I have been a little lazy about writing lately….not because I don’t like to write, but rather I have been traveling!

Recently, my older son Alex talked me into going to Florida for an impromptu road trip.  I have been researching places to ‘retire’ (not that I will EVER really retire) and places in Florida keep cropping up in my reading.  I have never really liked Florida…or rather my perception of Florida…so I decided to check it out.  I really didn’t want to go alone so my younger son Connor flew out to meet me.

I must be honest about my preconceived perception of Florida:  swampland, alligators, bugs, snakes, crime, heat and humidity.  I have only been to Miami and Fort Lauderdale just prior to boarding a cruise….I think my feelings about Florida came from watching too much ‘Miami Vice’ in the 80’s (anybody else remember this show???).

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised.  In fact, I was stunned at how pretty Florida is!!  You might be surprised to learn that Florida is the 2nd largest state in our country for the cattle industry!!  I never saw one alligator, but I saw more cattle than I have ever seen in Colorado!

Okay…Florida is definitely humid, but the sand is white and feels as soft as flour…there are pine trees (and palm trees) everywhere.  This state is VERY green…the grass is almost luminescent.  I must admit that I may go back and spend some additional time there. I surprised myself.  Connor has already moved me there because, if for no other reason, of the beaches (and the pretty girls).

Preconceived perceptions can really limit our lives.  I am reminded of the old saying “never judge a book by its cover”.  So true.

The Barn in Castle Rock, Colorado is a BARN.  If you were to quickly drive by you might actually think that it is just a BARN….full of horses, hay and feed.  You would be very mistaken, of course, but it would take parking your car and entering The Barn for you to see the magic that is inside.  The Barn Antiques and Specialty Shops has been open for 17 years and we STILL have people come in and say “I have lived here forever and never knew about this place”!Barn May2014-110 CROPPED-S

Anyway, I’m sure you see my point. We should never rely on preconceived notions!  Come on into historic downtown Castle Rock and pay us a visit!  You WILL find us…there is no other BARN anywhere downtown…(but we do not have horses, or hay or feed)….we DO have Antiques, Vintage Items, Collectibles,  Home Décor, Jewelry, Women’s Clothing, Baby Clothes and Furniture, Art, Imported Décor, Live Greenhouse items, Books  and Outdoor Architectural Décor…LOTS of wonderful and magical stuff!!

The Barn is worth a visit, and then a follow up visit, then another visit…….you won’t regret it! You will keep coming back for more! 🙂

Soluxe Decor

We have traveled to the far corners in search of fun, affordable gift ware, artwork, home accents, and one-of-a-kinds – then added a splash of furniture, seasonal items and jewelry. We love the simple things in life mixed with the excitement of exploration, an organic blend of Colorado’s freshness and the exotic world beyond. Please join us as we share our treasures

Paw Paws

The white buffalo

Welcome to The White Buffalo.  Thanks for taking the time to check it out.  It is a store unlike any other, specializing in refurbishing furniture, antique finds, and handmade gifts for you and those you love.

I love the antique look with a splash of color.  We are proud to bring you shabby chic with a twist of unique.

The Gate

Welcome to The Gate! Come on in! Look around and soak it in!  If you have any questions or need help finding what you are looking for, just let me know!

You will find unique and interesting products to suit your cabin and lodge home. Perhaps you are interested in western decor, with a cowboy theme, or farming, even. You can find old tools and implements to compliment a primitive decor. 

Enjoy a pleasant afternoon in your garden, amoungst vintage or new furniture and decor. 

CeCe & Rose

Cece & Rose is as darling and sweet as it sounds! Located in historic downtown Castle Rock inside The Barn, it is truly one of a kind!  You will find some of the latest baby trends in clothing, hair accessories, nursery decor, as well as soft plush, swaddlers, baby booties, children’s jewelry and fun growth development toys.  Our boutique clothing is quality brands and some are locally handmade.  Owner, Kristin Pawlak, is an Interior Designer formally from Chicago.  Her knack for display and merchandising makes it easy to see how items can be paired together, whether it is for baby nursery decor, lighting or clothing accessories.You might run into her twin daughters at The Barn, Cecily & Chloe Rose, in which her shop is named for. 

Bohemian Rags-N-Bags

Bohemian Rags-n-Bags offers:
Unique Bohemian Style Clothing & Accessories, Artisan jewelry, Bags, Hippie clothing, Day dresses, Boho blouses, Tunic tops, Kimono style tops, Gypsy skirts, Yoga wear, Gently used designer jeans & other Boho chic clothing fashions.

Looking for the perfect gift? We also offer a variety of Incense, Scented oils and Candles. 

Take a moment to preview our unique selection…

Shop Bohemian Rags-N-Bags for curious and unique items and gifts for the home!
(Many items handcrafted in India)

The Bee's Knees Antiques & Interiors

The Bee’s Knees Antiques & Interiors specializes in beautiful, hand-picked items that will help turn your house into a haven.  We offer a fresh mix of charming antiques and repurposed furniture, along with vintage accents and home accessories in many styles – from rustic, to French Country, to modern cottage.

