Have ya traveled to Loveland, Colorado? It’s a gorgeous piece of the Rocky Mountains I visited two years ago for a quick weekend getaway to spend time with my aunt, uncle and cousins. With this recent heatwave, I’ve been trying to think cool thoughts and nothing screams coolness like mountains, valleys and Rocky Mountain air.
My aunt and uncle planned my itinerary, joking it was the short, three-day version and invited me back to experience the five and maybe seven-day itineraries. Although a short visit, my family shared what they enjoy about Loveland and nearby destinations of Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain National Park, Pinewood Reserve, and Estes Park.
Nicknamed the Sweetheart City, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of Loveland. Maybe sappy, cheesy hearts all over the place and little cupids. After all, it’s internationally recognized for its Valentine’s Re-Mailing Program. People send their sweethearts a Valentine via Loveland so it’s hand-stamped with a Valentine’s verse. Yeah, very sweet.
What I didn’t expect was an incredible artistic community especially when it comes to sculptures. Bronze sculptures (and those from other mediums) seem to be everywhere. There are also foundries with some offering public tours so visitors can get an idea from concept to creation of these amazing pieces of art.
One of the places I visited that really rocked my world was Benson Sculpture Gardens with more than 100 magnificent sculptures ranging from whimsical to lifelike to abstract set in a peaceful garden around a pond. Another groovy place was the Faces Bridge with more than 25 bronze sculptures of faces mounted under a bridge. Some faces are peculiar and abstract while others look like my next door neighbor. Of course, a favorite bronze face was that of a galactic alien.
Nature has carved geological sculptures into Loveland’s landscape and man has added a little bling with these handcrafted bronze sculptures. It’s simply fabulous and understand why my family moved there.
Additional information can be found in “Travel to Loveland for the Bronze Sculpture Scene.”
Benson Sculpture Gardens
908 Aspen Drive
Loveland, Colo.
(Across from Loveland High School)
www.sculptureinthepark.org
Faces Bridge
Located Near 500 Block of North Wilson Ave.
Loveland, Colo.
www.randyhand.com
I am really glad you enjoyed Loveland, I have lived hear all my life. Although it isn’t the most beautiful place in the world it has a lot of wonderful things to offer.