Grand Opening at Arapahoe Sports

We were honored to be invited to the grand opening of Arapahoe Sports this past Friday evening. Arapahoe Sports is the retail store at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. The store went through a massive renovation during the off-season. Now, it's bigger and better than ever!

The crew up at A-Basin pulled out all the stops for the Grand Opening party, which was held on Friday, Dec. 9, from 4-6 p.m. A full gourmet spread, plenty of adult beverages, and a chance to mix and mingle with the staff, guests, and manufacturer representatives. It was a great time!

There was live music, too!

Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery

What says "Colorado" more than a family-run brewery in a small mountain town?

Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery opened in April 2016 in Bailey, Colorado. The unique establishment is located at 23 Main Street in Bailey. Call Jack and Allison Hansell, owners, at 303-816-2337 for more information; or visit their website by clicking here.

We're very proud to welcome Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery to the Colorado Caliber family. We have partnered with Jack and Allison on a custom Colorado Caliber design for their t-shirts, hoodies, long-sleeved t-shirts, and women's v-neck t-shirts.

Here's the Mad Jack's design:

You'll find a beer for every taste at Mad Jack's. Food trucks rotate throughout the week to provide unique cuisine.

Three years in Germany inspired Jack and Allison to open Mad Jack's. They ate and drank their way across Germany during their three-year stay there; and were inspired by the German beers and beer gardens.

They've developed recipes over the years that will delight discerning beer drinkers from Denver and other Front Range communities - as well as the wealth of tourists that travel the US Highway 285 corridor every year.

Jack and Allison have been married for 33 years and have three sons - Nathan, Nolan, and Nick; along with daughter-in-law Lauren and grandson Wesley. Jack recently retired from Molson Coors.

During his 15 years of service at Coors, Jack learned a great deal about the beer industry both domestically and internationally. He held key positions in manufacturing, quality, distribution, packaging, and supply chain.

In 1990, Jack started home brewing and has been learning the craft ever since, with many successful brews. During his tenure with Molson Coors, he had the privilege of becoming certified in brewing and packaging through the Coors Brewery Institute and the International Brewers and Distillers Guild.

Jack holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University. He is a veteran of the US Army, having served 11 years as a Combat Engineer Officer.

Allison has held numerous Director level positions with local non-profit organizations such as March of Dimes, American Red Cross, and United Way. Additionally, she has served as an office manager for various doctors and lawyers.

The Hansells' three sons have a broad level of experience in the beer business as well. Nolan is currently a route salesman with a local distributor. Nathan has worked in operations for three distributors in Texas, Colorado, and Montana. He is an avid home brewer and blogs about beers. Nick has been learning the home brewing process for several years and is currently pursuing his degree at University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

Allison serves a customer at Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery.

Outdoor seating and yard games are all the rage at Mad Jack's!

A sampling of souvenirs available at Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery.

Allison and Rocky during a recent visit to Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery.

Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery in Bailey, Colorado.

Even the garage door leading into Mad Jack's is special!

Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill in Kremmling

We've teamed with Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill in Kremmling on a new, custom Colorado Caliber design! We took our Wildlife design and incorporated the establishment's logo and the Kremmling town limit sign! The shirts and hoodies are in stock just in time for this weekend's fair and rodeo in town.

Shea O'Hotto displays one of the new Colorado Caliber shirts available now at the Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill!

A closer look at the new design.

The new shirts are in stock just in time for this weekend's fair and rodeo!

Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill is located on the town square in Kremmling, at 207 Central Avenue. Give them a call at 970-724-9219 for more information! And join us in welcoming Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill to the Colorado Caliber family!

Colorado Gift Company in Westminster

We are happy to announce that Colorado Gift Company in Westminster is now carrying Colorado Caliber apparel!

Aimee Dorman is the owner of Colorado Gift Company, and she says her goal is to increase visibility for Colorado artisans and products. Everything in the store is made in Colorado!

