Happy Valentines Day! With a name like "Loveland" no one celebrates the holiday quite like this city.
The city was named after William Loveland, who was the president of the Colorado Central Railroad - back in the day. Back in the day - the town was known for sugar beets + sour cherries - both of those sound like sweet valentine treats to me.... or maybe sour?
I thought I would write about Loveland this week because of something it is famous for. Each Valentines day - the town is home to the "Valentine Re-Mailing Program." Over 160,000 people in th US and people from over 100 countries participate in the program in recent years. The low-down - you send your valentines to Loveland, Colorado - they are hand-stamped with a cachet and verse - and receive a special postal cencelation. It has been going strong for over 70 years! That is a lot of love letters!
In addition to the mailing program, community members can pay to purchase a large valentine message on wooden hearts that are displayed on the streets across Loveland. Many of these public valentines are engagement proposals, anniversary messages, and annual traditions. There is also a "love lock" sculpture, and a "Sweetheart Festival"! AAAAND there is a group wedding! Head to www.visitlovelandco.org for all the information!
Loveland is also home to a large art scene. The town has won awards, been noted in magazines as top art communities and art is on the buildings in the downtown area. There are sculptures scattered around also - as well as 32 hearts to find! Boyd Lake has seen many fun times with locals and visitors alike. And just like most Colorado towns - there are some great breweries and even a “Sweet Heart Winery”!
WINTER - Not to be confused with "Loveland Ski Area"! You should probably spend February 14th in Loveland!
SPRING - Devil's Backbone and Devil's Backbone Brewing Company !
SUMMER - There are 32 parks - enjoy!
FALL - Fall in love with Loveland! Art walks, brew tours, dining tours!
