SHOPPING & SERVICES South Main in Salinas and has been providing quality footwear since 1951. Unlike the shoe piece in Monopoly, if these shoes are meant to have laces, they come with laces. BEST SHOE REPAIR SHOP Federico’s Drive In Shoe Services 542 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 649-3322 The sad fact is that game pieces go missing. If you can’t find the bathtub or the cage to your Mouse Trap set, it’s game over—for good. But if you scuff a shoe or wear through a sole, no problem. The team at Federico’s Drive In Shoe Services is there for you, and has been since 1939. It’s a family-owned business where they mend and repair different types of wearables, including shoes, handbags and luggage, offering services from color-matching shoes to clothing to changing zippers. Game on! BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Bliss Boutique 380 Alvarado St., Monterey 300 Main St., Salinas bebeautifulinbliss.com Elevate your next game of Charades with a new outfit from Bliss Boutique. Even if your ability to act out a film title is lacking, your guests will still be able to appreciate your trendy fashion. Bliss Boutique offers a dreamy shopping experience in its curated downtown shops in Monterey and Salinas. Stop here for the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer. Or overhaul your wardrobe with the latest cozy sweaters, on-trend denim, feminine dresses and unique accessories at this Best Women’s Clothing Boutique for years running. BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE Khaki’s Carmel Plaza, Ocean and Junipero, Carmel (831) 625-8106, khakisofcarmel.com How a guy presents himself to the world is important. After all, even a rugged type like GI Joe came with accessories. And Ken—that inline skating outfit is eye-catching. But Khaki’s goes beyond, with all the latest and finest in shirts, pants and shoes for all occasions, as long as you intend to look great. They stock outerwear and sweaters for the many marine-layer days. They even tailor your look. In other words, Khaki’s is where Malibu Barbie would send Ken for proper attire. BEST SHOPPING CENTER/ DISTRICT Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 373-2705, delmontecenter.com Maze games are a fun or challenging way to entertain oneself, but they also have their perks. They improve focus, strategy—and collaboration if you’re working in teams. While Del Monte Shopping Center isn’t a maze per se, it also has many perks, especially if visitors like to wander around and make multiple stops at the various stores, restaurants or bars on its premises. You can get just about anything here, including entertainment. Admittedly, however, there are challenges. Where, for example, do you go first? BEST JEWELRY STORE Fourtane Ocean and Dolores, Carmel (831) 624-4684, fourtane.com Make it to the end of Candy Land and you reach the mesmerizing Candy Castle, the home of the opulent, bejeweled King Kandy. The adult version of this dazzling destination may be Fourtane, the perennial Best Jewelry Store of Monterey County. This store is known for its high-end timepieces and fine antique and estate jewelry. If you’re feeling inspired by King Kandy’s aesthetic, try Fourtane’s bespoke jewelry service. Fourtane celebrates 75 years as a signature storefront on Carmel’s iconic Ocean Avenue this year. BEST FLORIST Fleurs du Soleil 598 Fremont St., Monterey (831) 656-0455, fleursdusoleil.com He loves me, he loves me not—so it goes when you play games with flowers. But Fleurs du Soleil proprietor Kim England is not playing games. She and her team are serious about their 66 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2025 montereycountynow.com/bestof Thank You Weekly Readers! We know there are many electricians in Monterey County to choose from— Proud to be your #1 choice since 1984! Serving the entire Monterey Peninsula for: • Commercial/Residential • Landscaping • Panel Repairs •Service Calls …and more! (831) 915-2005 ’25 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’24 ’23 Best Electrician
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