Opening a treasure trove

Hidden behind the doors of a new store on Cleveland Street is a literal treasure trove of handmade and refurbished goods made exclusively by Wyoming vendors. More than 30 purveyors of local crafts and arts have come together under Te Turbiville's watchful eye to create the Wyoming Treasure Chest and Eatery.

Many have wondered at the recent activity within what was previously Subway and Country Cottage. For the last few weeks, Turbiville has been toiling to transform the spacious building into a location she hopes will tempt every shopper who enjoys a good browse – and a dining area for anyone whose tummy has started to rumble.

"We've got so many wonderful vendors coming in," she smiles. "We've got something for everyone."

The items on offer range from handcrafted towels and potholders to original paintings and photography, hand carved knives, hand-twisted wire jewelry, essential oils and cleaning products, crochet blankets and refurbished antiques. Even after being in the store every day and having been present as the vendors set up, Turbiville says the treasure chest is still surprising her.

"I'm so excited. Every day I come in here and notice something that I hadn't noticed before," she says.

Two vendors will be showcased each month in the large front windows, either with featured items or images of the products they have on offer. These vendors will also be showcased on the website at http://www.wyomingtreasurechesteatery.com, where online purchasing will be made available.

The website is still under construction, Turbiville adds, but will eventually include images of all the individual products available in the store.

On the other side of the store, Turbiville has handed control to Fran Frances to create a new food destination for Sundance. The main feature is a sizeable salad bar from which a customer can put together their choice of meal, from chef to taco salads and more.

The beef will come from Turbiville Beef and, as well as a wide range of vegetables, diners will be able to choose from meats, cheeses, potato and macaroni salads, puddings and jellos.

"If you can't find it in there, then you probably don't need it," Turbiville grins.

Regular and decaf coffee will be available as well as soft drinks, with plenty of tables to sit down and relax. A selection of the Treasure Chest's exclusive cookies, homemade pies and the store's own recipe for ice cream sandwiches will be on offer for sweet-toothed customers.

"We're coming up with some really neat stuff that will be specific for here," says Turbiville.

"All of our ice cream is homemade," she adds. The ice cream, in flavors that will vary, comes from a creamery in Gillette – another Wyoming special, Turbiville notes.

Food will be available all day while the store is open, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday, when opening hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Turbiville also intends to entertain the community with activities that aim to give families an excuse to spend more time together.

"Once a month we're going to be doing a family activity, like sending the kids out that whole week to find a leaf or rock and then coming in to make something neat with it like a place mat," she says.

"We want the kids not only to be active, but to be able to spend family time."

If the family activities prove popular, Turbiville is open to the idea of increasing their frequency. She also wants to make sure finances are not an obstacle to anyone who would like to take part.

"In this store you will not see a tip jar, it's going to be a donation jar for the activities so that if a family can't afford to throw $5 for the activity, it's still covered," she says.

"We're not asking for anything, just come in and spend time with your family."

The store is also planning an Easter egg hunt on April 20, hiding eggs for all age groups beginning with the youngest. There will be a grand prize for each age group. For mother's day, dads and granddads will be able to bring kids in to plant flower pots for the maternal figures in their lives.

For older customers, Turbiville is hoping to introduce classes and entertaining experiences, such as painting classes and demonstrations of aromatherapy oils.

Wyoming Treasure Chest and Eatery will be hosting an open house to welcome the community on May 4, offering sloppy joes and other treats and an opportunity to meet some of the vendors who will be offering their wares at the store. Though still wrapping up a couple of minor details, Turbiville expects the store will open to customers any day now.