• Lifestyle,  Travel

    The Seven Best Thrift Shops Near Monterey

    There are so many things I love about living where I do–the people, the beauty, and all the festivals and fun things to do.  If you love to shop and you love deals, you will be in heaven. You will find some of the best thrift stores you can imagine here.  They are just brimming with all kinds of mind-boggling deals that will leave you feeling giddy and your wallet happy.  So without further ado, here is my list of the top thrift stores near Monterey, California.

    Carmel Thrift Stores

    Four thrift stores are all within walking distance.  They are located in the Carmel Rancho Square Shopping Center, directly adjacent to the Barnyard.  The shops don’t open until 10 a.m., so if you are an early bird, I recommend grabbing coffee or a bite to eat at either the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company or Lafayette Bakery & Cafe.  Both are located in The Barnyard, which is just next door.

    Beautiful flowers and benches surround the Barnyard Shopping Center adjacent to four of the thrift shops.
    A mid-century Italian desk with fascinating little drawers is a star attraction at John’s Consignment.
    1.  Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop.  I have found beautiful pieces of Limoges china and lovely clothing here for less than ten dollars.  You can also often find high end jewelry and designer shoes and luxury sunglasses at a discount.  They also have a book store and a furniture store.  While they have a great selection, most things are priced a bit on the high side for a thrift store, but you can still find bargains if you search.  Things you are likely to find here:   *designer clothing, shoes and accessories *antique china *jewelry.  Address: 26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 993923.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
    2. SPCA for Monterey County Benefit Shop is located directly across the street from the Yellow Brick Shop.  I have to say that this is my favorite Carmel Thrift store because I almost always find a deal here.  I bought a doggy stroller for my puppy for only ten dollars, and they often have unique antique pieces and artwork very reasonably priced.  Things you are likely to find here: *pet supplies *antiques *furniture *clothing.  Address: 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 93923.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
    3. John’s Consignment is right next door.  You will immediately be heartily welcomed by John or other staff and given priority attention if you have any questions.  I loved a cute little desk in the corner, and John provided me with every detail about it including style, age, and where it came from.  Everything has been carefully curated by the owner.  Things you are likely to find here: *unique vintage furniture *artwork *home decor. Address: 26362 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA, 93923.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
    4. Just a few steps down to the corner is Joining Hands Benefit Shop.  They also have a little bit of everything here and apparently they have specials.  I found a signed piece of artwork here priced at $5 and was told it was only $4!  Always love these kinds of surprises.  Things you are likely to find here: *clothing *furniture *antiques *jewelry.  Address: 26358 Camel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 93923. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
      So much to see at Joining Hands Benefit Shop!

      Pacific Grove & Monterey Thrift Shops

      Pacific Grove and Monterey have all kinds of cute little shops, but my favorites are the thrift stores.  And luckily, two are within walking distance of each other.  Be aware that finding parking here can be a bit tricky, especially at the Goodwill.  If you want to grab a bite to eat, check out Happy Girl Kitchen Company near Second Chance Thrift Store at 173 Central Ave. in Pacific Grove.  In Monterey, I recommend Paris Bakery Cafe at 271 Bonifacio Place,  which is near Branches Resale Shoppe.

    5. Second Chance Thrift Store can seem overwhelming because it does kind of resemble a hoarder’s paradise with stuff jumbled everywhere.  But you just never know what might turn up!  Things you are likely to find here: *furniture *clothing *household items.  Address: 105 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.  Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
    6. Goodwill Central Coast seems tiny at first, but you can find some pretty cool stuff here.  I have found some awesome pyrex dishes and children’s games and puzzles.  They also have housewares, linens, shoes and clothing.  Things you are likely to find here: *mid-century dishes and other vintage items *brand name clothing *home decor *books.  Address: 571 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, CA 93940.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
    7. Branches Resale Shoppe is such a fun place to thrift, and the staff are super friendly and helpful.  I have found really cool vintage items and books here, but they have so much more, and there is a high turnover of merchandise.  Things you are likely to find here: *seasonal items *furniture *household items.  Address: 480 Webster Street, Monterey, CA 93940.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.

    Thank you for visiting my blog.  You may also like Thrift Store Treasures: How to Find the Best Deals.  Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, & happy thrifting!

  • Local Events,  Travel

    Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen

     

    Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”.  It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues.  It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.

    Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint.  It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.

    Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon.  It was standing room only.  They have outdoor dining and this was also packed.  Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.

    Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!

    Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge.  I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s.  They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance.  Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you.  They even host group activities.  Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”.  I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!

    The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate.  I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.

    Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.

    The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.

    The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.

    Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines.  On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials!  Sounds like fun to me!

    San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list.  For more information, see Willow Glen.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!