Sandwiched between Encinitas and the San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff by the Sea (a.k.a. simply as Cardiff) is the quintessential Southern California beach town.
With surf shops, casual eateries (including some directly on the ocean), an easily walkable downtown (in the Walking District of Cardiff), a mix of new and old (its shops as well as its housing) and of course fabulous beaches and sunset views, Cardiff exudes a charm that rarely fails to appeal to first time visitors, and keeps folks coming back.
Certainly residents who live here, many of them for years, enjoy the charm, ocean views, and small-town feel and comradery of a community with long surfing roots, one that is comfortable with the past and being a bit different, but with a eye to the future as well.
Cardiff is a place to discover - an eclectic blend of housing and unique shops. One place absolutely worth a visit is Good Morning, in a small colorful strip mall (neighbors include the Chamber of Commerce, VG Donuts, and a Tatoo place), just a block from the coast road and beach.
Good Morning, a shop of many Treasures, as owner Darrell Kitaen calls it, is an amazing collection of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, crafts, art, and a myriad of other items that remind you of the 1960s. Words fail to adequately describe this unique shop with views of the ocean, so enjoy the photos in the virtual tour below.
Darreld was a pleasure to meet and talk with. He has been in this location for about 30 years, with his first indoor business location in the building that is now Las Olas along Restaurant Row on the Coast Highway. I had a great time hearing about his early life in Hollywood, then in Idyllwild (a hiker's paradise, by the way), and his start in the business in San Diego, first with outdoor venues on street corners and later moving indoors. Darreld has seen a lot, knows a lot, has many friends, and is someone I would consider to be pretty wise about the ways of the world. I'm not the only one - he was recently featured in an article in the star News publication, San Diego Seniors: Prime, A Lifestyle guide for the 50+ Generation.
Walking into Good Morning, and meeting Darreld, made me smile. You will too. When you stop by, please let him how you found out about his shop. He found my video about Cardiff on YouTube, so I am returning a favor here.
By the way here's a YouTube video about Darreld made by Leah (StellaBelle).
***************************** If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net. All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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