February 13, 2018

Carmel: Unique specialty shops; things to do

1 South

Carmel Specialty Shops

Carmel Bay Company  

Ocean Ave./Lincoln St., (831) 624-3868.  Daily 10-5. 

The Carmel Bay Company shop operates within the historic Seven Arts Building, which was built in the 1920s as an artist’s studio and then in the mid-1930s became Ed Weston’s photography studio.   It purveys “unusual, functional items for the home with honest, clean design.”  That includes fine housewares and accessories, lovely coffee table books, and the best souvenirs—old-time map-embossed dish towels, throw pillows, and drinking glasses. 
 
exterior of Carmel Bay Company shop in Carmel, California
exterior of Carmel Bay Company shop in Carmel, California

  

Conway of Asia  

Dolores/7th Ave., (831) 624-3643. 

Oriental rugs, colorful Tibetan chests, and Buddhas galore are for sale in the tasteful, mysterious Conway of Asia shop.  The collection hails from India, Tibet, Burma, and Thailand and includes fine antiques. 
 
interior of Conway of Asia shop in Carmel, California
interior of Conway of Asia shop in Carmel, California


The Secret Garden  

Dolores St./5th Ave., (831) 624-4955.  Daily 11am-6pm. 

Tucked down a narrow brick walkway lined with bamboo, this serene mostly outdoor shop (part of it is in a 1970s geodesic dome) purveys a large selection of succulents and an eclectic collection of garden accents.  
 
passageway to The Secret Garden shop in Carmel, California
passageway to The Secret Garden shop in Carmel, California


Pilgrim’s Way Books

Adjacent and under the same ownership, tiny Pilgrim's Way Books--the last bookstore in town--also  provides a good browse. 
 
entrance to Pilgrim's Way Books shop in Carmel, California
entrance to Pilgrim's Way Books shop in Carmel, California


Thinker Toys  

7th Ave./San Carlos Ave., (831) 624-0441.  M-Sat 10-6, Sun 10-7. 

Thinker Toys offers an exciting selection of puppets, dolls, workbooks, and puzzles and is where to bring the kids to select a souvenir. 
 
interior of Thinker Toys shop in Carmel, California
interior of Thinker Toys shop in Carmel, California

 

The White Rabbit  

Ocean Avenue, in the Court of the Golden Bough, (831) 624-2556. 

Located not down a rabbit hole but instead up a narrow curving outdoor stairway, this sweet little find is tucked inside one of the town’s fairy tale buildings.  Featuring the world's largest variety of Alice in Wonderland collectibles, you’ll find everything from a garden statue to a backward-running clock among the offerings at the White Rabbit.
 
Court of the Golden Bough in Carmel, California
Court of the Golden Bough in Carmel, California


More things to do in Carmel.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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