This 2021 holiday season – after a year of being cooped up – we’re all about adventure, going fast, and shopping local. And we’re here to help you find the perfect gift for the thrill seeker in you (or in your life). We found everything from local adventure kits to snowcat skiing in Steamboat. We even found a company that has motorized snowbikes (it’s a real thing) that look incredible, and another in Southwestern Colorado that offers dogsledding. So whether you’re looking to tear it up on a snowmobile, get heli-dropped at a backcountry summit to shred untouched Colorado pow, or you’re just looking for a good place to shop in Boulder County, we’ve come up with a list of 21 gift ideas to get you ready for the holidays.

GEAR

Photo: Steve Greer

Big Agnes Shield 2

bigagnes.com

Based in Steamboat Springs, Big Agnes has been providing us with trustworthy tents for any occasion for over 20 years. And because winter is upon us and you may be thinking of heading out into the cold for a night under the stars, you’re going to need a tent that will withstand the elements. Made with lightweight nylon, this sturdy tent is light to carry and provides you enough space to comfortably stay out. You can even buy a vestibule to add a covered entrance area to store gear. This one’s for the winter adventurer in all of us.

Mountainsmith Scream 55 and Zerk 40

mountainsmith.com

Colorado-based Mountainsmith focuses on the lightest packs available without sacrificing capacity. The Zerk 40 was co-designed by The Real Hiking Viking, a famous thru-hiker and is great for those looking to amplify their ultralight experience. The Scream 55 is for the rest of us, who like to carry a couple extras. At just 2lbs 13oz, the Scream 55 is still super lightweight and made for life on the trail. Whether you’re snowshoeing in the winter or backpacking in the summer, either of these packs are great options for the ultralight hiker in our lives.

MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoe

msrgear.com

You know how quiet it gets after a heavy snowfall but you’re postholing and really wishing you had some kickass snowshoes to stay afloat on a winterized weekend stroll in the woods? Well those days are over. The Revo Ascent are fantastic snowshoes to help you get out there even in the depths of winter. Not only will they allow you to stay on top of the snow and make snow travel easier, they only weigh a little over 2lbs each and are sturdy enough to be put to the test. Whether it’ll be their first time snowshoeing, or they’ve been stomping pow for years, these are a great choice.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme

seatosummitusa.com

It’s all about R-value – which is what companies use to measure a sleeping pad’s ability to keep you warm. The higher, the warmer. Coming in at an R-value of 6.2 (6 is for extreme cold), this pad will surely help during winter expeditions, from camping at basecamp, or crashing on the floor of a yurt because you pulled the short straw, the Ether Light XT Extreme is a soft place to land.

Skratch Labs Lemon Lime Sport Hydration Mix

skratchlabs.com

Hydrate. You’ll literally feel better. Skratch is local and helping us stay active by providing the electrolytes necessary to take on the day. Whether heliskiing in the San Juans, ice climbing in Ouray, or biking to work, be sure to replenish yourself well. With quality ingredients and less sugar, Skratch has been changing the way we see electrolyte drinks and we’re loving it.

Photo: Ralf Dujmovits

SlingFin Crossbow 2 Four-Season

slingfin.com

SlingFin is shining bright these days with their innovative designs and high quality constructions. The Crossbow is made to survive winters and light enough to want to bring it along. With ample ventilation and protective covering, the Crossbow is here to keep you dry and warm, all winter long. Moisture is always a problem when camping, even more so in the winter, when it’s cold outside and warm in the tent, the Crossbow 2 is made to protect you from the outside world while mitigating condensation within.

Wazoo Adventure Kit

wazoosurvivalkit.com

Local and wicked cool, Wazoo is all about being prepared and we dig it. Even if you’re not trying to be a survivalist, it’s mandatory that whenever you’re out and about you’re prepared and able to take care of yourself. Containing 23 tools and compatible with some of their other products, this kit is a compact, easy to bring along option for being prepared in the wilderness and it’s great for any adventurer.

Zeal Lookout Goggles

zealoptics.com

Boulder-based Zeal is helping us see on those bluebird days and on those we rather not still be skiing type days when the sun don’t shine. Helmet compatible, easily removable lenses, and everclear anti-fog only add to the coolness with common sense practicality. Pick up some Lookout Goggles for this snowy season.

GUIDES

Colorado Adventure Guides

coloradoadventureguides.com

Since 1994, this small group of dedicated guides has been making sure people stay safe and have fun whether backcountry touring, ice climbing, or snowshoeing. They also offer backcountry education to make sure you’re ready to take on the backcountry on your own and they even offer free 101 clinics. There’s a whole world beyond the resort, but you need to be ready and you need to know what you’re doing, so don’t hold back, get out there, and adventure, but get yourself a guide to show you the ropes. Check out Colorado Adventure Guides – the backcountry is calling.

Georgetown Outdoor Discovery

georgetownoutdoordiscovery.com

Kimberly Knox has an extensive history with the outdoor community, has adventured all over the world, and now she’s sharing her knowledge and experience with us by taking us out and providing us with professional and fun outdoor excursions. From guided hikes and snowshoeing, to cross country skiing and personalized coaching, Knox is one of Georgetown’s best options for getting outside year-round. She even does custom tours for group events and team building experiences! Knox’s decades of experience and her newly found business is there for you to adventure and is providing Georgetown with new and exciting guided opportunities.

Grand Adventures

grandadventures.com

Snowmobiling at nearly 12,000 feet! From beginner to advanced tours and five different locations, Grand Adventure is lifting the bar for winter adventures to a whole new level. What could be better than spending the day with friends or family taking in the beautiful scenery of Colorado on high-powered snowmobiles? And if you join them in Grand Lake, you have a vast selection of over 100 miles worth of trails to choose from. Ride solo or in tandem, Grand Adventures surely has something for everyone to enjoy.

Photo: Ober Skinner Photography

Jones Pass Guides

jonespassguides.com

Located just off I-70 on US 40, Jones Pass Guides is providing Colorado with incredible backcountry skiing and boarding adventures. Snowcats will take you to new heights for up to 14 people, while their backcountry touring trips will provide you the knowledge and experience to make sure you stay safe and have fun. Their courses include Backcountry 101, 201, and an advanced course. They also offer workshops and other ed opps. Along with Snowcat trips comes lunch, demo skis, backcountry safety gear, an Après social, and you’ll get to ski 10-14 runs through a variety of terrain. And you can have them photograph you for a bit extra.

San Juan Sleddogs

sanjuansleddogs.com

Dogs! Sleds! Dogsledding! A professional team of dog sled guides are here to take you on a mushing adventure. They offer a 2-hour experience which includes educational instruction, transportation, photography, and some warm drinks and snacks. What’s better than hanging out in wonderful Southwestern Colorado? The answer is clearly hanging out in Southwestern Colorado with a bunch of cute dogs! Great for dates, family adventures, or get togethers, dogsledding is a unique and exciting way to explore the winter wilderness.

