From pottery and DIY crafts to creating your very own custom-scented candles, Grand Junction is just the place to let your creativity shine.
Grand Junction is known for being an epic outdoor adventure destination, thanks to hundreds of miles of world-class mountain bike trails, like the Lunch Loops and Kokopelli Trail networks. In addition to all the biking trails, Grand Junction also offers superb hiking in Colorado National Monument. Some of the most popular trails include No Thoroughfare Canyon, Liberty Cap, and Unaweep Canyon, which boasts some of the best granite rock climbing outside of Yosemite. Add to the adventures, OHV trails that rival Moab, water sports on the hundreds of lakes and rivers, and snow sports in the winter - Grand Junction is an outdoor mecca for all those who are looking to explore uncrowded territory. It's the fourth largest county in Colorado and 76 percent of it is public land! Everyone naturally social distances in Grand Junction.
Offering more than just an adventure, Grand Junction attracts many innovative creators and artists. Downtown Grand Junction is a Colorado Certified Creative District, one of only 25 in the state, and it’s easy to see why. When you walk down Main Street art galleries fill the storefronts along with antique shops, boutique stores, and restaurants. Over 113 high-end sculptures line the streets, all part of Art on the Corner, one of the largest outdoor art displays in the country. Even utility boxes are decorated with vibrant murals.
On the first Friday of every month, Downtown galleries host First Fridays. Starting at the Art Center, galleries hold open houses featuring food, local wine, meet and greets with artists, as well as live demonstrations.
But don’t just observe the art while you’re in Grand Junction, jump right in and create some for yourself. From painting and crafting your own unique candles to pottery and whipping up a masterpiece in the kitchen, there’s plenty of ways to unleash your creative side.
Candle Kitchen
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With over 120 different fragrances to choose from, the hardest part about crafting your very own custom candle will be deciding which scents to choose. Take time to breathe it all in before getting started – think aromatherapy - and if you're still having a hard time choosing, the friendly staff will help you create alluring and unique combinations. After selecting your personalized blend, pick out your jar from Candle Kitchen's extensive variety to fill with your one-of-a-kind scented soy candle. While you wait for your candle to set, head down Main Street to Pablo's Pizza for a slice or Rockslide Brewery for a craft beer and their famous salmon fish and chips, which has turned into an all you can eat special offered Tuesdays from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Fat Cat Pottery
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Paint your choice of more than a dozen funky fresh premade clay creations or use the clay studio to create your own ceramic masterpiece! After you finish sculpting, Fat Cat will fire your clay for you. Once it comes out of the kiln, don your smock and set about painting to give your piece that polished look. If you don’t know where to start with molding clay, take one of Fat Cat’s classes to learn specialty crafts like creating lawn gnomes or join the fun at a themed pottery night.
The Palette
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Get acquainted with new friends and local wine over a painting class at The Palette. Check out their event calendar to find a project that you want to paint. The Palette is always implementing new projects, and with different classes every day, it's easy to find a painting that speaks to you. Follow along with an instructor while holding a brush in one hand and a refreshing beverage in the other and learn to paint sassy unicorns, enchanting sunsets, or a Grand Junction landscape.
Funky Junk
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If you’ve ever tried to craft up a DIY Pinterest idea, you've probably found yourself getting overwhelmed with what seemed like a simple project. Well, Funky Junk DIY Studio takes all the pressure away. With all the materials you need to create even the funkiest of Pinterest finds, workspace to put everything together, and DIY experts to help you if you get stuck, Funky Junk has everything you need to bring out your inner crafter. All you need is a creative mindset and Funky Junk takes care of the rest!
Zesty Moose
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Learn to become a master artisan in the kitchen with a Zesty Moose cooking classes. The owners of Zesty Moose specialize in creating handmade, additive-free, healthy, flavor-packed food. In their cooking classes, learn tips and tricks to efficiently prepare meals, along with how to combine different ingredients in new and exciting combinations to maximize flavor. Delicious tastings are served in the demonstration-style class, and everything you need to enhance your recipes can be found at The Zesty Moose. Keep an eye out for the three events they are offering in September 2021. Try your hand at an olive oil & vinegar cooking class on September 15 or make a reservation for their Night in Tuscany Wine Pairing Dinner on September 17. Both will demonstrate how The Zesty Moose artfully creates edible masterpieces for you and your taste buds to enjoy.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Grand Junction? Check out itineraries starting on page 16 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide!
