Savor peace, quiet, and great holiday shopping in west Marin

A clear winter day makes Point Reyes Station and its neighbor, Olema, sparkle like faceted gems, with angular silhouettes and cool, Edward Hopper light. This month brings a bonus too: The two towns offer holiday shopping that’s far more creative and individualized than what you can find at the mall―and best yet, Point Reyes National Seashore is only minutes away.

SHOP: Flower Power. WHAT: Well-chosen wares for house and garden, including locally made Blue Slide ceramic tiles. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 11275 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-8221.

Into the Blue. WHAT: All kinds of kites, plus toys and games. WHEN: 10–5 daily. WHERE: 11101 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-1147.

Toby’s Feed Barn. WHAT: Point Reyes landmark that has everything from bird feeders to local art. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 11250 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-1223.

Vita Collage. WHAT: Owner Victoria Swift offers an airily enchanting array of home accessories, some of which spill into her first-rate inn, the Olema Druids Hall, next door. WHEN: Open Wed–Mon. WHERE: 9940 State 1, Olema; 415/663-1160.

SEE: William Lester Gallery. WHAT: Gallery specializing in California landscapes by Bay Area artists. WHEN: 11–5 Fri–Mon. WHERE: 11101 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-9365.

EAT: Bovine Bakery. WHAT: Wonderful coffee, plus famous quality-carb Morning Buns and other pastries. Pizza and soups too. HOW MUCH: $. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 11315 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-9420.

Marin Sun Farms Butcher Shop and Eatery.  WHAT: Newly opened restaurant and charcuterie specializes in grass-fed beef and local produce. HOW MUCH: $$$. WHEN: 11–7 Fri–Mon. WHERE: 10905 State 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-8997.

Tomales Bay Foods. WHAT: The ultimate spot for picnic supplies, including extraordinary artisan cheeses―Cowgirl Creamery produces on-site―and deli foods from Indian Peach. WHEN: 10–6 Wed–Sun. WHERE: 80 Fourth St., Point Reyes Station; 415/663-9335 or 415/663-8478.

INFO: From San Francisco, take U.S. 101 north to San Anselmo, then exit and turn west on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Continue 20 miles to Olema. Point Reyes is 2 miles north.

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