Hills Finest now open

Variety marks the experience at Hills Finest.
Customers can enjoy a wine tasting with Michelle at the bar, then browse their selection of homegoods, artwork and other locally-crafted items. In front of the shop, Aaron grills hot dogs at their brand new hot dog stand for customers or others passersby to enjoy. They also offer something for brides-to-be with their wide array of bridal and formalwear. Soon, they also plan to offer a small food menu of appetizers and lunch items at the bar inside the shop. Hills Finest is located at 609 Mount Rushmore Road, which was previously occupied by Ketel Thorestenson, LLP.
Michelle and Aaron Kolbeck moved to the area in March of 2022 and held the official ribbon cutting for their new business June 30, which also happened to be their one year wedding anniversary. This is their first business venture together.
Aaron was born and raised in Huron and always wanted to live in the Black Hills. After meeting Michelle (originally from Washington), he bought some property in the Black Hills. They came out to check on the property and “ended up not leaving,” said Michelle. Now just over a year later, they are new business owners in their new home. Michelle said they’ve felt “very welcomed.”
The idea for the business started as a small bridal shop, but after some brainstorming and securing a building, the idea expanded into more than just bridal and formalwear.
“I always wanted to do Brides for a Cause, so I had been collecting wedding gowns, and Aaron says, ‘why don’t you just do that here?,’” said Michelle.
From that jumping-off point for the business, they also decided to expand their retail offerings, specializing in things made in the area, like candles, woodwork, art, beer and wine, soaps, and clothing—and that’s not all.
‘We really like the idea of keeping things local,” said Michelle.
Visitors to Hills Finest can expect “great service with quality things and to be inspired” said Michelle, who says they are “trying to offer something different that isn’t already [in Custer],” said Michelle.
“It’s been exciting and  a lot of fun,” said Michelle.
In the first week they have been open, they’ve had a steady wave of visitors: tourists shopping for Black Hills-specific items to give as gifts, others looking to enjoy a wine tasting for themselves and some others to grab a hot dog for a quick bite to eat.
“We’ve been very well supported and loved by the town,” said Michelle.