Only 115 Shopping Days

Costco has pulled out their Christmas wares.  Just in time if you ask me what with only 115 shopping days left in the holiday season.  Does this mean that labor day is as Thanksgiving once was, the marker of the start of the season.  Seeing the red bulbs, green sparkling trees and flocked snowman yard decorations has reminded me that we should all make a commitment to support our local businesses as much as possible.

To this end I am highlighting my favorite go to local businesses in preparation of the most holiest of days, black Friday.  The highlighted places are my favorites when I want to wander and be lost for hours window shopping for all of the stuff that has the potential of further cluttering my life.  It is true that my list of needs is mighty small on most days...but some shops really speak to my inner educator geek...

Treasure Island Flea Market

This Treasure Island Flea market is great on a sunny day.  Food trucks create a semi circle on the lawn and during our visit we went to "Little Red Riding Truck" for curry bratwurst.  Several small bands played upbeat music.  Substantial bargains were available.  There was even a hooper there letting people use the hoops and selling a few really bright models.  All this against the backdrop of an incredible San Francisco view.

The new bridge opening up the day after labor day this year.  View from Treasure Island.

SF from Treasure Island.  I'm making a stop on Treasure Island from now on to show visitors the incredible view.  

Panoramic of SF. 

Somewhat Morbid Wares

One of my favorite shops is Paxton Gate in the Mission.  This shop sells taxidermy, fossils, plants, objects de art, etc.  Walking into the store is like taking a trip back to a turn of the century naturalists lab.  Paxton Gate 

Paxton Gate has a sister store for kids about a block away.  Paxton Gate for Kids This shop has wonderful game and toys to help kids explore their natural world. This is also the location of Yosiell's Art Show on October 4th, the shop has a small gallery in the front.   If the already completed pieces are any indication, the show will be epic!  By the way, one of my other favorite places to shop is Yosiell's online store, Shop Lorenzo.

But my all time favorite morbid themed store is really the Bone Room.  The address says Berkeley but I think it is almost all the way to Albany.  The store has feathers, shells, lucite encased animals, and bones, bones, bones.  we spent more than an hour just browsing the small shop.  I believe most natural history museums house fewer specimens.

Perhaps the most interesting pieces of this particular milieu are created by Frank Clarke at the online store Bug Under Glass.  He is an entomologist that creates beautiful and sustainable artworks from different bugs. Mr. Clarke attended the Renegade Craft Faire in July and I had the opportunity to meet him and let him know just how fantastic his skeletalized butterfly pieces are...a really nice fellow introvert!

Paperwares

When in need of ornate Japanese paper, check out the Berkley shop Miki's Paper.  This 4th Street shop is packed with paper that has designs or interesting textures.  Although I'm including the website, their really isn't anything to order online.  This is the kind of store best visited.  

Another 4th Street, Berkley notable shop is Castle in the Air.    If you aren't hooked by the website alone, I'm not sure what will convince you to visit the shop.  This is a card, pen, book, paper, wax seal, etc. shop with a real turn of the century feel.  During the holiday season, part of the store has been devoted to Krampus, the Christmas devil.  Who can't love this incredible art studio that sells oodles of stuff? 

  Outdoor

Ohmega Salvage is a fun yard in which to walk around.  You can find doors, windows, lights, architectural fixtures, fireplace mantles, and so much more.  This Berkley place is somewhat over priced but it costs absolutely nothing to browse.  

This is somewhat random but I've recently discovered the Oakland Flower Market.  Everything, absolutely everything, to channel your inner flower arranger.  Pots, and flowers, and vases, and flowers, and dried arrangements and flowers!  So much in this little fire hazard.  

And for outdoor fun?  Public Bikes.  Affordable bikes with great posters.  Very Euro trash!  Way cool, and the nicest people working in the shop.  

Other

And one last shop to titillate the sense:  Asakichi Incense in Japan Town.  For people who say they don't like incense, the quality of the incense in this store is really unsurpassed.  You will be a convert!

So gentle readers, get busy on the holiday shopping and remember to shop locally when possible.  By the way, take a moment to leave a comment and maybe a link to your favorite local shopping venue, here in the bay area or in your neck of the woods.  I would love to know your go to local places.