51 MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | Best Place to Find Cowboy Boots That Fit Like a Glove Lucky Bastard Custom Boots 2559 16th Street, Unit 101 luckybastardcustomboots.com Opened at the end of 2025 by boot designer and fi tter Brian Tomajko, Lucky Bastard Cus- tom Boots sells beautiful, handmade cowboy boots and belts, elegantly designed and made from a variety of leathers, including horse, bison, calfskin, goat, stingray, alligator, ostrich and even salmon. Tomajko and his dog, Lucky, welcome customers into the shop to look over and try on the boots. “We always have beer and whiskey on hand,” Tomajko says. “I invite people to come in, hang out, meet Lucky, look at the boots, look at the belts, discuss repairs and have a conversation.” Best Way to Put Your Best Foot Forward Colorado Shoe School 2829 North County Road 23, Bellvue coloradoshoeschool.com Shoe lovers Annabel Reader and Dan Huling were inspired to open their own shoe school after attending one in New Zealand in 2017. Located in Bellvue, just outside Fort Collins, Colorado Shoe School is basically a peaceful treehouse that hosts workshops ranging from a half day to fi ve full days. You’ll learn how to make things like fanny packs, sandals, boots, sneakers, derbies and sandals. Sustainability is key; repurposed leather from leather jack- ets or upholstery is used, or you can bring your own to upcycle into footwear. Method and function are part of the curriculum, but the focus is also on fun and creativity. Best Way to Have the Prom of Your Dreams Bella Boutique bellaboutiquedenver.org Through Bella Boutique, Denver teens who want to attend prom but can’t afford formal- wear can book a one-hour consultation with a personal shopper to select a dress, shoes and accessories, all for free. No proof of in- come (or lack thereof) is necessary; the only rule is that during the actual experience of picking out their attire, the shopper leaves friends and family outside and is accompa- nied by a volunteer so the choices are theirs alone. There’s no permanent location for this boutique; call 720-383-4259 or go to the website to fi nd that season’s spot. Best Destination for Retail Therapy The Emporium 200 Perry Street, Castle Rock theemporiumcastlerock.com The Barn 400 Third Street, Castle Rock facebook.com/ TheBarnAntiquesAndSpecialtyShops Formerly the Castle Rock Feed and Sup- ply Company, the Emporium started out with twelve merchants and has grown to over sixty booths with something for everyone. Home goods, including things like laser-engraved rolling pins and cocktail supplies, share space with jewelry, natural- fi ber clothing, vintage children’s books and fairy garden supplies; there’s also a coffee shop with grab-and-go lunches. Next door, the Barn in the circa-1905 barn features merchants with shabby chic furnishings, repurposed furniture and a baby boutique. It even hosts an annual Mother’s Day tea. Best Place to Practice Folk Magic Folk Vala 1201 Santa Fe Drive, Suite F & G folkvala.com Folk Vala Studios is an exceptional tattoo parlor, but it’s much more than that. Self- described as a business rooted in folk magic, the studio is primarily a place to fi nd com- munity through ritual, art and culture. In addition to a retail store featuring a rotating collection of apothecary goods, books and local art, Folk Vala hosts events and paid classes centered around histories and prac- tices of different cultures, ranging from Ice- landic folk history to crafting your own pine tincture. Don’t miss the fl ash tattoo deals on the fi rst Friday of each month to celebrate the history of the Santa Fe Arts District. Best Place to Watch Scary Movies and Buy Horror- Themed Prayer Candles Scr3am & Sugar 1974 South Acoma Street scr3amnsugar.com This unassuming haunted hideaway may be the most unique niche shopping spot on the Front Range. It’s a scary good place, with the most twisted trinkets you’re going to fi nd anywhere to titillate the most discriminating horror movie fans in your friends and family. From Michael Meyers prayer candles and one-of-a-kind handcrafted art to artifacts from local artists and horror-themed clothing, this bloodcurdling boutique is worth a visit. You can also grab a latte and watch a scary movie while you decide whether you really need that Dracula hoodie (yeah, you do). Best Place to Paint Pottery You’ll Actually Use Ceramics in the City 5214 East Colfax Avenue ceramicsinthecity.com Ever felt like creating your own piece of pottery — without Shopping & Services continued from page 46 continued on page 53
