Craig, CO: Experience 5 local businesses we Love!
October 2023: In pursuit of interesting small towns and beautiful Colorado fall colors, we took a road trip to explore the Northwest part of the state, including Craig (population 9,060*). I was eager to visit this area, in part because I had listened to several interesting pod casts about the economic transition underway as the local coal mine and related power plants close down and evolve in yet-to-be-identified ways. As the area leans more into a Yampa Valley tourism economy, we found a terrific array of local businesses leading the way!
Craig is the county seat of Moffat County, population 13,292 which is the 2nd largest county by area in Colorado.
Craig – A Brief History
The town of Craig has its origins in 1881 when William Rose built a homestead on land that is now within the city limits. By 1887 there was talk of building a railroad through the area. Financing for the Railroad was Reverand Bayard Craig (the town name sake) and Frank Russel from Denver, and the town site was laid out in 1889. The community grew with the establishment of many businesses, including one named ‘The Opera House’. The town was incorporated in 1908.
By 1913 the railroad reached the town of Craig under the leadership of David Moffat. In 1915 the larger Rooutt county was sub-divided and Moffat County was formed and Craig was named the county seat.
In the 1970s and early 1980s, the largest power generation plant in Colorado and several coal mines were constructed near Craig, creating boom times with the energy industry.
Today the economy in Craig is in transition, with a focus on tourism related to its many recreational opportunities. The Craig Chamber of Commerce has several fascinating documentaries about the economic transition posted on their website. i highly recommend watching them to learn more!
5 very cool local businesses we enjoyed during our fall color visit!
As we drove west through the Valley, with its winding Yampa River and beautiful trees, we admired how the beautiful fall sun was lighting up the golden leaves. What a perfect day for a visit to Craig!
We traveled along Highway 40 which becomes E. Victory Way as it travels through the town of Craig. We found the historic downtown on on Yampa Ave, which is Hwy 13 leading north.
1. Historic Downtown Craig – The Moffat Mercantile, and other cool downtown shops!
If you follow our Small Town Vibe adventures, then you know we LOVE a vibrant historic downtown. Craig has a beautiful historic business district with a variety of fun shops and community spaces. Below are some of our favorites during our visit.
- Moffat Mercantile, Ltd – Google Maps – This shop is very cool! Fun merchandise (we found several gift items) and a lovely display space.
- Kitchen a la More – Google Maps – We really liked this shop as well. They have a nice variety of gift items, many food and cooking themed. I was also impressed that this business is also a T-Mobile store, offering technology advice. Kudos to the folks who work here and have both sales and technical skills, as well as a lot of patience!
- The Flower Mine – Google Maps – we didn’t stop here, but wanted to give it a shout out since it gets great reviews on line.
- Downtown Books & Coffee – Google Maps – we tried stopping at this shop, as it hits two of our favorite things… books and coffee! Alas it was closed on the Saturday morning we stopped by. I’m giving it a shout-out because it looks really awesome from its google reviews and photos.
Wait, there’s more!
Craig’s historic downtown extends south of E.Victory Way, offering more restored historic buildings and cool restaurants and shops. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this side of the historic downtown business district.
- Gathered Grace, Craig, CO – Google Maps – Beautiful shop! Thanks to the owner who shared their family story with me. In addition to the shop, this business also supports the community by providing a lovely rentable room for various gatherings.
- Maple Blues Coffee – Google Maps – this coffee shop was not open the weekend we visited, but we learned from the owner of Gathered Grace that it was opening right next door the following week. The google reviews and photos look like it is a great place to stop by!
- Prodigal Son’s Coffee House & Eatery – Google Maps – we didn’t get to this Coffee Shop, but it looks good online so wanted to give it a shout-out.
2. The Yampa Valley Brewery and 518 Wine Bar
In addition to the fun shops in Craig’s historic downtown, there are also a couple of very cool craft drinking establishments!
- 518 Wine Bar – Google Maps – The 518 Wine Bar is located behind a cute home decor shop, almost like a hidden speak-easy of old! It has a large selection of wines and cocktails and a really cool space to relax and visit with friends and family.
