Rosamariposa
Cathedral Home is an upper end gift shop that offers a lot of unique gift ideas. Their prices are expensive, but you come to expect that from these little gift shops. You won't find the cheap, discount store items in this store, so don't expect discount store prices. The staff is knowledgeable about the items that they have in stock, and is more than willing to help you pick the perfect unique gift idea for any occasion. They have a large selection of really nice candles, and other unique products. The store has a pretty nice smell; I guess it's from all of the candles and incense that they sell. Parking can be a nightmare, which is expected in this part of town, and it's definitely not a neighborhood I like to frequent anymore than I have to. If you are looking for a unique gift idea, that you will not find anywhere else, try Cathedral Home if you can afford it, if not, head to your local discount store.
PROS: Large selection of items; many candle scents available
CONS: Parking is a nightmare. Expensive.
Enhancery Jewelers
Enhancery Jewelers is the place to go when you have been to every other jewelry store in town, and cannot find exactly what you had in mind. With a large selection of jewelry, the ability to help you design a custom piece, and the ability to repair just about every type of jewelry with their "jewelry doctor" service, Enhancery Jewelers is one of the best all around jewelry stores. Whether you are looking for the latest in trend, or an expensive, once in a lifetime jewelry purchase, you can find it at Enhancery Jewelers. Their prices are very reasonable, and they do not pressure you to make purchases that you did not intend to make in the beginning. It's one of the few jewelry stores, where you can go in, get what you want, and leave without feeling pressured to make a large purchase, or spend your entire paycheck in a single visit. The staff is friendly, and very knowledgeable, about not only jewelry, but also the latest runway jewelry trends. The staff members can teach you what to look for when buying a gemstone, help you discover your birthday, or help you pick out the right jewelry for a special anniversary or other occasion. You can trust that Enhancery Jewelers provides great customer service and quality prices. The fact that they have been around since 1978 only goes to show what a wonderful jewelry store they really are. If you are in the market for any kind of jewelry, whether it's a first necklace for a special child, a military ring for your favorite soldier, or that special ring that you can pop the question with, Enhancery Jewelers is the place to go, you won't be sorry that you did!
PROS: High quality merchandise; affordable prices; friendly staff.
CONS: None that I can think of.
Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store
A Leo Hamel Jewelers is one of the few jewelry stores where you can walk in and the jewelers are willing, able, and ready to help, whether you are doing research, just browsing, or ready to purchase. Their convenient location, convenient store hours, and ample parking make this store easily accessibly. They sell new and used expensive watches, including brand names like Rolex. If you never thought that you could afford a Rolex watch, then you have never shopped at A Leo Hamel Jewelers, because buying a used Rolex is like buying one that's brand new, and you can be certain, that it will "tick" like it's brand new. The staff is very friendly, warm, and welcoming. They encourage you to look around; can provide museum quality knowledge and information about just about anything in their store. If you have a special engagement planned, or are just looking for a fine jewelry gift, they can help you pick out something that is "extra special" and just right. You can't beat their service, and while their prices are not cheap, they are not way, over the top outrageously expensive either. It's a great jewelry store, and it's definitely worth a shopping visit if you are in the market for expensive jewelry.
PROS: Affordable. Excellent service. Ample parking. Convenient location.
CONS: None that I can think of.
Performance Bike Shop
Performance Bike Shop has a convenient location, ample parking, and convenient store hours. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about everything having to do with bikes, from brand names, to not so well known names, parts, to accessories, and everything in between. The in store selection is moderate, and they don't stock a whole lot of each item. However, they can get a hold of just about anything you ask for, with connections all over the place in the world of bikes. If they don't have it, they can figure out where to get it. Their prices are reasonable, their sale prices are even better, and their in personalized customer service that you receive every time you walk in is wonderful. Unlike the bike specialty shops, they don't pressure you to purchase anything, so if you are shopping around, just pricing parts, or just want to see what they have in stock, you don't have to worry about being pressured into parts you will never use. The products are name brand, high quality products, and the prices are really reasonable considering that it's a bike shop, and they are usually pretty expensive.
PROS: Knowledgeable staff; excellent in store personalized customer service
CONS: Small number of products, but they can order just about anything!
Liu, Craig, Od - Navy Optometry Shop
The Navy Optometry Shop is the best place to go if you have never had glasses before. If you have always been "scared" or not wanting to go near an optometrist office, because you were worried about them being honest, trustworthy, offering fair prices, and doing what's best for your eyes, then The Navy Optometry Shop is the place that you will want to go. Whether you are getting your first pair of glasses or your 10th pair of contacts, they make you feel like a valued customer. They always explain every step of the procedures, from the eye exam to the fitting process, and even help you pick the right frames for your face shape and personality. They have a large selection of frames, an in shop lab, and you can go home with your new glasses the very same day. The staff is outstanding, and they really make you feel comfortable, even if you are in an uncomfortable situation (like a glaucoma test). They have state of the art equipment, affordable prices, and adequate parking. The facility is one of the best in the area, and I would highly recommend it for all of your optometry needs.
PROS: Affordable. Adequate parking. Large selection of frames. Caring staff.
CONS: Nothing that I can think of.