The shop is located in the Walnut Creek Shopping Center. The physical address is 10442 Town Center Dr., Suite 400, Westminster, CO 80021.

At the Colorado Gift Company you'll find a wide selection of local gifts and souvenirs. Aimee specializes in putting together one-of-a-kind gift baskets for any occasion!

Aimee Dorman is the owner of Colorado Gift Company!

"We love buying and selling local products," Aimee said. "We love supporting small local business, and love helping people build relationships. Our goal is to increase visibility for Colorado artisans and products while enhancing relationships between businesses and their clients or individuals and their loved ones."

Thanks to Rosie McWilliams of Firestone for purchasing a Colorado Caliber t-shirt!

Aimee will build you the perfect gift for that special person's special day. You can also call her to open a business account and let Colorado Gift Company wow your employees and customers with beautiful customized gift baskets made of local products at reasonable prices.

Colorado Gift Company is currently carrying the Colorado Caliber WILDLIFE and CAMPING designs in men's, women's, youth, and toddler t-shirts. 

Call the store at 720-600-0505 for more information; or visit their website by clicking here!

Join us in welcoming Colorado Gift Company to the COLORADO CALIBER family.

Country Ace Hardware in Granby, Colorado

We're thrilled to announce that Country Ace Hardware in Granby now carries our Colorado Caliber apparel.

Country Ace Hardware is a beloved institution in Grand County - one that locals can rely on and one that visitors must see to believe! If Country Ace doesn't have it, you probably don't really need it.

It's not just a hardware store, that's for sure. They have all your 4th of July holiday needs, as well as your outdoor lifestyle needs. Departments include:

• Automotive
• Cleaning Supplies
• Electrical & Lighting
• Fishing, Camping, Hunting & Athletic Supplies
• Hand & Power Tools and Accessories
• Hardware
• Houseware & Small Appliances
• Lawn & Garden
• Marine & RV
• Mountain Decor
• Outdoor Living
• Plumbing
• Seasonal & Specialties
• Storage & Organization
• The Paint Studio
• Toys
• Winter Goods

The store has been an integral part of the Granby community from the town's beginning. It started out as Wright Hardware and has gone through many name and ownership changes over the years. Other names the store has gone by include Jack Ruelius County Hardware, Morris Long's Hardware, and finally Country Hardware in 1979.

Tom and Kathy McConathy purchased Country Hardware in 2001. At the time, it was True Value Hardware Store. Since their acquisition of the store, Country Hardware has gone through a number of dramatic changes.

In 2002 Tom and Kathy transitioned the store to Ace Hardware and completely remodeled the building. In 2005 they moved from the cramped 318 E. Agate Avenue space to the old Lever Foods building, which more than doubled the store's size.

Also in 2005, they opened a second business in the original location, called Country Home Outfitters. And finally, in 2009 they expanded the current 627 W. Agate Avenue location to include a full-fledged lawn and garden area AND to make room to bring in the Country Home Outfitters lighting and gift departments.

Country Ace Hardware is a family-owned and family-operated business. Today if you visit, you are liable to meet Tom or Kathy, who frequently work the floor. Their daughter, Amy, now manages the store. Go up the street to the original building and you can meet their son, Jason, who owns and operates New Mountain Design (kitchen and bath design) and the family's fireplace business. And drop in at Brickhouse 40 for a tasty lunch or dinner and meet Tom and Kathy's son-in-law, Dino, who owns and operates the restaurant.

Country Ace Hardware is all about COMMUNITY, because Tom and Kathy know that as a locally owned business they depend on the community. They achieve this in two ways - through events the store sponsors directly, and through partnerships with other community groups.

Some of the events the store participates in each year include:

• Dog Days of Summer, where the store helps raise awareness and funds for the Grand County Pet Pals.
• The store's Children's Miracle Network Icon and Bucket Sale to support local CMN hospitals.
• The annual flower basket sale to support the Granby Elementary PTA.
• The infamous Ladies'  Night (always the second Thursday night in November) where each year a local group is chosen to work the door and to collect all the proceeds from the door.

