Mathew Jewelers has been a family owned and operated business for three generations. It carries a variety of brands of both jewelry and watches, and offers custom designs. The store is both elegant and comfortable, with several cases of jewelry on display for customers to browse. It also has a complete repair shop.
Awards N More is a custom awards and promotional products company now located in the heart of downtown San Clemente. It sells trophies, placques and ribbons and offers engraving and embroidering services. The company offers its services and products to both corporate and sports-related clients.
To classify Jones & Bones Unlimited as an eclectic shop would not do justice to the character of this long-established Capitola treasure. For more than 25 years it has been specializing in the simple service-oriented values that should define a locally owned and operated business. It has a diverse selection of unique home, gourmet and garden goods. It's really one of those shops that's at least worth a visit just to see what's in stock (and don't forget to say hi to Patches, the shop kitty). Before gourmet cooking was a reality-television phenomenon, Jones & Bones was a pioneer in the art of olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings for the Bay Area. Since 1984 people have been able to refine their palettes at Jones & Bones with gourmet tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegars, salts and sauces. The popularity of the shop has led to a widespread fan base known all over California and beyond. Publications such as Town & Country, Food & Wine, Cigar Afficianado and Wine Spectator have recognized the one-of-a-kind personality of Jones & Bones Unlimited.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in Richmond boasting over 50 acres of meticulously cultivated land. The gardens are maintained year round and contain thousands of plant varieties from around the globe, and they are home to the only classically domed conservatory on the East Coast. Visitors can expect to find seasonal attractions throughout the year, with one of the most popular being the GardenFest of Lights, a spectacular walk-through light show during the holiday season. In addition to the gardens, Lewis Ginter offers a library, garden shop, and two dining options, although their Robins Tea House is only open seasonally.
How to get to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The entrance to the gardens is on Lakeside Avenue near the corner of Lakeside and Hilliard. It is easy to spot, and generous parking is available. There is separate parking for buses, and it is well marked and easy to find. From the parking lots, one building entrance leads to the garden shop and another to the main hall closer to the dining area, but everything is connected so it's easy to find your way inside. Tickets to access the gardens are sold at the desks in the main hall.
Best and worst times to visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 24th and 25th. However, the gardens tend to be busier on weekends, so it is best to plan to visit during the week. GardenFest of Lights begins on Black Friday and extends through January, and it is busiest closest to Christmas. The best times to see the lights are just after sunset in early December and during the week after Christmas. Check ahead during special events, as some evenings are reserved for garden members only. Robins Tea House and The Garden Cafe have separate hours from the gardens, and it is recommended that you check the website or call ahead for their hours.
Admission to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Members are admitted to the gardens for free, but for non members, access to the gardens is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3. Group rates are available, but you must call for details and pricing. The Robins Tea House, education center, and library are located inside the gardens, so paid admission to the gardens or a membership is necessary to access them. Reservations are recommended for dining at the Tea House. Admission is not required to access the Garden Shop or Garden Cafe.
Must-sees at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The conservatory is lush with tropical greenery, exotic orchids, and a wide variety of desert plants, as well as a fairy garden and seasonal exhibitions such as live interactive butterfly exhibits. The GardenFest of Lights is stunning, and includes model trains and mini villages built entirely from botanical materials. Additionally, the children's garden is exceptional and includes a handicap accessible tree house from which the entire garden and lake are visible.
Other places to visit near Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The gardens are only a short drive from downtown Richmond, and the Lakeside district is a charming residential area where you'll find antique and consignment shops, a unique pet store called Fin and Feather, and the seasonal Lakeside Farmers Market that operates from May through October. The gardens are also part of the Richmond Garden Trail, which includes 8 stunning gardens within 10 miles of one another.
Insider tip for visiting
The best spot for great photos is the Japanese garden outside of Robins Tea House. There is a little stream with a charming wooden bridge that makes a great backdrop for portraits, and that same path leads through an incredible circular gateway which looks fantastic in pictures. It's one of the most iconic settings in Lewis Ginter.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and blogger from the Richmond area. She believes that travel is absolutely necessary and encourages exploration both abroad and in your own backyard.