Steamboat Powdercats

steamboatpowdercats.com

When on-piste (typically groomed, marked trails) just isn’t enough the snowcat will take you where you need to be. Untouched powder, backcountry goodness, and a group of cats as cool as the machines they drive—Steamboat Powdercats is providing the fun. Ski Buffalo Pass, which often has Colorado’s deepest snowpack, or choose from Levels I, II, and III to find exactly what you’re looking for. They also offer backcountry touring trips, avalanche education, and are planning on hosting trips to South America for custom backcountry adventures. If you’re looking for a gift for that special loved one who’s in need of some of Colorado’s best skiing guided by some of Colorado’s most professional guides, look no further.

Photo: Kane Scheidegger

Telluride Helitrax

helitrax.com

High adventure, high altitude, and high reward. Heliskiing is the ultimate in backcountry fun and Telluride Helitrax is here to take you to the next level by providing you “tailored, personalized guest experiences” in some of the most pristine and beautiful mountains in Colorado, the San Juans. For those of us who are in need of six solid runs covering up to 14,000 vertical feet, this is the place, and for those of us who rather skip the skiing and still ride in the helicopter, this is STILL the place, because they also offer scenic trips. This may very well be one of the best ways to see, experience, and feel the absolutely stunning might of the San Juans.

Vail Backcountry Tours

vailbackcountrytours.com

What’s better than snowshoeing through a lovely forest on a bluebird day? Ripping down a designated snow path on a snowmobile or a snowbike, of course! Take your winter adventure to the extreme with Vail Backcountry Guides. Offering 2-hour, half-day (not for snowbikes), and private tours to provide you the thrill of speed while exploring some of Colorado’s most beautiful areas. With so many trails to explore, you’re sure to have a great time with views of distant peaks, wonderful snow-covered forests, and the exhilarating thrill of going fast. Vail Backcountry Tours is providing an exciting and exhilarating way to spend a trip to the mountains.

ACTIVITIES

American Paintball Coliseum

americanpaintballcoliseum.com

Who says winter adventure has to include snow? Paintball, airsoft, laser tag, and a virtual reality arcade, this place is great for groups of any size. They also offer events such as bachelor and bachelorette parties, team building, and holiday parties. Pretend you’re in your favorite video game as you make your way through the field and have fun with friends. Best of all, for those of us who don’t want to be in the cold, it’s indoors – they do however have an outdoor field for the summer time.

Photo: Todd Powell

Frisco Adventure Park

townoffrisco.com

The Frisco Adventure Park offers lots of different activities, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, but we have to give a special shout-out to the Tubing Hill that’s open for reservations. With the first day of the season coming up on November 25th, it’s time to make your plans and get out to Frisco for a family fun day of tubing. Three lanes to choose from with a variety of steepness and there’s even a lift, so kick back, relax, and tube the day away. Whether you only go for the tubing, or enjoy some of the other activities they offer, you’ll have a blast. Check out downtown Frisco, or Breckenridge, to make it a fully packed day trip.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

cograilway.com

Choo-Choo! If you’re looking to comfortably ride up the side of the iconic 14,000+ft. Pikes Peak, the Cog Railway is the ONLY way to do it. With several tours a day, make this holiday season special, with spectacular views and the glorious warmth of high altitude sunshine. Tickets for winter are only available until January 3rd, so don’t wait! There’s something magical about riding up a 14er on a train and, as a gift for a special someone or a group of people, it’s even more special. Winter is even supposed to be when you can see the furthest; with the help of the sun and some clear skies, it’s sure to be a great experience.

SHOPS

Angles Sports

anglessports.com

With a brand new location at 463 Main St. in Longmont, Matt Burditt and Ryan Kazee have taken their shop to a whole new level and are supplying us with all the great gear and gifts we could need. Not only does this local business have a great selection of winter gear for sale like snowshoes, skis, snowboards, and even rentals, they’ll also make sure you’re ready to go come fly fishing season.

Crystal Ski Shop

www.crystalskishop.com

Local ski shop that specializes in all things ski and snowboard care and rentals. Whether you’re looking to get some rentals or hoping to remove all that rust that’s built up on the edges, Crystal Ski shop will make sure you’re ready to hit the slopes. It’s a great place to get ready for the winter season or gift someone a rental. They also have backcountry setups and safety gear.

JAX Outdoor Gear

jaxgoods.com

So. Much. Gear. And with lots of locations to choose from, JAX is a go-to stop for all your outdoor needs, be it kayaking, camping, fishing, you name it. Whether you’re looking for cooking gear, shoes, clothing, a new hat, or some layers to stay warm, JAX is a great place to get all your gifts in one place for those outdoorsy adventurers in your life. They even have farm & ranch equipment, goods for life at home, apparel, and great gifts for this holiday season.

The post Locavore Adventure Gift Guide 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Mother’s Day is around the corner. Here are 5 local gift shops to get the goods for Ma:

1) Adorn

661 4th Ave., Old Town Longmont | adornadornables.com

2) Bliss

1643 Pearl Street, Boulder | blissboulder.com

3) Lafayette Collectibles and Flea Market

130 E. Spaulding St., Lafayette | fleamarketlafayette.com

4) Snarkington’s

324 Main St., Longmont | snarkingtons.com

5) Charmed 33

515 Briggs St., Erie | charmed33boutique.com

The post French’s 5: Mother’s Day Shopping | April 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Openings/Closings

Murray’s Cheese Shop has opened inside two of Boulder’s three King Soopers stores. / Tossa, a new fast-casual concept from the owners of Smashburger, opened at 2400 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. / Minglewood, a Grateful Dead deli, opened on Conestoga Street in Boulder. / Robin Chocolates celebrated the grand opening of its new retail location on Airport Road in Longmont. / Oak at Fourteenth announced it would re-open Dec. 15 after nearly a year of post-fire rehab following a booming first six months. / At 1035 Pearl St., in Boulder, Pearl Street Steak Room, opened in late November, owned by Mara and Peter Soutiere of Sushi Tora and Tahona Tequila Bistro. / Nothing Bundt Cakes opened at 10449 Town Center Dr. in Westminster. The shop, you guessed it, sells only bundt cakes. nothingbundtcakes.com.

