The Fairfaxian/Mike Ghiringhelli
Got a Minute …
Why in the world, after decades of having lively, sometimes passionate, never boring (well sometimes boring) Town Council meetings, would our mayor have to write rules that censor and silence citizen voices?
Sounds like a move straight out of the classroom of a Marxist professor somewhere in Chicago. People in Fairfax believe in free speech. Someone needs to tell that to our temporary mayor.
It’s Holiday Season Time …
The season is upon us, and the Fairfaxian is going to shop locally for the Holidays. I say, get off the computer, say no thanks to Amazon and their oversized delivery trucks , and buy gifts directly from our local merchants.
One reason why Fairfax is so special, besides currently not having seven story buildings and ridge line building, is our small retail shops lined up and down our downtown.
Let’s go shopping, shall we?
Conifer …
The first shop I walked into is called Conifer, located at 31 Bolinas Rd.
This place was beautiful, filled with cool clothing for women, unique jewelry, and eclectic gifts. I immediately thought to myself, there’s no doubt I’ll be purchasing gifts from here.
To make matters even better, I met the shop owner, the very friendly and passionate Amy Mautz, a local living just across the river in San Anselmo.
This is exactly the experience I was hoping for, something personal that you’re not going to get at the mall. That you definitely won’t get online.
In addition to operating the store, Amy is the actual designer for her locally made clothing line that she founded. Conifer. What vision, what outstanding talent.
I’m talking to the designer of the clothes that are sold at the store.
That’s why you shop in a small town, that personalized service, that knowledge, that cutting edge experience.
In addition, Conifer also carries a special line of Japanese socks and unique gifts. Yes, you heard that correctly.
Amy started her business in San Francisco, but has been in Fairfax for the past 2.5 years. Why Fairfax, I asked.
“I’m here because I fell in love with Fairfax, and to bring my unique point of view and these independent brands to our community,” she said.
A mission well accomplished.
But there’s more.
Marion McKee is Amy’s business partner and she brings her hand crafted jewelry to this unique collaboration of clothing and gifts. It’s the perfect fit for this wonderful shop. A partnership made in heaven.
I walked away with a bag of some very interesting and high quality gifts. This was so much better than a trip to the freeway malls, I already have a plan to go back.
Mark it down on your to do list, and get to Conifers for a fabulous shopping experience.
The Potting Shed …
My next stop was The Potting Shed, owned and operated by Kathleen Carroll, for 15 years running now.
It was perfect timing as the freshest plants ever were being delivered to the shed.
The Potting Shed, located at 55 Bolinas Road is well known for their garden gifts and customized succulent arrangements.
In addition to a plethora of beautiful plants and garden selections, they have an adjacent gift shop featuring local jewelry and lots of Fair Trade items. It’s a no brainer as we used to say.
I purchased an interesting designed wind chimes to hang up on my porch and enjoy the relaxing sounds. I absolutely love it.
I then added a few beautiful plants, and now my garden will be happy to meet their new friends.
After fifteen years of serving their community, the Potting Shed is a leader and solid fixture in our retail mix of businesses.
Make a stop soon, pick up some great gifts for family and friends, or just take care of number one – buy yourself a well deserved gift.
You will be sure to create smiles all around.
There will be more shopping sprees by yours truly coming up, as we keep getting closer to the festive days ahead of us.
Stay in town, shop these wonderful stores, meet these wonderful folks that serve us, that brings us radiancy, right here, right here in Fairfax!
Thank-you Judy Garland.
Fairfax Chamber …
Speaking of our local business community, the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is back, after the shutdown, with their annual Holiday Party to be held at the Deer Park Villa, on Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. The Chamber and Deer Park Villa are sponsoring this event.
As the owner of multiple businesses in town, including the Deer Park Villa and Mac’s at 19 Broadway, I think it’s important that merchants have a strong Chamber to help strengthen our business community.
All merchants and Chamber supporters, including our Town Council and Town Hall and town staff, are invited to attend.
Let’s have a strong showing.
Cocktails, libations, appetizers, and food stations await you, along with local music.
It’s going to be a great party!
Please let Dave Smadback and Minna Kim, the folks that help keep our Chamber going, know you’re coming so we can prepare the proper amount of food and beverages.
RSVP: Minna@fairfaxchamberca.com
King Floyd’s Bartenders Battle Royale …
King Floyd’s is a friend of mine. They are the world renowned maker of premiere small batch specialty bitters. They are sponsoring the Battle of the Bartenders – the Best Mixologists in the North Bay.
This fabulously fun event will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, at the best nightclub club and neighborly mixology bar in Marin – Mac’s at 19 Broadway, in beautiful downtown Fairfax.
The festivities are judged, and led by legendary bartender and historian, Jeff Burkhart, writer of the famous Bar Fly newspaper column and author of two Bar Fly best selling books.
And finally, hats off to Lawrence Batteron, the founder, inventor, and CEO of King Floyds, and his outstanding team. These are some of the best people on earth.
I’m honored to know them.
Get your tickets online now – this event will sell out.
King Floyds is a local Marin County company. For more information go to kingfloyds.com. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com.
Thanks for tuning in, my friends.
(Mike Ghiringhelli is the associate editor of the Ross Valley Reporter. He can be reached via email at mg@gfoods.net.)
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