Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Bike Trail

  • Hop on Over to Downtown Loveland for the Easter Weekend Food Drive!

    Hop on Over to Downtown Loveland for the Easter Weekend Food Drive!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Spring has sprung which means the Easter Bunny will be paying Loveland a visit very soon! What better way to celebrate Easter than by giving back to those in need within the community. Join Loveland Magazine and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) for the Easter Weekend Food drive benefiting LIFE Food Pantry!

    Easter weekend, for me, is one of the most coveted times to make memories with my family as we come together to enjoy a nice home-cooked meal and exchange Easter baskets filled with goodies. This year, I wanted to make sure that families less fortunate had the opportunity to celebrate Easter like my family and myself have been lucky enough to do for the past several decades. I knew that Loveland’s local food pantry, LIFE, was in desperate need of food donations as this time of year is often a slower time for incoming donations. I had chatted back and forth with some of the wonderful women from LIFE a couple of months ago and promised them that I would find a way to organize a food drive. I searched my brain for those that would be interested in joining me to help make this food drive happen. That’s when I thought, “I should ask CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor from the LMRCA to help me make this food drive a reality!” I emailed CeeCee and Meredith and explained my vision and seconds later they were on board! I was overcome with joy!

    Meredith Taylor
    CeeCee Collins

    Over the past several weeks, Meredith, CeeCee, and I have worked hard to make this unbelievable Easter Weekend Food Drive the best it could possibly be, and needless to say, I couldn’t be happier with what we have in store for the Food Drive! Loveland Magazine, the LMRCA, and LIFE would love nothing more than all of those within our amazing community to come out on April 16th between 10 a.m-5 p.m and donate to the Easter Weekend Food Drive! 

    Here are some important Easter Weekend Food Drive details:

    • We will be stationed next to the historic clock tower in Downtown Loveland right along the Loveland Bike Trail. You will see our decked Easter-themed tent!
    • You may pull your vehicle into the “Carry-Out” Parking spots next to where we will have our tent and we can easily grab your donations straight from your vehicle! You won’t even have to leave your vehicle if you so choose!
    • Each week LIFE lists on their website homepage their current donation needs so before you stop by our Food Drive to donate check out their list here!
    • If you can’t make our Easter Weekend Food Drive or would just simply rather donate money to LIFE you can do so by scanning the QR code below, although we would love to see all of your smiling faces in person at the Food Drive!
    • There will also be another Easter Weekend Food Drive donation box at The Works Pizza so feel free to drop off donations there as well if you’re looking to grab a pizza on your way out!
    • Be sure to bring the kids as we will be handing out candy-filled Easter eggs!
    To Donate to the Easter Weekend Food Drive Scan the QR Code Above!

    We hope to see all of you at the Easter Weekend Food Drive! If you have any questions about the Easter Weekend Food Drive please contact me, Cassie Mattia, or Meredith Taylor! Help us help those in need have a beautiful Easter too! 

    Look for us under the Town Clock at the Loveland Bike Trail.

    For the latest Loveland community events stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • King Avenue Bridge improvement will close that portion of the Loveland Bike Trail

    King Avenue Bridge improvement will close that portion of the Loveland Bike Trail

    by David Miller

    Warren County, Ohio – A portion of the Loveland Bike Trail (Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail) is planned to be closed from June 2022 until December 2022, with a two to three-week closure expected in 2023 to tie the new trail into the existing trail.

    A tunnel will be built for a portion of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, which will separate the trail from Grandin Road.

    A new parking lot for trail users will be built and the project also will include a new roundabout at the intersection of the Peters Cartridge Factory development (Cartridge Brewing) and parking lot access for the trail.

    “New wider lanes and shoulders will improve safety for vehicles who use the bridge and separating the bike path from the roadway will significantly improve safety for users of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail,” according to a release from Warren County.

    The King Avenue Bridge carries two lanes of traffic across the Little Miami River in Warren County. The bridge will remain in its current two-lane configuration, but the lanes will be widened, and safety shoulders will be added in both directions. The new structure will be built upstream of the existing bridge crossing.

    In addition, a new 10-foot multi-use path will be built on the new bridge that will separate pedestrians from traffic, and a tunnel will be built for a portion of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, which will separate the trail from Grandin Road.