News

Boulder’s Amu Sake Bar and Restaurant hired a new chef, Mune Taira, the first to be dedicated solely to Amu. / Naraya Thai and Sushi Restaurant in Boulder celebrated its first anniversary. / Former Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg and celebrity bartender James Lee have announced they are partnering on a farm, a catering company and a restaurant. / Flagstaff House Restaurant was one of only four Colorado restaurants awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s four-star award. / The Meritage Restaurant at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield has a new menu inspired by French cuisine. / Comida taco truck signed a lease on a permanent space in Prospect New Town in Longmont. / Beloved chef/owner of Strings in Denver, Noel Cunningham, died unexpectedly at age 62. / Frasca Food and Wine was recognized as one of OpenTable’s top 100 American restaurants. / Colorado-based Smashburger took the top spot in Forbes magazine’s America’s Most Promising Companies list. / The owners of Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine announced they will operate the fresh-food market at Denver Union Station if Union Station Neighborhood Co., one of two teams competing for the bid, gets the thumbs up to redevelop it.

Best of the Month

Excellent duck quesadillas and fried sweetbreads at Tahona Tequila Bar in Boulder.  / Sweet and spicy molasses cookies and habanero mole truffles at Robin Chocolates in Longmont. / “Sandwich I Am” egg and sausage sandwich with smoked cheddar hollandaise at Snooze AM Eatery in Boulder.

Events

The Greenbriar Inn, 8735 Foothills Hwy., Boulder, will host a Christmas Eve Dinner Dec. 24. Reservations are suggested, call 303.440.7979

Have food news? Have a dish pick? Just email editorial@yellowscene.com.

The post Eatery News: Dec. ’11 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo by Gray Box Studio

This year, we’re giving our Best of the West winners the red carpet treatment: The readers have spoken, the critics have made their picks and several local celebrities have added their two cents. Here are our picks for the best Boulder County has to offer.

The envelope please…

Bike Shop

Louisville Cyclery : East County

Even if you want to hamster-wheel it inside or just can’t get the right fit on your ride, Louisville Cyclery has a guy, guide or the gear. Now, if they could just make cycling more like riding the bus…

University Bicycles : Boulder

With more brands, custom bike fitting and rentals for non-committal riders, University Bicycles knocked it out of the park this year. But we love them because no matter how many times we ring the little bike bells, they never kick us out.

Ski Shop

Christy Sports : East County

They’re huge, they’re everywhere and their customer service just rocks. Whether it’s snagging last minute ski gear at Christy Sports’ Broomfield location, or planning for a long-awaited ski vacay buying bit by bit from their online store, Coloradans love Christy.

Boulder Ski Deals : Boulder

Boulder Ski Deals loves us, even when we’re intimidated by the idea of flying down a mountain carrying toothpicks and strapped to sticks. Their gear is great, but their knowledge is priceless—from safety to the cheapest local spots.

Sporting Goods

Jax Outdoor Gear : East County

For the more run-of-the-mill athletes, Jax in Lafayette is anything but. Instead of focusing on the area’s cyclists (gasp), Jax knows Coloradans hunt, tackle, fly-fish and horseback ride, too, so they’ve got the gear and awesome classes for…everything.

REI : Boulder

Broke the backpack in Morocco, wore out the climbing shoes in Georgia and need a new cooler to camp in Moab. Problem solved at REI in Boulder, an outdoor gear co-op with pretty much unlimited exchanges and a dividend payoff every spring.

Shoe Store

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. : East County

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. in Longmont has great variety, with cutesy Uggs and Ecco hiking sandals. Plus, they’ve been around longer than we’ve been alive, so we trust them.

Pedestrian Shops : Boulder

Pedestrian Shops in Boulder serves everyone’s inner hippie and a side of comfort with barefoot running gear and this year’s flip-flops (which smell ah-mazing!). It’s the best way to get a little bit of Boulder between your toes.

Eyewear

Eye Center of Northern Colorado : East County

When it comes to eye care, a one-stop shop means you’re not awkwardly winking at the hobo on the bus all day. The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has everything from plastics to pediatrics.

Wink Optical : Boulder

They’re blogging about patient health, rockin’ some state-of-the-art eye equipment, being environmentally friendly and tweeting, just for icing on the optical cake. It’s social optometry with a side of vintage specs. What’s not to love?

Jewelry

Eric Olson Master Jeweler : East County

Eric Olson Master Jeweler has the typical “oohs and ahs” for sparkly and pretty down pat, but it’s their design that’s rocking Lafayette. The girls in us love the long chains, funky cut stones and scroll bracelets.

Walters and Hogsett : Boulder

Maybe it’s because everyone has an eclectic inner retiree who collects mountain jewelry, dog charms or Fabergé. Or maybe it’s the Barbara Westwood goes Audrey Hepburn black and diamond collection. Either way, Walters and Hogsett in Boulder is fabulous.

Women’s Fashion

Ville De Luxe Boutique : East County

The mother/daughter duo running Ville de Luxe in Louisville has local down to a T, so gift-baffled boyfriends and besties give gifts you actually want. Keep the creepy cat sweaters, we’ll take bubble bath and earrings, please.

Chelsea : Boulder

They’ve got the cutest scarves this side of Boulder, and even though some of them are more than $200, Chelsea’s crowd doesn’t turn its nose up at sandal-wearing bracelet charm buyers or strict sales-rack shoppers.

Men’s Fashion

Nordstrom : East County

This Seattle-based franchise, built with Yukon gold-rush money, started as a family owned shoe store and it’s still family run, so Broomfield’s Gor-Tex-vortex shoppers get corporate prices with a cleaner feel.

Weekends : Boulder

Weekends in Boulder is simply classic. Catalog shoppers can head here for an in-store experience with a touch of Boulder décor and leave with all of the makings for a Martha Stewart home decorating party or a fashionista
photo shoot.

Second Hand Clothing

Threads : East County

Threads in Erie and Broomfield have the snootiest consignment acceptance policy in the BoCo area, but their snobbery when it comes to low-end, discount-store brands means Threads’ ladies get discounted, high-end duds in pristine condition every time.

Plato’s Closet : Boulder

Although you’ve got something like a 1 percent chance of scoring a vintage Thundercats T-shirt, anyone down with wearing someone else’s clothes can score designer duds on the cheap at Plato’s Closet in Boulder.

Old Town

Old Town Louisville

Two words: street faire. They spell it funny, but it’s simply splendid. Come June, the fair is the place to be. Until then, Old Town Louisville still dominates Northern Colorado’s cities for coffee (we heart The Huckleberry), shopping and tons of local events.

Shopping district

Flatirons : East County

In an age when traditional malls are being replaced with “lifestyle centers,” Flatirons Mall stays relevant and attractive with great shops, great restaurants and a great vibe. Great, right? Totally. With its indoor-outdoor mix, Flatirons gives us what so many small shopping centers don’t: the stuff we want and need.