Our one-of-a-kind, hand-painted furniture pieces are a labor of love, and will add warmth and personality to your home.

Our inventory is always changing, so stop by often to experience our fun and affordable selection of furniture and home décor!

Coming Home

Coming Home A French and Nature Inspired Mélange. “It’s the way you feel the moment you step in the door, you know…that warm fuzzy feeling…it’s like coming home!”

The Nut Tree

Shirley’s Treasures provides sterling silver, 10K and 14K gold jewelry with genuine stones. This business started 20 years ago and has always been known for providing high quality jewelry at low prices.

French Farm

At French Farm you’ll find beautiful, unusual and very healthy house plants, some big, some small.

We also have a great selection of accessories and tiny plants for your fairy garden or terrarium.

French Farm offers a variety of garden goods. On our front porch you’ll find some great spinners, yard stakes, even some pottery and cement statuaries and garden tools.

Please stop by for a breath of fresh air!

The Nut Tree

All the Comforts of Home – The Feel, The Smell, The Look…

Home Decor & Antiques

Unique Gift Items

The Book Nook

The Book Nook is a unique and fun shopping experience We offer a variety of items to engage both young and not-so-young minds.  Our products include standard bookstore items:  books, journals, stationery, notepads, pens, etc. as well as new and novel products that are constantly being added. 

We carry the largest selection of Jellycat plush toys and books in Castle Rock.  The Book Nook has items to tickle your imagination and challenge your brain.  We think we have a lot to offer so stop by and check us out.  Customers frequently comment that The Book Nook is one of their favorite shops to visit.

I bought The Book Nook to bring new ideas and imagination to The Barn.

The Antique Buffalo

The Antique Buffalo scours the best markets to bring unique and special items to our wonderful town of Castle Rock. We are the go to shop for a one of a kind antique bench, or a high end solid wood dining table. We have stunning artwork ranging from wild horses on framed canvas to framed antique American Flags. We love to travel the country looking for one of a kind dining tables and European accessories. Our shop also carries beautiful botanical candles made locally as well as Joanna Gaines’ very exclusive line of candles and home fragrances. Looking to redecorate your home?  We offer furniture, artwork, lighting, home decor, pillows and accessories in addition to clothing and specialty jewelry. We are known as a luxury, specialty shop with one of a kind finds.

We love our loyal and amazing clients. We have had clients come in for a table and end up furnishing an entire room from our shop. Some of our clients have become great friends of ours and nothing makes us happier than seeing them pop in just to say hello. We are beyond grateful for the loyalty of our wonderful supporters.

Sassy Chic Mamas Boutique

Sassy Chic Mamas brings boutique items made for the Colorado lifestyle directly to you! Our products are handcrafted, locally sourced, and created with love by two Colorado Moms. We offer one-of-a-kind Colorado finds with exclusive designs, including custom, hand-painted elevation signs and boutique items.

Created with locally-sourced reclaimed wood, our signs can be tailored specifically to your needs by a local artist, or you can choose a piece of unique Colorado décor from our collection. We also offer a wide selection of gifts, jewelry, and sassy fashion!

Much Ado Boutique

Much Ado Boutique is for the romantic dreamer in all of us. Our feminine, well curated pieces are created to make our customers feel beautiful each and every day. We hand pick pieces with touches of lace, ruffles and intricate details with the highest quality. Our whimsical clothing can take you from day to evening, or from brunch with the girls to date night on the town.

We carry women’s clothing and accessories; including shoes, jewelry, belts, and bags. We are always adding beautiful new items, so stop in and see us often.

love harper

Here at Love Harper we believe you should embrace your alter ego without feeling the need to alter her. We encourage this through our products with purpose, clothing + accessories that highlight your beauty and uplifting messaging strung throughout. Including supporting fellow small businesses and makers as we are makers ourselves! You will find our own handmade jewelry collection sprinkled throughout the shop! We also offer an extensive do-it-yourself charm bar encouraging you to make your own personalized necklace or bracelet with our handcrafted stamped charms.

We hope to see you soon!

Love Harper 

Our mission is simple- to enable you to feel good. Whether it is a comfy sweater, purchasing that perfect present for a loved one, uplifting messaging with our signs or jewelry, items that make you LOL, beautifully unique home decor or finding something special that speaks to you from other small businesses and makers! 

Whitewash

Welcome to Whitewash home & lifestyle boutique! Where we believe you should surround yourself with beautiful things that make you happy. We are inspired by a diverse mix old and new finds in a rustic and romantic setting of neutral colors and soft textures. Here you will find a unique array of hand painted furniture, lighting, home décor, gifts, fashion, and jewelry. Be sure to reach out and ask about our custom painting services, design services and flat rate furniture delivery.