GILPIN COUNTY – What does it mean to “shop local?” This holiday season, instead of ordering from an online retailer, try buying gifts from a nearby antique store, candy shop, or pet supply store.

Let’s look at the ways shopping locally makes a difference, then explore the many places in Gilpin County where you can find unique gifts and stocking stuffers.

Reasons to shop local:

1. Support your community. Shopping nearby strengthens the local economy and helps families, artisans, and small-business owners.

2. Help the environment. Buying local cuts down on transportation time and pollution.

3. Find something unique. Local stores offer one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items you won’t find online.

4. Keep money in the region. Every purchase recirculates through local businesses and services.

Whether in Mid-Gilpin, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, or Central City, holiday shopping is close at hand, and the people behind the counters are ready to welcome you.

Mid-Gilpin County

Peak Pet Supply Store

972 Golden Gate Canyon Drive

720-354-5293

A new addition to the High Country Professional Building, Peak Pet Supply opened to fill a need in the community. 

Owner Matt Schillinger said, “I started thinking about repeat customer base. And I love animals. So this was just like a bingo kind of thing: the community needs it. The closest thing is Ned or Evergreen, which is basically 30 minutes each way. There’s roughly 1,500 to 1,600 domiciles in this community alone that have dogs, cats, and other animals.”

The shop is quickly becoming a favorite for local pet owners. They carry dry, canned, fresh, and frozen foods, as well as supplements, chew treats, and toys. Schillinger recently placed a large order for holiday-themed items, including pet sweaters and candy-cane chews.

Peak Pet also stocks products from Colorado suppliers, including natural treats and durable mountain-ready gear. Whether you need everyday supplies or a Christmas stocking for your dog, this store keeps pets and their people happy.

Rollinsville

Dusty Rose Boutique

51 Main Street

719-838-2181

Connected to Howlin Wind Brewery, Dusty Rose offers bohemian clothing, jewelry, and collectibles. Inside, milliner Melissa Nicholson designs custom hats and creates them by hand. They range from Western styles to fairy-inspired, making them feel straight out of a storybook. 

Typically open only on weekends, a Holiday Market is planned for December 14, and customers can receive 10% off purchases with mention of this article.

Black Hawk

Hearts and Legends

221 Gregory Street, Unit A

https://www.facebook.com/people/Hearts-and-Legends/100092383011112/

The Hearts and Legends store sells jewelry, hats, sunglasses, stuffed animals, magnets, greeting cards, Black Hawk gear, leather belts, sage bundles, and small antiques. The owners will also be giving away a limited number of Heart’s Allegiance t-shirts for the holidays.

Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Hi Heat & Sweets

221 Gregory Street

720-431-3311

Nothing says Christmas like candy. And hot sauce. Tables here are stacked with old-fashioned treats, peppermint “shot glass” sippers, butterbeer jellybeans, and chocolates. “We just got all our Christmas stuff in this week,” said Lil, one of the shopkeepers, pointing to the Christmas Tree in the center of the store.

Locals receive 5% off daily and 10% off on Thursdays, making it an easy stop for fun gifts and stocking stuffers. Open every day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Golden Rose Antiques

357 Gregory Street

303-330-1682

A longtime favorite, Golden Rose Antiques recently moved from Central City to its new location in Gregory Plaza. Owned by Jeffrey Warner and managed with help from his daughter Dani, the family-run shop has been in business for about twenty years.

Inside, you’ll find antique glassware, vintage bottles, dinnerware, clocks, furniture, jewelry, books, and collectibles. Dani said the shop often buys from local estates, so new treasures appear regularly.

Now open six days a week, Wednesday through Monday, 11–5; closed Tuesdays.

Litwood & Artisan Friends

221 Gregory Street (upstairs)

720-756-0465

Owned and managed by Jason Flesher, Litwood Artisan and Friends showcases his signature electrified-wood art. Each piece is created by channeling high-voltage current through reclaimed wood, leaving dramatic branching patterns that resemble lightning frozen in place.

The gallery also features work from other Colorado artisans, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and hand-carved pieces. Every item has its own story, making Litwood a perfect stop for meaningful, handmade gifts.

The shop is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ted Garcia Fine Art

327 Gregory Street

303-670-2981

Artist Ted Garcia displays wildlife-, rock ‘n’ roll-, and western-inspired paintings known for their bold color and emotion. His studio offers both original works and limited prints that make lasting gifts.

Alongside his larger canvases, Garcia also offers miniature originals at approachable prices, making fine art more accessible for local collectors and gift buyers.

Mountain Poppy Boutique and Gifts

317 Gregory Street

720-669-0665

Mountain Poppy brings a fresh style to Black Hawk with candles, clothing, floral décor, and locally made accessories. Its mountain-modern theme makes it ideal for holiday décor or hostess presents.

Central City

Hawley Mercantile

121 Main Street

303-228-6926

Sister store to Hearts and Legends, Hawley Mercantile is located in downtown Central. The historic Hawley Merchandise Company Building (built in 1875, founded in 1868) features more than 30 vendors. 

Manager Echo said, “We have a Christmas section downstairs and another upstairs with more European things. Since we have so many vendors, you’ll find Christmas items scattered everywhere.”

Throughout the three floors, it’s a treasure hunt of jewelry, ornaments, books, vintage items, and collectibles. Open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesday.

Central City Trading Post

125 Main Street

Located on Main Street in the Mayor Willie’s Building, this shop carries antiques, minerals, books, and western-style gifts. 

Known locally as “Dutch’s Central City Trading Post,” the quirky shop offers a curated selection of two iconic brands with Central City roots: Stetson hats and Samsonite luggage, along with Rockmount Western Wear. Additionally, check out the vintage clocks and notable antiques, including Dutch’s collection of retro toasters. 

Gilpin County Arts Association

117 Eureka Street, Central City

303-582-5952

Located in the historic Washington Hall, the Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery features a rotating collection of original artwork by regional artists. Visitors can browse prints, paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted greeting cards, all made by Colorado creatives. The gallery offers an approachable way to bring home fine art, whether you’re shopping for a unique holiday gift or supporting the local art community.

Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bravo Italiano Caffè 42

109 Eureka Street, Central City

720-357-7104

Just down the street from the Gilpin Arts Gallery, Bravo Italiano Caffè 42 is a charming shop offering imported Italian goods and specialty items. Visitors will find espresso beans, handmade pastas, sauces, olive oils, cookies, and other treats brought directly from Italy. The shop also carries a small selection of Italian ceramics, kitchen wares, and gift baskets—perfect for anyone who loves authentic flavors or wants to add a touch of Italy to their holiday giving.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from about 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shop small, give big

From handcrafted hats to antique sleds, Gilpin County’s small businesses offer something special for everyone on your list. Every dollar spent here stays close to home, supporting neighbors, preserving history, and keeping business in the community.

This holiday season, skip the online cart. Stroll through our mountain towns, grab a cocoa or a beer, and rediscover the joy of shopping local.