With the days getting warmer and longer, summer is upon us, making this a great time of year to gather some wine and cheese and go on a relaxing picnic. Those in Lodi, CA must stop at Cheese Central in Downtown Lodi to purchase gourmet cheese for their picnics. If customers feel slightly overwhelmed by the variety of cheese from all over the world, the knowledgeable staff is available to explain the different products.
The city of Fallbrook, CA may best be known for its annual Avocado Festival, but there are other attractions to take advantage of throughout the year. There are some great restaurants and shops in the area, notably, Second Chances Barn. Opened in March 2011, Second Chances Barn is an indoor/outdoor vintage antique mall offering a wide variety of antique and vintage décor for the home and yard.
Thanks to Jennifer Kurtz Rubin and her husband Michael, many people have enjoyed artsy fun painting ceramics. In 1994, the couple started a ceramic studio called Petroglyph, which was one of the first places for people to paint ceramics. Once again, thanks to Jennifer, there is more artsy fun to be had, this time in candle making. In December 2012, Jennifer launched Glow Candle Lounge in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. Glow is a unique art studio where San Jose locals and visitors can personalize candles without having to deal with messes and hot wax.
Tucked away in the hills of the San Diego County community of Alpine is a little country soap shop, Victorian Divine Indulgence. While the store may appear small from the outside, it is filled with over 80 handmade soaps. Since they are made from only the finest ingredients, the soaps are chemical, detergent, preservative and animal fat free. Customers will find a variety of soaps in different scents including lavender, lemon, flower, fruit, and holiday scents. In addition to the wide variety of soaps, patrons will also find bath bombs, body butters, sugar scrubs, bath salts, milk baths and candles.
Located in Concord, CA Just Bead It is a family owned and operated bead store offering Concord locals a variety of beads, supplies and services. The Trowbridge family, who opened the store in 2003, first became interested in beading 40 years ago when Dave (Dad) discovered making fun and funky wire jewelry for Marie (Mom). Years later, his daughters, Joyce and April, discovered the fun of beading. Since the whole family loves being together and enjoys beading, opening Just Bead It was a natural step for them.
Over the past five years, Dave’s Killer Magic shop has grown from an online magic store to a tourist destination. Locally owned and operated by chemistry teacher Dave Lemberg, the shop carries a full line of magic tricks and props for magicians of all skill levels, from beginner to professional. Customers will find a variety of magic lines including Murphys Magic, Theory 11, Ellusionist, Roy Kueppers, Joe Porpper, Jay Sankey, JB Magic and more.
Just over a year ago, Heavenly Cheesecakes opened in the Shops at Fairview shopping center in Brentwood, CA. Owned and operated by long time friends Shellie and Maria, Heavenly Cheesecakes offers Brentwood locals cheesecakes, cakes, cookies and more. Their signature dessert, cheesecake, comes in over 50 different flavors. If you have an idea for a new flavor, Shellie and Maria want to hear it. The delicious desserts are available in 10 inch cakes, cheesecake bites, minis and handful sizes.
Those who visited historic downtown Riverside have a treasure trove of books at their fingertips. Established in 1979, Downtowne Bookstore offers Riverside locals and visitors a variety of gently used books. Located in the heart of the historic downtown area, the building housing Downtowne Bookstore was built in 1927. The historic environment gives the shop the feeling of an old-fashioned bookstore. Those who pop in will find books on a variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction, ranging from children's books to American politics.
A really unique art form is woodworking; artisans use wood to make a wide variety of items from pens to cabinets to sculptures. For those living in Reno, NV, the perfect place to learn all about this art form is the Woodworking Source. Proudly owned and operated by Reno residents, the Woodworking Source offers their customers top quality woodworking tools, supplies, materials and classes along with the highest level of customer service.
With popular singing competitions American Idol wrapping up their 12th season and The Voice in the midst of their 4th season, some folks might be feeling musically inspired. Those living in El Paso, TX can tap into their inner superstar with a little help from Strings N Things, a full-service music store just outside of Fort Bliss. Locally owned and operated, Strings N Things offers El Paso locals a variety of music services, including instrument repair, instrument sales, and music lessons.
