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Homemade Meals, Small-Town Smiles, and a Peaceful Place to Stay.



Our
Story
Welcome to the Villa Grove Trade- A Colorado Classic Since 1882
Known fondly as The Trade, Villa Grove Trade has been a fixture of the San Luis Valley since 1882, originally serving as a General Store for locals and travelers along the historic US Highway 285. In the late 1990s, a café and motel were added, making it a full-service stop for food, rest, and community connection.
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In May 2024, The Trade reopened under the care of new owners Jill, Alan, and their daughter Kate. The family moved to Villa Grove in 2020 with their fiber mill and soon launched the Colorado Wool Company, an arts and crafts shop in Salida. When The Trade became available, it was the perfect match—combining their love for historic spaces, good food, and small-town hospitality.
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Today, The Trade offers fresh, homemade breakfast, lunch, and dessert options, including pies and pastries made with care. Guests can also enjoy a full espresso and coffee bar, all-natural Rocky Mountain Soda, a variety of beverages, locally crafted gifts, and everyday essentials.
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Whether you're a neighbor or just passing through, Villa Grove Trade invites you to experience a taste of tradition and a warm Colorado welcome.
General Store

Forgot it? Need it? We’ve got it.
Whether you’re just passing through or you call Villa Grove home, our little shop is here for life’s “oops, I forgot” and “I just need one thing” moments.
​Grab a COLD BEER, stock up on PROPANE, and don’t forget the ICE - just $3.00 a bag!
If you need propane after hours, please call Cody at (680)-241-0280 and we’ll be happy to help.​
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We’ve got:
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Road trip essentials and everyday basics
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Cold drinks, snacks, and sweets
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Locally made gifts, art, and crafts
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Handy items you didn’t know you needed (but glad we had!)
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Out and about or close to home—we’ve got what you’re looking for.
Local or just passing through, you’ll always find what you need at The Trade.

Naturally Colorado. Authentically Crafted
Tucked inside Villa Grove Trade, Colorado Wool Company is a small but mighty fiber business run by the same family who owns and operates The Trade. Rooted in sustainability and handcrafted quality, Colorado Wool Company offers wool products made from natural and renewable fibers, all sourced and created right here in Colorado. Whether you are looking to cozy up your feet or make your laundry routine more eco-friendly, you will find practical and beautiful wool goods made with care.
Wool Insoles
Wool Dryer Balls
The Warmest Insoles You Will Ever Own
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Made from eco-friendly, all-natural animal fibers
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Wicks moisture, keeping feet warm and dry
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Soft, cushiony, and molds perfectly to your feet
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Cut to fit any shoe, easy to trim at home
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Available Sizes:
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Small: fits up to a women’s size 7
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Medium: fits up to a women’s size 9 or a men’s size 7
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Large: fits up to a women’s size 15 or a men’s size 13
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Extra Large: fits up to a men’s size 15​
A Natural Alternative to Dryer Sheets
Dryer balls are an easy and eco-friendly way to soften clothes, reduce static, and speed up drying time without using harsh chemicals.
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Made from all-natural, renewable wool
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Replaces dryer sheets and fabric softener
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Helps clothes dry faster by improving airflow
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Long-lasting and effective for hundreds of loads
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Pricing:
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One for $7
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Three for $20
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Six for $35
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Twelve for $60​​
Wholesale pricing is available for both insoles and dryer balls—perfect for general stores, gift shops, and eco-friendly retailers.​​​
Testimonials
"Do not pass this place up! We had the best lunch here. Huge portions and very reasonably priced. They also have homemade pies and all of the yummy specialty coffees. The front of the store is lots of local items and drinks, and snacks. The Philly Cheese steak sandwich is the bomb! We would definitely stop in again."
"Wonderful stop on our road trip -- food was great, pies were fresh, and service was attentive and friendly. Front half is a shop with gifts and local items, cafe is in the back half. We enjoyed wandering the shop while waiting for our food. There's free WiFi and room to stay and enjoy coffee from the extensive drink menu while planning your day or catching up on email. Highly recommended!"
"Hands down, 100%, absolutely, bar none, best veggie burger in the entire state of Colorado! This is from a vegetarian with over 45 years' experience. I've traveled over 350,000 miles criss-crossing Colorado for work and recreation, from Julesburg to Cortez and from Craig to La Junta, and all points in between. I ALWAYS stop at Villa Grove Trade for a veggie burger whenever my travels allow! Authentic atmosphere, friendly people, real handmade fries in the spud capital of Colorado, and THE BEST veggie burgers I've ever eaten!!"
Hours
Open:
7:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Closed:
Thursday