Omayra Acevedo, Gilpin County. As the winter days unfold in the Rocky Mountains, the snow falls, shops prepare for the holiday season with decor and specialty items, cinnamon-flavored beverages warm our tummies, and cheer abounds.
Whether or not you choose to observe the holidays, there’s always something to purchase, something to celebrate, or somewhere to go. But who wants to deal with a long drive or city traffic or trade the scenery of a winter wonderland for concrete and cement? I sure don’t. That’s why I love small mountain town shopping.
Sometimes, we forget what we have or take it for granted. We’re human, and it happens. Luckily, this small-town newspaper is about to remind you how lucky we are to live where we do and to have such unique and special businesses in our community.
With all the holiday parties you’ll be invited to, you might want to bring something to share. Thank heavens for the Holistic Homestead, where you can find a delicious treat and the perfect organic present, including essential oils, jewelry, and some home decor.
Many of the products at the Homestead are handmade by local artisans, some of whom donate to causes across the globe with every purchase. You can support locally and globally when you shop at the Holistic Homestead.
The Holistic Homestead is located at 972 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Black Hawk. They can be reached by phone at 303-582-3001. To learn more check out https:// theholistichomestead.org/ or follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/theholistichomestead.
One can never go wrong with one more liquor store. Underground Liquor is another Gilpin County full-size liquor store offering every libation you will need for that festive holiday party. Don’t forget to send me an invite.
Underground liquor hosts a yearly customer appreciation day. If you missed it this year, stop by and check out specials this holiday season. Who wouldn’t love an adult beverage poured from a bottle decorated with adorable winter figures?
Underground Liquor is located at 15107 Highway 119, Black Hawk. They can be reached by phone at 303-582-6034. Stay connected via social media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057379033202.
Our next Gilpin County stop takes us to Mid County Liquors, where you will find more than 150 varieties of beer and 180 varieties of wine, and just as many spirit options. Need something for the non-drinker? Mid County has got you covered there too.
Don’t forget to grab a bottle of their seasonal liqueur. Pick two bottles up, one for you and “one for a friend.” You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle to purchase your preferred beverage. A convenient drive-through makes your shopping super easy. In the spirit of keeping it local, I recommend something Colorado-made. Everything tastes better with Rocky Mountain water.
Mid County Liquors is located at 17218 Highway 119, Black Hawk. They can be reached by phone at 303-642-7686. To stay in touch, follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/midcountyliquors.
Perhaps, you’ve gathered enough presents on your first day of shopping, but on your second day of Christmas, you might remember that person you forgot to add to your list. This is when the opportunity to go out and enjoy a drink or meal together can come in handy. Roy’s Last Shot offers a variety of meals, including beef stew, manicotti, chicken fried steak, or coconut shrimp, to name a few.
Consider sharing a game of pool while you’re at Roy’s. Let’s not forget the full bar tempting enough to keep you from finishing your holiday shopping. Maybe by your twelfth day of Christmas, you can enjoy a long moment at Roy’s bar. For now, it’s time to continue our glorious small mountain town shopping.
Roy’s Last Shot is located at 17268 Highway 119, Black Hawk. They can be reached by phone at 303-642-7870. To stay up-to-date follow them on social media: https:// www.facebook.com/RoysLastShot.
According to Gold Dirt Distillery, “good people appreciate good alcohol.” And they’re the ones pouring some of the best in the Rocky Mountains of Gilpin County. Named after the Gold Dirt Mines of John Q. A. Rollins, Gold Dirt offers small-batch craft spirits, including gin, brandy, and vodka. A bottle of Gold Dirt’s spirit would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer. And who doesn’t want a smooth drink of something special after dealing with the stress of the holidays? You’ll be everyone’s favorite gift-giver this season.
Gold Dirt Distillery is located at 41 Main Street, Rollinsville. Reach them by phone at 720-299-5208. To learn more, check out: https://www.golddirtdistillery.com/ or on social media: https://www.facebook.com/GoldDirtDistillery.
If you prefer something cold to warm your belly, adjacent to Melt is the Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending. As popular as craft beer is in Colorado, we’re lucky to have one in our neck of the woods.
We all know someone who loves beer. With Howlin Wind’s plethora of beer options, it’ll be easy to spend holiday shopping time here. Besides, who said beer couldn’t warm your belly?! From a classic Belgium flavor to a kettle sour and a Mexican lager to house made kombucha, your favorite beer connoisseur will be delighted to receive an e-gift certificate.
Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending is located at 51 Main Street, Rollinsville. They can be reached by phone at 719-838-2181. To learn more, check out: https://www.howlinwindbrewing.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/howlinwindbrewing.
A toasty beverage is always pleasant to share between shopping buddies. If you’re on the Peak to Peak Highway between Nederland and Gilpin, take a break and stop at Melt Coffee for a cup of joe, tea, or hot chocolate. Various flavors and alternate options are available. Anyone can find something warm to enjoy, including a mouth-watering pastry. Melt is a quintessential small coffee shop offering sweet treats, roasting coffee, and serving it all with a Colorado mountain smile.
Melt Coffee Bar is located at 51 Main Street, Rollinsville. They can be reached by phone at 225-278-0977. Check them out on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ Meltcoffeeyum.
Every shop and restaurant offers something special, making it easy to find a unique gift for everyone on your naughty and nice list. Yes, even naughty people deserve a gift. They keep life interesting.
In the mountains, we’re not drowning in shopping options. What we do have is heart, passion, commitment, and each other. There’s more than enough to fill underneath the tree, stuff our stockings, and places to go to create magical holiday memories.
As carols are sung by candlelight, family and friends gather, cheer takes hold of your soul, and you contemplate who to buy for and what to get them, consider supporting the businesses in your community. They’re a big part of what makes our mountains so special.