Village Hat Shop
The Village Hat Shop is located in Seaport Village. That alone, should lead you into this little store, when you are taking a stroll around Seaport Village. Seaport Village is home to so many interesting little stores that are small in size, and large in selection. This hat shop is no exception to that rule. The Village Hat Shop reminds me of one of my favorite stores at Disneyland?The Mad Hatters Hat Shop. Like the store at Disneyland, the Village Hat Shop offers a wide selection of hats, from everyday basics, to absolutely absurd. Whether you want a cap to wear to a ball game, a visor to wear to the beach, or a funky hat for a get together or costume party, they are sure to have the type of hat that you are looking for. Their holiday hats like over the hill and birthday cake hats are so much fun at parties. They are not exactly inexpensive, and you will pay more than you would from a discount store for a hat from the Village Hat Shop, but the high quality merchandise, and the overall experience of shopping in this store really make up for the price difference. Parking in this area can be a challenge, and pricey. If you can, use public transportation, that way, you can spend the day without having to worry about remembering to validate your parking, or finding your car at the end of a long day of shopping. Even if you do not have a hat purchase/need in mind, visit this little shop. There is always lots of giggles to be had, trying on many different kinds of hats, and many people even take pictures of themselves wearing really outrageous hats, when they come with a group of friends. It's definitely one of the finer little novelty shops in Seaport Village.
PROS: Large selection of hats; friendly staff; fun store to shop.
CONS: Parking can be pricey in this area, use public transportation!
The Magic Shop
I have come to realize over the years, that there are some interesting individuals on my holiday gift giving list. When people ask for items like magnets, rubber chickens, and pink DVD players, you have to think that something is a bit "odd" about the kind of company that I keep. Finding a rubber chicken, isn't as easy as visiting your local Wal Mart, so where exactly, other than a Halloween merchandise store, could you expect to find such an item? At The Magic Shop. The Magic Shop is a magic themed store that has something for every little Harry Potter wizard on your gift giving list. From individual magic trick gags that cost a couple bucks each, to full scale magic kits, appropriate for your magician in training, you are sure to find everything related to the world of magic in this store. The staff members are very knowledgeable, and friendly, and can help you pick the perfect gift for the little magician on your gift giving list. If nothing else, this store will give you a few laughs when you walk in, with all of the disgustingly funny pranks like fake vomit, and bloody fingers. They have a wide variety of "learning" aids that can teach you all the tricks of the trade, as far as magic goes. They have a convenient location, but parking can be a bit of a challenge. If you are already in the area, then it's a fun little store to visit. If you aren't in the area, but have a little magician on your gift giving list, and can't find the perfect gift anywhere else, try this shop! The prices are reasonable, but not inexpensive. The selection is impressive.
PROS: Impressive selection of magic products, tricks, kits, and training tools
CONS: Parking can be a challenge.
The Tile Shop
The Tile Shop is an interesting little store that sells, of course tile! Laugh. The location is in the midst of some of the best scenery in San Diego, and if you are already shopping in the area, it's worth ducking into this quiet little shop. The staff is very friendly, welcoming you into the store, and they treat you like you are a valued customer every time that you visit. They have many types of decorative tiles that you can incorporate into your home dcor, as well as unique gifts. This is one of the only places that I have come across which sells mini tile magnets, and seeing as how I have a magnet collector on my gift giving list, it's the perfect place to pick up a unique gift that she can't get anywhere else. Their prices are reasonable, considering that many of the items are imported. They also have some of the most beautiful Mexican themed tiles that I have ever seen, that would be a terrific addition to any home dcor. Parking can be a challenge, as well as expensive, in this area, and if you can take public transportation, I would highly recommend it.
PROS: Large selection of decorative tiles and unique gifts.
CONS: Some items are pricey!
Rosita's Flower Shop
Rosita Flower Shop is your typical flower shop. The flowers are fresh, the floral arrangements are beautiful, and the staff is knowledgeable about flowers. Whether you need one bouquet or a dozen red roses, you will find exactly what you are looking for here. The location is convenient, the parking is adequate, and the prices are what you would expect to find with most small flower shops. You won't find grocery store priced bouquets here, and the prices might seem high to you, if that's where you are used to buying flowers, but the quality is high, the flowers are fresh, and the staff can give you lots of helpful ways to make your flowers stay fresher a whole lot longer. It's a great flower shop to visit, when you need a last minute bouquet to take to a dinner party, or you want a spectacular bouquet for your favorite sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Their convenient hours, comfortable setting, and welcoming staff, don't make you feel stupid, even if you have no knowledge of flowers whatsoever. If you are in the area, and need some flowers, go to Rosita Flower Shop, you won't regret it!
PROS: Knowledgeable staff; high quality, fresh flowers.
CONS: Flower shop prices!
South Chula Vista Library
South Chula Vista Library is one of the nicer libraries in the area. The staff is very knowledgeable about the world of books, and can often help you locate a book by a partial title, author name, or very limited description. The library is well kept, clean, and very user friendly. The location of the publications makes sense, and you do not feel like you are walking through a 1980's maze setup of books. You can find the book(s) that you need, check out, and get in and out of this library fairly quickly. They have a large selection of publications, and usually have things "in" instead of always checked out, like you might find at some libraries. There is ample parking, and they stay open later then most libraries, so it's a great place to go when your child mentions that "last minute" project that they forgot all about. The seating is very comfortable, whether you want to sit indoors or out. A lot of schools have study sessions at this library, and they have rooms they can use, so that the lectures and discussions do not disturb everyone else in the library. It's nice to walk into a library where you can find exactly what you are looking for, and get out in a minimal amount of time, but also one where you can hang out, chill relax, and enjoy a good publication, whether you are on your lunch break, have the day off, or just want a quiet place to study, this is the perfect place to go for all of your reading and research needs.
PROS: Large selection of books. Comfortable environment. Helpful staff.
CONS: None that I can think of!
