For a long time, Steamboat’s small town shopping scene was characterized by the western goods store F.M. Light & Sons, whose homemade billboard signs were placed roadside every few miles along the rural routes in and out of Steamboat. A lot has changed in recent years as Steamboat continues to blossom and grow, and the same is true of its retail landscape. Yet somehow, it has maintained its small town charm, thanks to these locally owned businesses that lend the town its character. Whether it’s holiday shopping, a special occasion, or just wanting to bring home a piece of Steamboat, here are some of our favorite places to shop local.
Ohana
Created by store owners Emily and Luke Dudley, Ohana has an extensive line of screen printed t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts and hats adorned with Emily’s mountain lifestyle graphic designs for men, women and kids. Ohana also carries a wide variety of local artisans including Smeeny Made Wild (hand-knit beanies), Brett Buckles Designs (western chic jewelry), Coleman’s Haberdashery (handmade bison leather goods), Sabina Jewelry (delicate refined boho jewelry) and others. With designs that change with the seasons, you’re guaranteed to find something fun and fresh that is a long way from meeting its expiration date.
//mtohana.com • 843 Lincoln Ave • 970.367.3008
UpCountry
The local goods overflow, literally, at Ohana’s sister store where owners have expanded to a new location that specializes in hand printed apparel and home goods with a push for more sustainable fabrics that are made in the USA. There is creative jewelry from established artists and a full line of children’s clothing including jackets from the Steamboat-based outdoor apparel brand Town Hall. Customers will find plenty of mountain and cabin themed items like candles, games, cards and books. Ultimately, it’s about offering the goods locals want and creating a true community vibe.
//mtnohana.com/upcountry • 827 Lincoln Ave • 970.367.3730
Adorn
If socially conscious goods are what you’re after, Adorn was created as a fair trade marketplace to support those who have been exploited and displaced around the world. Founded and owned by local Sara Cobb, Adorn has formed collaborations with various international artisans to offer everything from handmade wool rugs from Morocco and arabica coffee beans harvested in Honduras to olive wood products sustainably produced in Turkey. Shop in person or online to acquire beautiful handmade goods and support a cause—now that’s what we call giving.
//theadornco.com • 730 Lincoln Ave • 970.761.2723
Haus Of Cucu
If cowboy boots are what you’re after, look no further than Margot Binetti’s workshop, where custom boots are made by hand on site. Binetti discovered her passion for leather making as a child through the local Routt County 4-H program and turned to it as a full-time profession in 2014. Inspired by Steamboat’s agriculture and ranching roots, she opened the storefront in 2019 to bring the arts of custom leather boots, leather works and repair to the heart of historic downtown. She carries on this dying art by creating quality custom functional pieces in her storefront workshop where people can watch her handcraft every project in person. We’ve got two words for these one-of-a-kind authentic leather goods: yee-haw.
//hausofcucu.com • 703 Lincoln Ave B102 • 970.819.1484
Steamboat Hatter
Nothing says Steamboat like an authentic handmade custom cowboy hat. Look no further than the Steamboat Hatter, where you will find hats handmade using antique hand tools and age-old techniques. This traditional hat making process produces a rustic hat with a one-of-a-kind look and feel. Every hat is hand blocked, hand sanded and hand shaped using only premium beaver fur and rabbit fur felt. Visit the hat band bar and peruse other vintage western wear and antiques. It goes without saying, we’ll take our hats off to that.
//steamboathatter.com • 111 11th St #104 • 970.291.1380
CAA Market
It’s easy to shop local at the Community Ag Alliance Market, where local producers offer everything from local ranch meats and produce to cheese, candles, hot sauce, caramel sauce, honey, tea, and so much more. With over 75 vendors, it’s a great way to connect with local ranchers, farmers and artisans and to put your dollars right back into the community. Talk about spreading the love.
//communityagalliance.org/local-food-market • 743 Oak Street • 970.879.4370
Meatbar
It might sound odd to buy someone meat as a gift, but until you have tried one of Laura Posiak’s famous charcuterie boards, you won’t understand the true appeal of this artisan’s masterful craftsmanship. After attending culinary school, working in top restaurants in San Francisco and then farming in California and New England, Posiak discovered a passion for butchery in 2010 while working alongside the town butcher in a small village outside of Parma, Italy where she learned a wide variety of traditional butchering and curing methods. With a focus on ethics and sustainability Posiak brings her love for meat to Steamboat with elaborate charcuterie boards that are a staple for any gathering as well as sweets and sandwiches.
//meatbar.com • 1009 Lincoln Ave • 970.846.6443
Big Iron Coffee Co.
For the caffeine-fueled people in your life, head over to Big Iron Coffee Co. where locals Bowen and Nina Rodkey invite coffee lovers to enjoy a community gathering place with a down-home western feel to sample a cup and to see where the beans are roasted. Rodkey, who along with his wife Nina, curated prime coffee beans from around the world to create a selection of single-origin varieties. Shop online or stop in for an espresso and have beans ground on-site for a gift that’s a real wake-up call.
//bigironcoffee.com • 635 Lincoln Ave C • 970.875.3120