Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel

I like this outdoor goods store, but not as much as REI. They are very friendly there, but just don't have as much merchandise in the store. The staff is knowledgeable and have been helpful in the past for us.They always have good brochures on things to do in the area.

The clothing is a bit expensive for what it is. Some of it is understandable, like specialty items, but even plain t-shirts run about $20.

REI

This is THE best place to go for outdoor equipment in general. They frequently have awesome sales on clothing, camping gear, etc. We were so excited when they opened this new store in Encinitas. It doens't seem as big as the store in Kearny Mesa, but it is 2 levels, so it may just be that looks are deceiving because they have a lot of merchandise too.

The staff is really helpful and they have all kinds of incentives for shopping there. If you buy a pair of shoes there and don't like them for whatever reason (they fall apart, they just don't fit right, anything!), they'll take them back and you can exchange them, even after years! They have a rewards program that earnsmoney towards future purchases. They also can order anything they carry that you don't find in the actual store and have it either shipped to you or the store.

BevMo!

Beverages and More is the best place to buy alcohol because they have such great deals all the time. It is SO much cheaper than just going to the grocery store or another liquor store. They also have a rewards card you can sign up for. When you spend a certain amount, they send you a certificate to save money on your next purchase.

This particular store is always clean and the staff is pretty knowledgeable about their liquor. They can usually recommend a specific name or type of alcohol, depending on what you're looking for.

North Coast Repertory Theatre

We just went to see a play at NCRT yesterday and had a great time. The theatre itself is pretty small, but it makes it more intimate. They have pretty good prices for plays, especially if you go to a matinee like we did.

We saw a play by the youth theatre and it was good; we will be going back in a couple week to see Romeo and Juliet performed by the regular performers. I am excited to see if it is really as good as I've heard!

La Costa Kids

I've been to this resale store a few times and just love it! They sell mainly used clothing, but it hardly looks worn. And it is mostly name-brands also (Gymboree, Gap...). They also have 1 rack devoted to maternity clothing, which are also name brands. They do sell some new items, such as shoes and some clothing. They have lots of used videos, books, and a few baby items as well. The staff is helpful and friendly.

It's a bit more expensive than some resale places, but that's because you're paying extra for the barnds they sell.

HomeGoods

This store is the place to go for anything related to the home (place settings, linens, decorations, etc) if you're on a budget. They have a good selection and it is mostly at pretty low prices, compared to other stores. However, if you are looking for something in particular, you may not find it right away so it's good to go back and keep checking for it. And if you do find something you like, you should probably get it while it's available; it may not be there the next time you go back.

24 Hour Fitness

This is a good gym, of course it's a 24 Hour Fitness so you do expect it to be well-run. The staff is friendly for the most part and the equipment has always been in working order and well-maintained since I've been going there.

The only problem with this particular location is that the actual gym is very small, os it's best to avois the peak gym times (after work especially). It has the regular equipment, in addition to the studio for classes. A locker room and bathrooms are also there of course. It is lacking a pool, sauna, hot tub, etc that a lot of the other gyms do have.

East of Bali Salon & Spa

I went to thise day spa as a treat from my husband a few months ago. I scheduled a manicure and pedicure, massage, and a facial. The atmosphere in the spa was heavenly with some snacks to munch on while waiting your turn.

The massage was awesome! The problem with the facial was they scheduled me for the wrong one, which of course was more expensive. I should have said something, but I wasn't sure until I got home and checked what was on the card form my husband. By then I felt bad saying anything about it.

I wasn't too thrilled with the spa manicure as it didn't involve much more than a regular one and cost more. But overall a great experience and I would definitely go back if someone else paid for it!

June Angel Day Spa

I went to June Angel for a Brazilian wax and was kind of nervous about the procedure. However, the atmosphere of the spa and the personality of the woman doing the wax helped put me at ease. She was so nice and helped ease the tension and pain caused by getting this area of my body waxed.

I really enjoyed my visit and would definitely go back again.

Detour Salon & Detour The Store

I went to Detour recently and had a good experience with the stylist. She did a great job figuring out a way to cut and style my hair that would go with my lifestyle and way of caring for my hair. She explained how to use the various products she used. She also gave me a sheet with all the products she used circled in case I wanted to purchase them later.

It was kind of expensive, but she did a good job. They have a little shop right next to/connecting with the saoln with lots of products as well.