Cliffrose Country Store, 3254 Highway 82. Hours: 11am to 6pm Thursdays through Saturdays. Phone: (520) 771-2082.
Lassoing local talent, Michelle and Brent Cole have opened Cliffrose Country Store as a showcase to the diversity of regional artisans.
The floral work of Juanita Lehman, the stitchery of Jodi Reiner, the photography of Monica Anderson: Cliffrose Country Store shines a light on the creations of people inspired by the Arizona/Mexico vibe.
“We want our handcrafted merchandise to appeal to local people…and also we want to bring in the people (who are) visiting the wineries,” Michelle said.
With items running the price point from $2.50 (bookmarkers) to $200 (hand-tooled purses), Cliffrose Country Store hopes to serve day trippers and area birthday shoppers.
And Michelle believes—with her experience—she can make this happen.
“I worked in retail for many years and feel that this is one of my strengths,” she said. Locally, she was employed at Global Arts Gallery in Patagonia. And being a part of that buying team gave her insight into what people like. Ergo, that stocks the Cliffrose shelves. There are lavender products from Sonoita’s Wild Oak Farm and rebozos (long scarfs) from Mexican crafters. Hats, aprons, pillows, dog collars and, of course, enticing and original food products can all be found there.
But that’s not the only business the Coles run out of this Highway 82 hub. They also operate Pretty Situations, an events management company acquired in 2021.
In terms of facility use, plans are to expand opportunities to include private patio events, pop-up shows and food truck experiences.
Michelle, a native of Tucson, and Brent, from Pennsylvania, have two sons, Rowan, 16, and Callum, 14, who pitch in with the family businesses.
As for Brent, he’s a master at event deliveries. “I’ve never met anybody who can back up a trailer like him,” Michelle said.
Brent is also responsible for the name of the business—Cliffrose—his favorite local plant.