LOCAL VOICES
Life in Idaho Springs is about more than mountain views, it’s about being part of a community with grit, heart, and stories that run deep. Here, neighbors know each other, small businesses shape our downtown, and the outdoors is never more than a step away.
From small business spotlights and new initiatives to seasonal highlights and behind-the-scenes looks at what makes our town unique, this is where you’ll find the heartbeat of Idaho Springs.
FROM THE HEART
This space is dedicated to the voices of our community the people, families, and neighbors who make Idaho Springs what it is. More stories are on the way, and this page will grow with features that capture our small town with a big heart.
SHOPPING SMALL MEANS MORE
Shopping small isn’t just about buying something. It’s about supporting families, neighbors, and the stories that keep our town alive. Every purchase is an impact buy that helps send kids to school, keep storefronts thriving, and carry our community forward.
Portrait of a Shop Owner
Idaho Springs. Where Stories Live.
We’re creating short video portraits of our shop owners. The stories from the people who give Idaho Springs its character.
This section is just beginning. Check back soon for more portraits, more stories, and more voices from the heart of Idaho Springs.
Sit N Chill
Sit N Chill Ice Cream is a true family shop in Idaho Springs, opened three years ago, Jason & Meghan moved to town 13 years ago with the dream of running a small business rooted in community. When the longtime ice cream shop closed, they felt the absence in town, a missing gathering place, and were honored to reopen it.
For them, ice cream isn’t just a treat. It’s something that brings people together, reminds visitors and locals of where they come from, and creates simple moments of joy. The shop offers sweets of every kind, but more importantly, it offers a safe, welcoming space where kids, families, and neighbors can hang out. Their own children are growing up inside the shop, serving scoops and spending time with the kids who drop in after school.
Visitors come for the ice cream, candy, toys, and even the shop’s beloved axolotl, but they stay because Sit N Chill is part of their memory of Idaho Springs. The owners say they can tell what generation someone last visited from the moment they walk in—the shop unlocks old memories and long-held joy.
At its heart, Sit N Chill is a family-run gathering place that brings people back to their happy place—one scoop at a time.
LOCALS YOU'LL LOVE
Steve Indrehus of
Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub
In the heart of historic downtown Idaho Springs lies Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub, a mountain-town craft beer institution founded in 1994 that still pours “rock-solid Colorado craft” just steps from the gold-rush streets. It’s no surprise that Steve Indrehus, president of the brewery and longtime local, has become a beloved figure in our community.
Steve’s support for Idaho Springs runs deep: He’s often the first to say “yes” when asked to sponsor a community event, restore a historic mural, or set up tents for downtown celebrations. You’ll find him climbing ladders, serving pints, or lending a hand, whatever it takes.
Beyond that, Steve is a trusted collaborator and sounding board for local business owners, always helping to build, connect, and strengthen our business community.
If you’ve lived in or visited Idaho Springs often, chances are you’ve run into Steve. His kindness, enthusiasm, and can-do spirit shine through everything he does—and I can’t imagine doing the work of promoting this town without him by our side. Let’s raise a glass to Steve and let him know how much his hard work, generosity, and hometown love mean to Idaho Springs.