Shop Small Colorado: Five Shops to Check Out
Supporting local and small businesses is not only good for the economy, its also good for the community. For every dollar spent at a small business, an average of $.67 stays in that business's local community. Another bonus of shopping local is that you can score unique gifts that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're local to Colorado or just visiting, here are five cool shops to check out in Colorado:
Eclectic Co - Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs
Eclectic CO is a co-op boutique located in the artsy district of Old Colorado City. Eclectic CO is home to over 50 makers and artisans and offers everything from locally made candles to a plethora of creative stickers and art work. You're sure to find something for anyone on your list here.
Where to Eat/Drink: If you need to take a coffee break, check out Carnelian Coffee located just a couple blocks away and try their creative seasonal coffee options.
What to Do Nearby: If you need to stretch your legs after all that shopping, check out nearby Garden of the Gods.
Three Arrows Gallery - Denver, CO
Located in Denver's artsy RiNo District, Three Arrows Gallery is a woman-owned boutique with over 45 different vendors. Three Arrows Gallery offers everything from home decor to Colorado themed art. Bonus points - Three Arrows Gallery is also dog-friendly.
Where to Eat/Drink: RiNo is known for its eclectic mix of cafes and bars. If you are looking to enjoy some food and drinks, check out Improper City, which is a large outdoor space with a variety of food trucks. You can also take your furry friend with you.
What to Do Nearby: RiNo is known for its artsy vibe and large murals. Check out the Denver Graffiti Tour to check out the murals and learn more about the artists behind them.
Fern and Skye - Denver, CO
Located in Denver's bustling South Broadway neighborhood, Fern and Skye is a cozy inviting space owned by Lauren McLaughlin, the artist behind Fern and Skye. Fern and Skye houses over 40 local makers in a cozy and inviting space that offers a variety of nature inspired artwork, gifts, and home goods by local Colorado artists/makers.
Where to Eat/Drink: South Broadway houses a variety of eclectic bars and popular restaurants. Check out the Denver Biscuit Company, known for its biscuit sandwiches.
What to Do Nearby: If you want to relax after a long day of shopping catch a movie at the Mayan Theater, a small art-nouveau inspired theater that has a cool retro appeal.
Local Goods Colorado - Lafayette, CO
If you're looking for a cozy shopping experience check out Local Good Colorado in Old Town Lafayette. Located in a cozy house, Local Goods Colorado features over 100 makers and offers so many gift options from locally produced foods to candles. There's so much to see here that its easy to see how Local Goods was voted best gift shop in Lafayette.
What to Eat/Drink: Enjoy some fair trade coffee and pastries at the nearby Cannon Mine Coffee. If you're looking to bring your dog along for the ride check out Romero's K9 Club and Tap House, which offers locally brewed beers and lots of wide-open spaces for pups to roam.
What to Do Nearby: Check out nearby Cottonwood Farms, a family farm that specializes in pumpkins and fall produce and also sells Christmas trees during the holidays.
Golden Mercantile Co-Op - Golden, CO
Located in downtown Golden, a foothills town about 30 minutes outside Denver, the Golden Mercantile Co-Op is all about creating community and supporting local. Featuring everything from locally produced foods to unique gifts, the Golden Mercantile Co-op is a community hub in Golden.
Where to Eat/Drink: Downtown Golden has so many options. If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix try the Windy Saddle Cafe just down the street. If you’re looking for food options, check out the Buffalo Rose and enjoy live music.
What to Do: Golden is close to a variety of hiking options and is also close to everyone’s favorite concert venue Red Rocks.
You can find The Adventuress Soap Co products at each of these awesome shops.