With the holidays approaching, it’s always a good idea to shop small to support local businesses. There are so many different options in the Roaring Fork Valley; you can’t go wrong with a gift or experience from our community retailers.
Here are some ideas for local gift shopping in our valley.
Hot springs passes
Passes to the local hot springs are a winning gift for every member of the family.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs is known for its adult-friendly, spa-like atmosphere with alcohol, quiet zones, and scenic river views. They also have a fresh-water kiddie pool available for youngsters to splash and play.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort caters to family fun, with a kiddie splash pad, a light-up fountain, and a Shoshone Chutes water ride. It’s the largest hot springs pool in the world, with a designated hot zone, so there’s plenty of space to soak.
The Yampah Vapor Caves are a unique experience that involves a hot springs-fueled vapor cave. It’s steamy and refreshing, utilizing the ancient remedy used by the native Ute tribe members in our area.
Avalanche Ranch is located near Redstone and is an option for a serene getaway in a private mountain setting. They have relaxing pools, designated times, and unique overnight stays that come with 24-hour hot springs access.
Glenwood Caverns
Another option for family-oriented fun is a pass or two to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. As the only mountain-top theme park in the country, the Caverns have several rides to choose from, including an alpine coaster, zip line, roller coaster, Giant Canyon Swing, and more. A gondola ride, restaurant, laser tag, gift shop, and 4D movies also await.
They also have cave tours for which the park is named, a must-do activity for visitors.
Local Brews
There are several options for giftable alcohol for loved ones over 21.
- A bottle of sour beer from Casey Brewing and Blending (a world-ranked sour brewmaster)
- A growler of award-winning beer from Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co.
- Beer from Ball Brewing
- A bottle of wine or a six-pack from any of the local liquor stores
- Whiskey from Stoneyard Distillery (their taproom is in downtown Glenwood Springs)
- Beer from Carbondale Beer Works
- A bottle from Marble Distilling Co.
- Drinks from Capitol Creek Brewing
Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
The show must go on! The Glenwood Springs Vaudeville Revue is a dinner-theater-style comedy show that consists of several skits. The actors are trained and put on a professional production. Tickets to the theater would make for a fantastic gift supporting a unique local business.
Their annual holiday show is a local favorite!
Local Eateries
You can’t go wrong with a gift card to a beloved local restaurant. The Roaring Fork Valley has countless options!
Coffee Shops
In a similar vein, there are many coffee shops to choose from in the community. Gift cards are a fantastic option as a gift.
- River Blend
- Expresso Hut
- Sacred Grounds
- Deja Brew
- Bluebird Cafe
- Drifter’s Coffee
- New Castle Coffe Co.
- Misty’s Coffee Shop
- Bonfire Coffee
- CC Café
Lift Tickets to Sunlight
Sunlight Mountain Resort is a local’s paradise for skiing and snowboarding. It’s low-key, affordable, uncrowded, unpretentious, and caters to both beginners and advanced skiers.
A single-day ticket would be a great present choice for anyone looking to have some snowy fun this winter season.
For rentals, gear, and cold-weather attire, consider some fantastic shops around the valley, such as Brian’s Bench, Blue Sky, Sunlight Bike and Ski, Defiance Cyclery, Basalt Bike and Ski.
Staycation
There are some wonderful options in the Roaring Fork Valley for a staycation. Some options are historic, others swanky, a few are swanky. An overnight stay at any of the following places would be a knock-out gift (especially for a spouse!):
- Hotel Colorado
- Hotel Denver
- Four Mile Creek BnB
- Glenwood Springs BnB
- Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
- Avalanche Ranch
Monthly membership
If your loved ones have a service that they pay for regularly, a good gift would be to cover those charges for a month. Gyms, fitness classes, recreation centers, and other pay-to-play experiences sometimes offer punch cards or day passes as well.
Spa treatment
There are several spas to choose from in the Roaring Fork Valley. Massages, nail treatments, salon visits, facials, and other beauty services are available from Aspen to Rifle. These gifts are great for an extra dose of self-care and stress relief.
Gift from a local shop
There are countless shops on main streets in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, New Castle, Silt, and Basalt. You can’t go wrong with any of the many small-town retailers, from outdoor shops to candy stores, boutiques to galleries.
Have questions?
Have more ideas? Connect with the team at Sopris Realty today. Contact us online or give us a call at 970-945-7677.