This gem is a hole-in-the-wall that was a little confusing to find, but definitely worth it! The…read morestaff members were pleasant and helpful and the shop had a great selection of crystals, tarot decks, incense, and more. I purchased an Evil Eye charm to hang in my new car and am very happy with my experience!

The shop is absolutely never open. No one is ever inside, even on days/times that they're supposed…read moreto be! I have come by daily for DAYS in a row and it's never open. What's going on?

Yesterday I had a session with Kristen, and I honestly don't think I walked away with "answers" as…read moremuch as I walked away with a completely different relationship to my own life. She has a rare gift of listening beyond the words. Throughout our session, she reflected things back to me in a way that didn't feel performative or scripted--it felt deeply seen. More importantly, she created a space where I could hear myself with greater clarity. One realization alone completely changed something I've been carrying for years. I had spent so much energy trying to forgive my mom, and through our conversation, something shifted. The resentment, the frustration, and even the struggle to forgive simply dissolved into gratitude. It wasn't because my past changed--it was because my perspective did. That kind of shift is hard to put into words, but you know when something deep inside finally relaxes. Whether you're spiritually curious, feeling stuck, standing at a crossroads, or simply longing to understand yourself more deeply, Kristen has a beautiful way of helping you uncover what is already within you. She doesn't tell you who to be--she helps you remember who you are. What touched me just as much as the session itself was Kristen's heart. You can genuinely feel that she wants people to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Her work isn't just about readings; it's about creating a space where people feel safe enough to transform. If you feel drawn to her, trust that feeling. Sometimes the people we're meant to learn from have a way of finding us exactly when we're ready. Thank you, Kristen, for sharing your gifts so generously. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and genuinely excited about the next chapter of my life. I hope your path continues to bring together a beautiful community of people who are ready to receive what you so lovingly offer--because your gifts deserve to be experienced by those whose hearts are truly ready for them.

Amazing insight to not only my pet but also me. I went for group pet communication class and gained…read moresuch a knowledge about my pet and how to show her more love. An insight i was not prepared for was her read on me. Kristen gave me some amazing advice concerning my precious baby girl pup as well as for myself! She is so easy to talk to and such a great listener as well! I've already booked another session with her and can't wait for us to meet again! if you have a pet or even if you've been curious about pet communication, she would be the person to go to! Highly recommend!!!!

I walked into Copy King and saw a little something about "Opening Night" at Y.A.C. and since it was…read morea few doors down I walked in and was just blown away. I had no idea that there were so many talented you local youth (14-22) that are so creative and talented. I am still speechless from what I saw tonight at their Art Show. I'm not an artsy (pardon my lack for a better word) fartsy person, nor a collector but I do appreciate art for whatever it is to me and to the artist. I asked a young man by the door who were all the artists... are they local? I stood their gazing at the wall next to him and he said, "I did this" I honestly almost laughed and was in disbelief. Marcos Hidalgo's work blew me away so much that I posted some pics of his work and others on FB by the time I reached my car. By the time I started the engine there were a couple posts asking about the artwork from some friends. All these young folk have MAD TALENT! I noticed a lot of younger folk that I know locally and was so surprised and grateful that they have a nice outlet for their creativity. Youth Arts Collective is a non-profit organization and I look forward to donating money to them once the time is right (when I have money to donate). Honestly, if you or your child has the knack for art or just interested, I'd look into them. Tonight was their 11th Birthday Celebration but also their Opening Night from 5 to 9. Tomorrow (1/29/11) they have an Art Show from 1 to 4pm. I highly suggest you stop in and see what the buzz is about. The place was packed with great energy, a nice vibe and a lot of excitement. People of all ages enjoyed all the different styles of art and I'm a huge fan of all of them. (Photos from tonight's Art Show "Art & Cake" Celebrating 11 Years)

Is there any way to share events on Yelp? I know there used to be…read more Tonight is Summer Arts Opening and a chance to support our talented youth! It's on July 28 and by the time you read this it'll be too late. But do drop in ... They are open til 7 pm so when you're in the area, don't forget to stop in and have a look. Next to the parking garage on Calle Principal. I'm not affiliated with them, so don't worry Yelp. Just a community member who likes to support youth and the arts. I like my Ali portrait and am going to gift it but only to someone who would appreciate it.

We had such a wonderful experience here today. Wyatt is super friendly and easy to talk to -- the…read morekind of person who makes you feel like you've known him for years. His cigar, pipe tobacco, and wine selection is top‑notch, and he even taught us the basics of pipe smoking. The best part...He welcomed all three of our dogs without hesitation. We ended up spending over two hours there, enjoying great conversation, great products, and an overall great afternoon. This place is a gem. We are definitely stopping in whenever we are in town. Thank you, Wyatt!

