PALO ALTO WEEKLY BEST OF 2014 ÂVÂœÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂ˜Ă•i`ĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠÂŤ>}iÊɎ
plies to treats and biscuits. This pet store offers a product quality-assurance program that tests for lead and monitors ingredients to keep pets safe. There’s a self-service pet wash, dog training and a community veterinary clinic offering affordable vaccines, de-worming, flea control and standard laboratory testing. 3910 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-856-6666; petfoodexpress.com/stores/ detail/palo-alto/
Pharmacy/Drug Store Claiming this year’s honor of best drug store, CVS continues to please patrons, in part by keeping up with the times. The chain is smartphone friendly, with apps that allow customers to upload and print photos from their devices (free, sameday pickup), schedule appointments for immunizations and scan bar codes to request prescription refills. And of course, the store also offers the convenience of all kinds of goods just at the corner, from household and nutrition to personal care and sexual wellness products. 2701 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-330-0132; Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-322-2554; 352 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-324-3248; cvs.com
Shoe Store
Thank you for voting us Best of 2014! Wa t e rc o u rs e Wa y
B a t h Ho u s e S p a 6 5 0. 4 6 2 . 2 0 0 0
Footwear etc., which specializes in pairs of things, has held the Best Of award for a couple of consecutive years. With its merchandise, the store aims to blend comfort and style. The knowledgeable and friendly staff helps to pair up customers with suitable shoes from top brands such as MBT, Mephisto, Clarks and New Balance. Whether you need running sneakers, dress shoes or a comfortable orthotic insert, Footwear, Etc. just might have what you need to make your feet happy. 463 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650328-1122; footwearetc.com
Sporting Goods & Apparel
U.S.D.A. Prime Filet Mignon
REI fell off the Best Of last year following three years in Hall of Fame status, but the sporting goods haven has climbed back to the top. The chain stocks gear for climbing, cycling, paddling, camping, hiking, snow sports and travel. REI’s mission is to get people outdoors; and with helpful staff and affordable prices, when you walk out the door, you might have a canoe in hand. 2450 Charleston Road, Mountain View, 650-969-1938; rei.com.
Stationery Store From greeting cards, ink stamps and colored
Best Happy Hour, Nightlife: Nola
envelopes, to pens, notebooks, nametags and wrapping paper, Village Stationers on California Avenue never fails to fill the Palo Alto shopper’s stationery needs, whether they’re in the market for birthday presents or office essentials. With its clear and spacious interior, friendly service and expansive selection, it’s a clear favorite among Weekly readers. And don’t forget the Menlo Park location. 310 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650326-7970; 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650-321-6920; villagestationer.com
Toy Store Cheeky Monkey Toys is the store to visit, say readers, not just for children, but anyone young at heart. Its shelves are stocked with quality, interactive toys for people of all ages. Currently, favorite toys include the popular family game Set and the Shrinky Dinks 3-D Fairy Garden. Cheeky Monkey recently hosted a Creativity Can event, where children and adults were challenged to imagine, create and share, after being given cans and simple materials such as feathers and wood sticks. 640 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650-328-7975; cheekymonkeytoys.com
Women’s Apparel A “vintage feminine� vibe permeates Anthropologie, where you might stumble on a beaded sweater, a quaint quilt or a porcelain teacup that could’ve come straight from your great aunt’s attic. A small book selection targets style and food, conjuring up kitchen savvy and icons of elegance like Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. 999 Alma St., Palo Alto, 650-322-0435; anthropologie.com
2014
1921 El Camino Real Palo Alto 650.321.6798 Page 40ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊÓx]ÊÓä£{ĂŠUĂŠ*>Â?ÂœĂŠ Â?ĂŒÂœĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?ÞÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°*>Â?Âœ Â?ĂŒÂœ"˜Â?ˆ˜i°Vœ“
Best Stationary Store: Village Stationers