SOUTHERN WYOMING - Montana and Wyoming - page 698

For more than 70 years, Laramie Jubilee Days ( www.laramiejubileedays.com ) has
been Laramie's annual hometown celebration that draws revelers from across the region.
Scheduled around the anniversary of Wyoming's statehood on July 10, the event frequently
spans more than a week and includes Fourth of July events, including the biggest fireworks
display in the state. Other Jubilee Days events include street dances, a classic parade, bull
riding, and three nights of professional rodeo.
The Albany County Fair is held annually in late July-early August at the fairgrounds
(3520 U.S. 287) and has all the family-friendly fun visitors expect from a Western fair, in-
cluding a carnival, entertainment, and 4-H activities.
SHOPPING
While the shopping options are quite varied around town, from marvelous bookstores to
hippie outposts and classic Western saddleries, the experience of shopping in Laramie's his-
toric and charming downtown cannot be beat. The Second Story (105 Ivinson Ave., 307/
745-4423, www.personallyrecommendedbooks.com , 10am-6pm Mon.-Sat.), for example,
is a gem of an independent bookstore housed in a public hall built in 1889. Since then, it
has been a hotel, a bordello, a saloon, a senior center, and now a bookstore. Their children's
book selection is particularly good. As a bonus, with every book purchase comes a free es-
presso drink, made to order.
For a delectable treat, stop by The Chocolate Cellar (113 Ivinson Ave., 307/742-9278,
www.christieschocolatecellar.com , 10am-5:30pm Mon.-Sat., 1pm-4pm Sun.), which has
been creating handcrafted goodies for more than 30 years. Mountain Woods Furniture
(206 S. 3rd St., 307/745-3515, www.mtswoodsfurniture.com , 10am-6pm Mon.-Sat.) sells
rustic wood furniture handcrafted by local artisans. The Copper Kettle (209 2nd St., 307/
742-1800, www.mycopperkettle.com , 9am-6pm Mon.-Sat., 11am-3pm Sun.) is a glorious
kitchen shop in a wonderful environment.