Santa Cruz Good Times

Guide to shopping, antiques, boutiques, clothing, bookshops and more in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos

Abacus Antiques & Quality Used Furniture
413 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1012  When looking for quality wood furniture at a lower price, Abacus is the place to go.

After Effects
4920 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-475-5991  Anyone who appreciates beauty can treat themselves to paintings and prints, while bookworms can indulge their thirst for knowledge. Collectors of kitchenware won’t want to leave without adding a new dish to their collection.

Amoureuse
1119 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7363  If you’re looking for a stylish boutique with nourishing body products, accessories, elegant lingerie, classic perfumes, artistic jewelry and unique gifts, this is the place to shop.

Annieglass
110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 427-4260. Outlet: 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, 761-2041. annieglass.com  Local Ann Morhauser has done so well with her company, that as well as being sold at high-end stores such as Nieman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, Annieglass is also shipped all over the world. Check out her beautiful glassware at the downtown store, or look online for her next outlet sale at the Watsonville factory.

Aptos Shoes & Apparel
20 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center), 688-8007  This store has a wonderful range of clothing, scarves, purses and accessories and a splendid assortment of shoes. You’ll find Birkenstock, Mephisto, Merrell, Clarks, Teva, Tsubo, KEEN—and more—for men, women and children.

Aptos Estates/ Mid-Century Modern
3065 Carriker Lane, Soquel, 831-466-6268, Featuring the hottest trends in retro furniture from the ’50s and ’60s, they are Santa Cruz’s wholesale source for used mid
century modern furniture, Danish modern furniture and accessories.

Arbor Antiques and Garden Shop
2650 17th Ave., Santa Cruz  831-479-9271 Luckily, this garden shop is well-equipped with antique garden furniture, statuary, pots and accessories. For those without green thumbs, there are plenty of indoor decorations to bring home, including fine furniture, crystal and dishes. Great pieces for the great outdoors.

Art du Jour
1013 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-239-0654, artdujour.org  Be great. Create. Located on the best street in downtown Santa Cruz, Art duJour is a working art space featuring a monthly theme that ties in daily classes and weekly workshops. Drop-in studio time available daily. Visit the Gallery to experience local art .Walk down with your delicious selection from the Penny Ice Creamery and enjoy in the sculpture garden of this historical building. artdujour dot org for your weekly data dump of fun. Drop in for a class, leave with original artwork. 11a.m till 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Sunday by class schedule. Evening events in the summer per website schedule.

Attilia’s Antiques
2630 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-6920 Attilia’s has an abundant garden shop with impressive antique pots. A terrific cooperative filled with gems collected from 38 antique and collectible dealers.

Avalon Visions
208 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-464-7245, avalonvisions.com  Take note of the abundance of choice books and music available here. There is a splendid collection of natural and crafted crystals, too, plus spiritual readings and an aura station.

Artisans Gallery
1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com  Wall art, jewelry, glass, ceramic, metal work and various other handcrafted pieces of art—both functional and decorative—can be found at this downtown gallery.

Bluebird Lane
5011 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-464-3212, Specializing in retro candy, toys and decor. Lots of holiday fun featuring Bethany Lowe, KD Vintage and unique handmade pieces. German litho sheets and Dresden foils. Hello Kitty even has her own spot in the nest.

Bunnys
1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com. Bunny’s Shoes Bella Fiori Hats, 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-2730  Looking for lipstick-red shoes with platform heels or something just plain old comfortable—Bunnys has a fine selection. The store always has a great sales rack outside as well. Bunnys in Aptos has a whole line of lovely hats, plus much more.

Camouflage
1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1129  Camouflage is a very sexy store! It carries a variety of fine lingerie, sexy clothing and intimate apparel, not to mention a wide array of sex toys. This adult store has been around for 30 years and is the perfect spot to find that seductive massage oil you’ve been looking for. Ooh, la la.

Center Street Antiques and Interiors 
3010 Center St., Soquel, 477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com  In this interior decorator’s haven, you’ll find everything from vintage furniture to cozy cottage wares, to something you might put in your French countryside abode. Chic not shabby. Expect an organized, put-together antique store that will win you over in minutes.

Chairish the Thought
2131 1/2 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-465-0630    Furniture and kitchenware and a variety of other items. If your head starts to spin from it all, you’ll always have a chair to collapse in.

Chefworks
1527, Santa Cruz, 831-426-1351, chefworks-santacruz.com  Even when you’re traveling, it doesn’t hurt to look for an obscure kitchen utensil—and more. Chefworks  carries hundred of kitchen products useful for culinary novices and master chefs alike. Knives, bowls, espresso machines and much more can be found here—all from trusted brands.

Crawford Antiques
4401 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-1528  Crawford specializes in primitive country furniture from Pennsylvania, which has been preserved in its original condition. These painted pieces are the real thing and have years of stories to tell. Finally, an antique store that actually stocks antiques.