    Traffic will be maintained on the existing roadway for much of 2022, however, King Avenue and Grandin Road near the Little Miami River will each be closed to traffic separately for approximately three to four months in 2023. The closures are necessary so that the new bridge structure can be connected to the existing roadway.

    Access to the development at the Peters Cartridge Factory (Cartridge Brewing) will be limited during different phases of construction.

    Current and Upcoming Construction Activities:

    • Anticipated Construction Duration: March 2022 – December 2023
    • Tree Clearing for Construction Site: March 2022
    • Phase 1 Construction (bridge substructure and roadway fill north of the river): April 2022 – June 2022
    • Various Utility Relocations: April 2022 – July 2022
  • Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Bike Trail over the past couple of years has welcomed many new local businesses, some offering quality beverages, some offering a unique dine-in experience, and some offering fresh homemade cuisine. One business in particular that sits right off the bike trail tucked right next to Narrow Path Brewing Company has managed to combine quality beverages, a unique dine-in experience, and fresh homemade food all under one roof. Introducing Hometown Cafe, a little slice of paradise in the heart of Historic Downtown Loveland!

    Hometown Cafe made its debut into the Loveland community after Owner Jimmy Hooper bought the business, formerly known as “Fresh Press,” from his brother-in-law. Hooper already had an extensive culinary background as well as a catering business called “Loveland Catering” so he felt that having a brick and mortar would mesh well with his passion for creating aesthetically pleasing healthy food. Hooper, who grew up in Symmes Township, knew after having kids that he wanted to raise his family with his wife in the same city he fell in love with so he thought what better way to serve the community he loves than having fresh nutritious food readily available every day!

    Hometown Cafe offers a simple yet delicious selection of food, beverages, and goods from local vendors across the city. From Deeper Roots coffee, lattes, and hot chocolate, to real fruit, and veggie smoothies, and fresh-pressed juice, to made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and wraps, Hometown Cafe has it all! Did I mention Hometown also has a bakery filled with muffins, croissants, bagels, and danishes, to name a few and a “local market” where small local businesses can sell their homemade delicacies such as honey, granola, jam, and energy bites?

    I have been a part of the Loveland community and Loveland Magazine now for nearly 5 years so I have had the honor of seeing new businesses establish themselves, local events thrive, and the community coming together to give back. This is one of the biggest reasons, other than I LOVE food and food culture, as to why I wanted Hometown Cafe to be my next Cassie the Food Guru adventure! Hometown Cafe has not only impacted the community by providing quality nutritious food and beverages, but by also giving back time and time again. Whether they are getting involved in Loveland’s events or introducing local artists, vendors, and food trucks to the community, Hometown Cafe loves helping the community!

    So without further ado, I bring to you, a Loveland Magazine TV interview production, Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    Hometown Cafe Fun Facts:

    • Located at 111 Railroad Ave, Loveland, Ohio, 45140
    • Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day
      • Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the week and on the weekends breakfast is served until 3 p.m.
    • Lunch is always in the cooler. The cooler includes homemade soups, salads, wraps, and “kids boxes.”
    • Cold-Pressed Juice is made “in-house with a hydraulic press that exerts 10 tons of pressure on the fresh produce to extract the juice. Since the juice is exposed to minimal heat and air, it retains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes from the whole fruit/vegetable than traditional centrifugal juicing methods.”
    • Local artists’ artwork is on display for sale inside the cafe.
    • You may book Hometown Cafe for your next event!
      • Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings is $250.
      • Monday through Thursday evenings is $200.
        • Rental is available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
        • Seats up to 25 on the 1st floor and 32 on the patio.
      • The upstairs meeting room is $25 per hour.
        • Available for rent 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
        • The rental fee is waived if you spend the same amount in the cafe during your event!
    • Catering is available through Jimmy’s “Loveland Catering.”
      • $500 on the weekends.
      • $400 on the weekdays.
      • If you spend twice the event rental fee in catering and the rental fee is waived!
    • You can rent Hometown Cafe’s kitchen for $35 per hour or if you take advantage of the kitchen membership it is $20 per hour.
    • Hometown Cafe offers merchandise through “My State Threads Apparel.”
      • If you would like to set a page up for your business Hometown will give you a unique URL and $10 from every piece of merchandise sold will go towards your business.
    • Items we recommend you try when you stop by Hometown Cafe:
      • The Cozy Bowl
      • The One With No Meat
      • The Toast
      • The B.E.A.S.T
      • Frogman Smoothie
      • Tropical Majik Smoothie
      • Kale Force Cold-Pressed Juice
      • Charcoal Lemonade Cold-Pressed Juice
      • The Ginger Shot
      • A specialty latte or hot chocolate
      • Sweet Potato Chips
      • Energy Bites
      • An Everything Bagel
      • Any of the local market items made by local small businesses!

