54 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof Shopping & Services circus within itself. Who do you reach out to? What’s the best platform? How early is too early, and when does it become too late? The Buzz PR can handle those questions while you focus on making the event something people want to experience. And there will be lots of them if The Buzz PR is doing the PR. BEST VETERINARIAN Pacific Grove Animal Hospital 1023 Austin Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 318-0306, pacificgroveanimalhospital.com Lions, tigers and bears, oh my. You want to see what’s in the backyard of a circus? It’s where the animals rest, the lions are fed, the veterinarians set up shop. The vets’ work is sometimes routine, sometimes an emergency. And there are the worried trainers to soothe. This is true at Pacific Grove Animal Hospital. Care for animals comes first and foremost. But the vets at Pacific Grove Animal Hospital also care about the humans worried about their furry counterparts. BEST DOG GROOMER Suds N Scissors 223 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 624-4697, sudsandscissorsinc.com Who can resist the circus dog act? Crowds are wowed by intelligent and adorable dogs trained to do amazing stunts, as well as jump rope, ride scooters and dance, among other entertaining tricks. Circus dogs need to look their best, and that’s where the people at Suds N Scissors come in. They can spiffy up even the scruffiest of dogs, giving them the perfect coif worthy of any show under the big top, or even the local dog park. BEST PET BOUTIQUE Diggidy Dog 325 Ocean Ave., Carmel (831) 625-1585, diggidydog.com Big circus cats. Trained elephants. Well, those aren’t exactly the types of animals that Diggidy Dog caters to, but the store has been supporting smaller furry friends over the last 20 years— circus dogs or family pets. In probably the dog-friendliest town in America, it’s important to have a one-stop-shop for (wo)man’s best friend. At Diggidy Dog, dog lovers can purchase all-natural and nutrient-rich treats, pet-safe toys, and even unique, fair trade apparel. BEST LOCAL PET STORE Stone’s Pet Shop 1122 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-4471 13748 Center St., Carmel Valley. (831) 659-5317 stonespetshop.com All of those performing dogs not only need careful training, but they also need food, treats, beds, brushes and toys—the essential (and OK, maybe some non-essential) supplies for an animal in a human world. Of course, the same is true for our own beloved dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and more. And there is nowhere better than locally owned Stone’s to stock up on a massive variety of goods. But person-to-person relationships matter too, and the helpful staff will ask about your furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend. As a bonus, they even offer discounts to repeat customers on certain items. BEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET BEST WINE MARKET Star Market 1275 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 422-3961, starmkt.com Since the 1960s, Star Market has been the best place to get snacks, meats, fruits and wine for the best meal. Unlike sideshows, you know what you are going to find. There are more than 200 wines, both imported and domestic, with an selection from Monterey County. Red, white, pink, sparkling, they have it. But you can also find wines with the alcohol removed or other special items—all while getting your grocery shopping done, as well. BEST GROCERY STORE BEST ORGANIC PRODUCE MARKET Elroy’s Fine Foods 15 Soledad Drive, Monterey (831) 373-3737, elroysfinefoods.com Fun fact: A well-known natural foods supermarket chain later acquired by Whole Foods was called Bread & Circuses. Elroy’s is a twist on the boutique grocery concept. It’s a place you want to hit with your weekly grocery list, and what a pleasure to visit and indulge. Elroy’s specializes in everything organics, with bulk items and local goods. There is a large produce section, a coffee station, as well as dine-in and take-out options for breakfast and lunch. It is also a great Best Furniture Store | Ashley Furniture
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