- Yampa Valley Brewing Company The Barrel Room – Google Maps – Craig has 1 of 3 sites of the Yampa Valley Brewing Company, and is co-housed with a restaurant called The Local. Great vibe! The brewery has a fantastic patio that is adjacent to a lovely park. Bring your kids – or your dogs on the patio 🙂
- The Local – Google Maps – Yummy big pretzels! plus a menu of many other light and/or meal options
3. The Museum of Northwest Colorado and the Craig Community Center
Although we didn’t stop by these places, we were impressed by their presence and wanted to give a shout-out to these nice-looking community amenities!
- Museum of Northwest Colorado – Google Maps – we didn’t stop by this visit, but this museum gets terrific google reviews. it’s free! and is located right on the main road through historic downtown.
- Center of Craig – Google Maps – Across from the Museum of Northwest Colorado is a beautiful white church, which we learned is serving as a community space owned by the city of Criag, and can be rented out for various events, including as a wedding venue.
4.The Warehouse Food Hall
In addition to the historic downtown area, we also visited a really cool place called The Warehouse Food Hall. It is located in a restored warehouse building with multiple restaurant options and lots of seating and lots of games and other things to do as a place to hang out. Our lunch was delicious! The whole place was meticulously clean which i particularly appreciate.
- Warehouse Food Hall – Google Maps – located along Hwy 40 about a mile away from downtown, this place is WAY better than your typical drive-by fast food! We recommend you check it out!
5. Yampa Valley Fiberworks – working ranch, fiber mill, yarn store and craft venue!
Finally, i have to give a shout-out to the Yampa Valley Fiberworks ranch/mill/store. Being a bit of a natural fiber fan, I always look for local yarn stores when we travel – and this one was particularly fun! It is located about 10 miles north of the town of Craig along Hwy13.
- Yampa Valley Fiberworks – Google Maps – Totally worth a visit!!
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a couple friendly dogs. Once they said Hi, they romped off back to work minding other fur bearing residents. As we walked to the front of the shop, we met a local group working on a craft – looks like fun! The shop itself was well stocked with fiber, yarn, supplies, books and a variety of finished products. We even bought homemade caramel made of local honey… Yum! Lots of fun reasons to visit this store!
More to Explore!
Once home, I did some online research at home and found several resources for more information below.
- City of Craig Website
- Craig Economic Development – The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) was formally reorganized in the Spring of 2022. The Committee is comprised of seven local community members and two City Council liaisons, who represent large cross sections of the community and who have the passion, energy, and time to devote to all things related to Economic Development. The goal of this committee is to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and the Economic Development Manager, including assisting in planning and implementing the five focus areas, goals and priorities set forth in the Moffat County Vision 2025 Transition Plan.
- Moffat County Visitor Center – Stop by the Craig Chamber of Commerce & Moffat County Visitor Center for more information about things to do and see in Craig and Moffat County. The Moffat County Visitor Center and Sportsman Information Center is located at 775 Yampa Ave
- Craig Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) – encourage redevelopment and revitalization in predetermined blighted areas throughout the City of Craig and Moffat County
- Business InFocus Magazine – Business and Workforce development in Craig, CO (Feb.2023)
A few local attractions
- Museum of Northwest Colorado – located in historic downtown Craig
- Wyma Living History Museum – about 4 miles to the West of Criag is a unique collection of Old West
Local Events
Local Events to enjoy!
- Grand Old West Days (May)
- Whittle the Wood Rendezvous (June) – Colorado’s Premier Chainsaw Carving Competition at the Craig County fairgrounds
- Yampa River Festival (June) – 5K fun run, live Reggae music, arts & crafts vendors, beer garden, Yoga in the park presented by local company Good Vibes River Gear
- Homemade Homegrown (July) – Home brew contest, Farmers Market, Pie Baking contest, Open Mic located Downtown Craig
- Moffat County Balloon Festival (August)
- Moffat County Fair (August)
- Yampa Valley Crane Festival (September)
- Fall Fest (September) – Live music, Car show, Corn hole tournament, food & Craft vendors, beer garden located in Downtown Craig
