Address/Location: 130 5th Avenue

Type of Merchandise: Rustic Home Furnishings

On the corner of 5th Avenue and 2nd Street you will find an eclectic Rocky Mountain shop. Roughing It features hand-made furniture, unique gifts and well made clothing. The store has exposed brick walls adorned with heads of game animals, antler chandeliers, wooden counters, shelves and a staircase leading upstairs.

When you first walk in you will be greeted by a life size bear, up on his hind legs, which was carved out of wood. To the left are a few shelves of cute moose and black bear figurines. Look around for unique craft items like pictures frames, welcome signs, candles, and coasters. There is a wall with food items including some of the best pumpkin butter we have ever tasted. Several nature books are for sale as well. There is even a Christmas tree filled with ornaments to choose from.

In the back of the first floor are clothing items such as dresses, outfits, shorts, night shirts, pajamas, t-shirts, and socks. A large selection of shoes includes original moccasins and other shoes from Minnetonka. Jewelry and other quality items can be found in the glass cases lining the counter. The kids were attracted to the "canned animals" which are various small stuffed animals (beavers, bald eagles, buffalo, black bear, etc.) which come in a can. These are a very cute gift idea for about $12.50 each.

Upstairs is where you will find the furniture. I guarantee you will want to buy it all up for that log cabin you have always been dreaming about one day owning. Every one of us had to sit on the large leather couch at the top of the stairs. It is made from worn brown leather, but the backing of the cushions has wildlife animals, a large bear and a large moose, imposed on them. We walked around in wonder at all the various uses of leather and pictures of wolves and other animals. We found a picture of a wolf and its frame looks to be made from a log, split into four pieces, and perfectly fitted together. It is stained and polished . . . absolutely beautiful.

You can find almost anything for your home. They have a wide variety of unique beds, tables, couches, chairs, artwork, plates, pillows, blankets, lights, lamps, chandeliers . . . you name it. My very favorite item is a table and chair set for a small kitchen or eating area. The entire set was made from wood which very dark bark on the outside. The table seems to be made from a thick tree with just a slice cut out and polished up real nice. The table is higher than normal and the chairs are actually stools. The stools re miniature versions of the table itself and swirled around very smoothly, which is surprising since it looks stiff being made from all wood.

Visit them online at www.roughingitinstyle.com.