Fort Bragg downtown has seen it's fair share of ups and downs. But I must say (empty storefronts aside) Fort Bragg downtown is pretty wonderful. All summer long our lovely visitors tell me they look forward to coming to OUR town. They love to walk in OUR downtown full of small, family owned shops. No chains, no malls, unique shops, no cookie cutters here!
People come here to get away from the hustle and bustle (or the heat) and to breath the ocean air. And that's why I live here too, I love that it's a little slower, and I love that the air smells like salt water (or the brewery brewing), and that so many of our shops are owned by wonderful, creative, kind people. I love knowing who I am supporting when I shop and eat.
People know we have something special here. You can't go to a mall and get what you get here. Many people come here to shop and avoid the malls and chain stores that plague their communities.
In our shops you are likely to find friendly, personal, customer service and someone who genuinely cares about you being happy with your purchase. (We care about you!) We are happy to help you find that perfect gift, or that finishing touch for your outfit. We have a bit of every thing in our downtown.
So if you have not walked around Fort Bragg downtown in a while, spend the afternoon moseying around and checking out all of our shops. Maybe you will find a new favorite place, or re-discover an old favorite. Or find that you actually don't HAVE to go over the hill to find what you need at good prices.
On Laurel Street alone we have:
Pippi's of course here to provide you with socks galore and many other sweet gifts like: mini pixies, cute holiday gifts and decor, mugs for your hot cocoa, scarves, hats, gloves, lots of cozy things, even a few sweet little toys.
Right next door to me is Cirino's Sandwich Shop. Mark has the yummiest sandwiches in town perfect for grabbing while you shop and then taking a break on a bench or the City Hall lawn for a picnic.
Then there is Toto Zaida, with her beautiful array of jackets, dresses, tops, scarves and art.
Bella Mia's hand made soaps and lotions. The smells in there are totally yummy, the kids and I rarely pass up an opportunity to stop in there.
Heavenly Soles (well it's just that, heavenly!) They have a great selection of fashionable and comfortable shoes! (Just say no to Zappos!) All my boots that you keep seeing in my photos have come from Heavenly Soles (formerly North Soles) over the years.
ER Energy has some really cool kitchen gadgets perfect for stocking stuffers, as well as cute mugs, dishes and stoneware. And lots of Christmas ornaments!
Splendiferous and LaTre both have great clothing from casual day wear to yoga wear and evening dresses.
Headlands Coffeehouse for great coffee that's not overly sweet! And they have yummy food too.
Cucina Verona is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and their menu has a lot to offer. (Also I know you can watch sports at the bar because I can hear their customers cheering while I work sometimes!)
Not to mention (just a few) of my favorites not on Laurel Street:
The newest addition to downtown Dot & Twine. I love it ! It is full of beautiful locally crafted goods. (I could get into a lot of trouble in there).
Racines for great art supplies, stationary and office supplies. I love this store.
Understuff for pj's and under...stuff. Thank goodness I don't ever have to set foot in Victoria's Secret ever again!
The Barbelow is a great place to start a date night (we love to go there when we get a chance).
Then there is FloBeds for the most comfortable bed you will ever have. Designed and made all here in Fort Bragg. (Yes by my wonderful dad.)
The kids' favorite is of course:
Spunky Skunk, and I like it too. They have good quality toys, books, crafts and great educational board games too.
Marshall's favorites are :
Blaqk Door for great games (video and boardgames) and comics of course. It is a perfect shop for any gamer or geek.
Piaci's for amazing pizza and craft brew beers.
There is just so much more. I don't know where to stop! The Bookstore and Vinyl Cafe, If The Shoe Fits, Eggheads, Cowlick's, The Cookie Co., Reynolds' (not just men's wear anymore ladies).
How many towns can you go to where you can get locally made ice cream, beer, coffee, art, beds, and plenty of locally grown and locally caught food?!
Fort Bragg has a lot to offer. Accept it, embrace it, and please support it!
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