Cortez

My aunt and uncle live in Cortez, but it takes 15 minutes to drive into town from their ranch.  We spent a little time in town, but it's so small, it didn't take long to walk up and down Main Street.  Our first stop was Notah-Dineh Trading Co.  It was recommended by Pati & David.  I really wanted to look at Navajo rugs and Zuni fetishes.  I've never been to a trading company, so I've nothing to compare it to, but it was interesting -- lots of things to look at including turquoise, Pendleton throws and saddle blankets, rugs, pottery, and baskets.  They also have a small museum in the basement.





They have on display some amazing Navajo rugs:






The significance of this one is that it's the largest Two Gray Hills rug known.   TGH means there were no dyes used.  Those are the colors of the sheep's wool:
 


Old trading post display:



Turquoise.  If you are into this sort of thing, the area is flooded with Chinese turquoise and not local, so if you are in the market, it's good to know your vendor:






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If you would like a good root beer, try Main St. Brewery in Cortez.  They brew one with honey, which really comes through.  I brought a growler of it home to share w KMHD & Brittany, my potential root beer brewing partners.  We really need to crack it, ladies!  It's probably already flat.