Colorado is rich in land and eye-popping vistas. Nearly all the state’s 64 counties make open space a priority, along with both large and small communities within. On the outskirts of several towns, farms and orchards play a pivotal role in keeping far-stretching landscapes intact, feeding people, and providing inspiring—and sometimes jaw-dropping—natural decor.
Colorado Meetings + Events discovered four beautiful farms on the Front Range and an orchard on the Western Slope that provide unconventional places to gather. They also offer entertaining activities and have interesting background stories, whether the rich heritage of family business or the result of a decision to raise produce and meat served in the owners’ restaurants.
Starting on the Western Slope, James and Phoebe Clark planted some of the very first fruit trees in Palisade on their 20-acre farm in 1897. The farm has since expanded to more than 100 acres of land producing apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and vegetables. Courtney (Clark) Rohrig, a sixth-generation family member involved in Clark Family Orchards, manages the operation’s Orchard River View event venue along the Colorado River.
Surrounded by fruit trees, vineyards, and mountains, Orchard River View has a beautiful barn and outdoor spaces for meetings and events of up to 300 people. As an add-on, planners can arrange group tours of the farm on a horse-drawn wagon ride that ends with scoops of Palisade peach ice cream.
Lenny and Sara Martinelli purchased what is now known as Three Leaf Farm in 2010 to bring organic produce to the menus of their catering business and five of their restaurants in the Boulder area. All entities are part of their company Three Leaf Concepts, including the farm that provides produce, herbs, and flowers, which is managed by their son, Jax Martinelli.
“Tucked into the heart of Lafayette along the Coal Creek corridor, this little oasis offers a serene escape just minutes from Boulder,” says Sara Martinelli. “With lush gardens, picturesque barns, open pastures, and sweeping views of the foothills, the farm provides a magical, rustic backdrop for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a workshop, dinner, celebration, or an intimate gathering, the peaceful energy of the land and its deep connection to nature make it an unforgettable place to come together.”
The property can host private events for up to 75 attendees, and small groups can take part in farm dinners held from June to October along with a variety of workshops. “As part of the experience, guests are invited to wander through fields of crops, visit the horse barn, and meet the friendly resident goats, all adding a charming and authentic touch to your event,” she adds. “You also can explore the natural areas of the property, which are part of a designated botanical sanctuary, offering quiet trails and opportunities to connect with native plants and area wildlife.”
Another couple, Jill and Eric Skokan, created Black Cat Organic Farm, a 500-acre, U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic vegetable farm in Longmont, to supply not only their restaurants but also dinners at the farm, farmers market booths in Boulder, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) customers. Black Cat Organic Farm grows more than 250 heirloom cultivars, and sheep, pigs, chickens, and geese round out its mix.
The Skokans moved their Black Cat Bistro from Boulder to the farm last fall and now welcome private events year-round with a historic barn, private glass cabanas, and garden patios as part of the options. “While 90 people is our maximum, we specialize in groups of nine to 70 with exquisite food prepared by James Beard Award finalist Chef Erik Skokan and sourced directly from our farm,” says Jill Skokan. “It is hard to find Black Cat Organic Farm’s match for event space and especially event food.”
The Boulder-based nonprofit Growing Gardens stewards three farms throughout Boulder County, with the one in Boulder offering the most options for groups. The 25-acre farm has been in agricultural use for 119 years with the Long family still holding ownership, and the nonprofit has leased 11 of these acres since 1998 for initiatives like the Boulder Work Trade Program, Cultiva Youth Project, a weekly farm stand, and a CSA program.
The farm accommodates a limited number of private events throughout the year; it has an indoor event space that holds groups of up to 100. In addition, there are team-building opportunities to gather with the goats, tour the farm, tackle farm chores, and perform basic goat care like feeding and brushing. Proceeds from private events support Growing Gardens’ nonprofit programs, including food donations and garden-based nutrition education.
Growing Gardens was the ideal setting for an anniversary party held by Lucky’s Market, attended by 75 people. The Colorado-based business operates two grocery stores, a cafe, and a bakery, located across Boulder and Fort Collins. “The barn provided a great space for dining, a fun photo booth, and live music,” says Shannon Scott, human resources director at Lucky’s Market. “Our team members, especially their kids, loved running around the farm. We receive rave reviews from everyone who attended, and the ability to customize the event to our needs made it a truly special experience.”
Imagine receiving an invitation to attend a gathering on a flower farm. Only a dozen events are granted the opportunity annually at the 10-acre Boulder Flower Farm, located 10 miles north of Boulder in Longmont. Founded in 1983, the farm transitioned from vegetables to primarily cut flowers in the mid-1990s. In addition to having fields of 40 to 50 varieties of annuals and perennials, the farm has a 15,000-square-foot greenhouse devoted to growing 20 to 30 types of culinary herbs, hanging flower baskets, and cut flowers in the spring. A list of current blooms can be found on the farm’s website.
“Hosting events helps keep the property pristine, and groups have access to an incredible place for a weekend,” says Chet Anderson Jr., whose parents founded the farm. Groups booking the farm can enjoy the great lawn, large flagstone patio, Tuscan-style grape arbor, fire pit, and horseshoe area. When a group rents the farm, they receive full weekend access and a generous flower budget.
If you happen to miss out on the chance to host an event at the farm, don’t worry—flowers can be purchased online or at the Boulder and Denver South Pearl Street farmers markets on weekends. Also, a flower membership program is available. “We also do guest appearances at a few other markets,” Anderson says. “People like to purchase flowers directly from the people who grow them.”
For a sensory team-building experience, workshops for creating arrangements from seasonal flowers are held at Boulder Flower Farm on Sunday afternoons from June through October. Led by floral designer Chloe Decalo from Boulder-based Alters of Change Floral, the workshops have a maximum capacity of 25, and private sessions also are available.
blackcatboulder.com
boulderflowerfarm.com
clarkfamilyorchards.com
growinggardens.org
orchardriverview.com
threeleaffarm.com
