58 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof Shopping & Services and new stories from different genres and topics. The best part is that the money they collect funds various programs at the Marina Library branch of the county library system. BEST BOOKSTORE - NEW Bookworks 667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 372-2242, bookworkspg.com Whether you’re looking for a novel like The Night Circus, a children’s book like Circus Ship, or a literary study of the classic Toby Tyler, Bookworks has a book for you. They stay up-to-date on new releases and trending reads, and have a great selection of nonfiction books about a range of topics, from cooking and nature to tarot and local lore. They have books to entertain, educate, enlighten and enrich— not to mention the adjoining coffee shop that will energize. BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTS / CRAFT SUPPLIES Michael’s 121 General Stilwell Drive, Marina. (831) 384-0562, 1690 N. Main St., Salinas. (831) 2963331, michaels.com Color and sparkle are part of circus life and clothing is more than decorative; it should withstand the artist’s movements. At Michael’s, items are the same. Some fulfill a utilitarian purpose, such as using yarn to make a sweater or sewing a garment; others are purely visual, like those used in creating a painting or making seasonal decorations. Regardless of the project, the store has a large selection for different crafts. BEST STORE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS The Monterey Music Store 419 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 372-5893 The team here promises that if you can’t find it in the store, they will get it for you. But that’s like the ringmaster telling an audience that there is not much action under the big top. The Monterey Music Store has a trove of the most desirable instruments and gear—admittedly with rows and rows of guitars and basses. They also buy, trade and consign, so there are both new equipment and classics in stock. But they will probably have to order that calliope you want. BEST PLACE TO BUY VINYL Pop & Hiss 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 275-3303, popandhiss.net The vinyl era was apparently coming to an end by the time Britney Spears recorded Circus. But the format has bounced back—big time. The place to find a platter from then or now in Monterey County is Pop & Hiss, one of Pacific Grove’s newer downtown gems. Where else would you be able to not just buy vinyl, but also see live music performed while sipping on a cocktail? And since their patio has opened (with a food truck), it is also a place to hang out, as well. BEST FURNITURE STORE Ashley Furniture 806 Playa Ave., Sand City (831) 920-0930, ashleyfurniture.com The influence of the circus extends even to interior design and, yes, furniture. One of the biggest trends this year is what those in the know call “FunHaus,” which is an interior design movement that is the latest “in” thing to do. The circus-inspired aesthetics fuse sculpturesque shadows, bold stripes and traces of mischievous magic. Still, if you feel like going in whatever direction you please, there’s Victorian, vintage-style Americana or old money. Whatever your style, you are most likely to find it at Ashley Furniture in Sand City, which stocks the Ashley Luxe collection, offering premium modern options in addition to the already popular standard Ashley store stock. BEST DIVE SHOP Aquarius 2040 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 375-1933, aquariusdivers.com There are entire worlds out there, and all you need is a way to access them. Plenty of creative ways exist to do so. A magician can escort you into the world of illusions. A contortionist can show you just how bendy the world can be. And Aquarius, the dive shop in Monterey, can get you the tools for exploring the underwater world, a rich and biodiverse universe just beyond the surface in Monterey Bay. “All of us here are really passionate about what we do,” says Marin Maple, one of the managers at the shop. “We love to share our passion, and we also have a pretty big rental fleet to provide gear to divers in the area.” Best Oil Change | Marina Tire & Auto Repair
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==