Prairie Fire Pottery not only creates beautiful products but also provides a wonderful buying experience. Although items are available online, it’s worth the time to locate and visit the Beach location to see these artisanal works firsthand.

From the highway, travelers need only follow the big green signage to find the shop. Inside, it’s obvious that owner Tama Smith pays close attention to details. The warm lighting. The soft music. The textures and colors of her displays. Nearly everything feels warm, natural and earthy, from the wooden shelves to the terra-cotta stone floor to the little gunnysack bags used to prop up pieces on display. It’s the perfect staging environment for pottery reflecting the colors and spirit of the nearby Badlands. Prices range from $12 for a sponge holder with a happy face motif to $225 for customized platters.

If you ask, Tama might just offer a tour of the production area and describe how her colorful pieces are created. A sign on the door gives visitors her home phone number to call after store hours.