilities for exercise and fun, including a gym, indoor swimming pool complete with a water slide and a play area for young children as well as outdoor fields for other sports.
The two-story library has all the literary amenities of a library, along with some modern additions. There is a Homework Center for students looking for help with their schoolwork, a computer lab for adults and a small cafe and art gallery, filled with locally produced arts and crafts available for purchase.
The two-story library has all the literary amenities of a library, along with some modern additions. There is a Homework Center for students looking for help with their schoolwork, a computer lab for adults and a small cafe and art gallery, filled with locally produced arts and crafts available for purchase.
Attractions and Recreation
Events
Lafayette hosts three fun annual events, drawing crowds from throughout the surrounding areas.
Oatmeal Festival
When: January Next occurs: Jan. 10, 2009
Celebrating the health benefits and culinary diversity of oatmeal, the annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival has a 5k walk/run, the largest oatmeal toppings bar in the world and recipe competitions.
The Oatmeal Festival mascot
Peach Festival
When: August Next occurs: August 16, 2008
Peach dishes, fresh peaches and local arts are celebrated at the Lafayette Peach Festival. Each year, the community comes together to indulge in this sweet fruit, buy local produce, listen to live music and shop for locally produced treasures.
Celebrate Lafayette
When: October Next occurs: October 4, 2008
A street parade, live entertainment and regional arts and crafts are all featured at Celebrate Lafayette. The main street in town, Public Road, closes down for the day as residents and visitors alike fill the streets and explore the community.