60 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof Shopping & Services BEST TOY STORE Thinker Toys 697 San Carlos St., Carmel (831) 624-0441, thinkertoys.com All of those clowns, jugglers, trapeze artists and fire eaters had to get their start somewhere. For many of them, it may well have begun in childhood, when they had the freedom to play— and think—creatively. Store staff pride themselves on old-fashioned toys, meaning tactile wins over screens. The name tells you most of what you need to know about that cerebral dimension of fun, but the emphasis remains on fun. That’s how this shop, which opened in Carmel in 1969, has served three generations of toy connoisseurs. And anyone of any age is invited to discover their inner lion tamer at Thinker Toys. BEST BIKE SHOP Carmel Bicycle 26543 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel (831) 625-2211, carmelbicycle.net Life is better on two wheels, and the team at Carmel Bicycle knows that well—they’ve been selling and repairing bikes for over 25 years. Whether you’re looking for the latest new e-bike model or an entry-level aroundtown bike or a gravel bike to carry you on a grand adventure, they can fit you and help you find the perfect ride. If you’re looking for circus gear like a tiny bike or a unicycle, it might not be in stock, but it’s worth asking—customer service is an important feature at this helpful shop. BEST SURF SHOP On the Beach Surf Shop 693 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 646-9283 If you’re looking to shred some waves while participating in a “scare and tear” surf contest, look no further than On The Beach Surf Shop in Monterey. Voted Best Surf Shop by Weekly readers 25 years running, founder Kelly Sorensen is doing rodeo flips on his surfboard all the livelong day. The nearly 6,000-square-foot store offers shoppers a feeling of tropical whimsy, with its bamboo accents and beach sand on the floor, proving that clowning and surfing go hand-in-hand. BEST GOLF SHOP Golf Mart 2040 Fremont Blvd., Seaside (831) 583-1000, worldwidegolfshops.com In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, there’s actually a mini golf course inside a circus called the Blindshot Barnaby’s Circus Golf. It’s an interactive blacklight place, with clowns and the whole nine yards—and 18 holes. Golf Mart can equip you for everything from miniature golf to Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the tools to prepare you for either—and every course in between. Clothing, too. BEST ANTIQUE SHOP Cannery Row Antique Mall 471 Wave St., Monterey (831) 655-0264, canneryrowantiquemall. com If you search hard enough among the displays of the Cannery Row Antique Mall, you may find some authentic 1920s Barnum & Bailey lithographs, or more recent 1980s acrobat costumes from the original Cirque du Soleil. No promises that shoppers will find exactly what they’re looking for, but the place has over 20,000 square feet and two floors to explore; it’s very likely even the casual window shopper will walk away with a little piece of history. BEST THRIFT SHOP Goodwill Stores in Marina, Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad ccgoodwill.org It’s likely that people think they will see racks of clothing when they visit a Goodwill location. But it’s really more like a circus midway, with some of everything available—books, furniture, toys, electronics, dishes, glassware and so on. There are finds to be had here, with just a little patience. Need sequins or white makeup, perhaps a top hat or a megaphone? Goodwill is the best place to start. BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE Trappings 114 Webster St., Monterey (831) 455-5060 Baggy pants, it’s vintage. Yes, a lot of clowns wore them, too. But think of the ’80s, when parachute pants were too cool for the circus. Vintage clothing shows a lot of character, no matter the era. When you’re searching for some of that character for your wardrobe, look no further than Trappings in Monterey. This vintage store is said to curate their mid-century modern collection with a touch of Boho flare. You can find the perfect outfit. Best Eye Doctor | Blink Optometry
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==