The View from The Hill/Lew Tremaine
As is generally the case, I’ll be doing my Christmas shopping in Fairfax this year. Ever the procrastinator, it will likely be on Christmas Eve. It’s just my way.
I have a few spots that I like to shop. The list starts with Fairfax Variety. It is the ultimate spot for stocking stuffers and novelty gifts. Polly, the owner, stocks her store with an eclectic, well, variety of gift possibilities.
The same can be said for Revolution 9. The perfect place to shop for the kids. With their vast array of toys and games, Rev 9 is must-stop shopping.
Speaking of eclectic, it’s hard to beat Lola’s Depot. This little shop on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard has everything a gift seeker could want. From jewelry, to vintage and new clothing, to vintage board games and toys, Lola’s is amazing.
Of course, if you have a tool girl or guy on your list, Fairfax Lumber is the place to hit. Their stock of everything tools and hardware will never disappoint.
If you have a Cannabis connoisseur on your shopping list, Marin Alliance at School Street Plaza is the go to spot. Owner Lynnette Shaw and her buyer Paul Kalman have curated an amazing collection of products to please your cannabis craving friends and family.
My latest go to is Live Water Surf and Skate. Super high quality and and super comfy clothing are their calling card. But, if you have a surfer or skater on your list, their selection of equipment for those activities is incomparable. Brenna, the owner, is always friendly and helpful.
Gift certificates from Fairfax’s fine restaurants are also available, and highly likely to be appreciated.
It always pays to know your local merchants. It makes shopping easier.
Back in the long, long ago, I had two shops that I knew my wife Laura loved. First, it was Sherman’s General Store. Carol Sherman, who owned the place, would always show me the things that Laura had her eye on. I didn’t even need to ask. I’d walk in (typically on Christmas Eve) and Carol would smile and say “come here, I know just what Laura wants.” Talk about easy! It didn’t hurt that Sherman’s carried Laura’s jewelry line.
After Carol passed, and Sherman’s closed, Laura’s next haunt was Lorie Kulberg’s Culture Shock. Though she has left her brick and mortar shop to do business online and at selected faires, including the Fairfax Festival, Laurie’s stock of jewelry and clothing was and is a treasure trove of gift possabilities. And again, all I had to do was walk in, and Lorie would take me right to the perfect gifts.
Shopping in town is a way to keep your money and sales tax dollars in the community. And in many cases, to support your friends.
(Lew Tremaine is a Fairfax resident and former Town Council member.)
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