Pearl Street : Boulder

What can we say about the Pearl Street Mall that’s never been said? Nothing. Seriously, people near and far have waxed emphatic about the gloriousness of this iconic Boulder landmark, and any blustering on our part could only make its greatness that much closer to becoming cliché. But just for good measure, we’ll simply say: lovely boutique shops, stellar people watching and world-class restaurants.

Bookstore

Borders : East County

Wow, folks, what a comeback! Borders may have suffered a blow early this year, but it still maintains its status as a literary kingpin for East Boulder County. It beats out its not-to-be-named, big-box competitor as well as a few second-hand bookstores throughout the county—likely because of its selection, service and, of course, perseverance.

Boulder Book Store : Boulder

Every so often you come across one of those bookstores: big and beautiful, soulful and independent, comfortable but sparkling, nurtured by people who love books. Boulder Book Store is one of those shops, one of the special few. There is truly nothing better than getting lost in this store and in the books on its shelves.

Home decor & furnishing

The Purple Poppy : East County

Newly opened in the Atlas Valley Shopping Center, The Purple Poppy is full of treasures: sconces and candleholders, leather chairs and tables, bags mingling with vases mingling with glassware. Our readers have obviously been charmed by its style and splendor. (Winner of both best home décor and best home furnishing).

HW Home : Boulder

OK, so a couple of HW Home’s pillows cost more than some of our journalists make in a month, but hey, our readers love to fork out the big bucks to ensure their homes look as styled and stunning as, well, the HW showroom. (winner of both home décor and best home furnishing).

Second-hand furnishings

Lafayette Collectibles & Flea Market : East County

You walk in, and the door bell rings. In one space, bookcases are packed with paperback novels and VHS from the ’80s. In another space, heavy metal posters and leather pants. And then you’ll find a beautiful vintage armoire and a retro-style table and chairs. It’s organized chaos for your inner treasure hunter.

Clutter Consignment : Boulder

Clutter Consignment is the chic way to consign and to buy consignments. It’s not all about trend-setting, but it is about finding pieces—sold at a fair price—that make a statement or add style and personality to your home. These are the sort of finds that turn people into hoarders.

Home Improvement

Lowe’s : East County

You shop locally, and you take pride in it. When you walk into a chain store you feel a pang of guilt but you appreciate that you have that big-box store when you need it most. Lowe’s is one of those chains. It’s your guilty pleasure—with its hardware and tools and houseware, the reliable customer service and the big-box prices.

McGuckin Hardware : Boulder

I wander through McGuckin’s, aisle after aisle. I get that from my dad, who spent hours in the store, patiently finding gadgets and doodads he never knew he needed. My boyfriend goes straight for the machinery, the heavy-duty tools. My mom goes there only when she needs something. No matter how you use McGuckins, it always provides.

Florist

Lafayette Florist : East County

Lafayette Florist is not just a florist—it’s a proverbial playground for lovers of flora and foliage. Expansive and adorned with plants, bouquets, décor and garden tools, you can buy a dozen roses or a dozen rose bushes.

Sturtz & Copeland : Boulder

I want to nurture my green thumb, so I know to go to Boulder’s iconic Sturtz & Copeland. I wander through the potted plants and stunning flowers and finally find a little, pretty thing with white petals. Gently, I take it to the register, where I am told exactly how to keep the flower alive. Mission accomplished.

Kids Clothing

Shop Kids Resale & Consignment : East County

Kids know what they want. At Shop Kids, your fast-growing child can be as picky as he wants. There are racks and racks of clothes (affordable, of course) to pick from. And if you get an item home, and little Joe no longer thinks it’s cool, don’t worry, just consign!

Rocky Mountain Kids : Boulder

Set in the chic-kid mecca of Arapahoe Village, Rocky Mountain Kids has the right styles, the right brands and the right accessories for the playful, smart, trend-setting Boulder boy or girl.

Toy Store

Crawdaddy’s Toys : East County

Sunlit and full of fun, Crawdaddy’s Toys in Lafayette has a little something for all of the kids in your life. From your little cowboy to your little bookworm, there are smart, sturdy and sensible toys that will rock their worlds.

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe : Boulder

Grandrabbit’s is a beautiful, whimsical shop that has toys and games and books and playthings from floor to ceiling. It’s a child’s dream, and a parent’s delight.

Gift Shop

Timbalier Dry Goods : East County

Glowing with sunlight and the shining playfulness of its two owners, Timbalier in Lafayette is the kind of gift shop that makes Christmas and birthday shopping a pleasure. Teas for your best friend, a Hobo clutch for your sister, and maybe something light and airy for your own sunroom.

Bliss : Boulder

At Bliss, you will have no problem finding a gift for your bff or your co-worker. The biggest challenge is finding time to shop for others when there are so many things with your name on them. The feminine, lively store is jam-packed with beautiful pieces, jewelry, décor and more. Perfect for friends, family and you.

Cooking store

What’s Cooking : East County

The worth of a cooking store can be measured in its ability to inspire its customers to cook. What’s Cooking does just that—with cooking instruments and tools as well as artisanal sauces, crackers and seasonings. Kinda makes you want to go all Bobby Flay on dinner tonight.

Peppercorn : Boulder

At the Peppercorn, you can—and I do—spend hour upon hour, moving from one space to the next, exploring dishware, reading cookbooks, touching knickknacks and searching for nothing in particular. I’m sure that’s not particularly helpful to the busy staff, but I can’t help it. If they want fewer loiterers, they should make their store less interesting.

Grocer

Whole Foods

The newish and improved Whole Foods can seem a little overwhelming. But it’s a food-lover’s fantasy with everything from speck to spaghetti, vegan cookies to gourmet coffee, barbecue to whey protein bars and beyond. Sometimes being overwhelmed is totally delicious.

Liquor Store

Superior Liquor : East County

Doesn’t Superior Liquor just sound like it’s better than other liquor stores? And while we would usually employ some sort of don’t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover philosophy, our readers have overwhelmingly named Superior Liquor, well, superior.

Liquor Mart : Boulder

Want a rare 2003 Tuscan red that’s less than a $100? You will find it at Liquor Mart. Want a six-pack of micro-brew from Louisiana? It’s here. Liquor Mart is a huge space filled with wine, beer and spirits from all over the world. Scottish gin? Eighteen-year-old Macallan Scotch? Look no farther.

Wine Shop

Superior Liquor : East County

There are really two types of wine-drinkers: snobs and everyone else. Superior Liquor satisfies both—with thousands of wines to pick from and affordable prices as well as an expert staff and a solid selection of wines that would please even the most particular of aficionados.

Boulder Wine Merchant : Boulder

Brett Zimmerman is a master sommelier, which means he knows what he’s talking about when he’s talking about wine. Zimmerman is also the owner of the Boulder Wine Merchant, which he uses as a mechanism for bringing a diverse ensemble of great wines to Boulder. Thank you, Brett Zimmerman. Thank you.

