In Grand Junction’s vibrant downtown, you’ll find plenty of places to dine, trendy boutiques to visit, and one of the largest outdoor art displays in the country to explore and snap the best selfies with. Downtown has so much to offer that we’re breaking it down, block by block, highlighting who is where, as defined by which piece of artwork is nearby. Names of streets and numbers aren’t always memorable, but the artwork in Grand Junction certainly is – so we are helping you navigate based on art! Last week we looked at 4th-5th. This time we are featuring the 500 block to explore what you’ll find between 5th and 6th Street.
Cross 5th Street and find the red and black tower on the south side of the street. On the north side, you'll find the fountain with the children and puppy drinking from a garden hose. The Hog and the Hen, a neighborhood market and deli, is right next to this fountain. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, groceries or beer, wine, and liquor to bring home or back to your hotel room.
Be sure to visit Grand Junction’s first art gallery, the Working Artists Studio & Gallery, where over 90 local artists have work on display. Pieces here vary from pottery and jewelry, to photography and sculptures, to paintings and stained glass. Founded over 28 years ago, Working Artist Gallery prides itself not only on featuring beautiful work from local artists, but in featuring pieces that represent the beauty of Western Colorado. Many of the creations on display were inspired by Colorado's majestic landscapes, from the mountains of Telluride to the canyons of Colorado National Monument. Interested in creating your own stained glass pieces? Working Artist Studio also has all the supplies you need to create your masterpiece.
Anyone looking for a solid pack that can keep up with any outdoor adventure needs to put a bag from Hill People Gear on their wish list. A Grand Junction company started by avid outdoor enthusiasts, Hill People Gear makes clothing, backpacks, and accessories designed to be efficient and easy to access, so you’re not fumbling around when you are out exploring. Hill People Gear can be found by the royal frog.
Continue to The Gear Junction, an outdoor gear consignment shop dedicated to helping you find the right equipment at the right price. In addition to new and used outdoor sports equipment, The Gear Junction has outdoor clothing, as well as a full bicycle service department and rental equipment.
Across the street, catch a concert at the Mesa Theater. This historic venue originally opened in 1915, back then it was called the Majestic Theater. In the '30s the name was changed to Mesa Theater, and the building was redone in 1953 and converted from a cinema to a concert venue. With a capacity of 850 people, Mesa Theater is a smaller venue, allowing you to see big names in a more intimate setting.
Next, we’ll be exploring 7th street, wrapping up our in-depth look with all that is going on in Downtown Grand Junction.
Learn more about all Downtown has to offer on page 16 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