Dell Williams
1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4100, dellwilliams.com  Selling classic and contemporary jewelry, Dell Williams has been locally owned and family operated for four generations. In addition to jewelry, they sell watches and other giftware. A full restoration department can help customers repair a broken necklace or an inherited antique brooch. Dell Williams has been downtown since 1927 and has a loyal generations-old customer base.

Dietle James
116 Stockton Ave., Capitola, 477-9913  This women’s clothing boutique offers the latest in clothes and accessories. Cute shoes, great jeans, and gorgeous beach and swimwear are some of the lovely items carried here. Its edgy elegance and feminine sex appeal make it a must-stop on your shopping spree.

Dig Gardens
420 Water St., Santa Cruz, 466-DIGG (3444)  DIG stands for Design/Interior/Garden and you will definitely “dig” it! DIG has all kinds of plants—from palms, grevilleas, grasses and bamboo to succulents and edibles. Stock up on DIG’s large range of organic heirloom veggies for your own garden, and then find the perfect patio furniture for dining outdoors.

Frank’s Antiques
4900 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-3953  Some people dearly love their concrete jungles, but for those who dream of spotted cows, red checkered tablecloths and rolling hills of green grass, adding a touch of country style to life is the way to go. Frank’s country collectibles please the eye and the soul.

Gaia Earth Treasures
209 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 475-8066  This is the source for nature’s gems. Gaia has a large selection of mineral specimens, crystals and fossils from all around the world. It’s a unique store for gifts— bookends, vases, goblets, sculptures—and much more. Find a lovely stone that attracts you and keep it right next to your bed.

Graphfix Gallery & Framing
1229 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-8086,or graphfixgallery.com  Festive and downright colorful, this popular downtown gallery/framing and art shop has so much to choose from—fantastic pictures and posters, and jewelry and cards, and so much more. Never dull. Great prices and friendly service.

The Garden Company
2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8424  This locally owned nursery and gift shop has been thriving since 1986. From wonderful perennials, tropicals, houseplants, orchids, bulbs and succulents that are easy to travel with to its gift shop filled with ceramics, candles, books, soaps, lotions, hats and more, The Garden Company has much to offer. This nursery and gift shop is a local favorite and easy to find.

LH Selman Ltd.
123 Locust St., Santa Cruz,  831-427-1177 or 800-538-0766  The gallery is dedicated to glass art and specializes in antique and modern paperweights. But there’s also much to marvel at here, from sculptures and vessels to goblets and glassware, marbles and striking glass jewelry. One of its stores (123 Locust St.) boasts an International Paperweight Museum. This is truly a unique, captivating experience that features the creative works of internationally and nationally recognized artists.

Legs
1517 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1940,
santacruzlegs.com  A locally owned boutique where you can find lingerie and hosiery galore. Legs has a wide selection of everyday basic and special occasion tights, undies, bras and workout wear in a vintage inspired setting. Visit them in Downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Avenue next door to Sockshop & Shoe Co.

Miss Jessie May’s Antiques and Collectibles
1533 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9131  Miss Jessie May’s buys and sells quality antiques instead of reproductions. European furniture, French antiques, paintings and vintage jewelry make up the selection here.

Monterey Bay Estate Jewelry and Antiques
7765-D Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-8560  Antique timepieces and Rolex watches of all sorts can be found here, as well as estate jewelry, silver and general antiques and collectibles. A great place to go if your wrist needs decorating.

Mr. Goodie’s Antiques and Collectibles
1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9997  Variety is the key word here. Specializing in mid-century ephemera and rockabilly attitude, this isn’t your grandmother’s antique store.

Nut Kreations
104 Lincoln St. Downtown Santa Cruz, 831-431-6435, NutKreations.com  The first and only nut bar with over 120 varieties of nuts, dried fruits, and other freshly roasted natural treats to put together that perfect custom trail mix. You can also create a custom party platter or gift from tons of container options. With natural tasty ingredients and eco-friendly, reusable containers you are sure to impress those hard-to-please friends and family members. If you are lucky you may catch them roasting and get some warm delicious nuts.

OM Gallery
1201 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-9107, omgallery.com  OM Gallery carries downright creative lighting: lamps that look like giant lotuses; flower string lights, floor lamps; and paper star lanterns. They also have gorgeous handmade silk clothing in classic Vietnamese and Chinese style, linen pants, handbags, scarves and accessories. You’re sure to find something when you browse around.

Pacific Trading Co.
1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3349  This family-run women’s contemporary boutique takes pride in customer service. Locally owned since 1972, Pacific Trading has two locations—a larger store downtown and a second, smaller location on Bay Avenue in Capitola. They carry clothing from Michael Stars, Splendid, AG Denim, True Religion, Eileen Fisher, Isda and Vince among other quality brands.

Patagonia
415 river st., santa cruz, 831-423-1776  This a geat hot spot for terrific sports wear and outdoor gear. Take note of the diverse selections here and how well the fitness apparrel is made. You can’t beat it.

