Are you looking for something unique, one-of-a-kind, and truly original? Look no further: Lake County has some spectacularly interesting places to get that special person a gift that is impossible to find anywhere else. From antique stores to wine accessories to handmade ceramics, you’ll find something distinctive, special, and quite possibly quirky, at one of these ten stores.
A visit to the Lunchbox Museum in Nice is like getting a chance to watch all your favorite childhood television shows again. Owner Deb Clarke’s collection of lunchboxes spans from The Man from U. N. C. L. E. to Star Wars to Korg. But there’s more than just lunchboxes at the museum. Inside is a full collection of retro Americana, and almost everything is for sale. Looking for a nostalgic gift? Look no further than here.
Speaking of nostalgia, one place you have to stop is at Vintage Antiques in Upper Lake. With 10,000 square feet of unique items, rarities, and the unusual, it’s a perfect place to pick up a gift. Plus, on the first Saturday of each month, Country Barn Auctions next door holds their First Saturday Sale, and the parking lot fills with antiques and sundry items, all waiting to be wrapped in paper and put under the tree.
Two Sisters Antiques in Kelseyville is a perfect stop for something unique. Not only do they have a wide selection of antiques, they regularly rotate their stock, so there’s always something new. Looking for a Raggedy Ann doll, a lunchbox from your childhood, or some delicate china? The odds are you’ll find it or something just like it here, along with a great selection of classic Americana.
Just across the courtyard from Two Sisters resides The Painted Bird Gallery, a hidden gem. It’s worth the short wander past the fountain and into the gallery. The gallery features the sculptures and paintings of several local artists, and it’s easy to get lost for an hour discovering each piece. Plus, the odds are you’ll run into one of the artists while you’re there, and they’re always happy to share more about their work and suggest a unique, one-of-a-kind gift.
You might not think of a winery as a place to shop for gifts, but Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill in Kelseyville has more than just great wine tasting. Here, you can get a sample of their estate-grown olive oils, handmade balsamic vinegar, and a full selection of soaps, created locally by Wild Bee Creations. Stop by for a sip of wine and walk away with a couple of bottles, some olive oil, and quality soap.
Lakeside Art and Giftsin Lucerne’s Harbor Village boasts spectacular views of Mt. Konocti. Run by a collective of nine different artists, the shop is filled with handmade, original pieces, all reasonably priced. Everything in the shop is unique and one-of-a-kind. You’ll certainly find something perfect here for your special someone.
If you’re looking for a distinctive gift, Small Town Ceramics in Lower Lake is the place. It’s a complete paint-your-own pottery studio. Just pick your favorite shape, from goblets to plates to tiny chihuahuas, then paint it with the perfect color or design. And, voila! You’ve created a gift that’s truly original.
For a healthy dose of art, be sure to stop at The MAC. It’s hard to miss: it sits on the corner of Highway 175 and Highway 29 in Middletown. Of course, The MAC has regular, rotating art shows in its top-end gallery. That alone makes it worth a stop. And they’ve also got a good selection of artisanal items for sale to complement the artwork. Handmade jewelry, cards, and other small items make for the perfect gift.
Middletown Antiques is the perfect place to find that nostalgic piece that you’re looking for. Located on Highway 29 just as you start heading up Mt. Saint Helena, it’s got a large, regularly rotating selection, so you’re certain to never leave empty-handed.
It’s not too often that you get to pick up candles at the factory, but you get to do just that at Aloha Bay Candles in Lower Lake. Step in the door, and your nose fills with the aromas of essential oils and warm candle wax, all waiting to be taken home. While you’re there, be sure to peer through the window into the working factory.
Trudy graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and worked as a certified qualified conflict mediator. In 2012, she moved to beautiful Lake County, California, and in 2018, took over the Middletown Mercury newspaper. She renamed it The Bloom, moved it online, and expanded it to include good news and events throughout Northern California. She has been published in numerous places, including Sunset Magazine, Active NorCal, Atlas Obscura, Visit Lake County, and Visit California. She also is an active teacher, speaker, and trainer. You can purchase her books on Amazon.
