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shopping the skinny on getting the goods

S
hopping requires skills—a sharp, discerning eye, decisiveness and stam-
ina. And skills improve with practice, which makes Monterey County a
world-class training facility to perfect the art (sport?) of shopping. From
Moss Landing, with its rows of antique shops in converted beach cottages, to
Salinas’ up-and-coming Oldtown boutiques, galleries and restaurants, there’s no
reason to leave empty-handed.
Visitors come from far and away to shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Its Carmel
Plaza houses high-end shops alongside indie jewels, like Ms. Fabulous—yes,
the name does say it all. But don’t skip the rest of Ocean Avenue and its sur-
rounding streets. Doing so would mean missing out on the storybook town’s
unique boutiques, like Intima European Lingerie, Fourtané, which sells estate
and contemporary jewelry, and Girl Boy Girl, carrying designers including BCBG,
Betsy Johnson, and Sue Wong. While you’re in the neighborhood, take a short
drive to the mouth of Carmel Valley where the Barnyard Shopping Village and
the Crossroads offer a great selection of local boutiques, galleries, jewelers
and home stores, not to mention restaurants—
remember, one needs sustenance to make it to
the county’s many other shopping designations.
Local retail shops are top-notch, but don’t dis-
count consignment clothiers in ritzy areas where
well-to-do ladies dump their gently used design-
er duds, evening gowns and vintage couture.
Yellowbrick Road, SPCA Benefit Store and Déjà
Vu in the Barnyard are must-sees, as are Encore
Boutique and Reincarnation in Pacific Grove.
Monterey’s got its share of big-name retail
at Del Monte Center, and specialty shops along
Cannery Row. But be sure to check out the locals’
favorite haunts along Old Monterey’s Alvarado
Street and its side streets and alleyways for every-
thing from imported sarongs and jewelry to books
and chic looks. Didn’t pack the perfect dress (or
denim, or earrings, or handbag or pumps)? Hit
up Girl-Lee Boutique, Karma Fashion Lounge and
Goodie 2 Shoes all within blocks, and find gifts for
everyone back home at Never On Sunday.
Heading down Lighthouse Avenue, from New Monterey to Pacific Grove, find
kitschy-cool vintage-esque treasures at Monterey’s Olio and gifts for any occa-
sion at P.G.’s Quill, and the perfect ensemble for work, or evening, or more shop-
ping at P.G.’s The Clothing Store.
Keep shopping in Oldtown Salinas, where the weather is warmer and local
galleries host a First Friday Art Walk. Along Main Street and its surrounding
neighborhood, Bliss Boutique sells the latest head-to-toe fashions while Head
Over Heels will gladly glam up the toes (and the rest of the feet). Tito’s Tiques
recreates antique furniture and other home furnishings. And by now, it’s likely
that you’re in the market for a new bag to cart these newfound treasures home.
Belle Handbags & Accessories has all the answers.

www . bestofmontereybay. com The Best of Monterey Bay 2008 • 2009 75


PACIFIC GROVE FASHION
®

OUTLET

Amer ca T Ca ry
O s
Pac c G ov CA
831 655 4302
888 20 1778

Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday 11-5


510 Ligh pendleton-usa.com

Artisana Gallery s
• Jewelry
C ss
e Be a
s s f r
• Fine Art a
ssy
• Candles
tt
• Incense
• Statuary mention Sw s
this ad y
• Gifts for free gift

309 Forest Avenue Prim & Proper


(across from City Hall) Gf
655-9775 h G n 6

FASHION PACIFIC GROVE


76 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM
(shopping)

carmel here with a collection of gorgeous


Mexican tiles or a whimsical sculp-
ture for the garden. Thirteen miles
OCEAN AVENUE east of Highway 1 on Carmel Valley
Small boutiques rule the day on Carmel-by- Rd., Carmel Valley.
the-Sea’s main shopping drag. Although the
most conspicuous commodity for sale is art,
there’s a wide range of shops carrying exquisite
drug store for shopping essentials, as well
as many small specialty shops and eateries. monterey
clothing, shoes and handcrafted goods. Along Highway 1 and Rio Rd., Carmel. 625-4106.
Ocean Ave. from Carpenter Rd. to Monte Verde
St., Carmel.
ALVARADO STREET
THE BARNYARD This is the heart of Monterey, where
You’ll find clothing, jewelry and restaurants, 200-year-old adobes sit beside sleek new build-
CARMEL PLAZA as well as craft shops and a garden store ings that reinterpret the ubiquitous Spanish
The Plaza is home to about 50 shops and among the 50 shops in this charming open- Colonial style. In recent years an assortment of
restaurants, covering galleries, jewelry stores air complex with a rustic theme. Highway 1 at fashionable boutiques has sprung up, and just
and several upscale retail shops, including Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel. 624-8886. east of downtown, bibliophiles will find several
Louis Vuitton, J.Jill, and Anthropologie, all in a quality used and rare book dealers. A tobacco-
courtyard setting. Ocean and Mission, Carmel. nist, cafés, bars and restaurants round out the
624-0138.
carmel valley appeal of this relaxed but upbeat downtown.
Along Alvarado St. from Munras Ave. to Del
CROSSROADS SHOPPING Monte Ave., Monterey.
VILLAGE CARMEL VALLEY VILLAGE
A quirky and interesting assortment of
Almost a separate township unto itself, the shops, wine-tasting rooms, cafés, restaurants
DEL MONTE CENTER
Crossroads includes among its 70 shops and Macy’s, Mervyn’s, Whole Foods—who’s to
and art galleries. This is the place for indoor
restaurants a Safeway grocery store and Long’s say which is the anchor store among the 85
and outdoor décor shops; you could well leave

