Colorado.com Staff Writer

<p>You may want to leave some space in your suitcase next time you visit Colorado (or bring an extra — we don’t judge!). From fashionistas to cheese connoisseurs and candle-making mavens, Colorado is teeming with crafty citizens who cook, sew, mix, carve, build, boil and bake goodies across the state.</p>


Making a Mark: Experience These Unique Colorado Artisans

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Cheesemaking at Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy in Buena Vista

Pottery at Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride

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<p>On your next trip, skip the standard souvenir stores and treat yourself to a truly local experience by visiting an artisan who’s making their mark on the Centennial State. </p>
<h2>Food &amp; Beverage</h2>
<p>Get your caffeine fix in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fruita">Fruita</a>, where <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cafes-coffee-shops/bestslope-coffee-company">Bestslope Coffee Company</a> serves up sustainably sourced cups of joe. Order from their menu of drinks or bring some beans home to roast on your own. If you prefer something with a bit more bite, try <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/salida">Salida</a>-based <a href="https://www.dramapothecary.com/">DRAM Apothecary</a>’s cocktail bitters and syrups to complement the drink menu at your next summer barbecue. And no party is complete without the perfect salsa: <a href="https://www.coloradoblackdiamondsalsa.com">Colorado Black Diamond Salsa</a> is sold at the company’s headquarters in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/conifer">Conifer</a> and in various retailers throughout the state. Are you brave enough to try the Ghost? The brand’s spiciest offering is not for the faint of heart.</p>
<p>More savory treats are available at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/saloon">Minturn Saloon</a> in the form of signature pepper jellies or at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farm-ranch-activities/jumpin-good-goat-dairy">Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/buena-vista">Buena Vista</a>, which sells an array of artisan cheeses, including Rocky Mountain Wine-Soaked Cheddar and Queso de Colorado. </p>
<p>You’ll want to score some local honey from northern Colorado counties at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farm-ranch-activities/bee-squared-apiaries">Bee Squared Apiaries</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/berthoud">Berthoud</a>, and stock up on perfect-for-a-summer-picnic preserves in yummy flavors like Colorado whiskey-peach at <a href="https://www.redcamper.com">RedCamper Picnic Supply</a>’s <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a> headquarters. When it’s time for a sweet treat, try the exquisite bonbons and bars at <a href="http://www.mietteetchocolat.com">Miette et Chocolat</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aurora">Aurora</a> or taste a spoonful of artisan nut butter from Denver’s <a href="https://www.thepbloveco.com">PB Love Co.</a> — you’re sure to fall in love after a sample of the Cinnamon Almond or Salty Peanut concoctions.</p>
<h2>Homewares</h2>
<p>Pick your medium — Colorado home goods vendors sell everything from ceramics to wood products and more. Get a head start on holiday shopping with custom wooden home goods from <a href="https://knot-wong.squarespace.com/?fbclid=IwAR3v-AJQ4AQ8n5-I_a1Yg_TUxr8aYP3EDV8ZAQtysgWC66eva01de30yO3U">Knots Wood &amp; Stone</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lafayette">Lafayette</a>. The store features wooden kitchen tools, charcuterie boards and more. Finally, grab some locally made candles at <a href="https://www.candelariacandles.com">Candelaria</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a>’s <a href="https://www.colorado.com/certified-creative-districts/denver%27s-art-district-on-sante-fe">Art District on Santa Fe</a>. Offering an array of scents in store, they will also work with you to create customized scents and candle labels — perfect for event decor or party favors. </p>
<h2>Health &amp; Beauty</h2>
<p>Find the perfect souvenir for your skin by visiting one of the many local shops producing homemade, natural soaps and body products. Start at <a href="https://osmiaorganics.com">Osmia Organics</a> in Carbondale to pick up some body oils, soaps and mousses made from natural ingredients. Or, peruse the eclectic mix of items at <a href="https://figandyarrow.co">Fig &amp; Yarrow</a> in Denver, which carries products like Cornmint Lavender Tooth Powder, Mustard Soak and a variety of tonics for your hair and scalp. More moisturizers and cleansers are available at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/grand-junction">Grand Junction</a>’s <a href="https://heavenscentcolorado.com/">Heaven Scent</a>, and <a href="https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com">Lily Farm Fresh Skin Care</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Keenesburg">Keenesburg</a> sells cleansers, toners and anti-aging products at their USDA-certified farm lab.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/brighton">Brighton</a>, head to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farm-ranch-activities/sonflower-ranch">SonFlower Ranch</a> to pick up natural soaps. You can thank the creators personally on your visit to the store — these products are made from the milk of Nubian goats that live right on the ranch. Body scrubs and candles can be found at <a href="https://formulary55.com">Formulary 55</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pueblo">Pueblo</a> and visitors near Longmont will want to stop by the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farm-ranch-activities/colorado-aromatics-farm">Colorado Aromatics Farm</a>'s storefront to check out the variety of hand-crafted facial balms, creams, serums essential oils and salt scrubs. </p>
<h2>Clothing &amp; Accessories</h2>
<p>Update your look with bohemian- style jewelry from <a href="https://bohemi.com">Bohemi</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a> or make your own beaded creation at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/boutiques-clothing/curly%27s-bead-emporium">Curly’s Bead Emporium</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/trinidad">Trinidad</a>, which sells beads from around the world.</p>
<p>For more accessories, Boulder’s <a href="http://www.byelke.com">By Elke Handbags</a> will help you find the perfect leather and vintage-fabric handbag to complete your look. Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? The store also offers classes so you can craft your own. And don’t forget to treat your feet: In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/montrose">Montrose</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/apparel/som-footwear">SOM Footwear</a> sells minimalist, barefoot-inspired sneakers you’ll love.</p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/this-or-that-agricultural-adventures-colorado">Find your ideal Colorado farm adventure</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/small-batch-haven-colorados-local-distilleries">Explore our small-batch distilleries</a></p>
