Shop ’til You Drop in Santa Cruz County

Contact: Christina Glynn, Communications Director/Film Commissioner
Phone: 831-429-7281, ext. 112, email: cglynn@santacruz.org

August 25, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Whether you consider yourself a shopaholic or a teetotaler, who can resist the lure of a colorful boutique? Just as each region in Santa Cruz County is distinct in its natural beauty, the keepsakes found in the many shops throughout the area also reflect the character of the locale and are sure to tempt even the most discernable shopper.

On the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, an array of items, from lavender soap to locally-made salt water taffy can be found. Select a bottle of wine from Vino Prima Wine Bar, elegantly wrapped in a silk gift bag.

Along Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz, visitors shop alongside locals browsing uncommon finds like custom clothing and hand crafted jewelry. At Annieglass, “art for the table” includes stemware, votives, serving pieces and platters, all creatively incorporating themes inspired by nature. Sold at luxury retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales, Annieglass has been showcased at leading hotels and restaurants, and has been featured in the private collections of Oprah Winfrey, Caroline Kennedy, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbra Streisand. Distinctive, contemporary items for the home abound at stores such as Chefworks. With a wide range of culinary supplies and kitchen accessories, Chefworks is the perfect place for gifts for oneself or others.

In Aptos, antique shoppers can uncover heirloom-quality items along the quaint streets. Bargetto Winery in Soquel Village is a perfect place to pick up a bottle of their signature mead, or a crisp chardonnay.

In Capitola Village the Craft Gallery features imaginative and affordable items, including necklaces made from seaglass and decorative hummingbird feeders. Or find all your favorites, including department stores and over 100 specialty shops and restaurants at nearby Capitola Mall.

Throughout “Surf City”, outdoor gear made for riding the waves can be found on nearly every corner of town. O’Neill Surf Shops feature the products and beachwear of local wetsuit entrepreneur Jack O’Neill. In Santa Cruz’s Pleasure Point district, charming boutiques can be found in one of the best surf areas around.

Gifts for gardeners blossom throughout the county, like exotic flora and fauna-related items at the UCSC Arboretum. Sierra Azul Nursery in south county features dried floral wreaths and artistic gifts for the garden enthusiast. And the San Lorenzo Valley Museum offers copies 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 Museum of Art & History has an eclectic assortment of creative items. The Ocean Discovery Shop at Seymour Marine Discovery Center has marine-related treasures, from glass seashell ornaments to educational toys.

State Park gift shops offer even more. At the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park gift shop, all items relate to the forest, from journals to jewelry. Butterfly-shaped cookie-cutters and silk scarves celebrate the monarch at the Natural Bridges State Park gift shop. Native American-themed baskets and books on California history can be found at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. Items designed by prominent artist Michael Schwab are on display at any of the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks’ gift shops throughout the county.

Santa Cruz County’s wealth of unusual shops and exquisite boutiques provide an extraordinary shopping excursion. For more ideas on where to shop, visit www.santacruzcounty.travel