www.woodiesofcarmel.com

Exquisite Estate
ContemporaryJewelry
and

Apparel - Gifts - Home Decor


Fo r Ca r Bu ffs
Automobilia
1,000 Hawaiian Shirts
Neon Signs & Clocks
Gifts for Guys &
So Much More!
Tel: 831-626-9064
114 Crossroads Blvd.
Carmel CA 93923
JEWEL BOUTIQUE
Highway 1 at Rio Road
The Barnyard • Carmel • 831-625-1016

WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 77


(shopping)
CHANEL • VERSACE • YSL • ST. JOHN • Valentino • D&G

Continue
Your locally owned shops, family restaurants, and
national stores in this outdoor garden shop-

Exploration ping mecca? A Banana Republic and a White


House/Black Market recently joined the group,
not far from the Peninsula’s biggest movie the-

In Couture
ater complex. Highway 1 at Munras, Monterey.
373-2705.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF AND


CANNERY ROW
Both popular tourist destinations, these
locations offer a plethora of gift shops and fine
seafood restaurants, not to mention bars and
nightclubs. Cannery Row also has several art
galleries, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (with its
own gift shop), and three nightclubs.

NEW MONTEREY
It’s all about character here in this up-
26366 Carmel Rancho Lane, and-coming business district along the main
Suite A • Carmel • 624-1525 thoroughfare linking downtown Monterey and
(across from Banyard and Bahama Billy’s) Pacific Grove. Antique shops, fashion boutiques
and home furnishing stores rub elbows with tat-
too parlors, used book and record stores and
a clutch of surf shops, while a bevy of small
Missoni • GUCCI • FENDI • ARMANI • ESCADA • Etro ethnic restaurants invites shoppers to stop
and refuel. Along Lighthouse Avenue between
Monterey and Pacific Grove.

Treat your dog right. MOSS LANDING


ask about our overnight pet hotel. Although Moss Landing is a bit off the beat-
Doggie Day Care en path, those with a hankering for antiques
Socialization Play Rooms • Private VIP Suites with flat panel TVs will find that the shopping here is unsurpassed.
Real Time Webcams • Beach Walks Funky little cottages throughout the village have
Grooming been converted into antique stores and art gal-
Breed Specific Cuts • Brush outs • Pedicures • Massage leries selling everything from curios to china
Teethbrushing hutches. Weekend arts, crafts and jewelry
American Tin Cannery
fairs will also appeal to bargain and treasure
125 Ocean Blvd. • Pacific Grove hunters. Not only is there a diverse selection,
373-7298 but the authentic fishing village atmosphere
adds to the experience. Treat yourself to lunch
685 Cannery Row • Monterey
375-7297
or dinner at one of several seafood cafés or
restaurants.

pacific grove
FOR T S N AMERICAN TIN CANNERY
CON OAY More than just an outlet center, the Tin
Cannery, a stone’s throw from the Monterey Bay
ND AGS Aquarium, is becoming a destination for anyone
AND W RY who enjoys finding gems in unexpected places.
A great women’s boutique, a pottery-painting
studio and possibly the most fashionable sock
shop in three counties have taken up residence
here, as well as a tavern with ocean views and,
of course, the outlets—including Nine West,
Izod, Van Heusen and Reebok. 125 Ocean
View, Monterey.
2 M • S • 99

78 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM


V i it OLD TOP 10
FUN
M
REASONS WHY WE’RE #

1
and ONTEREY
FLIRTY Historic Old Monterey—
like you

Bring in ad for a gift with purchase!


the Peninsula’s Downtown
FOR

Market Place
Every Tuesday
Rain or Shine
Summer 4-8pm • Winter 4-7pm
2
YEARS RUNNING.