    Be sure to stay informed on all the fun and delicious things Hometown Cafe has going on by visiting their website, Facebook, or Instagram!

    For more interviews and stories on local food culture, stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

  • Let Loveland Heal – Create a Referendum for the Garage

    Let Loveland Heal – Create a Referendum for the Garage

    by Lauren Enda

    Loveland is a vibrant, bustling, and prosperous city. Which is why the question of increased parking space is an issue. People come to Loveland to live and visit because it is quaint and unique. Another asset that Loveland enjoys is an educated, engaged, and energized resident population. This is an asset that many towns would covet and that could be used to great advantage. Sadly, however, the mayor’s council continues to deny residents a vote on the parking garage, keeping them from actively participating in their own city. Instead of seeking a clear mandate through referendum to go forward with the plan, the council claims that all decisions, regardless of impact and cost, belong squarely with them. This lack of respect for residents’ role in Loveland’s future causes controversy and encourages mistrust of authority. A referendum would take away the controversy completely – the voters would have their say and all questions about the soundness of a garage and discord between residents on either side of the issue would simply dissolve.

    The council could easily calm this discord and start to heal the damage caused by the garage proposal. By creating a referendum for the garage, the council sends a clear, strong, unequivocal message that they care what voters think; that they listen to the will of the people; that they trust the residents to make wise, thoughtful decisions. There is a bonus to the referendum for newly elected council members. By voting in favor of the referendum, the new members would prove beyond doubt that they are living up to their campaign promises to listen to residents.

    Whether in favor of the garage or opposed to the garage, every resident in Loveland should have a voice in this momentous decision. And Loveland residents should not have to force the council into the referendum by collecting signatures. The path of pitting residents against council by collecting signatures to force a referendum is beneath Loveland city council and its constituency. This would only cause further distrust and anger among residents, which is not in Loveland’s best interest.

    According to Councilmember Bateman’s statement on 23 November 2021, democratic principles are alive and well in Loveland. This comment was seconded by Mayor Bailey. A referendum is your chance to prove it. Create a referendum and let democracy take its course. There is literally nothing to lose and everything to gain.

    Almost everyone agrees that the parking situation in Loveland needs attention. Let’s create a parking committee. Loveland has almost 20 committees and not one of them is tasked with parking. Let’s invite residents to investigate options and alternatives that will be cheaper, more flexible, and less intrusive. Let’s work together to gather data, define the problem, and come up with a range of solutions that can be openly discussed and debated. Working on this project could bring people together instead of causing strife.

    Myriad solutions are possible: institute valet parking; purchase an old-fashioned retro shuttle to get visitors to locations in downtown; increase use of Nature Preserve parking; use Loveland’s beautiful parks for events and gatherings instead of having every event in the downtown area. All of these could be accomplished for a fraction of what the garage would cost and keep our town quaint and unique. Each of these solutions would also greatly reduce traffic into the downtown area. Let’s take a breath, think outside the “parking garage” box, and have a conversation. Let’s work together to get it right.

    The decision on whether to build the proposed garage is too important to get wrong. And it isn’t important enough to tear the city apart.

    Do the right thing. Heal the conflict. Put the garage on a referendum.

    Lauren Enda lives in Loveland at Hidden Creek

  • Valentine poetry contest, poetry workshops, and more…

    Valentine poetry contest, poetry workshops, and more…

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – We all would love to receive a personal poem of affection on Valentine’s Day, but you all know that it’s sometimes better to give than receive. Right?

