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Lyons rocks: a Colorado town whose past is written in stone - Mountain Travel Guide - Brief Article

Elisa Bosley

You can't blame Lyons, Colorado, for feeling like an overlooked middle child--it's set between Boulder and Estes Park, both better-known towns. But this little town, an hour northwest of Denver off U.S. 36, has a rock-solid identity all its own. Founded in 1881, Lyons turned the native red sandstone into a booming quarry industry; the distinctive rock helped build Colorado landmarks (including Coors Field), New York brownstones, and memorials in Washington, D.C. "You'll see planters and faces of churches all across the country that are made from Lyons sandstone," says LaVern M. Johnson, the town historian. "They still ship it back East."

A springtime stroll shows that Lyons has stayed true to its foundation: Fifteen original sandstone buildings are preserved as part of a historic district. It's a handsome legacy, and you can see it in an afternoon.

Stop at Lyons Town Hall (432 Fifth Ave.; 303/823-6622) to pick up a map. On Main Street, the original State Bank of Lyons building is now occupied by Left-Hand Trading Co./Art Bank (401 Main; 303/823-6311), offering funky Western antiques. Next door, the old general store is home to South Creek Ltd. (415 Main; 303/823-6402), where Mike Clark creates custom bamboo fly-fishing rods. One block north, on High Street, cheerfully cluttered Ralston Bros. Antiques (426 High St.; 303/823-6982) occupies a former general store built by the town's founder. Amble five blocks south for a riverfront promenade on the paved path alongside the sparkling St. Vrain River.

If you work up a thirst, head back to Main and indulge in a frosty Chai Delight milk shake at the Lyons Soda Fountain & Bakery (400 Main; 303/823-5393). For creative Western cuisine with a hint of Asian influence, don't miss the Gateway Cafe (432 Main; 303/823-5144). One thing's for sure--wherever you go in Lyons, you'll rock.

Lyons is 15 miles north of Boulder on U.S. 36. Lyons Chamber of Commerce: (303) 823-5215 or www.lyonscolorado.com.

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