Past redevelopment efforts have focused on building upon what is unique about the Village and attracting shops and restaurants that offer something a little different and special. Although many people associate the Village with arts, nightlife and dining, more and more people are beginning to discover the joys of shopping in the city's historic downtown neighborhood. This is exciting to all of those that have worked for years to “grow” the Village into a wonderful shopping district.
“I would characterize the Village as a diamond that has not been totally discovered yet,” said Richard Zall, who with his wife, Diana Fernandez, owns three stores downtown. Zall has operated Ragz Dressware, at 425 Carlsbad Village Drive, for 14 years, and recalls when the Village was somewhat unsavory. Zall says city redevelopment and the emergence of merchants eager to take advantage of the Village's ambience have given downtown new life. “It's just a great walkable downtown with practically anything you want,” Zall said. “It's a beach town and family oriented.”
Zall is so positive that he recently opened two new shops, Blues & Shoes at 457 Carlsbad Village Drive, and The Beat at 2971 State St. He keeps his shops open in the evening for people strolling about after visiting one of the Village's many popular restaurants. “My businesses stay open till 8 p.m. every day except Sunday,” and even later, he said.
Amy Mewborn recently opened Xtend Barre Carlsbad in the Village Faire shopping center at Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard. Her store offers fast-paced cardiovascular and muscle-toning classes at a barre. She describes them as a fusion of ballet and pilates.
“Our business has been successful in large part because of the people that frequent the Village,” Mewborn said. “It has that small town feel.” People try out her salon, then tell other people, who tell other people. She said nearly all her business is through word of mouth. She said Village merchants offer a personalized touch. “When you visit the mom-and-pop boutique you get a little more of that high-end service,” she said.
Shoppers looking for a special bottle of wine could go to RELM Wine Beer & Bistro, which stands for Relax, Enjoy, Laugh More, at 2917 State Street.
“I make sure all my employees are wine educated, so they can tell a story about where each wine comes from,” said Rene Fleming, who opened RELM on Labor Day weekend. She said when people come in looking for a mass-produced wine, her employees can steer them to something that's not mass produced and will better suit their taste.
“RELM sort of encompasses what Carlsbad is about, a boutique seaside town,” Fleming said. “The local customer base and the walk-in community are extremely important to us, we have a bike rack out front.”
To capitalize on the unique businesses in the Village and celebrate ongoing success, Housing and Neighborhood Services together with several other city departments and partner agencies will host another family-friendly event in the Village on March 19th. The event is called Experience the World in the Village. We want Village businesses to share their gifts by offering a cultural experience, providing good food to eat, and/or to sale retail products or services that highlight the diversity of world gifts offered through local venues. We have three primary goals for his event. The first goal is to host an event in the Village where families can experience together the wonders of different cultures, music, art, food, and retail products/services. Our second goal is for everyone to enjoy a fun event which highlights the Village and all that it has to offer. Our third goal is to place a spotlight on the diversity of Village businesses and customer friendly owners and employees while honoring the heritage of Carlsbad residents and/or encouraging an exploration of other cultures.
You are invited to Experience the World in the Village! On Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Carlsbad Village; Roosevelt and State Streets, Carlsbad Village Drive. The event will celebrate world cultures through visual performances, hands-on art, food, shopping, games and story-telling. It will be a springtime event in the Village to celebrate people and world culture through fun family-centered activities.
You will not want to miss this day of cultural enrichment while enjoying simple, family-friendly fun in the Village of Carlsbad! You will also get a chance to visit all of the new businesses highlighted above as well as see old friends in businesses that have been in the Village for years. For more information or questions, call the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department at (760) 434-2815.
“I would characterize the Village as a diamond that has not been totally discovered yet,” said Richard Zall, who with his wife, Diana Fernandez, owns three stores downtown. Zall has operated Ragz Dressware, at 425 Carlsbad Village Drive, for 14 years, and recalls when the Village was somewhat unsavory. Zall says city redevelopment and the emergence of merchants eager to take advantage of the Village's ambience have given downtown new life. “It's just a great walkable downtown with practically anything you want,” Zall said. “It's a beach town and family oriented.”
Zall is so positive that he recently opened two new shops, Blues & Shoes at 457 Carlsbad Village Drive, and The Beat at 2971 State St. He keeps his shops open in the evening for people strolling about after visiting one of the Village's many popular restaurants. “My businesses stay open till 8 p.m. every day except Sunday,” and even later, he said.
Amy Mewborn recently opened Xtend Barre Carlsbad in the Village Faire shopping center at Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard. Her store offers fast-paced cardiovascular and muscle-toning classes at a barre. She describes them as a fusion of ballet and pilates.
“Our business has been successful in large part because of the people that frequent the Village,” Mewborn said. “It has that small town feel.” People try out her salon, then tell other people, who tell other people. She said nearly all her business is through word of mouth. She said Village merchants offer a personalized touch. “When you visit the mom-and-pop boutique you get a little more of that high-end service,” she said.
Shoppers looking for a special bottle of wine could go to RELM Wine Beer & Bistro, which stands for Relax, Enjoy, Laugh More, at 2917 State Street.
“I make sure all my employees are wine educated, so they can tell a story about where each wine comes from,” said Rene Fleming, who opened RELM on Labor Day weekend. She said when people come in looking for a mass-produced wine, her employees can steer them to something that's not mass produced and will better suit their taste.
“RELM sort of encompasses what Carlsbad is about, a boutique seaside town,” Fleming said. “The local customer base and the walk-in community are extremely important to us, we have a bike rack out front.”
To capitalize on the unique businesses in the Village and celebrate ongoing success, Housing and Neighborhood Services together with several other city departments and partner agencies will host another family-friendly event in the Village on March 19th. The event is called Experience the World in the Village. We want Village businesses to share their gifts by offering a cultural experience, providing good food to eat, and/or to sale retail products or services that highlight the diversity of world gifts offered through local venues. We have three primary goals for his event. The first goal is to host an event in the Village where families can experience together the wonders of different cultures, music, art, food, and retail products/services. Our second goal is for everyone to enjoy a fun event which highlights the Village and all that it has to offer. Our third goal is to place a spotlight on the diversity of Village businesses and customer friendly owners and employees while honoring the heritage of Carlsbad residents and/or encouraging an exploration of other cultures.
You are invited to Experience the World in the Village! On Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Carlsbad Village; Roosevelt and State Streets, Carlsbad Village Drive. The event will celebrate world cultures through visual performances, hands-on art, food, shopping, games and story-telling. It will be a springtime event in the Village to celebrate people and world culture through fun family-centered activities.
You will not want to miss this day of cultural enrichment while enjoying simple, family-friendly fun in the Village of Carlsbad! You will also get a chance to visit all of the new businesses highlighted above as well as see old friends in businesses that have been in the Village for years. For more information or questions, call the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department at (760) 434-2815.