    Well, here is your opportunity as each year the Loveland Valentine Ladies and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance invites students, teachers, parents, and the community’s poets to compete in their Annual Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. This gift can be your present to the whole community of LOVEland.

    Poems should be typed or printed, no longer than 16 lines, and reflect love and/or Valentine’s Day. Poetry will be judged on written content only. Contest Deadline: January 21, 2022

    Poetry Contest Categories Include:

    Pre-school and Kindergarten
    1st and 2nd Grades
    3rd and 4th Grades
    5th and 6th Grades
    7th and 8th Grades
    9th – 12th Grades
    Adults

    Contest winners will attend the Chamber Valentine Breakfast at Oasis Conference Center on February 12 to read their poems. Student winners receive an excused absence from school to attend the breakfast.

    Entry forms are available on the chamber website – lmrchamberalliance.org under the “get involved” tab.

    Poetry Workshops

    Valentine Lady, Kathryn Lorenz will be offering two free poetry writing workshops leading up to the submission date.

    The first will be on Saturday, January 8 at Hometown Cafe between 9 and 10:30, AM.

    The second will be on Saturday, January 10 at Mile 42 Coffee from noon until 2 PM.

    Valentine Art and Card Reveal

    Beginning at 11 AM on Saturday, January 8 the 2022 Valentine Art and Card Reveal will take place and it will be a chance to meet the designer, current Valentine Lady, Jeannie Shumaker, and past Ladies. Join the fun at the Valentine Ladies Wall of Fame in Historic Downtown on the Loveland Bike Trail.

    When Lily Gruffydd was in 5th grade she was recogonized at the 2017 annual Valentine Breakfast for this poem.

    WHAT IS LOVE?

    by Lily Gruffydd

    Every one of you should feel loved,

    When you are loved, you might feel light like a dove,

    Or maybe you will draw hearts, 

    Or even throw cupid darts.

    Love is something your family passes, 

    From shaking hands to clinging glasses.

    If you are not loved,

    Find someone to love you back,

    Then your life will be on the right track.

    Love is also being there for others,

    Like your parents, friends, sisters and brothers.

    Love is a hug or snuggling tight, 

    Or to your Grandma you may write.

    That is love and it is right,

    I hope you remember these words tonight.

  • Enter Loveland’s “Holiday Pet of the Month” Contest and Take Home Some UNBELIEVABLE Prizes!

    Enter Loveland’s “Holiday Pet of the Month” Contest and Take Home Some UNBELIEVABLE Prizes!

    Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor and Co-Owner of Loveland Magazine.

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Who doesn’t love sharing a beautiful festive photo of their pet? It’s Christmas time and we want to see your pets in their best holiday attire!

    If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets!

    At the beginning of every month, Loveland Magazine selects and features “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet is then featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.

    The featured pet will receive A Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundlet Tower, a Works Pizza gift card, and a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake that the pet owner will then be able to pick at Loveland Magazine headquarters! We love our pets as much you do Loveland so join us in paying tribute to them!

    This is Dean, Cassie’s older household sibling to Nala.

    To enter into Loveland’s Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that sets your little buddy apart from other pets! The window for receiving pet of the month candidates for the month of January will be extended due to the holidays! The contest will run from December 1st through January 3rd (deadline). When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!

    The Loveland Pet of the Month for January will be announced on January 5th!

    Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest!

    As a reminder, you may send in pet photos and bios up until January 3rd. Again Loveland Magazine’s January Pet of the Month will be announced on January 5th!

    We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!

    ENTER YOUR PET

  • Christmas in Loveland Kicks off on Saturday!

    Christmas in Loveland Kicks off on Saturday!

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT 4 PM – 8 PM

    Christmas in Loveland 2021

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Bells will be ringing this Saturday in Downtown Loveland for the city’s Annual Christmas in Loveland celebration! We have everything you need to know about this year’s festivities!

