Description:

Walk over the old covered bridge, (now only available to foot traffic) cross Soquel Creek into one of my favorite, out of the way places here in Aptos to eat, shop, take care of myself and maybe paint a picture . Redwood Village, 9099 Soquel Dr, parallel to Hwy 1 hosts a most unusual variety of small shops.

Way back, early in the 1900’s, it was the site of Claus Spreckels stables, part of original land grant property. Raymond Parker bought the property from Spreckels and built the Redwood Village Lodge in 1928. He created hand crafted redwood cottages built to fit in, around and under the giant redwoods.

Popular in its day for holidays on the Central Coast there was a dancehall in the center of the village (now Palm Deli) that brought musicians and the public together in a natural setting. By the end of WW2 it had lost its allure and was no longer the place to stay.

In 1974, the former cottages were revived and turned into retail shops. These charming shops have changed hands over the years, but still retain the original “cottage in the woods” feel that Parker envisioned in the early 1920’s.

The Palm Deli (in the center of the village): Open 7 days a week serves the Best Breakfast Burrito all day starting at 7am. Other burrito options, sandwiches, salads, soups and tasty treats can be enjoyed for lunch in the deli, or put together for a picnic to take to the beach or park.

Twig & Petal (#3): Need a flower for a friend, (or just to brighten your day)? Drop by Twig and Petal, family owned and run. They will personalize a bouquet as you wait, (you pick the flowers.) Whatever your flower need, weddings, banquets, table arrangements etc. they can do it for you. Open 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. Winter hours of 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Art Factory: Opened in the Spring of 2009 to offer studio workspace for students of all ages. Develop and grow creatively using a variety of mediums from pre-k to adults. Create a class with friends, Yvette will offer guidance and support. Many scheduled classes are offered from Pre-K Art to Girls Nights Out. Birthday Parties, Creative Showers, Art parties, Crafternoons, and Summer & Winter Art Camps for children ages 4 through 12 are also offered

A Room of Her Own (#4): Specializes in the best for you, your skin, makeup, jewelry and accessories. You can be pampered by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday. Or, you can drop in and shop Thursday through Saturday.

Moxie Salon & Spa (#9 and #10): Offers full beauty services by appointment, including hair, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and massage. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Pacific Pilates (#16) and Feng Shui Reflections (#5): round out the village shops.

Spend an hour, maybe half a day wandering through Redwood Village. You will enchanted by the shops, marvel at the redwoods, and maybe wonder how it all came to be.

Come visit this quaint village and you will return again.