14 unique boutiques
Leave it to Carmel to ensure that even its retail centers off Highway 1 at Rio Road are more picturesque than most.
[...] for the largest array of independent stores and artisanal wares, head to the village, and wear comfy shoes:
From bright baseball caps and practical sun-shaders to retro cloches, fedoras and flowery creations, many of them handmade and locally designed, the quality toppers are piled high in Amy Felsing and Brian Andrews’ 5-year-old boutique.
41 Bittner, the Pleasure of Writing: A treasure chest of exquisite pens and accessories, including inks, journals, engraved stationery and handmade paper, the 25-year-old Bittner apparently never got the memo that handwriting’s over.
Prices are more than most cowpokes can afford, but the handsome lineup of pointy-toed boots, wide-brimmed hats, sturdy leather bags, colorful shirts and jewelry is worth a gander.
Floral master Michael Merritt does a brisk business designing inventive arrangements and decor for weddings and other events.
Luckily, the uninvited can take home a piece of his artistry, and the creative vision of his wife, Cheryl, from their pocket shop next to the Cypress Inn.
Besides centerpieces, look for elaborate shell wreaths, pretty baskets and graceful planters.
The rainbow wall of exotic and presumably non-endangered animal hide belts — including stingray, ostrich and caiman, from $340 up — is also mesmerizing.
Skip the front room of new and vintage Rolex watches (unless that’s your passion) and head to the cases of estate jewelry, including two with Victorian delights such as “festoon necklaces” dripping with blue flash moonstones and intricately engraved garnet brooches.
Kristi Reimers’ 6-year-old emporium, vast by Carmel standards, raises the bar for “eco-friendly” to something like “eco-fabulous.”
Part home and garden store, part gift shop, part children’s boutique, Eco Carmel extends the feel-good vibe by featuring locally made wares and funding community nonprofits.
Stick to one of the freshly made confections, like fudge, or indulge your inner Briton with one of many imported treats, such as Fry’s Peppermint Creams or Cadbury’s Crunchies.
Take either a narrow red passageway off Dolores, which leads to the entrance of downtown’s beloved (and only) bookstore, or the equally obscure downhill walkway from San Carlos, which plants you in the tranquil garden, a fountained oasis of eclectic statuary, plump succulents and other easily portable leafy things.
Mahoney’s creations highlight the region’s natural glories, but she also crafts jewelry from customers’ designs.
Olfactory alchemist Jane Hendler’s latest line of natural, organic scents — dubbed the Modern Hippie Collection — pays tribute to the Summer of Love and Big Sur, with ethereal notes of sustainably harvested patchouli, sandalwood, oak moss and Indian magnolia.
An all-ages favorite since opening in 1969, this spacious toy store continues to think big (giant stuffed animals, elaborate model Ferris wheel) and small (marbles, miniature cars, figurines).
Books, art and craft supplies, puzzles and board games also reflect the owners’ thoughtful approach to playtime.