The Curate Art and Curiosity Gallery Co-Owner Shares her Favorite Things

Photo by Kellie McKenzie

1. HOUSEWARMING GIFT A trio of Phil’s Secret Sauce varieties—Chimichurri, Ragu Alla Bolognese and Ranchygrette. Made in Eagle, they pair perfectly with a steak and a good bottle of vino from Riverwalk Wine & Spirts in Edwards. Phil’s Secret Sauce, $10 each, philssecretsauce.com

2. VAIL VALLEY EVENT The summer concerts at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail are perfection. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening than outside in our beautiful valley, listening to live music and enjoying a picnic with friends. In the cold-weather months, we head to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek to see concerts and shows. The programming is top-notch and the music starts early, so I can make my bedtime. vilarpac.org; grfavail.com

Perch

3. RETAIL STORE I try to only shop locally, and Perch has made that easy to do with all of my favorite brands and the most accommodating staff. It was there I discovered the NYC-based, British-inspired Kempton & Co.—I love the shearling-and-leather crossbody bag (laptop fits perfectly). Halwell Shearling Crossbody, $425; kemptonandco.com; perchvail.com

Bev Ruiz

4. COLORADO ARTIST Denver-based artist Bev Ruiz has captured my heart (and the walls in my home). She creates abstract paintings full of color and texture that make me so very happy. bevruiz.com

Tessa Clogs

5. FOOTWEAR I live in my super-comfortable Tessa Clogs, made in Minturn. I always go for the traditional heel clog; metallic silver may just be
my favorite. Traditional Heel Clog in Silver, $124; tessaclogs.com

6. WORKOUT VENUE Tonic Pilates in Edwards, with my incredible instructor, Haley Peterson. The workout is different each time, the reformer is challenging and fun, and the great music is a bonus.tonicmethod.com

7. MUSEUM While we don’t have a traditional museum in Vail, I love taking out-of-town guests to the Colorado Snowsports Museum. I’m a bit of a history nut and enjoy sharing the history of Vail and the 10th Mountain Division of World War II. And the gift shop is amazing. snowsportsmuseum.org

8. LOCAL CHARITY As a board member of the Vail Health Foundation, I focus my efforts on its behavioral health capital campaign. With the new Wiegers Mental Health Clinic and Precourt Healing Center in Edwards, the Vail Valley will soon be a leader in our country for creating a compassionate and innovative space for our community to heal. It’s a privilege to be part of this noble endeavor. vailhealth.org

Squash Blossom

9. JEWELRY I adore my turquoise squash blossom necklace from the aptly named store in Vail Village, Squash Blossom. My dad gave it to me a few years ago, and I treasure it. It has just the right balance of sophistication with a nostalgic nod to the Southwestern history of the Navajo tribe who lived in the Four Corners region. Squash Blossom Vintage 1970s Necklace, $3,200, squashblossomvail.com

Hygge Life

10. HOME DESIGN STORE Hygge Life in Eagle-Vail. The owners, Alexandra and Koen, have created the most inviting and cozy space full of Scandinavian home décor and furniture. I want to
buy everything in there—after I enjoy a matcha from the in-store café, of course. hyggelife.com