Convenient access, personal service make holiday shopping a pleasure in Fallbrook's historic downtown

Set aside a few hours to discover holiday shopping in Fallbrook's historic downtown. You'll be glad you did.

Plenty of attractive, new merchandise is in the unique boutiques on Main Avenue and the choices are great. There are some new shopkeepers to meet who are willing to discuss today's trends and ideas for that perfect gift. It's easy to get inspiration and make decisions in this low-stress, strolling environment without being jostled by a crowd.

In visiting with Sandy Hull, owner of 100 Main, a fashionable women's clothing boutique, we learned that traditional colors and clean lines are "what's in" for the winter. "Navy blue and grey are both huge this year," Hull explained, in showing the wide variety of apparel she stocks. She related an interesting psychological tidbit about the color red, the perennial favorite, and why it is a staple – year after year.

"Red stimulates the appetite; that's why many people find red an attractive color and that's also why so much red is used in restaurants," Hull said. It is documented that red serves as a stimulant, raises the pulse rate, and is viewed as lively and friendly.

This year, fashions are also featuring a lot of olive green, burgundy, and winter white. At 100 Main, Hull has added many attractive accessories, including "club bags" and Voluspa candles in beautiful decorative tins. The Brighton collection is coming to the store soon as well and is bound to be popular.

Across the street, at 109 N. Main Ave., is Caravan, with the tagline "Fun & Exotic Clothing & Accessories." Entering this treasure chest of bright gem colors, natural fabrics, and clever designs is like embarking on a fabulous adventure.

Caravan is the perfect spot to find a gift sure to delight a woman who loves life, adventure, and looking good. From sparkling choices for holiday parties to ethereal wraps, cozy jackets to quality knits, this boutique is filled with so many gift ideas, it's worth checking out every inch.

Whether one is in need of something to wear to a holiday party, or just need a dazzling wrap or scarf to add zest to a simple black dress, this is the perfect spot to peruse. Cabinets of jewelry, belts, and accessories just add more and more options for gift-giving.

When strolling and shopping in historic downtown Fallbrook, it's easy to take a break and have something to eat that is healthy – versus the carnival-like food sold at mall food courts.

Cafe des Artistes features numerous fresh salads with various toppings, freshly made soups, and artfully created sandwiches. The cafe, located in the back of the Fallbrook Art Center, offers a quiet respite and chance to review one's shopping list without boisterous interruption. Owner Michael Calvanese makes sure quality is forefront and prides himself on presenting dishes that are nutritious and wholesome. A visit to the Art Center's gift shop is only a few steps away.

Enjoy a break with a bit of European style? Try the new Tea Lane Tea Parlor tucked deep in Jackson Square (119-A N. Main Ave.). Featuring a wide variety of teas, including tempting titles such as "Wild English Rose," "Raspberry Beret," and "Madagascar Vanilla," this quaint spot features not only the requisite tea choices, but also soups, salads, and tea sandwiches made with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Is an Afternoon High Tea enticing? You'll find it here, as you will a variety of scones, pies, cakes, and miniature desserts on the menu. There are tea-related gift items in the shop too!

A stroll down to Retro Candy & Toys at 213 S. Main Ave. can mean crossing many names off a holiday shopping lift. Whether in need of gifts for children, or those young at heart, a visit to proprietor Rick Hill's store is sure to put a smile on your face.

Full of the fun, unexpected, and nostalgic, Retro is the place to get light-hearted gifts sure to draw a chuckle from the recipient and also roll back time to favorite memories of childhood. Where else can you easily find a great boxed puzzle called "The 1970s," or "Rock n Roll"? Candies from decades past are sure to be popular stocking stuffers and visitors find it intriguing to see that certain confections are still made! Don't miss the classic metal lunchboxes picturing favorite time-treasured cartoons and characters.

For those who like to add a little taste of Fallbrook to their holiday gifts – Retro Candy & Toys is the place that sells the village's infamous "Avocado Fudge."

"We usually have at least nine varieties (flavors) in stock," Hill said. "These days the Avocado Fudge is to Fallbrook what apple pie is to Julian!" Both classic and comical avocado-themed gift items are on the shelves at Retro as well.

While one may have some items on their holiday shopping list that require a trip out of town to procure, there are many great items offered locally that may clear that list quickly. Why not give downtown Fallbrook a chance this holiday season and keep dollars flowing into the community you call home?