34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 18-24, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING Technically, you have 364 days a year for holiday shopping. The season, however, is generally thought to begin the day after Thanksgiving. Even though that still leaves about a month to shop, most wait until about now to start. For the procrastinators, here are some gift ideas with thought behind them, yet quick to obtain. FOR THE FINE DINER A reservation at a Michelin Star restaurant lets them feel fancy and gives them a dinner experience they won’t soon forget; starts at $165 per person for four-course menu. Chez Noir 5th Avenue between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel cheznoircarmel.com FOR THE BUDDING SOMMELIER A wine club membership gives them the VIP treatment, with wine tastings, tours and other exclusive events; free to join, bottle pricing varies. Scheid Vineyards San Carlos and Seventh, Carmel; 1972 Hobson Ave., Greenfield (831) 626-9463, scheidvineyards.com FOR THE STAYCATIONER Let them relax and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them with an overnight stay and dinner; one king bed room averages $324 a night. Hyatt Carmel Highlands 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel (831) 620-1234, hyatt.com FOR THE SWEET TOOTH A gift card lets them indulge in different flavors of frozen yogurt on every visit; buy a $25 gift card, get a bonus $5 card; buy $50, get $10 through Dec. 24. MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt 1091 S. Main St., Salinas; 840 Broadway Ave., Seaside; 157 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 759-9769, myofrozenyogurt.com FOR THOSE WHO KEEP PACE A Hoka Clifton 9 running shoe keeps them light on their feet and cushioned as they pound the pavement; $145. The Treadmill 111 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 624-4112, thetreadmill.com FOR THE DEADHEAD A ticket to the Feb. 5 performance by Dark Star Orchestra lets them witness an authentic Grateful Dead experience; $64. Golden State Theatre 417 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com Time’s Up The holiday shopping season is nearing its end. There’s still much to do for many. By Erik Chalhoub COURTESY OF MYO PURE FROZEN YOGURT ERIN NG JOEL ANGEL JUÁREZ COURTESY OF HOKA Golden State Theatre Hyatt Carmel Highlands Scheid Vineyards Chez Noir MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt The Treadmill SARA RUBIN COURTNEY SCOUT Lastminute
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