Local business updates, November 2023, 2 new
*NEW* Farra restaurant
This new restaurant, Farrar, opened up quietly in the space behind Moxie’s Mercantile, at the corner of 5th Avenue and High Street. They had a soft opening October 19th. Their sign still has not arrived. And, yet, it already has a strong following, with some people returning again and again. The allure seems to be based on their unique menu, offering tapas (large and small “plates” of food to share), with unique and quality flavors and appearance. Add to that a group of partners, consisting of five young men, with strong specialty skills in their management area, who work seamlessly together every day in the restaurant.
They currently are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. – and Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. They just tried their first Happy Hour this week, but, frankly, every hour there is Happy Hour, as they technically are offering hors d’oeuvres all day long with unique specialty drinks, so don’t wait to save a dollar on a drink… come on down any time. After all, the definition of the word “Farra” is “Celebration.” === The Lyons Recorder will have an article giving a full review of the menu, including cocktails, and the style and atmosphere of the place in December. WEB SITE. Phone 303-747-6206.
*NEW* Boulder Integrative Therapy (Lyons Office)
There is a new therapist in Lyons: Amy Benton, PhD, C-IAYT; and her qualifications are as follows: Offering therapeutic guidance for adults at all stages of life. Amy has her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, certification in yoga therapy, PhD in contemplative studies, and has been a student of eastern practices and philosophy for over 20 years. === Her daughter Elizabeth Query MFTC, also offers services at the office, as follows: Offering support for couple’s, adult individuals and adult families. Elizabeth has a Masters in Marriage, Couple & Family Therapy. She has worked in community mental health, as well as obtained certifications as a postpartum doula and yoga teacher.
We asked Dr. Benton about her new therapy office in town, and to give us her background, what services she will be offering, and exact location of her office, and her response was so thorough, that we will publish it here, instead of paraphrasing it!
From Dr. Amy Benton:
I have been practicing since 2011, my formal business is at my home office on Caribou Springs Trail, about a mile from Clark’s Hardware in Lyons, off of St Vrain Highway/Hwy 36 on a working cattle ranch. I can be contacted at amy@boulderintegrativetherapy (best way to contact me) or 303-709-5588. Anyone can call, but since I am in session most of the time when I am working, I can often be more effective at communicating via email. We have an office in Lyons in the courtyard of 418 High St, just down from Moxie’s, but I am looking for a larger space in Lyons.
I have lived here for 38 years; my six children are all grown and live here, there and everywhere in Boulder county….and my youngest daughter lives in Lyons– you can see her on my website as well. She handles the couples and marriage work, and I work with individual clients.
You can see me and my grandchildren in Lyons at Moxie’s, at story hour at the library, at the park, cold plunging in the river, and at nearly every event and restaurant in town. I love Lyons. My hope is to reach into Estes as well, as I have had many clients from the high country drive hours for therapy; and my hope is to help serve that local community. There are many mental health care deserts here in Colorado and the crisis is growing. My hope is to help bring some relief to this issue in my small way in these small local communities that I love so much.
I have an office (1.) off of 23rd Street in Boulder (2.) the home office at the ranch on St Vrain and (3.) my little space in downtown Lyons. I am searching to find a larger space in the new year in Lyons, as I mentioned, and am hoping word of mouth will deliver some options. Web Site: CONTACT PAGE
LaMariposa restaurant
The owners are in the process of building another location in Longmont on Ken Pratt, which will have a second story for outdoor eating. They will require their personnel to help with this location for a few months, and need to pull people off of working in Lyons. Lots of Lyons residents posted their sadness at the news on Facebook. You can still buy Gift Certificates for the Holidays, to be used in their other Longmont locations.
Message from owners: We’re taking a short break at your local La Mariposa Mexican Restaurant, and will therefore be closing temporarily as of October 30, 2023. We look forward to serving our beloved Lyons community again in March 2024, with our new Taco Tuesday, weekend brunch buffet and new entrées.
Lyons Dairy Bar
First Time they will not be open 7-days/week:
Winter Hours: 11am-7pm Thursday-Sunday.
CLOSED: Monday-Wednesday.
Over the last 4 years, The Lyons Dairy Bar has been committed to being open year-round for the Lyon’s community. However, we have learned that it is not feasible (during the slow season) to be open 7-days per week. You WILL still be able to order your custom specialty bakery items at any time via messenger, phone, or through our webpage thenewlyonsdairybar.com. We ask you provide a week’s notice. Thank you for understanding this necessary change in hours, and we look forward to seeing you Thursday-Sunday!