    This Saturday from 4 PM-8 PM, Downtown Loveland will transform into a beautiful Winter Wonderland for those wanting to celebrate Christmas the Loveland way! Christmas in Loveland is set to feature a plethora of holiday activities and Christmas-themed displays with nearly every Downtown business participating this year. Friends and families will be able to visit the Madcap Puppet Theater and Santa and his elves at City Hall, pin the tail on the reindeer, and decorate sugar cookies at Eads Fencing, take a peaceful carriage ride along Railroad Avenue, enjoy a train ride at Loveland Museum, feast on complimentary food tastings and sip on holiday cocktails from Downtown’s restaurants, and write Letters to Santa At Mile42, create homemade reindeer food at Trailside Provisions, or create a gnome ornament at Whistle Stop Clayworks. This fun-filled holiday event will also include a “Christmas Time” free show at the Loveland Stage Company, and live Christmas entertainment from the Victorian Christmas Carolers, The Cincinnati City Shakers, and Broadway Bound, to name a few, that will take place at the Fountain Greene and throughout Downtown Loveland. Oh, and did I mention Loveland will be bringing back its live nativity scene?!

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, said she couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Christmas in Loveland! 

    “There will be so many fun activities such as ornaments, singing with carolers, and meeting Elsa and Anna, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited downtown,” Collins explained, “We truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope that the community will continue to come back, especially now that all the businesses are re-opened (and more have been built) after the pandemic. There will be tons of samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!”

    Here are a few important facts about Christmas in Loveland 2021:

    • The children’s train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a complimentary Holiday Trolley will take guests from Harrison Avenue in Downtown Loveland to the Loveland Museum Center.
    • Christmas in Loveland will be held in rain, snow, or shine.
    • Maps of all the activities will be placed inside Downtown’s businesses and will also be available by the clock tower alongside the bike trail.
    • A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse-drawn carriages.
    • Line up for the horse-drawn carriage rides will be on Railroad Avenue across from the Wicked Pickle.
    • Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
    • The Live Nativity Scene is next to the fountain in the center of town.
    • Click here for a link to parking in the area.

    To see map larger, Right Click to open in a new tab …

    If you need more information about Christmas in Loveland 2021 visit the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance website.

    For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • 1-DAY ONLY – HOLIDAY GALLERY SALE

    1-DAY ONLY – HOLIDAY GALLERY SALE

    Promoted Post

    Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, December 11 from noon until 5 PM Whistle Stop Clay Works will have special Holiday hours for shopping for Pottery, Sculptures, Ornaments, and Photography.

    They will have lots of bowls, colanders, chip & dips, plates, mugs, holiday trays, and festive sculptures. You’ll also find fine photographs and sweet ornaments. 

    As is a holiday tradition, they will have gnome ornaments for $10 with the purchase price benefiting the League of Animal Welfare.

    The studio will also be overflowing with holiday cheer and will be drawing a lucky winner for a festive evergreen tree tray at 4 PM (no purchase necessary and you need not be present to win).

    Whistle Stop is located in the beautifully decorated Historic District of Downtown Loveland nestled where O’Bannon Creek enters the State and National Scenic and Wild Little Miami River. The Gallery is only one block from the Loveland Bike Trail at 119 Harrison Avenue.

  • Will we be Seeing you at This Year’s Christmas in Loveland?!

    Will we be Seeing you at This Year’s Christmas in Loveland?!

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT 4 PM – 8 PM

    Christmas in Loveland 2021

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Holidays are officially right around the corner, which means Downtown Loveland is once again preparing for one of its biggest events of the year; Christmas in Loveland!

    On December 18th from 4 PM-8 PM, Downtown Loveland will transform into a festive Winter Wonderland for those wanting to celebrate Christmas the Loveland way! Christmas in Loveland is set to feature a plethora of holiday activities and Christmas-themed displays. Friends and families will be able to take a trip to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a peaceful carriage ride along Railroad Avenue, enjoy a train ride at Loveland Museum, feast on complimentary food tastings from Downtown’s restaurants, and put their creative skills to the test with holiday arts and crafts activities. This fun-filled holiday event will also include holiday-inspired beverages, live Christmas entertainment that will take place at the Fountain Greene and inside some of the local businesses, and a live nativity scene!

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, said she couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Christmas in Loveland! 

    “There will be so many fun activities such as ornaments, singing with carolers, and meeting Elsa and Anna, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited downtown,” Collins explained, “We truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope that the community will continue to come back, especially now that all the businesses are re-opened (and more have been built) after the pandemic. There will be tons of samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!”

