Fly Away Home closes

After six years in Niwot's Cottonwood Square, Fly Away Home is now closed. Owner Kathy Trauner announced to her loyal customers that Fly Away Home, a home decor boutique, would close on Dec. 24.

The shop was a favorite of local shoppers, along with out of town visitors, for its unique home decorating items. Trauner carried a wide variety of goods, such as baby outfits with clever sayings, including a baby girl onesie that says, "I'm not allowed to date. Ever."

The store also featured art and photographs by local artists, holiday decorations, towels, cards with clever sayings, and pillows. Trauner cited her husband Tim Conarro's retirement and their desire to travel more as reasons for closing, along with the increasing cost of doing business in unincorporated Boulder County.

"I will definitely miss it," Trauner said. But she still plans to be involved in the Niwot community. She is set to join the board of directors of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association in January, and plans to continue to coordinate sponsorships for Niwot's summer concert series, Rock & Rails, where she also volunteers as a server at the Depot.

She will also have more time to resume writing for the Courier, having contributed to a regular feature, "The Story Behind the Name" in years past.