Goin Western

Every individual has great value, each offering unique talents and distinctions, to make our world a better place. At Cedar Creek Coffee, we appreciate those distinctions, some of our workers are young, some are older, some have disabilities and some do not:  together they create these "Special blends made by special hands."  No person is without value, especially you!

If you love the metal sign craze then Colors of Earth Studios is for you. Visit them on their website or facebook page

If you are looking for quality handmade knives then look no further. With a deep interest in Western American History and he studied the knife makers of the early years of our country.  As a Master Craftsman, Knife Designer and Knife Maker, Dave Durr started making knives in 1983! You will find no other knives like these from Dave Durr!

The trading post has been operated since 1967 by Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a non-profit partner of the National Park Service (NPS). WNPA operates Hubbell Trading Post in much the same fashion as it was in the late 1800s. It was then that John Lorenzo Hubbell farmed, raised sheep, and founded the frontier store where Navajos exchanged rugs and crafts for food and supplies.

The Hubbell family operated the post into the 1960s when it was acquired by the NPS, which maintains the historic site, including the stone-and-adobe trading post and Hubbell homestead. In addition to the trading post, visitors today can also take in a self-guided walk of the grounds and a NPS guided tour of Hubbell’s home. Inside, the home is furnished as it was in Hubbell’s time — bold Navajo rugs and blankets, paintings and dozens of Navajo baskets line the rough-hewn wood beams.

Take a trip back in time. The year is 1898 on the Arizona frontier. In a corner of Arizona Territory sits the busy Hubbell facility. The owner, influential and respected trader John Lorenzo Hubbell, has become a key player in revitalizing the Navajo economy, including its traditional arts and crafts. The Navajo routinely travel up to one hundred miles to trade in his store. Hubbell is widely viewed as both a friend and cordial host.

Today, instead of horses and wagons out front, you’ll find cars, RVs, and pickup trucks. Edison Eskeets, WNPA’s trader and recognized as the area’s rug expert, stands behind the counter, trading and conversing with Native American artists and park visitors. Rugs are piled high in the “rug room.” The “trader’s office” is filled with authentic and original silver and turquoise jewelry, woven baskets, paintings, and native pottery. The historic “bullpen” features a large, well-worn u-shaped wooden counter. Groceries, hardware, artist supplies, blankets, saddles, and more are displayed throughout the room. Locals and tourists gathering about also play a part in this unique energy and mélange of today and yesteryear.

At Hubbell, visitors discover a taste of tradition and history combined with a unique shopping experience. Park visitors can often view our master artist Ruby Hubbard weaving a rug on loom in the park visitor center. These beautiful works-in-progress are frequently sold to visitors before they are even finished.

For those thinking about purchasing a Navajo rug or wanting to learn about other regional Native American arts, Hubbell Trading Post is the place to come, and our expert staff members are the people to consult. Each rug, whether destined to decorate a floor, hang on a wall, or drape over a couch, represents the amazing tapestry of Navajo culture, history, and artistry.

Hubbell’s place in the community is just as important as its place in history. Today, the trading post supports more than 1000 individual artists. Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni artists still drive hundreds of miles to sell their rugs, jewelry, baskets, carvings, pottery, paintings, and more. Hubbell’s continues the tradition of supporting artists — young and old — with varying degrees of skills, from novice to master, ensuring artists continue to mature and thrive. The trading post's role in the local economy is just as important today. Direct purchases from artisans exceed $500,000 annually. We supply loans and cash checks to local artisans and established community members. The post also employs nine+ local residents, providing valuable jobs on the Navajo Nation. In conjunction with the NPS, the trading post hosts community events such as the annual Christmas luminaria celebration and raffle give-away.

For those who make the trip to the trading post, the drive through the Navajo Nation is a reward in itself with traditional Navajo hogans along the way and red and purple vistas framed by an endless sky. Trading post visitors often find overnight accommodations in nearby Chinle and visit the tranquilly beautiful Canyon de Chelly National Monument the next day. It’s a 40-minute drive from the trading post, and arguably this unforgettable scenery rivals the Grand Canyon. Other parks in the region include Navajo National Monument, Monument Valley, and Petrified Forest.

Kings Trail Leather specializes in handmade moccasins for men, women, and children.  Many colors and styles to choose from.  Find them on FB, and Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/KingsTrailLeather