Instrument Shop

Miller Music : East County

Miller Music will rock your world (yes, we have to allow a few puns here or there). The staff is truly something special—knowledgeable and helpful—and they not only sell a variety of instruments, but their lessons are a mainstay for the young rockers of Boulder County.

Robb’s Boulder Music : Boulder

Many a great musician has come out of Boulder (Chris Wood, Jello Biafra, etc.), and many of them have been influenced by Robb’s Boulder Music. With an über skilled staff of salespeople and repair people and a solid selection of instruments, this place is the nerve center for the local musical anatomy.

Pet Shop

Struttin’ Pup : East County

Struttin’ Pup is not just a cool place to shop for your pups—and yes, it is cool. The staff is also amazingly helpful. They know what you need when you’re bringing home a new puppy or the food you want when your dog needs a change in diet. They are both smart and cool, which is soooo hot.

Whole Pets : Boulder

In Boulder, pets reign. And you want quality, healthy goods to please your fuzzy little kings and queens. Whole Pets knows this about you, and responds by providing natural pet foods, toys and treats for your pets. Yes, it’s good
to be king.

Auto Repair

Stang Auto Tech : East County

Stang Auto Tech is one of those auto repair shops that doesn’t scare the living bejesus out of us car-ignorant folk. At this family-owned shop, customer service doesn’t include a muffled guffaw when you ask what a carburetor is, and they take pride in learning each client’s wants and needs. You won’t like getting your car repaired there—but you’ll tolerate it a little more.

Hoshi Motors : Boulder

Hoshi Motors knows how to speak your language and not that goofy car-talk. They are known for creating a sense of trust with their customers, and they don’t just understand your car, they understand how to explain your car to you. So you leave feeling like that thing you drive is a little less of a mystery.

Vet

Jasper Animal Hospital, Dr. Dodge : East County

Dr. Dodge is one cool cat: so cool, he knows how to treat your pets like royalty and put that extra furry (or feathery) spunk back into your favorite family member. Dodge is a champion among a dying breed of devout vets.

Alpine Animal Hospital : Boulder

Cozy entrance and all: This dog and cat clinic could make your grandmother feel right at home, and who knows, they might even be able to treat the old bat. With cozy couches for you and your pets, this classic vet clinic will have you satisfied till the end.

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The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Retail & Services appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo by Gray Box Studios

This year, we’re giving our Best of the West winners the red carpet treatment: The readers have spoken, the critics have made their picks and several local celebrities have added their two cents.

The envelope please…

Overall Restaurant

Colterra : East County

This Niwot hideaway was Chef Bradford Heap’s first shining star, and it continues to be a gem of East County dining with seasonal dishes inspired by the cuisines of southern France and northern Italy.

The Mediterranean : Boulder

The Med (officially, The Mediterranean) does a little bit of a lot of things with great aplomb. The menu combines Italian, Spanish, French and Greek cuisine in an array of tapas, salads, seafood, paella, grilled meats, pizzas and house-made baked goods and desserts. No wonder it’s a perennial favorite.

Contemporary American

Terroir : East County

As its name might suggest, Terroir takes seasonality and locale very seriously. Its menu draws inspiration from the Colorado land and landscape, offering modern American cuisine doused with the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Salt : Boulder

It was a bold move to take over the venerable Tom’s Tavern space, but with Salt’s farm-to-table menu and innovative cocktail program, it’s living up to the reputation long established at its historic locale.

Cheap Eats

Martino’s Pizzeria : East County

Since it opened, Martino’s has quickly become a YS staff lunch favorite, with tasty traditional thin-crust pies, unusual flavors and a gluten-free option that everyone from sales to graphics can enjoy—whether we’re normally gluten-free or not.

Snarf’s Sub Shop : Boulder

Whether you’re hankering for a classic Italian, a cheese and mushroom or a prime rib and provolone, you can’t beat Snarf’s for a tasty, toasty sandwich every time, served up in a colorful sub shop, quick as you please. And with six locations, you’re never far from satisfying a craving.

Bakery

Indulge Bakery : East County

In the foodie faith, heaven is often described as a pastry shop, with gleaming glass cases brimming with gourmet treats as beautiful to behold as they are delicious to taste. Should you find yourself in need of a soul-stirring baked good, worship at the altar of Indulge and try a taste of heaven.

Tee & Cakes : Boulder

We recently discovered Tee & Cakes also sells really excellent Novo coffee, making that daily cupcake run just that much more legitimate. It’s a lot more socially acceptable to say you’re going to grab a cup of coffee than going to grab a cupcake…and maybe a whoopie pie…and some cookies…

Bagel

Big Daddy Bagels : East County

You may or may not be aware Big Daddy Bagels not only sells, well, really fine bagels, but they also toast them and put all sorts of fabulous things in the middle of them, creating bagel sandwiches that are some of the finest in the land. And their chocolate chip cookies aren’t half bad, either.

Moe’s Broadway Bagel : Boulder

Moe’s bagels are legit on two fronts: New York-style bagels served up in an atmosphere that couldn’t be anywhere but Boulder. Swoop in for a fix that’s Big Apple and People’s Republic all at once.

BBQ

KT’s Real Good BBQ : EC and B

With nearly 20 years and four locations under their belt, Kirk and Tricia Jamison (the eponymous KT) know a bit about barbecue. Their smoky trail took them from Seattle to Memphis to Boulder with a passion for great barbecue leading the way.

Breakfast & Brunch

The Huckleberry : East County

Sitting in pride of place on a prominent corner in Louisville, stepping into Huckleberry feels a bit like stepping back in time for the kind of country breakfast you thought went the way of phone booth. It really doesn’t matter what you order. As the kids say, “it’s all good.”

Lucile’s Creole Cafe : Boulder

Biscuits, gravy, red beans and grits. Need we say more? OK, then how about chicory coffee and beignets. Yeah. Thought so.

Breakfast Burrito

Santiago’s : EC and B

On the Santiago’s website, there is a little ticker showing customer-submitted answers to the phrase, “You know you’re addicted to Santiago’s when…” Someone apparently submitted “…the burritos work faster than Viagra.” We don’t know about that, but now we’ll know a happy customer when we see one.

Burger

SmashBurger : East County

It’s all about the crispy bits. Smash that meat against the griddle and the edges get deliciously crispy and carbonized while the middle stays moist and juicy. Add to that the fact that you can get it built any way you like with a side of fried potato goodness and this becomes the fast-food burger joint that puts all the others
to shame.

Larkburger : Boulder

Oh, trendy hamburger paradise. Why must you be in Boulder while we languish 20 or 30 minutes away in East County? Please bring your black Angus burgers, your truffle fries and your real ice cream milk shakes out our way. We’ll love you better. Promise.