    Here are a few important facts about Christmas in Loveland 2021:

    • The children’s train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a complimentary Holiday Trolley will take guests from Harrison Avenue in Downtown Loveland to the Loveland Museum Center.
    • Christmas in Loveland will be held in rain, snow, or shine.
    • Maps of all the activities will be placed inside Downtown’s businesses and will also be available by the clock tower alongside the bike trail.
    • A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse-drawn carriages.
    • Line up for the horse-drawn carriage rides will be on Railroad Avenue across from the Wicked Pickle.
    • Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
    • The Live Nativity Scene is next to the fountain in the center of town.
    • Click here for a link to parking in the area.

    To see map larger, Right Click to open in a new tab …

    If you need more information about Christmas in Loveland 2021 visit the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance website.

    For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks off the Holidays for the Community!

    Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks off the Holidays for the Community!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree thank you for lighting up Loveland so beautifully! 

    The community gathered around one another on Saturday night as the City of Loveland celebrated its first Community Christmas Tree Lighting. The festive fun-filled night kicked off at 4 PM with local holiday gift vendors that sold everything from Hot Chocolate Bombs to homemade mitten ornaments from J Timmerman Pottery to jewelry made from silverware from Silverware to Wearable Art. Alley Boutique, Blume, and Haven Grey also participated in the festivities allowing the community to shop in their festively decorated stores until 7 PM.

    The beautifully illuminated Browns Crossing along the Loveland Bike trail featured local food trucks Travelin Tom’s Coffee and Hot Chocolate and Smokin Inferno BBQ, as well as Christmas activities for the kids, a vintage holiday photoshoot with Old School Pix and the infamous Dancing Elves, Toys For Tots Stuff a Cruiser Toy Drive hosted by the Loveland Citizens Police Academy Alumni, and Trailside Provisions Christmas Cupcakes, Brownies, Caramel Apples, and several holiday gourmet popcorn combinations. The Loveland Girl Scouts also came out for Loveland’s special night as they entertained crowds of friends and families with Christmas carols! 

    As the night grew dark and the Christmas lights shined bright, at around 7 PM Mayor Kathy Bailey lit the gigantic magical Loveland Christmas Tree, and shortly after Rozzi Fireworks put on a “merry” night-ending firework show.

    I decided to bring some of my family along with me to the Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, including my 2 furbabies, Dean and Nala. Wow were we impressed with how flawless the night came together for the City of Loveland and the community! The endless amount of lights, Christmas decor, holiday activities, Christmas treats, and gift ideas from some very talented local vendors made the night that much more special.

    The Loveland Christmas Tree was quite the spectacle once it was completely illuminated! Throughout the night I couldn’t help but revisit the Tree over and over again. As I stared up at the lights, and glistening candy canes I realized that Loveland truly had succeeded in becoming a Christmas Winter Wonderland! 

    After walking through Browns Crossing bike trail light spectacle I decided to grab some homemade Christmas gifts from J Timmerman Pottery and Silverware to Wearable Art! Shortly after I of course had to visit Trailside Provisions to get my weekly popcorn fix. This time I chose a caramel popcorn drizzled in dark chocolate and I am not ashamed to say I ate the entire bag in just 2 days! Next, I decided to stop by Old School Pix’s holiday vintage photoshoot where they snapped photos of myself, Adam, and the Dancing Elves in a vintage truck all decked out in Christmas decor. After wandering around Loveland’s Winter Wonderland, the night ended perfectly with a firework show put on by Rozzi’s Fireworks!

    • My Christmas Themed Balcony
    • My Neighbors Unbelievable Christmas Display
    • J Timmerman Pottery Coffee Mug I Bought in Support of Local Vendors
    • Old School Pix Snapped a Photo of Adam and I in Their Vintage Truck Decked in Holiday Decor
    • Old School Pix Decided to Get a Photo of us With the Dancing Elves
    • Silverware to Wearable Art Elephant Inspired Earrings Made from Forks That I Bought for my Best Friend Stacie
    • J Timmerman Pottery Mitten Ornament

    For more photos and videos from Loveland’s best events stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!