Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Saturday Errands in San Juan Bautista


Hellllooo! Yes, it has been a while. I am alive and well, thank you very much. Officially retired I am, so there you go. I've been catching up with the Husband who has been in every-day-is-a-Saturday mode for years.

This morning we actually got out of the house early to do errands in San Juan Bautista. First stop was the Pinnacle Farmstand in San Juan Valley for fresh locally grown organic vegetables and fruit. Only past 9:00 a.m., the place was already full of customers with potatoes, broccoli, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuces, squashes, cantaloupes, apples, and other produce in their baskets and reusable bags. We're fortunate to have a source for organic vegetables and fruit in the area.

From the Saturday-only produce stand, we meandered the back roads to the Mission City. The further west we drove, the deeper we went into the morning fog. At Prescott Road, we turned left onto San Juan Highway to town while the fog veered to the right to head back to the coast.


It was a hard choice for breakfast: San Juan Bakery or Vertigo Coffee ? Vertigo Coffee or San Juan Bakery? The Husband let me choose, so sweet of him. 

Vertigo now serves delicious pastries, baked on the premises. The last time we were there, we had a peach scone with our mocha latte. Sigh, sweet delightfulness.

Because it had been awhile, I opted for the bakery where the Husband and I shared the last ham and cheese croissant that was in the display case We also split a raspberry and cream cheese croissant, and each had the perfect bite of an apple fritter doughnut hole. Droool. It's a good thing we don't live within walking distance to the bakery.


If I had remembered to wear my hiking boots we would've walked up the De Anza Trail for a bit. Instead we wandered a couple of blocks, peeked into store windows, and read signs about upcoming events. We also sat for a short spell on a comfy bench, enjoying the beautiful morning and saying hello to passersby.

Our last stop in San Juan was Vertigo Coffee where we purchased a bag of their roasted coffee beans, which comes with a free cup of coffee. Whooo-hooo!

See ya.


Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Book Browsing for Book Lovers


Once upon a time, when I was a much younger thing, Hollister had the best bookstore around. It was called Henry's. (Or was the bookstore called Henry or Henrys? That's how long ago it was.) It was on San Benito Street in an old storefront a couple shops to the south of Fisher's Restaurant. The bookshop was run by Mr. and Mrs. Henry, a sweet couple, who had no problem with a much younger me regularly roaming the aisles and checking out random titles, without buying a thing. Ah, the yearning.

Today, Hollister doesn't have a bookstore, independently owned or a well-known chain store. Still, there are places in town for book lovers to browse for a good book or two for fun reading.

I know for sure that Target sells a small selection of new titles for adult and children readers. You can also find a few new books at Nob Hill and Safeway. Maybe Save-Mor, KMart, Walgreen's, and Rite Aid does, too.

The Farmhouse Cafe (615 San Benito Street, Suite D) has a smattering of cookbooks and food-related books for sale. The other day I noticed The Farmhouse Cookbook by Susan Mayor and Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes on the shelves.

Next door at San Benito Bene (615 San Benito Street, Suite B) you can find a few books by local authors such as John Chadwell. The store also sells Hollister, a photo book about the history of our area by Joseph M. McMahon and Peter Sonne. While you're in the shop, be sure to check out the cute blank notebooks and journals for sale. A perfect gift for any writer of any age, novice or professional. (Hint, hint, you know who.)

As for used books, we have several sources in town for fiction and nonfiction books. Two places are nonprofit thrift shops. Forgiving Paws Thrift Shop (195 Meridian Street) is one such store. Another is Hazel's Thrift Shop (898 San Benito Street). It has a room called The Booknook in the back of the store. If you're into collectible publications, you can sometimes find some at Hazel's Treasures Boutique on Hawkins Street behind the thrift shop.

The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library resells used book donations. Often, you can find current titles among their offerings. This nonprofit group maintains sale shelves in the library next to the magazines. Hardbacks are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents. You can't beat that price. 

This group also holds regular Saturday morning book sales behind the library on West Street. Currently their sales are monthly. The next one is Saturday. On March 11, 2017, from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library for further details about future book sales.

Friday, June 10, 2016

I Spy . . . Dolls!


I spy with my little eye dolls of all types, shapes, and sizes throughout Sherry's Adoptable Dolls and Antiques in Hollister.

I also spy women's vintage and antique hats, purses (oooh, a black velvet clutch made in Italy), china cups, costume jewelry, sheet music, and much more.