Chinese

Spice China : East County

You wouldn’t think a restaurant with a 20-page menu would need to add anything, but when Spice China added a sushi bar last year, it only made it better. Bring your reading glasses and dig in; everything’s good, Chinese, Japanese and beyond.

China Gourmet : Boulder

Don’t be shy; step up to the counter and order the best Chinese food in Boulder. Sure, the atmosphere may leave a little to be desired, but the food more than makes up for it. Lunch specials here are a great deal.

Coffee shop

Brewing Market Coffee : EC and B

Start with a great bean and you get a good brew. Add baristas who are never too busy to add a heart or leaf pattern to your latte and who never blink when you order something weird like decaf. Top with the genius of burritos heated on a panini press, and it’s pretty clear why Brewing Market leads the coffee chains around here.

Restaurant for a date

Magnolia : East County

Steak and sushi are sexy, but you can order anything off the menu at Magnolia and feel the romantic vibes. Allow us to recommend the blue crab macaroni and cheese, mon petit chou. A swank dining room and patio won’t hurt your cause either.

Frasca Food and Wine : Boulder

If your date knows anything about food or the restaurant scene in Colorado, just mentioning you’ve booked a table for two at Frasca will set her heart aflutter. Forgot the reservation? If the fates are with you, there might be room for two at the salumi table. Tell her you requested it specially. We won’t say anything.

Dessert

Indulge Bakery : East County

There’s a reason this place is called Indulge. It’s because you’re already thinking about dessert at 9 am on a Thursday. It’s because you plan ahead to swing by and pick up a “little something” for that special dinner at home. It’s because you’d rather go here than order off of a dessert menu anywhere else.

Tee & Cakes : Boulder

Cupcakes are the perfect dessert: they’re decadent without being overwhelming (no great wall of cake here); they’re individually sized so you don’t have to share; and they come in as many flavors as there are moods. Who cares what’s on the dessert list? Let’s just have cupcakes.

For Families

Zamparelli’s Italian Bistro : East County

Unlike most “family-friendly” pizza places, there are no scary animatronic creatures at Zamparelli’s. You will not be forced to listen to the ruckus of screaming children playing noisy midway games. Instead, you and the kids will experience real food from a real menu in a real restaurant. And bonus: They can make you a martini.

Turley’s : Boulder

Please don’t take this the wrong way Turley’s, but to us, you’re like an upscale Denny’s, made for families hungry for real food instead of corporate dreck. You’re the sort of place where parents can feel good about feeding their kids, and kids feel really good about the food on their plates. It’s a compliment; trust us.

Green Chile

Santiago’s : East County

Santiago’s now ships its chile all over the state and beyond. If that’s not a vote of confidence, we don’t know what is.

Efrain’s II : Boulder

The chile at Efrain’s reminds us of John Mellencamp crooning that it “hurts so good.” No greasy gravy here; just straight up authentic heat. Come on, baby. Make it hurt so good.

Indian

Taj Mahal : East County

Hiding in a nondescript strip mall is a jewel of India. Ornately decorated with food as exotic and rich as the décor. The lunch buffet is a steal, and the take away a great way to bring India home.

Bombay Bistro : Boulder

Fresh ingredients from local farms mix with modern and traditional Indian flavors in this hip, hot spot. Try the boneless beef short ribs for a taste of everything Indian cuisine can be. A new cocktail menu rounds out the experience with fresh flavors to compliment your meal.

Italian

Zamparelli’s Italian Bistro : East County

Zamparelli’s is so much more than pizza. Their risotto balls are transcendent. Their pastas hit the mark every time. Their salads go beyond just lettuce. If you can manage not to order one of their fantastic pizzas, you’ll realize they have fantastic everything else as well.

Laudisio : Boulder

Laudisio was farm-to-table before it was cool. For 20 years they’ve served up the very best in local products with a true Italian flare. Their wood-fired pizzas (and mobile oven) were ahead of the trend. In fact, Laudisio seems to be ahead of the curve in pretty much every department.

Mexican

Efrain’s : EC and B

Personally, I could eat the chile verde bowl (with a side of guacamole) at least once a week. It’s my favorite. But the mondongo bowl also has a crave-worthy allure, as does the mystique of the Efrain’s burrito. No matter what, you get something delicious, something that will soon become your favorite.

Patio

Martini’s Bistro : East County

Martini’s is always a nice spot for dinner or lunch. But come spring, the beautiful Victorian with charm unto itself opens its lovely patio for diners. It’s like a normal restaurant patio but with all the perks of a hip lounge—cozy chairs, fireplaces, perfect lighting, excellent people watching and cocktails, of course.

The Mediterranean : Boulder

The Med’s patio is coveted. If it’s not raining or snowing or doing one of Colorado’s odd climatic freakshows, you want a spot on the patio. You want it because, maybe, just maybe, the slight breeze, sunshine and fresh air will make you feel as though you are sitting seaside on the coast of Spain, eating mussels and paella.

Lunch

Sun Rose Cafe : East County

There’s no want for deliciousness at Sun Rose—it’s all yummy. But there is a special you get from a cup of homemade soup (it changes daily) and a smoked turkey and bacon panini with slices of avocado, sweet basil vinaigrette, sun dried tomatoes and Dijon mayo. It exemplifies the Longmont eatery’s balance between hearty, familiar flavors and homemade inventiveness.

The Mediterranean : Boulder

Power lunches are for getting work done (or at least looking like you’re getting work done). But ya’ll gotta eat too. The Med has long been a destination for East County and Boulder power-lunchers and casual-lunchers alike, serving up all sorts of amazing tapas and entrees. Kind of makes being productive a lot more appetizing.

Salad

Zamparelli’s : East County

There are salads and then there are Zamp’s salads. Never overwrought or overcrowded, these are light and scrumptious. The Caesar is a tangy spin on a classic (with buttery croutons), the arugula salad is doused in Parmigiano-Reggiano with a tangy balsamic, and the pear and gorgonzola has tremendous balance with fruit and cheese, walnuts and greens. It’s a whole new world of salads.

Mad Greens : Boulder

It happens all the time. You have 30 minutes for lunch, and your choices are a handful of fast food or fast casual eateries. But all you want is a spinach salad with grilled portobello, blue cheese, artichoke hearts, almonds and maybe shallot tarragon vinaigrette. McDonald’s definitely isn’t gonna do it. But Mad Greens really does do it your way.

Sandwich

Martino’s Pizzeria : East County

When you want your sandwich to be a little more like pizza—melted mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce and Italian sausage—you would be remiss to overlook the Italian grinder at Martino’s. It’s overflowing, rich and gratifying, this sandwich leaves you stuffed.

