Page 6 - Small Shops of Sonoma County 2016

By Vesta Copestakes
Like I said before, I’m not a shopper,
Sonoma shopping for fun pretty much means the Plaza at the center
of the Universe for East County. I asked Linda about discoveries outside this realm and she pretty much said - no - this is where it all happens. From a newcomer who has spent her days exploring her new home, I find this interesting. Since Sonoma survives and thrives
on tourism,
it makes
sense that
gift shops
would
stimulating. The store is tiny and if you like the smell of leather, breathe deep. Jessica works in the back room creating the purses, belts, wrist cuffs and just about everything you see hanging on the walls. Her specialty is silver belt buckle sets, so if you are looking for that one unique piece, this is the place to come. And if you want a purse that is both beautiful and functional - ask Jessica. If she doesn’t have it on the wall, she’ll make it for you.
amazing selection,
the store is beautiful,
and although
it looks expensive, I can still get something I like for under $5. You never know until you explore.
Fort Ross. What a sweet journey to another world, another piece of California past, and not far away at all. You’ll find her story on page 16.
Because Linda is such a kind person, when I
said go into Kaboodle (453 1st St W) , she did,
and immedatley fell in love with the owner, her Standard Poodle and the store. I purchase a holiday ornament here every year because they have an
This year I went to
find stores I did not know
about. Some are new and
some I had no idea they
exist. This is what makes
shopping more of an
adventure. Park once and
walk. That’s the best part.
It’s amazing what you can
find when you are walking
downtown. The slow pace allows for discovery.
Large Leather on the Plaza seek the center, and
New Discoveries & Old Friends
so getting out to explore Sonoma County shopping means I can’t cover the entire county. I seriously wanted to get up the north coast because I can’t remember when I went last, so I’m glad Sondra Hunter brought us to where she lives in
In Sonoma I had the chance to have lunch with friends. Hewitt and Linda moved up from Corte Madera last year. Heading into their retirement years they wanted to live with opportunities for open spaces in gentler surroundings. Linda and I wandered downtown so she could show me what she had discovered as a newcomer, and I could introduce her to my familiars. That win/win again. Shopping with friends...time shared and mission accomplished.
Sonoma is good at providing a
park and walk environment. It’s
very easy to park around the Plaza
or at one of the parking lots a block
off the main streets. Because Jessica
at Large Leather (481 1st St W) is
such a delightful person, and she
advertises with us, I visit her just
about every time I’m in town. She’s an
Old Friend by now. I admire her spunk, her work- ethic, her craftsmanship, and her involvement
in her community. So conversations are always
Candlestick
Linda had never been into Bella Vita (457 1st St W ) so
I took her in
functioning shops would be outside that center.
here because it’s the essence of female. If you feel dowdy and purely functional, come here to remind yourself that there
is a feminine side to females. Women can find what makes them feel good, and men can
find what will make their women feel good. Soft, sensual, beautiful. And stylish in every way.
And because I like Candlestick (38 W Spain St) so much, and candles work as consumable gifts, I like visiting Jane. It’s not her store, Dan owns it, but Jane is usually tending the store and she catches me up on local issues because she’s active in the community on so many levels. Because it’s a specialty store, you find things here that you won’t find elsewhere.
New for me, but familiar for Linda, was going into the Sonoma Barracks Museum (98 E Spain St.) gift store.
It’s part of the State Parks system so it’s part history and part shopping experiene. (They also have public restrooms, so it comes in handy. Go into the Plaza Visitors Beuareau for other restrooms.) But I really liked the store... and it’s another source for California Native Wildflower Seeds in bags.
6 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - SS-12/16
DISCOVERIES cont’d on page 7
I think seeds are an excellent gift because they spread beauty, native plants, encourage bees, butterflies, etc. and are easy. Sprinkle on the ground and let rain take it from there. Items