K. Sylvest, Nederland. Also in this issue, we report the dreary news that many businesses are struggling to survive due to canyon construction closures, down sales, online shopping and a slow summer. Most of these businesses rely on local Peak to Peak shoppers and recurring transactions. Other businesses that rely heavily on tourism reported better years than ever. The holiday season provides ample time to support your favorite local businesses.
Nature’s Own, otherwise known as the Rock Shop, has 20% off all onyx. Pick up a STEM toy or a dragon figurine for a loved child. You might also consider taking visiting grandchildren on a ride at the Carousel of Happiness or for a yogurt at the Train Cars.
At Blue Owl Books check out the variety of available beautiful earrings for sale for very reasonable prices. As you walk into the store you’re surrounded by the smell of newer and vintage books for your favorite bookworm. On the boutique side, find meditation pillows starting at $50 for your favorite yogi or for a really fancy gift, one of their colorful best selling lamps in the window.
At Ace Hardware you can find all sorts of holiday decor to get you into the spirit. Christmas lights for the tree or outdoors are available. Even find last minute items like holiday cards, stockings, gift tag stickers or wrapping paper. They even have holiday gift card holders that you can slip over gift cards from shops and restaurants like Ned’s, Rincon Del Sol II, Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse, Salto, the Branding Iron, The Deli, Mountain People’s Co-Op or Knotted Root Brewing Company.
Help a friend get organized with a beautiful basket from African Market Baskets. I use my mini basket as a lunch box and my larger basket holds firewood kindling at home. The baskets are made of river elephant grass from Ghana. Every basket purchased helps fund school supplies and healthcare in Africa; the perfect gift for your favorite humanitarian. The holiday basket shop is open Thursday-Saturday 12-5 p.m. Discounts on purchases of three or more baskets.
Tin Shed has a killer deal . . . 50% off SOUL 7 Rossignol Skis in all sizes. They also have deals on their demo mountain bike fleet. Head instore for sales your favorite outdoor merchandise. Punch cards for waxes and tunes are also available. Speaking of outdoors, Wild Bear just received an order of new zip-up hoodies for $50.
The Apothecary is offering 20% off their whole store this season with special sales on honey and D.I.Y. elderberry syrup kits. Plus, free breath sprays like peppermint and spearmint with qualifying purchases.
The Rustic Moose has gifts galore at all price points. You’re sure to find something for that person that you have no idea what to buy for: lots of kids’ stuffies, jewelry, and P.J.s. They also have lots of options to keep the hands and feet of your loved ones warm. They’re stocked up on items that you’re unable to find online.
(Editor’s note: While we realize the holiday shopping season has passed, we decided to post these stories anyways. Supporting local business is a year round commitment. We hope you will consider spending your money in local stores, to ensure they are there next year, and the year after.)
(Originally published in the November 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