Snarf’s Sub Shop : Boulder

If you can stand its loud music and a little wait for the food: Snarf’s kitchen crew and amazing food make it totally worthwhile. These famous sandwiches are served on hot, fresh bread, and each ingredient is sure to have you’re taste buds tingling through to the very last bite.

Seafood

Tortuga’s : East County

Tortuga’s is consistently referred to as the “hidden gem” of Longmont. Set in a pretty little historic home, they serve up amazing Caribbean- and Southern-inspired fare with flavors that you can’t find anywhere else in the area. If you know what’s good for you, discover this gem.

Jax Fish House : Boulder

Jax garnered national fame when its chef Hosea Rosenberg won Top Chef a few years back. But way before Rosenberg wowed Bravo obsessees, Jax was making locals drool over stellar seafood. Jax consistently does inspired plates of beautiful fish and shellfish, paying homage to the natural flavors of the ocean and rivers while showing their innovative muscles.

Pizza

Martino’s Pizzeria : East County

In this day and age, it’s tough to find a place where all people with all dietary restrictions can gather and enjoy a meal together. But Martino’s has gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options. It’s always a crowd pleaser—no matter how picky your crowd is. Martino’s unites us all!

Abo’s : Boulder

Abo’s serves up a straight-forward pizza that pleases both college students and wayward office workers searching for mid-day sustenance, especially when that’s a big, thin-crust slice of pepperoni pizza. Whether you’re on a country road in Erie or in the heart of Boulder, Abo’s has a slice waiting for you.

Steakhouse

Magnolia : East County

Magnolia is the James Franco of restaurants (it’s good at a lot of things). But steak? Their steaks are swagger and savoir fair, like their grilled Angus sirloin with roasted garlic demi, which is served with buttermilk onion rings. Delicious and sexy…like the time James Franco guest stared on General Hospital.

The Boulder Chophouse : Boulder

The Boulder Chophouse brings a bit of upscale romance to the traditional steakhouse concept. There are no peanuts on the floor, but there is meat—crazy good slabs of perfectly grilled, well-seasoned steak.

Sushi

Sushi Mara (Magnolia) : East County

Lafayette’s Magnolia has different personalities: At one moment it’s a steakhouse, the next you’re being served a beautiful salad and leg of lamb. Then you’re getting an annihilator roll and two orders of unagi. And that’s a good thing, because we know that no matter our mood, we’re covered.

Sushi Zanmai : Boulder

You leave Sushi Zanmai with a smile on your face. It’s the sake. Then, of course, you’ve just had more raw fish than a binging shark, and you stayed late to catch surprisingly tolerable karaoke. Just try not to smile.

Thai

Thai Kitchen : East County

Thai Kitchen is legit. Which is our way of saying the Longmont restaurant may be the easiest way to connect with Thai culture while staying in town. The dishes—like the larb, pad prig and Thai curries—are traditional, full of exotic flavors, spices and heat.

Chy Thai Cuisine : Boulder

I judge Thai food restaurants by their tom kha soup. It’s not as ubiquitous as pad thai or curries, and when you take a sip of a truly delicious tom kha, you know you’ve found something special. Chy Thai’s is spicy but sweet, filled with meaty mushrooms and a subtle perfume of lemongrass. From there, keep eating.

Vegetarian

Flavor of India Inc. : East County

This happens every year: Flavor of India, by no means a “vegetarian restaurant,” is voted best vegetarian restaurant. But we feel for the non-meat eaters, and we’re happy they’ve found solace in their veggie samosas, aloo gobi and sag paneer.

Leaf : Boulder

We have a couple of vegetarians on staff, and they are a vocal, passionate few (they’ve even muscled the meat-eaters into Meatless Mondays). Boulder’s Leaf is a celebration of them: a restaurant that honors the vegetarian, preparing truly delicious food sans animal.

Bar

Waterloo : East County

Waterloo is the little black dress of bars. Seriously, hear me out: it’s classic yet trendy, it’s sexy and cool, and your mom would totally approve. With exposed brick, local beers on tap and a band usually playing your song, no matter your mood, it’s just the right fit.

The Bitter Bar/Happy : Boulder

The Bitter Bar is an adventure. It can be a pick-your-own-adventure. Or you can stow away on one of their mixologist’s expeditions. Order off of the menu (the Aviation is a dream or try the Green Tea Pimm’s) or simply tell the bad-ass staff what you like. Either way, prepare for a journey.

Dive Bar

Dillinger’s Food & Spirits : East County

Discover your inner delinquent at this bar with wide-set bar stools and pool tables to break away from the usual crowd. Stop by to get real bar grub with a nice bottled beer.

The Dark Horse : Boulder

Make your way into the belly of the beast with this untamed bar. Much like its name signifies, you’ll dive into a darkened, tight-quartered tavern and relish the flea market décor galore. With food like peanut-butter cheeseburgers and flowing beer on tap, I challenge you to giddy up.

Pub/Tavern

Waterloo : East County

Pub must-haves: beer and food. Waterloo doesn’t just have food. It has a list of burgers (the potato burger will seduce you), barbecue and some killer jalapeno poppers that go perfectly with a glass of local beer. Done and done.

Conor O’Neill’s : Boulder

I have a confession: I’m a former Conor O’Neill’s regular. The reason for the “former” has less to do with Conor O’Neill’s and more to do with me no longer being a barfly (that happens when you age). But as I think about having a boxty and a pint of Strongbow, there are still temptations.

Brewery

Oskar Blues : East County

If breweries were periods of ancient civilization, Oskar Blues would be the Roman Empire. It seems, these days, the funky Lyons brewpub has exploded with multiple locations—a restaurant and a tasting room—and a true national brand. We’re just the beneficiaries of their reign.

Boulder Beer Company : Boulder

The creations of Boulder Beer are crowd pleasers: drinkable but inventive, bold and flavorful. It’s no wonder our readers drink Boulder Beer’s beers by…well…the pint.

Happy Hour

Magnolia : East County

Happy hour is supposed to be happy, so when you finally get there, all you want are friends, a discounted cocktail and snacks. Magnolia has two of those—with a menu of bites and bits, including tempura avocado, in the casual cocktail lounge or the patio. Just bring friends.

The Mediterranean : Boulder

The best thing about The Med’s happy hour is the selection. They don’t just hand you a tiny list of happy hour restrictions. There are mussels, hummus and tapas to share or to hoard. And fear not, they serve up quality, not just quantity.