Events
1. Store Atmosphere: An Eclectic
Candy-Land.
2. House Scent: Cat Butt (hyacinth).
July 4th, 2008 3. House Song: “Never on Sunday”
Community 4th of July Parade (fantastic CDs)
487 Alvarado Street
4. Mall Atmosphere: Forbidden.
Monterey September 5-6, 2008
641-0966 Cherry's Jubillee 5. Gifts: From Not-Just-Anywhere.

September 6-7, 2008 6. Souvenirs: Unforgettable.


Festa Italia 7. Relaxing: Loungewear & Bath Salts.
October 11-12, 2008 8. Funniest: Cards.
*3 3OLJFOM Columbus Day at the Bay

December 2008
9. Inspired: Jesus Lip Balm.
;H> 3HOP /NLINE 10. Coziest: Austrian Designer Blankets.
/ON>IIL 3NIL? 3URPLUS)NCCOM Saturdays, 6, 13, 20
Santa arrives with horse-drawn wagon rides 11. Sauciest: Fridge Magnets.
-ILITARY #AMOUmAGE  0ROFESSIONAL #LOTHING
12. Sophisticated: European Tablecloths.
&LAGS #OLLECTIBLES *ACKETS 0EA #OATS #AMO .ETTING December 31, 2008
#AMPING 'EAR First Night Monterey 13. Loveliest: Candles.
+IDS 3IZES 14. Hottest: French Teas & Pots.
IN -OST )TEMS
15. Friendliest: Pet Treats.
16. Coolest: Jewelry.

OK, we lost count at 10. Seven days a week,


we’re the Peninsula’s favorite gift shop.
Six days a week, we’re open. We treat our
customers so well, you’ll need a day of rest.

Best
Gift Shop
'REAT 3ELECTION OF #AMOUmAGE 2007
#OLORS AND 0ATTERNS and
9OUR 0AINTBALL AND 2008
!IR 3OFT (EADQUARTERS
(ATS 'LOVES "OOTS +NIVES 3WORDS "INOCULARS
4ARPS #AMP 'EAR 3PECIALTY )TEMS  -UCH -ORE
O d Mon e ey S A S S Y S H O P P I N G AT I T S B E S T.
(IGHWAY  AND . 3TRUVE 2OAD s -OSS ,ANDING B ess A so io Monday–Saturday 10:00-5:30
 MINUTES NORTH OF THE -OSS ,ANDING 0OWER 0LANT 321 Alvarado Street, Suite G www.never-on-sunday.com
  s WWW3URPLUS)NCCOM 831-655-8070 • www.oldmonterey.org 831.372.1051 251 Pearl Street, Monterey
/PEN AMnPM %VERY $AY

www . bestofmontereybay. com The Best of Monterey Bay 2008 • 2009 79


(shopping)
e see why w
FABULOUS Com e wer
BOUTIQUE Best Toy S e voted
APPAREL in Monter tore
’06
e yCounty
3 Ye
ars i
’07 n a Row!
’08 DOWNTOWN PACIFIC
GROVE
Shoppers who are looking for home furnish-
ings may find exactly what they seek amid the
Victorian charm of downtown P.G., which has
been revitalized with an influx of shops special-
izing in women’s fashions and decorations for
the home. There’s also a great collection of
vintage, consignment and upscale resale bou-
®

tiques. Several restaurants and antique stores


galore round out the shopping experience.
Forest Ave. and Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove.

sand city | seaside


EDGEWATER AND SAND
DOLLAR SHOPPING
CENTERS
Ocean Ave & Mission St. Tiny Sand City has become a primary des-
Carmel Plaza 625-0920 www.sandcastles-toys.com tination for big-box shoppers on the Peninsula.
www.msfabulous.net Open Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 11–5 The intersection of Playa and California bisects
the shopping district, with Costco on one end
831-626-8361 and Borders Books at the other (and stores
In The Barnyard • Carmel like Target, Ross, Marshalls, Circuit City, and
Orchard Supply Hardware in between). Take a
minute to unwind with a latte from Starbucks
or a pedicure from Angel Nails before heading

SEARCH IT NOW.
across the street to Seaside’s Cost Plus, on the
corner of Fremont Blvd. and Playa Ave.

