Stylish Necessities
 

   Chicorica Lane is a wonderful shopping adventure in historic downtown Raton, New Mexico, at 115 S. 2nd Street, right next to Radio Shack. "We had this building," owner Dorothy Best explains. "It had been empty for over a year, so I decided it was time to do something. Part of the concept had been in my head for quite awhile. My husband Alan and I had the building restored by Top Job Construction, and Chicorica Lane was born."

   Chicorica Lane, named after the little creek that runs through Sugarite Canyon State Park just outside of Raton, features kitchen gadgets, bath luxuries, quilting and general sewing necessities, along with many other surprises. "My philosophy is variety in small doses," says Dorothy of her inventory selections. "I also lean toward the practical blended with style, beauty and sometimes whimsy." As shoppers stroll through Chicorica Lane they will find well-known featured brands such as Cuisinart, Zyliss, Microplane and even selections from Guy Fieri's Ergo Chef Knuckleknife collection. "We like to brag that we're the slicing, dicing, chopping, grating, and mincing headquarters for Colfax County," Dorothy quips. In the bath department there are plenty of ways to pamper yourself or find a gift for a friend. Two of Margot Elena's uniquely scented perfume and body lines, Love & Toast and Tokyo Milk, are already winning fans. Edgy and hip, the most popular fragrance right now is Tokyo Milk's Dead Sexy. Also, Microplane has a foot care system for smoothing out callouses and moisturizing tired footsies, or moisturize your body with Zum products containing goat's milk and shea butter. Throughout the shop there are bamboo surprises, cutting boards, bamboo-handled BBQ utensils and dish towels for the kitchen, as well as bamboo robes and towel sets that are so soft you have to feel them. Recycled and organic tote bags are available in bright, fun designs in several sizes. You won’t forget these bags in the car! Another discovery is a wonderful line of softer, simpler, yet stylish handbags. Finally, Chicorica Lane has a quilting and notions department featuring blenders and fillers in quilter's cottons and a notions wall to provide necessities that many sewing enthusiasts need, along with thread and batting. The crafts department is a work in progress, but the Klutz line is on its way to offer beginner kits for the crafty explorer. Classes are being discussed for early 2011. For the wee ones in your life, Chicorica Lane presents the Baby Cupcakes line, which is a fun collection of baby clothing packaged like sweet treats and flower-like bouquets. "We all like this surprise department so much that we are looking for other product lines to dress babies and toddlers in styles for frolicking fun," Dorothy adds. "There is so much more – wine accessories, baking and cooking supplies, beautiful tabletop selections – and many special buys for the up-coming holidays. So, we hope you'll come by, take a stroll down Chicorica Lane and let your creativity wander," Dorothy adds with a beckoning smile.

Chicorica Lane's hours are: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday   Chicorica Lane 115 South 2nd Street Raton, NM, 87740 chicorica_lane@yahoo.com (575) 445-5005