Ridgway, Colorado [2004]

Once destined to be underwater—the Ridgway Reservoir was originally scheduled to flood the town—Ridgway has resurrected itself, growing to meet demands of a growing county population and to serve as an affordable alternative to nearby trendy Telluride. One new business even relocated from there. And one went to Montrose.

Gia, popular stylist at Daymakers Salon, 615 Clinton Street, moved to Montrose where she opened her own shop, Indulgence. The owner of Presence, 609 Clinton (across from the Sherbino), Shelley McKarnen,  is on a mission to get the region’s women out of their Carhart’s and into affordable, fun fashion that’s unique to the area.  Her “back room” also  features vintage collectibles, specialty food items and locally- crafted candy. 

Shop owners of Exotics,  Brahim Ilahiane and Pamela Stewart, have chosen  their inventory carefully. Gift items and home furnishings are “global delights that nourish the soul”—and educate as well.  Brahim will also conduct workshops on choosing rugs.  Exotics is located in the old  library building at 525 Clinton Street. 

Shannon  McCarthy’s Corner Drugstore, at the corner of Cora and Clinton Streets and adjacent to the Sherbino Theater, has yet to be officially named, but it will definitely be a community gathering spot. Expect great coffee drinks and fun conversation in a “living room” setting, with access to the Sherbino next door.

Two new businesses occupy space in the Rio Grande Southern Building, next to popular Lupita’s Bizarre Bazaar on Sherman Street (Hwy 62). Jeanette M. Ritchey, ASID offers professional interior design. Ritchey, whose shop is a “touchy-feely” experience with lots of wonderful samples to peruse, is an award-winning designer who served as a regional president for the American Society of Interior design. “I provide full design service to my clients, integrating their design styles with every day living styles,” she said. Park Gallery and Frameshop owner, Robyn Willis, has been a “framesmith” since 1980 and in the area for 30 years. She’s originally from Kansas, but is a real San Juan woman now. She worked underground in Telluride and drove tour jeeps. Robyn offers original art and prints and has a fine selection of framing. The matting material is outstanding. 

Watch for Sunrise Southwest’s re-opening this summer. Owners Larry and Suzanne Ulrich have been scouting for just the right location to re-open their store which carries Native American jewelry, southwestern-style furnishings and home decor items. “We’re hoping to be open by mid-August,” Larry promised. We hope so, too. It’s one of our favorite stores.

Ridgway Pharmacy, in the RE/MAX Building on the north east side of the Hwy 62 and the Palomino Trail intersection (at the county’s only traffic light), opened this spring. You’ll find a lot more than prescription medications. Owner Donna Sherwood also carries greeting cards, health and beauty items (hair color and hair care stuff too!, gift wrap, vitamins and panty hose. The pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, but the pharmacist is on call 24/7 for after hours and emergencies. (970) 626-3440.

Across the street, the new Ridgway Real Estate Corporation (an affiliate of Telluride Real Estate Corporation) has nine agent-brokers and specializes in properties in Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. They handle property management and leasing in addition to residential, commercial and land sales. Nearly next door, San Juan Mountain Bakery relocated from their former space on Sherman. You’ll find an expanded menu along with the old favorites, coffee drinks , fruit smoothies and fresh ice cream. Friday night, open until 8 p.m. for fish and chips, otherwise, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Thursday. Ridgway Outdoor Experience also made the move to the traffic light intersection. Owner Albert Adams tunes skis and bikes in the back and offers a wide array of sporting equipment and gear in the shop in front. In the same building is United Country Realty, relocated from Cora Street. Upstairs, Ridgway Taxidermy can handle most after-the-hunt needs. Oh, and the Texaco Station is now a Shell Station—it happened overnight, and we did a double take the next morning when stopped at the light.

The Ridgway Farmer’s Market moved to  the east side of Hwy 62. Also new in town, Cimarron Art Glass, and on the highway, heading north toward Montrose, Angel Ridge Ranch, offering accommodations for people and horses. Packages and group services are available. (970) 626-4287.

 If we've missed any, we apologize. So much is happening, it’s hard to keep up! 

Photos

1. Amy Bailey at Presence.

2. New Ridgway Pharmacy carries more tha Rx medications.

3. Robyn Willis, "framesmith."