MATERIAL GOODS: "CERAMIC GUINEA HENS GALORE" Top 5 Page for this destination Carmel-by-the-Sea Shopping Tip by travelgourmet

The shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea are all gingerbread styles and Victorian fantasy. That's what makes shopping up and down Ocean Ave so much more enjoyable, especially for the non-shopper like me. My wife, Sue, could shop till she dropped (which she has done) and the ambiance on the streets of Carmel invigorate her to a shopping frenzy pitch.

So, wham, we are browsing windows on Ocean Ave when I, yes, I saw these ceramic Guinea Hens sitting on the wall shelf. The store, Material Goods, was a shoppers delight in accessories for the home. When I like to go into a store, it must look pretty inviting and have something that catches my eye. No browser, but a determined to find what I may want type of person. I browsed like there was no tomorrow. Material goods had me checking out half the stores inventory. No magic potion, no pressure from my wife, just that there were a lot of interesting things to brighten up the home without being overdone. Oh, they had the ladies purses and scarves, which, I must admit, were modern art works. What a neat little boutique in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Be careful if you walk down and around on Ocean Ave, you just may spot something inside Material Goods, like I did.

What to buy: The Caillard Guinea Hens are a treasure find and they come from the Provence area of France. I also spotted a flock of metal sparrows on another shelf that I felt were whimsical and had to have them as well.

What to pay: The ceramic Guinea Hens were expensive at $129 to $159, depending on size. The cute metal sparrows were a steal at $5 each.

Address: Ocean Avenue at Monte Verde
Directions: Center of Town, south side of Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Phone: 831.624.0714
Theme: Gifts
Website: http://www.materialgoods.com/index.htm