Local Products We Love
These handpicked items (including a few handmade ones) deliver summer fun and function, from Colorado companies that love the Western Slope way of life as much as we do.
Zoetica Zero Waste Systems
Photo: Cat Mayer
This Crested Butte company invites you to “free yourself of the endless cycle of convenience trash” with their compact, convenient, and stylish kits. Items such as stainless-steel dishes and straws, organic cotton napkins, and reusable bags come in pre-assembled collections. Choose one geared toward a certain event, like The Festival Kit or The Picnic Kit, or customize a set according to your own needs. zoeticalife.com
Barre Skin Leggings
Photo: Above Alpine
When a local ballerina and a local photographer fell in love, Barre Skin leggings were born. Designed in Grand Junction, these leggings support and move with your body during intense workouts (like the ones led at the couple’s fitness studio, Barrelosophy). They’re also comfortable enough to lounge in on lazy days. The unique prints are inspired by photos taken on the couple’s adventures. barreskin.com
Custom Cornhole Boards by Chaz Emmons
Photo: Courtesy Chaz Emmons
Made-to-order works of art that double as everyone’s favorite yard game. Emmons compares his design process to conversations with a tattoo artist. “I make sure they’re going to be happy with it and involve them in the process along the way,” he says. Emmons burns the lines for his images into wood, then fills and smooths the design with layers of colored stains he makes himself. Showcasing the woodgrain is an essential element of his style. • Facebook.com/chazemmonsart
SugarSky Headwear
Photo: Gretchen Powers
SugarSky’s versatile headbands, bandanas, and tubes can each be worn a variety of ways. They boast a 35+ UPF rating and are moisture wicking — perfect for days spent exploring in the elements! With more than 45 original designs, SugarSky is your new style staple this summer. Equally awesome: The company is dedicated to keeping the outdoors as naturally beautiful, clean, and healthy as possible. Their eco-friendly material is 79 percent recycled bottles, and items are and rinted, cut, and sewn in Colorado. sugarskyshop.com
Tailgate ‘n’ Go
Photo: Courtesy Tailgate 'n' Go
Watching his daughter search for the salt shaker among random things she had packed for a camping trip, Ron Johnson was inspired to create a “chuckbox” that organizes supplies in one convenient place. Introducing the Tailgate ‘n’ Go! Built in Grand Junction and Denver, the boxes open up into fully customizable kitchens complete with grill, stove burner, sink, cooler, condiment station, cutting boards, dry goods storage, and more. The attachments can be rearranged to suit the grill master’s workflow, and you can have boxes powdercoated to match your favorite sports team’s colors. tailgatengo.com