Also, since 2006 Country Ace Hardware has partnered with the Granby Public Library to provide over $500 in gift certificates every year to children who go above and beyond in completing the library's Summer Reading Program.

The store has also supported various groups' fundraisers, including the High School Athletics Program through the Grid Iron Club; Granby's Parks and Recreation Department's Granby Gut Buster; Habitat for Humanity's Habitat Hobble; and many other events.

Country Ace Hardware carries our Wildlife and Camping designs in Men's, Women's and Youth t-shirts. Stop by this weekend for all your holiday needs and to pick up a Colorado Caliber t-shirt! See if you can find the gnome during your visit. He hides out in a different department every day!

The store is located at 627 W. Agate Avenue in Granby. Call them at 970-887-3395 or visit their website by clicking here.

Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park

Stonewall, Colorado, is in the south central part of the state and is one of the more interesting small towns you'll come across while out exploring our great state. The town sits near a rock wall that rises 250 feet into the air. The wall is part of the Dakota Sandstone formation.

Stonewall is also just under ten minutes from Monument Lake.

If you're in the area you'll want to be sure to visit Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park - a place of business that's just as unique as the town itself.

A long-time favorite among locals and visitors, the Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park is THE place to be when you're in the area. The store carries basic groceries plus t-shirts, sweatshirts, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

THE STORE

One section of the store is dedicated to fishing tackle and supplies. The store also offers fishing and hunting licenses as well as wildlife habitat stamps. You can also pick up lottery tickets at the Stonewall Shopping Bag, as well as firewood and propane.

Oh, and the store is also the town's official "WiFi Hot Spot." Anywhere on the property you'll have access to high-speed wireless internet.

The staff at the Stonewall Shopping Bag are proud of the fact that they stock a little bit of everything. They have an automotive section for antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, etc. The RV section has fittings, sewer and water hoses, RV antifreeze, RV toilet paper, you name it.

Here you can find toothbrushes, shampoo, Kleenex, sunscreen, and even sewing kits!

The fishing section has poles and tackle that complement the local lakes and streams. Need a plug for your boat? You're in luck! Stonewall Shopping Bag probably has it.

Did I forget to mention that the liquor store is also well-stocked with beer, wine and spirits? Well, it is.

GET YOUR GRUB ON

There's even a restaurant! Oh, yeah.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. and menu items range from standard fare to their "green chili chicken fried steak." Oh, and the Stonewall Breakfast Burrito is served all day.

The lunch menu consists of a tasty selection of burgers and sandwiches - including your basic beef but also featuring delicious elk burgers!

At dinner time, you can stick with a burger or sandwich, OR you can go with a trout dinner, complete with potatoes of your choice; a vegetable; Texas Toast; and a salad! How's that for a fine Colorado meal? They also have a pork chop dinner, chicken strips, ham steak ... all kinds of yummy choices!

THE RV PARK AND CABIN

Have we talked about the RV Park yet?

All nine sites have been recently renovated and they all feature full 50 amp service with new sewer lines leading to a new septic tank and leach field.

The new electric pedestals feature plug-ins for 50 amp, 30 amp and 110 volt.

Satellite TV (DirecTV) and CenturyTel telephone jacks are also on each pedestal at each site.

They can easily handle the biggest of rigs! All sites are back-in. And of course, all sites come with access to high-speed wireless internet.

A cabin is also available for rent on site. It comes with a kitchen featuring side by side refrigerator, oven and cook top, microwave, pots, pans, silverware, dishes, and a coffee pot. The cabin has a master bedroom on the main level with two twin beds. A huge upstairs loft comes with three full-sized beds. Plenty of room for sleeping bags or air mattresses, too. The cabin also includes one full bathroom, a living room with sectional couch and love seat, and a TV (DirecTV) and radio. There's also a washer and dryer!

