GRAND JUNCTION, Colo: In a landscape dramatically different from anywhere else in Colorado, surrounded by rivers, canyons, mesas and mountains to explore, Grand Junction is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Combine that with the surrounding wine and orchard country, an abundance of local farms and ranches, a culture of art and creativity, and it’s easy to see why so many artisans, ‘makers’ and custom retailers are inspired by this welcoming valley. Below, shoppers can find seven unique, Grand Junction-made gifts perfect for everyone on their holiday list.
For the Adventure Seeker: Bundle up with a ski jacket or fleece from Loki Outerwear, the original "All-In-One Outdoor Clothing Company." Loki specializes in patented convertible hand and face warmth, backpack-able pockets and all-in-one convertible accessories, and everything Loki makes is ready to face changing weather. Loki gear changes to be warmer with built-in mitts and neck warmer, or cools down with vents and stow away pack-ability. All this while maintaining a "low-key" in style and friendly prices.
For the Outdoor Sportsman: A favorite among local hunters, fisherman and general backpackers, Hill People Gear’s Ute Backpack is a do-it-all pack that adapts from small daypack to multi-day load hauler. Plus, $5 of the proceeds from every Ute pack sold goes to the Ute Tribal Scholarship Fund.
For the Libations Lover: Colterris Winery, one of Grand Junction’s 26-area wineries and tasting rooms, has a delicious line of canned wines called Canterris. Available in red, white and rosé, these wines are perfect for a picnic among the vines, a lazy day on the Colorado River or after a great afternoon on one of Grand Junction’s many hiking of biking trails. Spirits enthusiasts will love Peach Street Distillery and their wide selection of hand crafted spirits, from gin and vodka to their signature Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Keep an eye out for limited releases, such as their coveted Tub Gin, infused with plums in small batches so no two are ever exactly the same.
For the Sugar Hound: Hand-crafted in Grand Junction using only the finest and freshest ingredients, Enstrom Candie’s world-famous almond toffee is the perfect holiday treat. In addition, the company offers a wide variety of items including toffee popcorn, truffles and delicious gourmet chocolates.
For the At-Home Beauty Queen: Check out Vital Flora’s line of small batch herbal medicinals and skin care products. Expertly crafted in western Colorado to support the earth, Vital Flora uses ethically wildcrafted, locally grown organic herbs from Grand Junction and supports sustainable sourcing to create items such as their 5 Step Herbal Facial Kit and Ritual Bath Kit.
For the Person Who is Always Cold: Let them warm up with handmade alpaca fiber textiles or receive a sweet alpaca keepsake bear in a stocking from Suncrest Orchard Alpacas.
For Post-Holiday Stress Relief: Local lavender products grown for bath & body, culinary and home décor can melt away any holiday stress. The holidays are a perfect time to pamper with aromatherapy and gift box collections from Sage Creations Organic Farm. There are several area lavender farms, let your nose lead the way!
About Grand Junction (visitgrandjunction.com). Grand Junction is Colorado’s Wine Country featuring 24 wineries with year-round tasting rooms, and boasting more than 275 days of sunshine annually which helps produce much of the state’s peach and fruit crop. It is the largest city in Western Colorado, located near the Colorado River between Salt Lake City and Denver on Interstate 70. At an altitude of 4,586 feet, warm summers and moderate spring, fall and winter seasons allow for year-round golf, hiking and world-renowned biking. Among Grand Junction's spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons are the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain, the 7,500-foot Book Cliffs including the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area, and the 20,500-acre Colorado National Monument. Other attractions include three national scenic byways, rafting, hunting, fishing, extensive public art displays, museums, and a vibrant downtown. Grand Junction lies in the heart of the Colorado-Utah Dinosaur Diamond and the Grand Circle.
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