Shopping online has its benefits, but after a year of sheltering-in-place, it can be a nice escape to treat yourself to some retail therapy out in the real world! The leaves are changing and so should your style, with new weather coming our way as the long, hot summer finally comes to an end.
RETAIL THERAPY
Visit Benicia
Benicia is the perfect destination for a relaxing day of shopping, with its artsy and unique boutiques, friendly locals, delicious food options, and beautiful scenery. Plus, with Solano County recently upgrading to an even safer tier during the pandemic, you can safely enjoy even more that these businesses have to offer!
Here’s an easy-to-follow guide for an all-around perfect day spent shopping.
Step 1: Getting Started
Grab some free street parking and start at the north end of First Street, with the contemporary-bohemian
Collektive
Boutique
.
What started as a boutique jewelry store now carries adorable clothing and accessories, too. Collektive is a great example of Benicia’s artistic culture, with an all-original jewelry collection, handmade by the owner herself and local artisans using unique metals and eye-catching stones.
Photo Credit:
Collektive Boutique’s Instagram
After you check out Collektive Boutique, you’re going to need a little energy boost. A well-deserved pastry is waiting for you across the street at
One House Bakery
.
Their strawberry cream croissant is too good to pass up, paired with a house-made fruit spritzer.
Photo Credit: One House Bakery Instagram
Step 2: Vintage Takeover
After you get your refresher, it’s time for some shop-hopping! Head a few blocks down First Street and you will see
Elisa’s Cottage
,
which offers vintage clothing and accessories, including original fashion artwork created by the owner from recycled outfits. Owner Elisa Anderson truly embodies the unique spirit of Benicia with her selection – which also boasts the best Hawaiian shirt collection around. Aloha!
Photo Credit: Elisa’s Cottage Facebook
Step 3: Something Yummy, Something Used
Photo Credit: States Coffee x Bread Instagram
If you’re in the mood for lunch (and you love the smell of fresh-baked bread), you have to stop in at another great bakery, States Coffee x Bread , which offers delicious espresso coffee, homemade seasonal sourdough bread, and artisanal spreads (the apricot spread is a must).
On the way to the next shop, grab a wellness juice shot from Juice House Co . With ingredients like ginger, beets, wheatgrass and boosters, this place will keep you energized with vitamins and minerals.
A short stroll from Juice House Co. is Sparkly Ragz . This high-end consignment store is known for lightly-used pieces of excellent quality. You’re likely to spot more than a few brand names inside this family-owned boutique.
Photo Credit: Juice House Co. Instagram
Step 4: Fashion from Around The World
Next stop is Pink Arrows Boutique ! An adorable little boutique with an unusual approach to its selection: the owner, Nicole, values texture above all else; she picks all the clothes based on how soft and wonderful each piece feels. At Pink Arrows Boutique, you are guaranteed to find unique clothing and accessories you can’t find anywhere else, along with candles that smell too good to pass up.
Photo Credit:
Pink Arrows Boutique Instagram
Christina S Fashion Destination is just two doors away. Christina S is inspired by her worldly travels, discovering the culture of fashion around the world. If you want to head home with a piece direct from Paris, make sure to stop by.
Photo Credit : Christina S Fashion Instagram
Step 5: Ocean Breeze and Shopping with Ease
As you approach the waterfront, there are two more must-see spots for your retail adventure.
Stop one, Bonjour Fashion and Living , in the historic Tannery building. Who doesn’t like to shop with a beautiful view of the waterfront, while picking out the best accessories for your fashion-forward outfits? Because you won’t want to leave those waterfront views, cross the hallway to The Little Art Shop and pick up some jewelry, handmade by local artists.
After you have gotten the cutest hat to go with the most stylish sweater dress, you deserve a little treat to take back home with you. The best cupcakes you will ever taste are waiting for you right up the street, at Fox and Fawn Bakeshop . A small little bakery that prides itself on perfectly-balanced flavors, exactly the right amount of sweetness.
. 
For those that love eating cookie dough, they have vegan cookie dough batter that is ready to eat straight from the tub. Bring some of these scrumptious treats home for your friends and family to try out. Take it from someone who makes a stop here every time, you really don’t want to miss the cupcakes!
The post Retail Therapy appeared first on Visit Benicia.
🎄 Holiday Magic Awaits in Benicia! Just 35 minutes from SF: Discover waterfront concerts, unique local shopping, festive parades, wine walks, Victorian carolers, and visits with Santa. Make this season special in our historic bay town.
'Tis the Season in Beautiful Benicia! Looking for a magical holiday shopping experience? Skip the mall crowds and discover the charm of downtown Benicia. Our historic First Street transforms into a winter wonderland, where local merchants offer unique treasures you won't find anywhere else. From handcrafted art to gourmet delights, each purchase supports our vibrant community of small business owners. Take a break between shops to savor seasonal specials at our waterfront restaurants, or join us for festive community events that capture the true spirit of the season. As you stroll past twinkling lights and decorated storefronts, you'll discover why Benicia is the Bay Area's hidden gem for holiday shopping. Let's explore just a few fantastic spots for your 2024 holiday shopping adventure: 
Happy Holidays! Make Benicia your one-stop shop for holiday shopping this year! Discover quirky shops, one-of-a-kind gifts, and friendly merchants who make it easy to find the perfect something for your special someone . You'll also be supporting small, locally-owned businesses that directly benefit the community! While you're at it, unwind and enjoy a delicious meal at one Benicia's incredible restaurants . And, to really get yourself in the holiday spirit, plan your shopping visit around one of Benicia's many family-friendly (and free) Holiday Events ! We've put together some quick tips in the 2023 Benicia Holiday Shopping Guide:
HAUNTED HISTORY: BAY AREA GHOST HUNTING!
Bakery Creates Life-Size Halloween Bread Sculpture From the Hit Show, The Last of Us Mother/Daughter baking team in Benicia, CA create eye-popping bread sculptures every Halloween, inspired by popular film & television characters An incredible mother/daughter baking team in Benicia, California, who last year made international headlines with their " Pan Solo " bread sculpture, have done it again! This year’s masterpiece is the even more ambitious " The Last of Crust ," a life-size bread sculpture inspired by the hit show and video game The Last of Us , starring Pedro Pascal. The “clickers” from the show, hand-sculpted and baked by Hannalee Pervan and her mother Catherine in Benicia's One House Bakery , are covered in more than 1,000 individually-created "mushrooms." The exhibit took over 400 hours of labor to construct, more than twice as long as "Pan Solo." The creature's man-eating chompers were hand-sculpted and modeled after Catherine's own teeth.
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy the final Benicia Art Walk of the year, with special exhibitions and live demonstrations at 8 galleries, all within easy walking distance of each other. Keep reading to find out what's happening at each gallery! When: October 14th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early to give yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE . Win a $200 Gift Card for the Arts If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023: Art Walk Drink Specials Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer More Free Family Fun on October 14th! October 14th is Benicia's Family Fall-Tastic Saturday, with five events happening in one day ! In addition to Art Walk , see a dog costume contest at the Dog Festival , view the inside of a fire truck at the Fire Station's Open House or go Shopping at the Book Sale and Craft Fair . All events are free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby.
Family Fall-Tastic: Five Events, One Day!
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy and explore the Benicia Art Walk . Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: September 9th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! WIN! If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE .
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy the beautiful weather and explore the Benicia Art Walk . Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: July 8th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! WIN! If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE . 
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Benicia Art Walk marks the city's first major public event of the year. Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: June 10th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE .
