I am going to tell you about some of the most popular.  Half Pint is where you can buy cute little outfits and accessories for your baby or young child. Then if you are looking for stationary or gift-wrapping paper then Papyrus is the place to go.

Simplicity is a great store and one of my favorites though it is pretty pricey. Here they have tons of cool clothes for teens and young women who have money to spend and beautiful jewelry and hair things. (Recently it was hard to get in to because they were filming a movie called "The Animal" in front of the store. I am not sure what the plot of the movie is, but I can’t wait to see some of my friends in it that got to be extras. I almost got to be an extra too but all the positions were full.) Chicos is another clothing store for women that sells basic outfits you can wear anywhere.

Melanies is another one of my favorites she sells glass figurines, stuffed animals, shell boxes, clothes, jewelry, hair things etc. Everything here is reasonably priced and you can’t leave without wanting something. The Church Mouse believe it or not is fun to go to even if you are loaded because it is really nice and they have a great selection of plates, glasses, figurines, and linens that are as good as new. I know I have found some pretty good finds there. Mission Belles is a somewhat new store that has some great clothes. They have gorgeous purses, necklaces, earrings, ties, and other ensembles. Next is the Bubble Factory, which has tons of sweet smelling bubble baths, exotic soaps and cute little sponges to bathe with while enjoying your spa at home.

I think one of the most interesting stores is the Kaboodle. You can find some of the most wonderful things here from furniture to paintings, toys, statues, and candles. If you plan to go shopping this is a must for all age groups. The last store is really interesting it is called Baksheesh and carries all sorts of exotic baskets, jewelry, pottery, and musical instruments from tribe like places.

There are many other stores but these are a few that when people visit they love to go to. Sonoma is a charming town and is a great place to come to when you need to get away from the fast moving city. Don’t forget that there are also many delicious and unique restaurants, the Plaza Park, and other great attractions which I will cover in future issues.