The Ruby of Crested Butte was originally built as the Crystal Inn in 1994 by a couple looking to retire from long careers in Texas. Soon after moving here, however, they opened a Radio Shack, started a small telecom service business, and opened an antique shop - some of the fabulous antiques you find at The Ruby are from her personal collection. After six years, they decided it was finally time to focus on retiring, and they shut down the BandB operations, built another house down the street, and only opened the Crystal Inn to their friends and family. In late 2004, Chris and Andrea purchased the property and The Ruby was born. Many guests ask about the origin of the name Ruby. Some guess that it was based on the majestic Ruby Mountain Range located just west of Crested Butte and the source of numerous mining era stories. Others think the name is based on the unmistakable ruby red color of the building itself. The real reason, however, is closer to our hearts - it is a celebration of the life of Ruby Elkourie, Andreas grandmother, who passed away shortly before we opened. Ruby herself was a hard working and colorful character who loved the outdoors and walked everywhere. She genuinely cared for people, knew practically everyone, and lived by the motto that - a stranger is just a good friend you have not met yet. She is the embodiment of what we love about this town and our vision of The Ruby – Colorful, Authentic, and Connected. Truly Crested Butte.