Shopping in Erie

In a reflection of how easy it is to make a quick jaunt of I–70 on the way to the Colorado ski resorts, the staff at Exit 240 Ski Shop puts convenience first. In doing so, it supplies clients with four levels of ski and snowboard rentals, along with waxing and tuning services, so customers are ready to hit the slopes as soon as they arrive. While they are fitted for boots, they can chat with the staff about the latest snow reports while sipping selections from a full espresso bar.

Though the aroma of fresh-cut flowers has drifted from its doors for more than 60 years, Earles Loveland Floral & Gifts has not been quite the same since 1993, when United Floral Industry School graduate Elizabeth Parker took charge of operations. The time-honored flower and gift shop has blossomed under her guidance, experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity that recently culminated in its winning the Reporter-Herald’s Reader's Choice award for best local florist in 2011.

Parker went to school for floral wedding design, and it’s no secret that her field of study has become one of the shop’s strong suits. Along with her dedicated team of florists, she can turn any wedding venue into a lush garden of bridal bouquets, corsages, and elegant reception centerpieces. The shop's everyday bouquets hardly suffer from comparison, bundling together natural, seasonal flowers in arrangements available for pickup or delivery by a well-trained swarm of bees. Before whisking away a bouquet of grab 'n' go flowers, peruse Earles's eclectic selection of gifts and household accouterments, which includes flower-print tote bags, beaded jewelry, and gel candles.

Operating under the mantra that fly-fishing isn't a hobby but instead a lifestyle, St. Peter's Fly Shop prepares anglers of all experience levels for success on the stream with classes, gear, and an encyclopedic knowledge of man's gilled adversary. Two Fort Collins locations sit within close proximity of local fishing hot spots, including the waters of Rocky Mountain National Park—famous for its placid lakes made from pastels on canvas—and the Poudre River. There, the staff leads educational courses and guided trips that spend equal time with instruction and hands-on fishing practice, allowing students to perfect the often-difficult art of casting with finesse and accuracy. Back at the shop, customers reel in top-notch equipment such as Winston rods, Simms waders, and Brodin nets, which are sturdy enough to secure a bucking trout as it tries to nestle in the hammock.

Colorado Life’s contributors scour the plains and peaks of their state, regaling readers with tales of quaint vacation locales, stunning natural vistas, and unique area residents. Articles on local history connect present-day residents to the distant past, and pieces covering cultural topics acquaint readers with aircraft museums and Colorado’s tradition of Spanish folk music. Rich writing and colorful photographs bring the Centennial State’s hidden treasures to life, such as tucked-away bed and breakfasts, windswept canyons, and the secret fifth corner along the border with Utah. Elsewhere in the magazine’s pages, rustic comfort-food and breakfast recipes brighten up potlucks and family meals.

An orb of mauve tulips bursts from a tall, slender glass vase. A pink and green polka dot bow complements a spray of pale pink lilies and myrtle. Elegant and eye-catching, these sweet-smelling arrangements from Forever Flowers aim to enhance every conceivable occasion, from weddings to court arraignments. Once customers hone in on their ideal bouquet, the shop’s savvy florists can accent the seasonal blooms with balloons, stuffed animals, or chocolates. They also happily design custom arrangements according to your upcoming occasion or personal vision.