This treasure trove is in a cute vintage house located at 890 San Benito Street, between Hazel's Thrift Shop and Grunnagle's parking lot. It's owned by the lovely Sherry Dolfin. She offers so many delightful things from our past to rediscover and enjoy again.

Sherry's Adoptable Dolls and Antiques is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Stop and See!


On the southwest corner of Fourth and East Streets are two fun shops. One is Bill's Bullpen that has the latest sports cards, comic books, sports memorabilia, and other sweet stuff. Next door is San Benito Glass that offers glass repair and installation, as well as a wide array of antiques for sale.

Stop and see for yourself when you're in downtown Hollister.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Hi Outlet in Downtown Hollister


After nearly two years of sitting empty, the building at 549 San Benito Street has a new occupant. The Hi Outlet (which was once on Tres Pinos Road) opened for business a few days before Christmas in downtown historical Hollister. The building was previously home to Penny Wise Drug.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Classic Knights in Downtown Hollister


I don't know what's funniest—Yoda as Santa Claus, Yoda next to a medieval knight, or Yoda and the knight being barkers for a furniture store in downtown historical Hollister. What do you say?


Friday, December 11, 2015

Window Shopping in Historic Downtown Hollister

Bella Charm

To help make Christmas shopping less hectic in Downtown Hollister, the City has lifted parking hour restrictions until January 8, 2016.

For a list of some of the downtown Hollister businesses, check out these links: shops and thrift stores.

Enjoy!

Johnnie's Girl

Irma's Fashions

Eclectic Treasures

San Benito Bene

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Pre-Owned Holiday Treasures


For those of you who like exploring thrift shops and consignment stores for fun, awesome, practical, and, simply, blast-from-the-past holiday decorations and gifts, you're in luck. We have several in Hollister. Here are some of them.

Finders Keepers, 191-C San Felipe Road
Forgiving Paws Thrift Shop, 195 Meridian St. B-18
Goodwill, 550 Tres Pinos Road
Hazel's Thrift Shop, 898 San Benito Street
Pat's Place, 101 5th Street
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 680 College Street
She's Consignment Store, 202 5th Street, 831 630-5810

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Support Our Local Merchants During the Holidays


While you're out and about checking out all the cool events going on today in San Benito County (see yesterday's post), take a look at the local shops that may be nearby. You may find that holiday gift or idea that you're seeking.

Today in San Juan Bautista is the "Holiday Stroll Through Time" from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many of the San Juan merchants are holding an open house, offering refreshments and such to their customers.

Hanging around Hollister today?  Here are a few small businesses in and around Downtown Hollister to check out.

Bella Charm, 748 San Benito Street
Gaia's Cottage, 200 Tres Pinos Road
Eclectic Treasures, 731 San Benito Street
Irma's Fashions, 230 Fifth Street
Johnnie's Girl, 535 San Benito Street
McAbee Feed, 71 McCloskey Road
Off the Chain Bikes, 101 McCray Street, Suite 101
Rancher's Feed, 354 First Street
San Benito Bene, 615 San Benito Street, Suite B
The Garden Mart, 190 San Benito Street


Note to FCC: I was not compensated to mention any business on this post, nor any other post on Take 25 to Hollister. 


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Johnnie's Girl


Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new shop in Downtown Hollister. It's called Johnnie's Girl! This cute boutique of nifty, fun handcrafted items is located at 535 San Benito Street, the once-upon-a-time location of Maddux Jewelry.

Johnnie's Girl is run by daughter-mother team, Sarah and Patty, whom some of you may already know. They've sold their gorgeous flower plates at local crafts fairs, through The Grove and San Juan Bakery, and at their place on Holliday Street.


Johnnie's Girl will have its grand opening on November 11, 2015. But, their doors are currently open for business. If I remember correctly, from Thursday through Saturday. For more details, visit its Facebook page.

Best of luck to you, Sarah and Patty!



Sunday, August 9, 2015

Premium Sweets

Marich premium chocolates at San Benito Bene.

Chocolate espresso beans. Yum.

Dark chocolate chipotle almonds. Yum.

Chocolate blueberries. Yum.

Triple chocolate toffee. Yum.

All these delicious chocolates are made locally by Marich Premium Chocolates. Aren't we lucky? To check out their other chocolates and confections online, click here.

You can purchase Marich chocolates at their facility on 2101 Bert Drive, near Fallon Road, during the week. Call first for their hours. They're also available at some stores throughout San Benito County. San Benito Bene, for example, has a counter full of various Marich products.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Clothing for Little Princes and Princesses on San Benito Street


Today is Worldless Wednesday. To check out posts from around the world, please click here.