RESTAURANT LISTINGS
MOVIE TIMES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
salinas
kly.com
reycountywee
w w w.monte INT AND ONLINE OLDTOWN SALINAS
IN PR N LO CA LS .
CA LS FO R NO Most—if not all—of life’s necessities can
BU ILT BY LO
be found in Oldtown Salinas, in the shadow of
the National Steinbeck Center on South Main.
Looking for coffee? Clothing? Cocktails? No
problem. A preponderance of turn-of-the centu-
Buy 3 Votives ry buildings are home to an increasing number
of fine restaurants, hip clothing boutiques and
and get 1 FREE! antique stores. Along Main St. from W. San Luis
St. to Central Ave., Salinas.
Ring the ladybug bell (by the
front door) and yell “Sea Otter” NORTHRIDGE SHOPPING
and if we hear you, it’s CENTER/HARDEN RANCH
another free votive! Located virtually across the street from
each other near the intersection of Boronda
Road and North Main Street off Highway 101,
Northridge and Harden Ranch combine to form
SAND DOLLAR GIFTS a destination location for many serious local
shoppers. A complete array of big-name depart-
Something different at this, the oldest store ment, book, grocery, toy, jewelry, sports, pet,
on Cannery Row. We have everything from hardware and furniture stores (not to mention
sweat shirts and T-shirts to unique oceanic the attendant restaurants and cafés) make this
700 Cannery Row a one-stop shopping district. North Main St. and
Between Bargetto Winery and Bubba Gump products plus a whole variety of interesting
Boronda Rd., Salinas.
souvenirs and mementos to take home.
(831) 375-1485
www.candlesandclay.com 700 Cannery Row • (831) 372-2885

80 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM


Or... www.thealternativecafe.com
1230 Fremont blvd.
Seaside, Ca 93955
831-583-0913
(downtown seaside near Hilby)

Serving the finest fair trade


coffee, an assortment of teas,
chai and chilled drinks as
well as gourmet selection
of sweets, savories, pastries,
and snacks.

Coffee
Toys
&Art
Tea
Come in and get something!

Presenting an art exhibition


every six weeks featuring
a diverse selection of artists.
We host local meetings,
functions, seminars and
classes that make use of
the gallery space as well.
BSUGY
HSFFUJOHT
The Alternative Cafe is a complete showroom for all of art-f/x greetings products
featuring:
V. Amicosante - J.C. Aschbacher - Fuad Bahou - Marie Boucher - Mike Bulas - Dolores Chiappone - Jimi Claybrooks - Susan Dorf - Don Grauich - William L. Eaken - Ian Ferguson - Bil E. Henderson
Andrew T. Jackson - Lynne Jays - Eric Joyner - JoAnna Livesay - C.Love - Betsy Lyon - Ray Magsalay - Jacob Arden McClure - Henry Miller - Paxton Mobley - Norman Muhl - Anne Faith Nicholls
Charlotte Nickel - Micheal Ott - Tony Perez - Scott Peters - L. Porter-Gaylord - Genevieve Roland - Dante Rondo - P.B. Ryley - Jeffery Sax - Daniel O. Stolpe - Jennifer H. Sullivan - Vladimir Volk - Jamas Welch
Chic Offbeat hip Retro Cool

5IF "MUFSOBUJWF $BGF VTFT HSFFO QSPEVDUT JODMVEJOH DPNQPTUBCMF QBQFS DVQT NBEF GSPN SFOFXBCMF SFTPVSDFT
The Alternative Cafe is a BoundWord Company
Light Up
Your Night!
The Leader in
Quality & Eclectic
Candles & Accessories!
Best
Clothing ✶ Accessories
SPECIALIZING IN:
Soy Wax • Bees Wax • Palm Wax
Women’s Jewelry ✶ Gift Certificates
Boutique
in
Monterey
County!
Distinctive Candles
831-624-6044
In the Doud Arcade
’06 ’07 ’08 266 Main Street ✶ Oldtown Salinas
San Carlos & Ocean Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea 757 • 4055

Our Carmel Store Is WALKING A LOT THIS VACATION?


Now In Doude Arcade

V I SI T

Socks
Tights
ES

Slippers Carmel
T HE

EXP S
HO

Doud Arcade ERT S G


I N WA L K I N
Jewelry Ocean & San Carlos
and More! 831-624-6044
Monterey
649 Cannery Row
831-372-8901
Pacific Grove
American Tin Cannery
Suite 106
125 Ocean View Blvd.
831-649-1853
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA OCEAN & MISSION • 624-5580 CARMEL 3630 THE BARNYARD • 625-2055

WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 81


ART ON LOCATION

Open Tuesday through Sunday 11AM – 5PM • 417 Cannery Row in Monterey
831-645-9923 • 12 local artists • www.galleryat417.com

Monterey’s Family Gift Store


on Cannery Row

GIF TS THAT CELEBRATE


FAMILY & FRIENDS
711 Cannery Row, Monterey
831-333-9497 • www.downfamilylane.com

DOWN FAMILY

MemoriesL ANE
Scrap Booking
Express Frame Molding
Unique Crafts and Gifts


your craft & fabric store
Monterey 2090 N. Freemont Boulevard • 646-5141
Oldtown Salinas 344 Main Street • 422-1508 • Open Daily • www.beverlysfabrics.com

82 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY 2008 • 2009 WWW . BESTOFMONTEREYBAY. COM

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