|
|
 |
|
| Where
to Shop in Santa Monica |
|
|
 So
many places, so little time. That's the theme for the Santa
Monica shopping experience. The fashion is funky, very haute
or just plain fabulous. Antiques and art works abound. Unusual
fare and rare wares from around the world are side by side
with arts and crafts created by local artisans. Inviting book
shops - more than in any single location outside of New York's
SoHo - beckon to you from nearly every sidewalk. The
best way to see all of Santa Monica's shopping is to walk its
three varied shopping districts just blocks from the beach and
hotels. Convenient Tide Shuttles make a loop from selected
hotels to art deco Main Street, the lively Third Street
Promenade anchored by Santa Monica Place, and the Pier.
Saunter slightly further ahead to Montana Avenue. Many
consider its shops second only to Rodeo Drive in chic and
sophistication
|
|
|
|
Places to Shop
|
|
|
|
Main
Street - still maintains the art deco magic of
its early days. Its shops, stretching between Pico Boulevard and
Marine Street, are festooned with the out-of-the-ordinary. An
eclectic mix of art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques can
mesmerize you. Merchandise includes fine stationery, body oils
and fragrances, vintage bridal gowns, old fashion lace and
fabrics and the newest in contemporary jewelry. There's clothing
for fashion and outdoor comfort, and even a place where you can
buy an amazing array of movie star collectibles and clothing.
Search for art in galleries and cooperatives that feature
jewelry made from semi-precious stones, beads and imported
crystal. At the Frank O.Gehry designed Edgemar, there are an
array of shops featuring avant garde home fashions, contemporary
men's fashions and a contemporary arts shop with works from
Warhol and Mondrian.
|
|
|
|
The
downtown shopping district - is highlighted by
Third Street Promenade isn't just a shopping experience it's a
happening. Alive with street performers and musicians, sidewalk
cafes and movie theaters, the 3-block long pedestrian mall, is
dotted with fountains, coffee carts and sparkling lights. Stroll
from the beach through the downtown district and you'll find
everything from designer doorknobs and home gadgets to velvet
pillows and table ware that's almost too beautiful to eat off
of. There are shoe shops galore, cutting edge outdoor and
actionwear sellers side by side with leather shops and jewelry
stores. You can even purchase a photograph of yourself that
displays your eletrical aura.
|
|
|
|
Santa
Monica Place - is an oceanview mall at the
Broadway end of Third Street Promenade, houses three stories of
one-of-a-kind shops, Macy's and Robinson-May department stores,
famous name national merchandisers, and an international food
court called EATZ. In and among its 140 stores is merchandise
you won't find just anywhere. Like a myriad of hot sauces and
salsas, fresh squeezed juices from California fruits, cartoon
character apparel and lots more.
|
|
|
|
Montana
Avenue - is north of downtown, on a stretch
between 7th and 17th Streets, is an upscale shopping area with a
neighborhood touch. Here you'll rub shoulders with movie stars
who consider this their neighborhood shopping district. The best
in fashion is a Montana mainstay. Ball gowns and casual overalls
in sorbet colors are easy to find, as are brightly colored
cotton clothes for kids, Asian accented evening wear, European
bridal gowns, handmade sweaters, and Italian leathers. Home
fashion from around the world lines the Avenue. And when you're
too loaded down with bundles to take another step. Relax at a
coffee bar or cafe, bakery or lucheon spot that offers just the
right pick-me-up.
|
|
|
|
Farmer's
Markets - are European in origin and oh so Santa
Monica in style. Here you can see and sample the abundance of
California fruits and vegetables delivered fresh from nearby
farms. Or pick a bunch of bright hued flowers to enliven your
hotel room. Wednesday's markets at 2nd and Arizona bring out
nearly 90 farmers and is the biggest market in the state. On
Saturday at the same location, the choice becomes organic. You
might even spot a celebrity chef buying herbs and vegetables for
that evening's "special." There is another farmer's
market on Saturday at Cloverfield and Pico Boulevards that gives
you another opportunity to get fresh. And even on Sunday, you
can delight in the community gathering at the Main Street Market
where kids enjoy pony rides and you can breakfast on espresso,
fresh baked breads and vine ripened fruit.
|
| |
|
| |
|