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

For Sale -- One Door


If you like shopping for antiques and collectibles, then stop by San Juan Bautista, about seven miles west of Hollister. That's where this collectible -- or antique -- door is hanging.

Today is Our World Tuesday. Click here to see what bloggers around the world are sharing about their neck of the woods.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Coming Very Soon: The Lights On Celebration


It's starting to look rather festive in downtown Hollister. The Hollister Downtown Association has already strung the Yuletide boughs across San Benito Street. With the help of many volunteers, Hollister Downtown Association will have downtown ready for the annual Lights On Celebration this coming Saturday, November 29.

To learn more about the day and evening festivities, including the Lights On Parade, click on the poster below. Or, click here.

http://www.downtownhollister.org/holiday-lights-on-celebration/

I've joined other bloggers at Our World Tuesday. Click here to check out what's going in other parts of the world.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Eclectic Treasures


The other day, a friend and I wandered into Eclectic Treasures, at 731 San Benito Street, a new home furnishing store that opened in September. The owner sells unique furniture, rugs, and other decorative items imported from all parts of the world. The piece in the above photo was made in Peru out of wood from the Amazon forest. The wood felt very smooth.

I noticed the detailing of the ceiling tiles that I didn't recall as having been there in the previous store. The woman in the shop told me that they were the original tiles and that she had an unpainted one hanging on the wall, which the owner of the building gave her. Gorgeous isn't it?


There are a few other old buildings in town that have a white ceiling with a similar textured look like the one at Eclectic Treasures.  I wonder if intricate painted-over tiles line the ceilings of those buildings, too.  Can you imagine how a ceiling might look with those tiles not painted? Wowza!

Here's the ceiling at Eclectic Treasures. Go check it and the home decor and furnishings for sale yourselves.



Saturday, October 18, 2014

Spirit Halloween


A Spirit Halloween has set up in the once-upon-a-time Staples building on Airline Highway (aka Highway 25). I understand it's a seasonal store, selling all things fun to those who celebrate the Great Pumpkin Day. Muahahaha. . . .

Friday, August 15, 2014

A Sunday Stroll


One great thing about the deep morning fog we've been having lately is that as the fog heads back west, it cleans out some of the smog, leaving us with a beautiful blue sky for part of the day.

I took this photo at the corner of Sixth and San Benito Streets on a stroll through downtown last Sunday with the Husband and an out-of-town friend after lunch at La Villa de Jerez. Part of our walk included stops at Bill's Bullpen Baseball Cards & Comics and San Benito Bene. Does it sound like I'm name dropping? Good. Just want to let you know that a few shops are open in downtown Hollister on a Sunday afternoon.
  
Today, I'm participating in Skywatch Friday. To see photos from bloggers all over the world, please click here. 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Cleverly Repurposed


Pretty cool bike basket, don't you think?

At first I thought it was a drum without its skin. Nope. The basket was made from bicycle wheel rims and spokes. Clever!

The bicycle was sitting outside Off the Chain Bikes at 101 McCray Street, Suite 101. By the way, the shop not only sells bicycles and bicycle accessories, but also purses, shoulder bags, backpacks, and other things made from recycled inner tubes, all designed by Robin Lucas. Check them out, the next time you're there. Until then, you can see samples at this web page.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

2014 Hollister Farmers' Market


Whooo-hooo! Today is the first day of the 2014 Farmers' Market in downtown Hollister. Fresh vegetables and fruit. Fresh eggs, chicken, and meat. Artisan breads and sausages. Local honey and olive oils. Flowers, crafts, and local goods. BBQ and other restaurant fare. And more!

What more? You'll just have to go down and see for yourself.

Where: San Benito Street, between 4th and 7th streets
When: Every Wednesday, 3 to 7:30 pm, from May 7 to September 24

For more details, check out these sites:
Downtown Certified Farmers' Market, Hollister Downtown Association
Hollister Farmers Market at Facebook
Downtown Hollister Farmers Market, Yelp reviews

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Unique Hollister Tees


I'm not talking about the Hollister tee-shirts made for wannabe imaginary Dudes and Bettys. Uh-uh. The tee-shirts in these photos are local products. They are designed by Dean Machado of Mandego Apparel and being sold at Muenzer's Keys & Teez on Fifth Street. Go check them out. You know you want to.

And, no, I'm not being paid for mentioning these tee-shirts.  They are just so cool I had to show and tell.





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