There's nothing wrong with mall shopping for the holidays. But if you're looking for local flavor, several of the towns in our area boast a rich assortment of specialty shops, offering a more personalized shopping experience. To give you a break from the mall crowds, we bring you a shopping guide to three of these charming downtowns, beginning today with Englewood. We also include insider parking tips and information about eateries where you can take a break or unwind at the end of your local shopping spree.
Coming up: Westwood and Ridgewood.
Walking down East Palisades Avenue and looking left and right down Dean Street, one can't help but wonder: Is it is possible to clear an entire holiday gift list — from mother-in-law to newborn niece — in one afternoon? In downtown Englewood, it could be. Jewelry stores artistic and classic; specialty shops with unique gifts; personalized baby items, tickets to a show at bergenPAC or the place to get that new dress and shoes or dress shirt and belt needed for the office holiday party — what you need for one-stop holiday shopping is all there.
An important tip: Don't eat before you go. One restaurant after another can meet the tastes and cravings of just about anyone — from Mexican or Japanese to pizza to hummus to tapas.
Here are just some of the possibilities for shopping and stopping (to dine or drink) in downtown Englewood.
E-mail: yoriok@northjersey.com
1. Big Buddha
24 N. Dean St. 201-569-7016; bigbuddha.com
If there's a handbag addict on your list, check out Big Buddha, which specializes in fashionable, animal-friendly bags at reasonable prices. The store also has wallets and accessories.
2. Orchids by Karen
33 N. Dean St., 201-805-5751; orchidsbykaren.com.
Looking for a special gift for a party host or family member who has everything? Consider a long-lasting orchid from Karen Grannell, a local grower. You can also find candles and primitive tribal art collected in world travels.
3. Marcia's Attic for children
29 N. Dean St., 201-894-5701; marciaasattic.com/kids
Santa can stop here and pick up unique children's clothes, such as painted shirts; accessories like jewelry and headbands; books, toys and games and sports equipment, including a light-up soccer ball and goal.5. Cupcakes by Carousel
4. Grand Cru
36 N. Van Brunt St., 201-568-3939; grandcruenglewood.com.
After hours of productive shopping, treat yourself to a glass of wine or sit down for a bite at this chic wine bar.
5. Cupcakes by Carousel
31 N. Dean St., 201-608-5092; cupcakesbycarousel.com
If a sugar craving or shopping success warrants a treat, stop by not only for its famous specialty cupcakes but for cakes or pies to take to a party that night, or icing shots or macarons to push through those last few items on the list.
6. Tea Fields
46 N. Dean St., 201-541-0765; theteafields.com.
For a needed caffeine boost or a quick sandwich, soup or salad, take a break at this Asian-inspired tea room. It has 36 varieties of loose tea, as well as coffee and pastries, and good gift ideas for tea lovers.
Parking
Bring your quarters and set your cellphone alarm. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., metered spots on East Palisades Avenue last for one hour; North Dean Street and the municipal parking near North Van Brundt Street offer two-hour parking. All spots cost 25 cents per half hour. Englewood also has a three-story parking garage at the corner of South Dean Street and East Englewood Avenue. Parking on the street is free after 6.
