Change is in the ocean air. Elections, stock market, and employment opportunities seem to be moving in all directions. But the weather is a constant here in San Clemente with its warm days and brisk nights. We are so fortunate to have the Best Climate in the World. For those of you looking for something fun to do, an excellent option is a stroll down our main street in the Downtown Village, on Avenida Del Mar. Plenty of FREE Public Parking lots have been established on the side streets for easy access to the village. If you feel like an iced tea or ice cream cone an ocean view is the extra treat. Many shops await your visit, offering you clothing and accessory varieties, as well as household interiors and gifts. San Clemente’s own Spanish Village by the Sea offers unique and personable service for a comparable price. During this crucial economic time we challenge you to resist the draw of large corporations and stay in town for your recreational spending to support local small businesses.
We certainly have a variety of choices here in Downtown San Clemente. Please allow me to share the changes our business “T” has welcomed. Many NEW businesses have opened in recent months, Velvet Yogurt, Oliver’s, Fresh Produce, Lu Lu’s Boutique, Diana M, The Cellar Wine Bar and Songoli Boutique. A few have or will be moving locations, Distinctive Coast Properties, Fired Up San Clemente, Russells, and Variant. And new ownerships have taken place at Bonnie’s Skin Care, Wildflower, Lavender Lounge Tea and SunKiss’d Tanning & Boutique. We have lost a few businesses and it is difficult to see them go, Frame House, A Little bit of Denmark, Mary Janes Fabric and City Life USA. Opening soon will be Bodacious Women’s Boutique and later, Jack’s Surf Shop. If that doesn’t tempt you to come see what catches your fancy then how about the existing businesses we have been enjoying for years.
Let’s begin with the ladies. Boutiques and antiques can easily fill your shopping day. Fits & Fashion, Variant, Angel Wings, Rascals, Fashion Plate, Sunkiss’d, Stanford Court and San Clemente Antiques are among a few that will welcome you into their shops with smiles and warmth. If the perfect gift or household décor is your desire please check out Guinevere’s Gifts & Interiors or Coastal Home Living.
Dinner, drinks, and good cheer can be found upon visiting Carbonara’s, Gordon James’ Bar & Grill, BeachFire, Village Mediterranean, Selmas, Mongkut Thai or wine tasting at San Clemente Wine Company or The Cellar Wine Bar.
If you are looking for family fun and the ocean view down Del Mar gets your creative juices flowing, come check out Fired Up San Clemente’s paint your own ceramic studio in its new location on Avenida Granada. Or if an interesting book is what you need visit the Village Book Exchange for excellent service and subject variety. Don’t just take my word for it, plan to come to the Downtown Village today, tomorrow, or this weekend and experience it for yourself.
The holidays will bring extra cheer to the streets as we celebrate Puttin’ on the Glitz, Saturday November 29. Santa will visit children at the Community Center and there will be live music, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, face painting and the trees will glisten with lights. Enjoy the decorations and good times as the Downtown Business Association provides wholesome family fun and stores stay open late to kick off your holiday shopping experience. A mini Glitz will follow on December 6 & 13.
It isn’t a secret that the best Christmas trees in town can be found at Shore Gardens. And don’t forget to order your holiday feast at Billy’s Deli & Meats. b |
