Tenley Fohl is one of our favorite photographers who has lived in Santa Ynez Valley for over 20 years. If you’re in the area and have no idea where to go for unique shopping hotspots, here are some of Tenley’s insider tips so you can browse like a local.

1. J. Woeste

2356 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441 (map, website)

J. Woeste is such a happy place, and the owner, Jefferson, is simply the best! It feels like going into someone’s home that’s filled with special treasures, and when you are outside in the garden you can’t help but smile. The garden art is like no other; tons of succulents, wind chimes, a GIANT red chair and live chickens. Oh, and best of all, Jefferson’s two adorable pups, Lucy & Lady, are there to greet you. Here in Santa Ynez Valley, it really can’t be beat!

2. Los Olivos General Store

2900 Grand Ave. Los Olivos, CA 93441 (map, website)

It’s like a perfect little package. Los Olivos General Store has modern day gifts that have the feel of timeless classics. It’s filled with products made locally in Santa Ynez Valley, home goods, candles, awesome books, apothecary items and it’s a blast to visit. Cool thing about the shop is that it’s inside a one-time old gas station from the early 1900’s. Best of all, Christina and Michael Larner offer their world-class wines in a cozy tasting room attached to the shop! Christina’s artwork is also displayed, and her pieces are all painted with wine. Shop and sip? Yes, please!

3. ZFolio

1685 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 (map, website)

I love that ZFolio features one-of-a-kind, Santa Ynez Valley exclusive jewelry pieces! The store itself is gorgeous and has a gallery feel to it, which makes it extra special. They also have fabulous glass art, home décor, and scarves that are like pieces of art themselves. It’s pretty much a ‘girl’s dream come true’ type of shop.

4. First Street Leather

1634 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 (map, website)

I love the smell of leather! Seriously, who doesn’t? First Street Leather has remarkable leather products of all types: jackets, purses, belts, shoes and wallets. They also have pretty fur items, specialty gifts and Brighton products. I love the people that work at First Street. I’ve known a lot of them for many years, and I have to say, there is something extra special about a store that has a long-term team!

5. Global Gardens

2450 Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang, CA 93463 (map, website)

I love that Global Gardens is more of a farm stand than a shop. Theo makes visiting her farm extra fun with a tasting bar featuring her organic extra virgin olive oils and fruit balsamics. They are all delicious and I love how unique the Italian bottles are. I have often reused them as flower vases afterward. What else can I say? Global Gardens is a small-farm experience where you get to taste and learn, all in a beautiful setting that feels like an Italian countryside.

BONUS: 

Plenty on Bell

508 Bell St. Los Alamos, CA 93440 (map, website)

Though Plenty on Bell has not yet opened I know I am going to love it, simply based on the stylishness and charm of the owners. The owners are the co-founders of ‘Edible Communities’, which is a James Beard Award winning publication now published in 90 regions across North America. Tracey and Carole shared with me that ‘Plenty on Bell’ would feature “artisan-made housewares, gifts and gourmet food products sourced primarily from California and the west.” I imagine their golden retriever, Calvin, will be hoping for soft rugs to snuggle-up on.

I’ve been promised an early bird grand tour! Can’t wait to share more soon.

Shop the entire collection of Tenley Fohl Photography on Jetset Times SHOP here.

Team JST

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