The Sacred Grove
924 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-1949, sacredgrovesantacruz.coM  A fascinating portal of all things alternative, metaphysical, spiritual and more. Beyond great gift items, you can find tarot cards, sacred candles, crystals, books and guides.

Santa Cruz Glass & Gifts,
806 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-2311  It’s always an adventure looking around this store. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of glass items of all shapes and sizes. And if it’s a mirror you’re looking for, they have just about every size and shape under the sun.

So Fresh Clothing
911 Cedar St. Santa Cruz, 831-462-4442, Sofreshclothing.com  It began four years ago by UCSC alums and now, this hip clothing shop is turning heads. So Fresh offers the latest in street wear styles along with a huge selection of caps, shoes, accessories and music.

SockShop & Shoe Company
1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6101  Sockshop has one of the best selections of socks and tights you’ll find anywhere. And wait until you see the variety of comfort shoes they carry for men, women and children. Service is great so you can take your time to choose the right pair of shoes—and a pair of matching socks.

Soquel Village Antiques
4700 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-476-4747, soquelvillageantiques.com  This store’s wide variety is the work of 30 antique dealers, filling the large shop with something that appeals to everyone. This is a shopping mall for people who hate tawdry stuff from shopping malls.

Stripe
107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-421-9252 Although Stripe is fairly new downtown, it has become the “in” place to go for a unique shopping experience. Stripe carries a little of everything—from upscale clothing (with a bit of a vintage twist) to furniture, home-wares, jewelry, toys and art. There’s so much to enjoy when you go in the store, that you’ll have a hard time tearing yourself away. photo above: Kelly Vaillancourt

Super Silver
1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-460-9696  So much to choose from. The hot spot houses more than 25,000 sterling silver chains, rings, earrings, charms, stone necklaces, hoops and body jewelry. Ideal location and variety make this place a real find.

Towne and Country Antiques
9280 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-5993  A great selection of lovely stained glass lamps, antique documents of all sorts, including pictures, ads and stock certificates can be found here. You can also pick up some wrought iron yard furniture

The True Olive Connection
106 Lincoln Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-458-6457 A tasting room and retail boutique specializing in highest-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar from around the world. Tasting is encouraged and friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to help. Stop by and try as many extra virgin olive oils as you like.  www.trueoliveconnection.com

Twist
1364 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 420-1300  Twist carries a nice mix of new and vintage consignment clothing, shoes, bags and locally designed jewelry. It’s a veritable treasure chest of goodies, and a good place to find some real bargains. Twist and shout.

Wisteria Antiques and Design
5870 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-2900, wisteriaantiques.coM  Wisteria is a direct importer of French antiques and accessories. Located in Aptos Gardens.

Zen Capistrano
1043 B Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7881, zencapistrano.com  A fine yoga studio and store that offers a variety of classes during the week.

Bookshops

Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com  It’s famous for so many things—beyond the books. This venerable, great local bookstore gave birth to the Keep Santa Cruz Weird bumper sticker as well as spawning those memorable Bush Countdown watches. It is, without a doubt, one of the area’s best. Going strong now since 1966, it has survived an earthquake, the mega chain stores  and economic ups and downs. There’s a vast selection of books here, plus ample book-signings and other community events throughout the year..

Bookworks
Rancho Del Mar Center, Aptos, 831-688-4554, bookworksaptos.com  Cozy and comfy. The little bookstore with superb service is a hotbed of local activity. The heart and soul of the Aptos literary scene and with a great selection of children’s books, too.

Capitola Book Café
1475 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-462-4415, capitolabookcafe.com  One of the finest locally owned book cafés around. This is a great independent bookstore with a vast selection. It also happens to attract the attention of major name authors for booksignings. All that—and a great cafe.

Frenchy’s Cruzin Books & Video
3960 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-9221  Friendly atmosphere, welcoming, and not too over-the-top. A surprisingly lively, if not sophisticated, array of frivolous fare.

Gateways Books
1126 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-9600, gatewaysbooks.com  The area’s divine literary destination. Gateways stands out for a number of reasons. It’s a New Age/spiritual bookstore that boasts an impressive selection of spiritual and philosophical offerings. Books, gifts, music, special events—everything to help you tap into your inner self. Take note of all the author events each month. Tarot and psychic readers are often on hand as well.

Literary Guillotine.
204 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1195, literaryguillotine.com  It may be a hole in the wall but Literary Guillotine is a great place to find those rare and out-of-print scholarly books. It also serves as a local printer for poetry chapbooks and area writers.

Logos
1117 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-5100, logosbooksrecords.com  Boasting a whopping 150,000 titles of used and new books, Logos is easy on the pocket book. Nearly all the used books, records and CDs are so refreshingly low-priced it makes it difficult to leave without a heavy bag of goodies in your arms. Two stories of selection make finding that perfect book easy.

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