DEADLINES: Remember to get your bakery orders in for Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly, before their orders are all taken. ==Thanksgiving DEADLINE is this Saturday, November 18, at 6 p.m.==the deadline for Christmas will be December 17th by 6:00 p.m. and Christmas order forms available the weekend after Thanksgiving. == During the week of Thanksgiving we will be OPEN everyday from 11a.m.-7p.m., but closed Thanksgiving Day. And during the two-week Christmas period Dec. 18 to Jan. 7th, the same thing. == They also have lots of old-fashion candy that is great for stocking stuffing. And, they have top-rated cinnamon rolls for early Christmas morning.
SpiritHound Distillery
SpiritHound Distillery has continued its expansion all summer (see our previous article for a full description of Phase 1). There liquor product line has been recognized for its high quality and has resulted in a need to expand. They opened their new Tasting Room in July. And later in summer, their bar and veranda was opened, along with their new parking lot. The bar and veranda makes for a good place to have meetings, special events, family parties, and more. The Friends of the Library just had their annual meeting there November 12.
Phase two will expand their craft distillation production facility. On November 13, their new silo arrived. Note, their “Colorful Colorado” sign is still there! It has been moved to under the front awning.
In addition to their quality speakers and science talks, they have added an exclusive Mixology Masterclass. And, for the holidays, they invite you to try the perfect cocktail: Bunny slipper, made with: SpiritHound rum, Peppermint cafe Colorado (their new seasonal liquor), coconut hot chocolate, whipped Cafe Colorado cream, and toasted coconut. Note, the new bar space is available for reservation for Holiday parties.
Diner Bar (closed)
Closed permanently.
The owner announced that Sunday, November 5, 2023 would be its last day for business. On Facebook, he thanked the customers for their support. He gave people only a few days notice of the closing, and there was no big farewell entertainment or party. Good luck!
Their neighbor owners in the building, Western Stars Gallery & Studio, posted on Facebook: “It’s a seriously sad day for Western Stars Gallery & Studio… losing Diner Bar Lyons’ colorful presence / energy / creativity / tenacity / friendship / grit / reciprocity next door is a loss we don’t take lightly. Since the gallery opened in 2015, there’s been six restaurants adjacent to us ~ Blue Canyon Door, Axe & Oar, The Quarry, Lyons Den, Prickly Pear, & Diner Bar plus an array of building owners.”
COMMENTARY:
So, there seems to be three reasons why the place has a high turnover. Some locals gave their opinion that the place is cursed. But many restaurants in other locations in town have come and gone over the years. Some complained that the site was hidden from the road, and that the parking lot is too small. But a flashing crossing light was added for pedestrians to walk to the parking spots across the street. And, if the new, bright, almost gaudy pink and turquoise exterior paint color didn’t help, I don’t know what will. As a historical note, in past decades, the building was previously occupied by: Foothills, Redhill, Anastasia’s, and Outlaw Saloon — and then a slew of modern themed restaurant/bars (listed above) — all good, fun places with a strong following, who also decorated them in memorable decor with specialty menus and beverages.
Living Arts Floral, Jeralyn Berner Rodgers
Our wonderful florist Jeralyn closed her shop on Main Street a while back, as previously reported here. She is taking care of her health and still doing some floral work. This includes her ten years of nonprofit work with the Lyons school band fundraiser in preparing the Christmas flowers and arrangements. You can order your personal floral arrangements for Thanksgiving or Christmas through her web site, www.livingartsfloral.com, and they will be delivered to your home. Good luck and Happy Holidays to our lovely Jeralyn!
Lyons Dental Office, Dr. Derrik Johnson
The GRAND OPENING of Dr. Derrik Johnson’s Lyons practice is Monday November 27th. He is booking into December and encouraging patients to use any remaining insurance benefits by the end of the year. Normal business hours are: Monday 8-5p.m. // Tuesday 8 – 5 p.m. // Wednesday 7-4 p.m. // Thursday 8-5p.m. // Friday 8-2p.m. — Mondays and Fridays will alternate, so they will be open FOUR days each week. 
Additionally, they are hosting an Open House on Wednesday, December 6th, from 4-6:30p.m. with live music, prizes, and giveaways. They can be contacted at (303)823-6006 or email at message@redstonedentalstudio.com. Website is redstonedentalstudio.com. Their mission is: At Redstone Dental Studio, we have a comprehensive approach where you can get the treatment you need all under one roof. Dr. Johnson and the rest of our team are committed to making a positive and immediate impact in your life, no matter how big or small, while building trust and encouragement. Dr. Johnson says, “We are very excited to finally be opening!”