Great selection of cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. You can actually smoke inside. Everyone is very…read morefriendly, including the staff. Great place I visit as often as I can.

We were visiting Pacific Grove and were walking around after breakfast and ran into this wonderful…read moregallery. There were so many different things to look at. Lots of talented past inhabitants of the Monterey area were featured. There was a whole section on John Steinbeck and lots of other writers, artists, and citizens who made the area their home. The featured art was amazing and the proprietor (?) was very knowledgeable. He was a bit reserved, so I wasn't sure he wanted us to roam around the shop, but I heard him talking to other visitors and found him to be full of information. Lots of nooks and crannies where interesting items were displayed. Very fun gallery that resembled a vintage store, except nothing was for sale! Worth a visit!

Mic brings an inspired variety of artistic expression from cast-off materials as well as lovely…read morepaintings. Oh, and then she also paints the items she's constructed. The range of her work is quite amazing. This studio is fun and so is its proprietor/artist "Mic." You will be delighted to have stopped by. More than likely there will be something you'll want to take home.

my girlfriends and i were in monterey for a bachelorette party and came upon this lovely gallery…read more we were greeted by a very friendly shop keeper, sandy. she introduced us around and told us how all the designs are all made from recycled materials. the necklace my friend and i purchased were made from all sorts of recycled metals and gears. my necklace even has hearing aid batteries incorporated into the design if you can believe that! this is definitely the place to go to make a purchase for the person who has everything. such unique designs and concepts! very fortunate to have come upon this quaint gallery/shop! sandy, i also really appreciate you telling me to check out the mirror next door at la boutique. a magic mirror indeedy!

The Boronda Adobe was built by José Eusebio Boronda in the mid-1840's. I read about this place and…read morethought it might be a lovely historical spot to use to take pictures of a bride and groom. We did a drive through on Friday and could see that this was a charming little location. Not fancy, but it is the only historical adobe building in Salinas that I could track down. Also a cute little red school building and interesting rusted out tractors. So we rushed through everything on the wedding day to be able to get to this place before 5, which I assumed would be the closing. After all, if it's supposed to be for tourists, it would be open on the weekend, right? Wrong. We arrived at 4:40 and the gated fence was all locked up. I have since looked everywhere online and have found their hours of operation listed NOWHERE. How much would it cost for a sign on the chain link fence to say the days/hours of operation?? How about putting that information on the Monterey County Historical Society website? Or even posting the days/hours on Yelp? Poorly thought out.

We stopped at the Visitor Center in Salinas and asked if they knew what time the Adobe opened. The…read morevery helpful person kindly called the Adobe and spoke with the docent there who asked when we would be arriving. We suggested 'in half an hour'. Apparently she was going out to get lunch, but agreed half an hour would be fine. We arrived early and waited 15 minutes past when she said she would return. There was no sign of her and we finally left. If she had wanted longer to get lunch, she should have said so rather than waste our time.

I've been attending / vending at 1st Friday Art Walk for a little over a year now and I have…read morenothing but positive feelings towards it all! It's such a great thing to have an event and place to promote and appreciate art of all sorts. There's always live music from local musicians. Varying snacks at Salinas 411. Stimulating conversation. Always someone new to meet. And you can never go wrong with a little shopping for unique wares! My only concern is that we need more artists and appreciators to join in the fun! But that doesn't have anything to do with the actual event really, so it doesn't count towards my rating. :P So come on down to Oldtown every first Friday of the month and see for yourself! :D

at 1st fridays art walk, free of charge, you can see and hear the art walker band, clear blue…read moreclay, greg hyde and living room, hal laughlin, souvenir, dan beck, and many others. you can see and hear richard best play a drum and/or sing. ask him to read a poem. he is the best poet in salinas -and has won many poetry slams. you can stand outside the door of the welcome center and hear both bluegrass and 60s rock - often at the same time. you can talk to great artists and good friends. you can see hot rods and buy art, you can find the best home made cookies and cartoons at bridgett spicer's gallery. buy a cartoon book or a button for someone special... you can find and buy great used books at the book nook. you can sip coffee and chocolate at two locations in old town. you can dine well inexpensively at multiple locations. some of the best discussions i have ever heard/participated in - have been at the welcome center and at bridgett spicer's gallery. i love 1st fridays art walk.