Tourist towns can be interesting.

While each town has its own distinct culture and vibe, all of them offer a mix of retail stores focused on souvenirs and gifts with a local flair. And more often than not, these places feel interchangeable, selling the same generic low-quality products at steep prices, only with a different name.

It's rare to find something unique.

That’s what makes Brownfield’s so refreshing. It’s not just another tourist shop; it’s a true gem that reflects the spirit of Estes Park in every detail.

Our first Brownfield's experience.

We discovered this quaint little store in August 2022, as we wandered the charming streets of Estes Park, soaking in all the beauty and magic this Colorado town has to offer. We loved it so much, we stayed for six weeks.

The shop that day was filled with tourists, travelers like us all searching for keepsakes of their epic adventures. But despite the busyness and flurry of activity surrounding us, the atmosphere was very peaceful and fun. The Brownfield's vibe was unlike anything else we've experienced in other retail shops.

What immediately caught my attention were the products.

Rather than being the same regurgitated copies as other shops, these products were unique, fresh, and different. Additionally, the quality of the garments was high-end, unlike the cheap items often sold in tourist towns across America. Yet it was their prices that blew our minds!

Everything was affordable – a rarity in tourist towns like this. Finding a great shirt for just twenty dollars is unheard of in an industry that often tries to squeeze every last dollar from visitors. But Brownfield’s breaks the rules, making it possible for everyone to take a keepsake from Estes Park home with them.

I also noticed how friendly their staff members were.

It wasn’t long before I struck up a conversation with Jamie Palmesano, who we later discovered was the store’s manager and buyer. She took a genuine interest in our travels, jotted down some hiking recommendations, and then introduced us to the shop’s owner, Don Priem. Both Jamie and Don welcomed us with such warmth. It felt like reconnecting with old friends.

As we wrapped up our discussion and purchased our keepsakes, we vowed to return someday in the future.

That moment finally happened several weeks ago.

Our second amazing visit.

We stepped into the newly remodeled store with eager anticipation, hoping to recapture the magic of our first visit, wondering if the same energy and familiar faces would still greet us. It did not disappoint.

Within minutes, Jamie caught sight of us out of the corner of her eye, quickly coming over to greet us. She even remembered our names. As we started talking, it felt like we'd only been gone weeks from Brownfield's, not years. It wasn't long before Don was giving us a full tour of the new shop, their offices, and even his home above the store.

In a culture that always seems rushed today, they take the time to visit with people who come into the store, making everyone feel like part of a community.

Because our time at Brownfield’s and in Estes Park has meant so much to us, we thought it was the perfect moment to launch our new Loving Locals interview series — a way to highlight the incredible people and businesses we encounter on our road life adventure.

I believe this video captures the essence of their brand and the experience very well, but I would recommend you visit Brownfield's to see for yourself.

As tourist towns like Estes Park face pressure to cater more and more to wealthy travelers, often at the expense of inclusivity, Brownfield’s stands as a refreshing reminder that not all is lost. It proves that local businesses can still prioritize community, authenticity, and accessibility for everyone, while also being financially successful.

We hope this store will be around for many decades to come because it matters.

Thank you, Don, Jamie, and the rest of the team, for accommodating us and making us feel like a part of your family. We love you all!