One of the Bay Area’s hidden gems is Downtown Mountain View. It is a friendly neighborhood consisting of small boutiques, bookstores, a bead shop, and local restaurants. Being born and raised in a small city with not much to do, this was where I spent most of time. It is a quiet place where I could walk around and hangout with friends.

In this blog, I will be informing you about the top stores to visit in Downtown Mountain View.

1. Therapy

Therapy is a hipster retail store that sells a ton of random items. When you enter the store, you will first spot the infamous Photo Booth where locals and visitors display their pictures. This store sells fun, humorous items such as stationary, pins, accessories, and handmade gifts. I enjoy visiting Therapy because of its exclusivity to all age groups. There are items for toddlers such as carriers and stuffed toys. The store also sells products for older people such as recipe books, cooking utensil sets, and candles. In the back of the store, there is a small section of socks with quirky phrases, purses, and clothing for men and women. I can spend hours in here because there is so much to see!

2. East West Bookstore

East West Bookstore is the place to go to if you are interested in philosophy, astrology, religion, and other related topics. The store sells a ton of books.  For example, books about meditation, finding your purpose in life, and learning more about your zodiac sign. This is a calm environment to help relax your mind. East West Bookstore also sell singing bowls, back massagers, a magnetic fortune teller, and Buddha figurines. One corner of the store, there is a display of geodes and crystals which can be used for healing and spiritual practices. This bookstore is definitely worth visiting.

3. Global Beads Inc.

Global Beads have been around for many years and it is still open til this day. Global Beads is an underrated bead and antique shop. Here you would find all kinds of houseware, furniture, paintings, and lamps. All items are handpicked by the owner. If you need anything to make  jewelry, check this place out! They have tools, all types of thread, clasps, earring backs, and an abundance of beads. This store is unique because they sell ancient jewelry from diverse places. You can also buy jewelry that the owner created herself. If you need a repair, they provide that too! You can bring in your accessory, explain what you’d like to have fixed, and have an estimated price for the service and materials. Global Beads is a place that you must visit if you are in Mountain View.

4. Rocket Fizz

Rocket Fizz is a soda and candy shop with a nostalgic feel. They sell your favorite childhood candy from the 90s, chocolates from other countries, bacon-flavored candy, taffy, and even lollipops with insects in them (yuck!). Rocket Fizz is also known for their soda. Some of the soda flavors they sell are Apple Pie, Mustard, Vanilla Cream, Cucumber, Maple Syrup, and many more! If you bring in your kids here, be careful, they might want to never leave.

5. Gelato Classico Italian Ice Cream

Gelato Classico Italian Ice Cream is another popular place among the locals here in Mountain View. This small little ice cream parlor sells all flavors of ice cream. For instance, Honey Lavender, Lychee, Tiramisu, and Bavarian Mint. Unfortunately, this shop is only open during the summer. I recommend going after lunch hours because the line starts to build up pretty quickly. Another perk of this ice cream shop is that it is reasonably priced. For a size small, it is only $3.60. Check this place out sometime!

Thanks for reading my blog.

See you next time,

Eryka