Articles: Shopping: Santa Cruz County Offers Distinctive Items

Just as each region in Santa Cruz County is distinct in its natural beauty and array of activities, the keepsakes found in the many shops and boutiques throughout the area also reflect the character of the locale.

A piece of jewelry crafted by a local artisan, surfing gear, or a gift-wrapped box of salt-water taffy become treasured mementos that can awaken memories of your visit long after you've returned home.

Artistic wonders abound in the form of hand-made gifts and more on Mission Street and along Pacific Avenue. The exquisite designs of Annieglass can be found downtown and at the shop in Watsonville, where glassware and other items inspired by the rustic imagery of the Japanese countryside or linen-textured sea glass adds a note of surprise. On the wharf, Made in Santa Cruz features a dazzling array of local art including Michael Lambert's humor-infused collection of teapots and vases and soothing body products made with lavender grown in nearby Bonny Doon.

Antique shoppers will find everything from shabby chic to heirloom-quality antiques along the quaint streets of Soquel and Aptos. And the San Lorenzo Valley towns of Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek have charming shops offering a variety of antiques and collectibles.

Distinctive, contemporary items for the home abound at stores such as Chefworks in downtown Santa Cruz, and quilters will enjoy Round Robin Fabrics or the Yarn Place. Browse specialty shops in Capitola Village, and be sure to stop by the Craft Gallery, where imaginative and affordable gifts assure something for everyone. Or find all your favorites, including four department stores, and over 100 specialty shops and restaurants at Capitola Mall.

Beachwear and outdoor gear can be found on nearly every corner of town. The O'Neill Surf Shops feature the products of local wetsuit entrepreneur Jack O'Neill.

Gifts for gardeners blossom throughout the county. Green thumbs will appreciate the exotic plants and flora and fauna-themed items at Norrie's Gift Shop in the UCSC Arboretum. Pick up a rare rose bush at Roses of Yesterday and Today or a dried floral wreath at Sierra Azul Nursery. For the true cultivator, stop by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum for a copy of How to Grow a Chair: The Art of Tree Trunk Topiary.

Fascinating mementos can be found at the county's many museum gift shops. The store at the Museum of Art & History has an eclectic and colorful assortment of handcrafted goods and Central Coast-themed books.

Visit the Ocean Discovery Shop at Seymour Marine Discovery Center for delightful marine-related treasures, from starfish-shaped soaps to beautiful glass seashell ornaments and creative educational toys.

State Park gift shops offer a relaxing and uncommon shopping experience. The natural beauty of Santa Cruz County is evident at the shop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where all items are related to something found in the park, from journals to jewelry. Butterfly puppets, silk scarves, cookie-cutters, silver pendants, and hand-carved butterfly pens are just a few things on display which celebrate the Monarch at the Natural Bridges State Park gift shop. And Native American-themed basket-weaving kits, journals, and books on California history can be found at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.

Whether you are looking for a memorable keepsake from Santa Cruz County, or a unique souvenir that a friend will cherish, Santa Cruz County's wealth of unusual shops and exquisite boutiques provide an extraordinary shopping excursion.