THINGS TO DO

There are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area. If you're into hunting and/or fishing, you're set! But there's plenty of site-seeing to get in, also. Monument Lake is nestled among the pines and it's a beauty to behold. It is a favorite among local fishermen. The lake has pedal boats and is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and splake.

Stonewall is located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an elevation of about 8,000 feet. It was first populated in the 1860's by Hispanic settlers from the Mora, New Mexico, area. One of the first settlers in Stonewall was named James Stoner, and it has been said the Dakota Wall that dominates the landscape was originally known as "Stoner's Wall." It has long been a favored retreat, known for its quiet, Alpine beauty.

READY TO GO?

You ready to go? I know I am! Make your plans now for a wonderful vacation that includes a stay at the Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park. You won't regret it!

The shop now carries a selection of our Colorado Caliber apparel. Look for our Wildlife flag design in men's and women's t-shirts!

Visit the Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park website by clicking here. Or call them at 718-868-2255 for more information or to make a reservation.

Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park is located at 6689 State Highway 12.

We are very happy to welcome Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park to the Colorado Caliber family!

Tomichi Creek Trading Post

We've been itching to tell you about Tomichi Creek Trading Post for weeks! The season is now underway, and everything is ready for the annual onslaught of summer visitors. Be sure this gem of a destination is on  your Colorado itinerary this year!

I'm spending this week traveling across the state, visiting many of our retail partners. The one thing that continues to be evident is that the "destination" isn't necessarily always the only thing that matters. In most cases, the people you interact with once you get to that destination is what you'll remember the longest.

A bad customer service experience will leave a black mark on the whole vacation, even if you had fun. But a wonderful customer service experience can elevate even a mediocre vacation. Well, with Tomichi Creek you get the very best of both worlds!

Not only is this a world-class destination for adventure, you'll leave Tomichi Creek thinking to yourself that the owners and their staff are some of the most incredible people in the world. They are dedicated to making sure you have the experience of a lifetime!

That's been true with all of our retail partners as I've met with them this week. Whether it's the friendly, accommodating folks at Platte River Outfitters in Bailey; the outgoing crew at Hi-Rocky in Buena Vista; or the hospitable staff at Blue Creek Lodge in South Fork ... it really is the people that make the experience.

It's no different at Tomichi Creek Trading Post.

Tomichi Creek Trading Post is located in Sargents, Colorado, in Saguache County and is your off-roading and hunting headquarters.

Located at an elevation of 8,478 feet, Tomichi Creek Trading Post is located right off the Continental Divide and is home to excellent wildlife, photography, single track dirt biking, atv/utving, hiking, snow skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, and any other outdoor adventure you can think of!

Onsite accommodations include 6 cabins (and 2 teepee's!). The Trading Post also has an RV park with full hookups. So bring your RV, 5th Wheel, or any camper you want to stay in to enjoy the outdoor adventure you seek.

There's also a restaurant and bar that will keep you coming back for more after a hard day of adventuring. The burgers are excellent and there's even an off-menu local favorite every Friday night.

Tomichi Creek Trading Post carries our Colorado Caliber CAMPING design in toddler and adult t-shirt sizes.

The trading post is located at 71420 US Highway 50 in Sargents, Colorado. Visit their website by clicking here. Or give them a call at 970-641-0674.

Wrought'n Apples in Parker, Colorado

Join us in welcoming Wrought'n Apples to the Colorado Caliber family!

This unique gift store now carries our Wildlife, Camping and 2nd Amendment t-shirts and we couldn't be happier to welcome them aboard.

The boutique was established in 2007 and is dedicated to supporting local vendors. Wrought'n Apples is unique because vendors not only supply items but also work in the store!

Often cited as the best gift store in Colorado, Wrought'n Apples won the 2014 Denver 7 A-List award in that category. It's truly a one-of-a-kind shopping experience!

Wrought'n Apples is located at 10510 Dransfeldt Roard in Parker (across from the Parker Field House).  The boutique is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Visit the Wrought'n Apples website by clicking here. Call the store at 303-805-7055 for more information.

