If you are ready to hang up your bulky winter jackets and update your spring wardrobe, Grand Junction offers some of the best boutique and trendy shops to do just that! Plus, everyone needs a little retail therapy and we hereby give you permission! Explore outdoor gear, western wear, uncanny art, and books that should never be judged by their cover.
Summit Canyon Mountaineering
Founded in 1978, Summit Canyon has casual and high-performance clothing, gear, and products that make your outdoor adventures safe, convenient, and fun. Their experienced staff has a passion for the outdoors, so bend their ear for some free advice on places to explore while you are visiting Grand Junction, the mecca for outdoor recreation. Want to hang out with them? Sign-up for their wax parties, group ski days, or join their organized hikes.
Uncanny Valley Art Gallery
This place is more than an art gallery, it’s a venue for art lovers and artists, and it certainly lives up to its name. The art on display at Uncanny Valley Art Gallery is 100% censorship-free and commission-free art. They believe this offers the ability for local artists to release their full creativity and be motivated by what influences them the most. They’ve recently expanded and are moving to a new location at 514 Main Street on April 1, 2022. Plan to throw some paint in the Splatter Room (for kids too!) or design a t-shirt from the onsite screen-printing room. You will feel gratified knowing that every penny you spend is going directly to the artist. How do they manage this you ask? All gallery members pitch in small monthly dues that cover the gallery lease and expenses to support this special self-sustaining gallery.
Out West Books
This friendly independent bookstore has a well-curated selection of historical books, including those written by locals, and even banned or censored books. As Laurie Halse Anderson shared, “Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.” The owner’s family homesteaded in the area over 100 years ago and she is a second-generation bookstore proprietor, so you know they take their shop seriously. Stopping in to view the historic family photos on the walls is worth a visit in and of itself! Out West Books also has a significant high-quality children’s section and if you are looking for the latest trendy quick-read vacation book to just escape reality for a bit, they have that too! Local secret: Kids under the age of 18 receive a free book under $10 on their birthday, so stop in and dive into your next riveting read.
Main Paige
Bringing high-quality fashion from all over the world, Main Paige is committed to providing new styles, unique designs and quality clothing and jewelry to Grand Junction. The owner-buyer, Beth, looks out for “art to wear” as she travels all over the world, which is a testament to how uniquely stylish their products are – over 100 designer labels in total. Walk on in and the helpful staff is always happy to assist you in finding the perfect outfit or accent piece.
Willow Creek Herbs & Teas
Organic is the keyword when talking about Willow Creek Herbs & Teas. They offer over 195 black, green and herbal teas as well as over 200 blended herbs and spices that are all organic. Willow Creek also sells art, jewelry and pottery, most of which are made locally in the Grand Junction area. There are also a wide variety of spices, salts, and even different flavors of maple syrup that you can taste test before purchasing. This is a fun shop with helpful staff that provides specialty items that make travel fun and opens your horizons to new and innovative ingredients. Quick tip: Pick up a mate bombilla, which is a wooden or stainless steel straw that sifts out whole leaf tea so you can drink it on the go – perfect for travel!
Mesa Mall
Mesa Mall boasts big-name department stores like HomeGoods, Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Cabela’s. However, this uber clean and bright mall hosts other brands you know and love as well, including, American Eagle, Sunglass Hut, Zumiez, DUGOUT Arcade, Foot Locker, The Children’s PLACE, and the infamous retro store Spencer Gifts! There are over 73 shops in total, so it’s a safe bet you are going to find quite a few “must-have” items and gifts to make this a rewarding visit. All retail therapy needs nourishment, so take a break at the quintessential food court and try out Pita Place, A&W, Wetzel’s Pretzels, China Pantry, Plenty of Goodness (100% gluten-free), and N’ice Cream Shop (rolled ice cream). With over 27 restaurant options, everyone in your pack will be satisfied! Quick Tip: You can enter the mall through Target and fuel up with a Starbucks that is in the Target store where it connects indoors to Mesa Mall.
For more fashion inspiration, check out these shops. And explore things to do in Grand Junction on pages 16-23 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.