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Sure, Colorado makers of outdoor gear—say, sleek road bikes handcrafted from black walnut or a backpacking hammock that weighs less than a lemon—have long been the sweethearts of the movement to buy homegrown goods. But last year, north Denver real estate developer Fiona Arnold debuted a new showcase for local artisans whose wares are a little less rugged. Arnold partnered with friend Alicia Hendricks, a graphic designer and hobbyist furniture refinisher, to open River North Workshop Co. (RNW) in Backyard on Blake, Arnold’s latest commercial development in RiNo. The project brings together co-working spaces, a restaurant, an outdoor courtyard for live music, and retail, including Denver’s newest one-stop shop for all Colorado-made home goods.
The light-filled space feels like a sharply curated Etsy dream come true, where you’ll find kitchen tools, throws, decorative pillows, dish towels, small artworks, and more. “It feels like we’re in the middle of a movement; people want to know the people they are buying from and that [the things they’re buying] are made where they live,” Arnold says of the shop’s appeal. Bonus: Some of the artists who retail in the space teach classes, making that face-to-face connection even more enjoyable. Going local never felt—or looked—so good.
Our Favorites
1. Endless Love Pillow, Bright July, starting at $59, made in Denver
2. RNW Ceramic Bowls, Ceramicscapes, $28 each or $95 for a set of four, made in Denver
3. Wool Dryer Balls, Ellalu and BooBoo Too, $10 each or $32 for a set of four, made in Longmont
4. Siren Bath Soak, Remy & Rose, $28, made in Denver