Only In Colorado!

We're excited to announce that Colorado Caliber apparel is now available at the Only In Colorado store on Denver's 16th Street Mall!

The store is a Denver institution and a very popular tourist destination. Only In Colorado offers a vast array of t-shirts and other Colorado-themed apparel; as well as a dizzying selection of other Colorado-themed souvenirs.

It's an honor to have our Colorado Caliber camping and wildlife t-shirts available at the store.

The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long, pedestrian friendly mall packed with shopping, restaurants and attractions. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the pedestrian promenade is made of red, white and gray granite in a repeating pattern that, seen from above, resembles the skin of a Diamondback rattlesnake.

Free electric shuttle buses travel up and down the mall, stopping on every corner. Hop on and off! The free shuttles come every few minutes and make everything downtown easy to reach.

Only In Colorado is located at 601 16th Street in Denver. Call them at 303-623-0193 for more information!

Elk Creek Campground in Grand Lake

We are happy to announce that Elk Creek Campground in Grand Lake now carries Colorado Caliber apparel in their gift shop!

Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Elk Creek Campground is a place for all to enjoy ... including the moose!

The campground is located one mile from the beautiful town of Grand Lake, and one mile from the west entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Creek Campground offers something for everyone - from hiking and mountain biking to a day at the Grand Lake beach and touring through the local shops.

The campground is a quiet, relaxing place to spend some time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The owners, Donald and Rebecca, share their love for the campground and for the town of Grand Lake with every visitor that steps through their doors. The campground is family owned and operated and if you ask any of the regulars they will tell you, the owners go above and beyond to make the experience wonderful.

The campground has 50 RV sites, 14 camper cabins, 14 tent sites, and 1 tepee!

Elk Creek Campground carries the Colorado Caliber CAMPING t-shirts.

The campground is located at 143 County Road 48 in Grand Lake. To make reservations call 970-627-8502. Visit their website by clicking here. You can also email Donald and Rebecca at info@elkcreekcamp.com for more information.

We are proud to welcome Elk Creek Campground as part of the Colorado Caliber family!

Exploring Rifle Falls State Park

We're in Rifle this week for the Rifle Rendezvous. During some spare time Thursday afternoon, a visit to Rifle Falls State Park seemed like just the thing!

The park's lush vegetation and waterfalls have attracted photographers and movie crews from around the country who come to capture the area's unique scenery.

A short trail takes you from the base of Rifle Falls to the top. The view is extraordinary.

As early as 1884, Rifle Falls has been a tourist attraction. When James Watson created the Rifle Falls Ranch, he charged admission for viewing the caves and waterfalls on the property. From 1890 until 1922, Allan Zerbe operated the Zerbe Resort, which offered cabins for overnight tourists.

In 1919 the town of Rifle built the Rifle Hydroelectric Plant. This plant was one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Colorado. From 1908 until 1959 the falls were a source of hydroelectric power for the town of Rifle. Public Service Company bought the plant in 1915 and operated it until 1952.

Once Rifle Falls became a state park in 1966, recreation was the focal point again. Rifle Falls State Park is the closest you'll get to the tropics in Colorado. The falls is a lush area of trees and greenery kept moist by the spray of the cascading triple waterfall.

Another beautiful view from above Rifle Falls.

Picnicking near the falls is very popular. Mysterious limestone caves beneath the falls entice spelunkers and other curious visitors to explore their dark depths. Because of its dramatic setting, many weddings and events have been held at Rifle Falls.

Rifle Falls State Park has 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites that sit to the south along East Rifle Creek. In 1998, the park underwent a facelift: new pavement, picnic tables, interpretive signs and increased handicapped access. "Roughing it" is a little easier with electricity at many campsites. 

You can find more information about the park by clicking here.

In the meantime, enjoy our photos from today!

Geology buffs will have a field day at Rifle Falls State Park!

Limestone caves dot the area around the falls.