Margaritas

Efrain’s II : East County

The Efrain’s margarita comes in a jar—an unintimidating glass of golden liquid. It’s a bit sweet with flecks of salt and a soft hint of tequila shining through. It’s a summer day in one sip.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant : Boulder

The Rio marg is the stuff of legends. It’s toppled grown men and crushed many a 21-year-old. Slightly sweet and full of tang, these are not the type of cocktails served in fishbowls or downed by the gallon. There’s a limit of three, but trust us—three Rio margs could be your downfall.

Wine List

Zucca Italian Ristorante : East County

We love wine lists that have range. Zucca, Louisville’s new Italian stallion, has a well-curated list that spans Italy’s best wine regions. Have a little glass of Piedmont or a glass of Tuscany. That’s the kind of range we can drink in.

Frasca Food and Wine : Boulder

James Beard knows his stuff, and when he talks, we listen. The James Beard Foundation has repeatedly honored Bobby Stuckey, the co-owner of Frasca and master sommelier, for his mad skills as the wine director at Boulder’s Friulian gem. Their wine list has breadth and depth, it’s world-class but locally inspired.

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The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Food & Drink appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Old Town isn’t so old anymore. Sure, The Blue Parrot is still a mainstay, but it seems every few feet a new business has sprouted up since summer.

1. Vie Vie Luxe
A fashion boutique on Main Street was long overdue. Luckily this store opened last month featuring luxurious women’s clothing (cashmere sweaters, beautiful semi-precious stone belt buckles) and a few unusually fun items (gift box cards and trendy tampon holders). 909 Main St. 303.968.4317

2. Café de Paris
You can get all the normal goodies at this sidewalk café that opened in August, but that wouldn’t be any fun. Take advantage of the Moroccan offerings such as traditional teas, jasmine milk and pancakes served with honey butter. 908 Main St. 303.665.9716.

3. The Bronze Elk
With décor fit for your Aspen estate, this newish store seems a little out of place in Louisville. But the tree-trunk style furniture and incredibly cute dog, cat and frog sculptures are worth a stop.
901 Front St. Suite 110. 303.604.6509

4. Waterloo Icehouse
The Druid’s Arms is gone, and the space has received a significant facelift as new owners have transformed it into an upscale watering hole serving organic food by day, cool spirits by night, and featuring live music three nights a week. There’s also a 110-inch projection TV for big games. 809 Main St. 303.993.2094

5. Old Louisville Inn
With new replacing old at every turn, the Inn is a historic glimpse back 102 years. Its antique, woody bar conjures images of the Old West, and an immense menu offers plenty of tasty options.
740 Front St. 303.6669982

6. A Grande Finale Patisserie
Come to this eight-year-old bakery everyday for a chocolate raspberry mouse. But take advantage of the holidays and bring home a pumpkin pecan pie for Thanksgiving or any other gathering.
641 Main St. 303.926.4084

Also: Eat the not-so-politically correct Wopburger at The Blue Parrot (303.666.0677), age well at Auriege Day Spa (303.926.4336), get a classic chop at Thunderbird Barbers (303.665.2176), grab a Gibson at Wildwood Guitars (303.665.7733), and find sandwiches, beads and more in Main Street Marketplace.

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It’s never been easy doing business in Old Town Erie, given the sleepy little area doesn’t have a critical mass of residents that flock to its cafes, shops and restaurants. Even so, it’s expensive to open a business downtown if you need to make changes to the building. The city’s impact fees that pay for town infrastructure dwarf those charged by surrounding towns. There are many who think the price of doing business here is a deterrent. The town will now study offsetting the fees for businesses in the historic downtown.

What’s Next: Trustees will discuss this in October, and it sounds like they understand the importance of keeping Old Town business costs low.

The post Old Town in Need of a Business Boost appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The cash registers are ringing like crazy at the new Super Wal-Mart that just opened its doors on Highway 287 in Lafayette. It could mean millions to the local economy. But it comes at a cost. Just ask Elisha Isha.

She owns Liquor Zone at Waneka Parkway and South Public just down the road. For 20 years, Wal-Mart anchored the plaza, but it shuttered to make way for its Super counterpart a few miles away. Now all that’s left is a dying strip mall.

Isha has run the liquor store for seven years—she owns the building, too. The first four years were profitable. Sales took a hit when an Albertsons grocery store left three years ago, causing a near 70 percent dip in her bottom line. Now without any draw to the strip since Wal-Mart’s departure, Isha is seeing additional losses of $300-plus a day. Her shelves are half stocked with wine, booze and beer because it’s all she can afford.

“It is hard because nobody wants to buy here,” she says of her declining business.

Isha’s story is not unique. When a large retailer bolts for another location or closes, it leaves a gapping hole that once guaranteed traffic to the area. The shopping plaza is already half empty, with the few who remain just holding on.

“I may lose everything,” Isha says with her Greek accent as thick as the day she moved to Colorado in 1980. “I put everything into this building. You can look at the parking lot, there’s nobody now.”

With no immediate hope of landing a big-ticket retailer and redevelopment years and millions of dollars away, she and the other small businesses that own their retail pads are stuck in limbo.

“They are in a very difficult position; we do recognize that,” says Bonnie Star, the city’s executive director of urban renewal who is overseeing the project. “There’s no question that the loss of the space hurts, that’s a lot of the cars out of the parking lot. We have tried to be on the front end of the curve.”

That’s up for debate, according to one member of city council.

“There was no discussion on the effects of Wal-Mart moving out,” says a peeved Kerry Bensman, Lafayette City Council member. “The city’s going to have a major blighted area sitting there.”

Star argues that a solid foundation is in place for the redevelopment of the 22-acre parcel (Boulder County owns four acres with plans for moving a county building there) and discussions about what to do have been ongoing for more than a year. It takes time, and right now the biggest roadblock seems to be Wal-Mart and their slow response in pricing the old building.

“Even though it feels like were spinning our wheels right now, the potential for this site is huge,” Star says. “What we’re trying to do is revitalize it into something that is better than before.”

The city initially tried to convince Wal-Mart to renovate its former site by expanding into the old Albertsons space, which Lafayette owns. But Wal-Mart turned down incentives, saying it wanted the prime visibility that came the site on 287 between Arapahoe and Baseline roads. The city then chipped in $2.3 million in incentives to foster the cross-city move.

Under the guidance of elected officials, Star is now working to lure a new urbanism development at Waneka Parkway that would include residential units, offices and possibly some retail. She says the city will throw tax breaks, friendly loans and its $2-million retail pad at a developer that brings the right plan to the table.

The unfortunate part of this story is that even in a best-case scenario, Star doesn’t expect ground to be broken for a year, leaving Isha and others crossing their fingers that they can hold on that long.

“I don’t have a life,” she says, explaining her 15-hour workdays. “I don’t have money to do anything…If I lose this, I’ll lose my house, too.

“That’s it. That’s all that I have.”

The post Planned Blight appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.