Los Altos Real Estate Blog

There are a lot of traditions in Los Altos around Christmas time; carriage rides, Breakfast with Santa, and tree lots.  One lot that was around for ages but disappeared a few years ago was the lot at Grant and Covington (technically in Mountain View) but many Los Altos residents went there.

The Kiwanis Tree Lot is one of those things you just look forward to because they've been around so long.  Operating since 1987 (24 years) they've been one of the few consistent lots actually selling trees in Los Altos.  Many of the "local" providers are in Montain View and not truly a Los Altos business.

As with many of the civic services that have been around a long time in Los Altos, this one benefits another institution, the Los Altos Pet Parade. That has been around for a long time as well and become an even bigger Los Altos institution.  Stop by, get a great Christmas tree, and help support our fine community.

DeMartini Orchard of Los Altos
RETAIL - GROCERY
Prices: $-$$
Hours:  8-7 OPEN DAILY
Credit/Debit: Yes


BRYAN'S OPINION:  There are two great grocery stores in town offering produce, but neither offers the quality and pricing that De Martini offers.  Having been at their current location for years, it's become a bit of an institution for those wanting fresh, high-quality produce at very reasonable prices.  They're also one of the few places you can still get locally dried apricots which used be to one of the major crops in Los Altos.

The stock rotates on a regular basis offering staples and seasonable produce alike.  One huge plus is that they offer local produce all year round from a variety of producers.  By local, I mean, within a 30 mile radius or closer.  I like this because it means we're supporting our community as well as getting "a taste of the area" instead of getting bulk poduced goods from some distant land.  There's something about farm fresh fruits and veggies that make a meal special.  Even if the local goods aren't always from Los Altos, they're still representative of our area.

During the holidays you can get fruit baskets with a wide array of fruits, nuts, and gourmet foods in a range of sizes.  While they may not be like Harry & David, I think you get a better product from De Martini because it's all fresh.  Giving such a gift will mean more than the usual store bought stuff.

In addition to all the produce, there are several gourmet products, spices, and such that can help make your meals that much better.  Again, prices are very reasonable and far better than the grocers in town.  This is one of the unique services available in Los Altos and I recommend stopping by.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS ALTOS CUSTOM BANK
RETAIL - COSTUMES
Open: Wed-Sat
Prices: $-$$


BRYAN'S OPINION:  Are you attending or hosting a costume party?  Then this is the place to be!  The Costume Bank has been around for decades and offers, in my opinion, some of the best costumes in the area.  Located on the corner of State Street and Third Street in downtown Los Altos, this is one of the oldest continually running businesses in Los Altos.

The costume selections include everything from vintage flappers and soldiers to cartoon characters.  Many off the costumes are hand-made from high-quality materials by volunteers from the Assistance League.  These are the same people who staff the store and help with selecting a costume to suit your particular party or event.  Obviously, many of the great parties in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills are attended by residents who stop by the Costume Bank to get their costume.

The customer service here is much better than other costume stores in the area.  They'll really take the time to work with you on finding a costume, adding accents, and sizing.  While most costumes are designed to fit average folks, they do have tricks to make them fit if the costume is a little too big or small.

The profits all go to charity so no matter what you do, the price is for a good cause.  A word on price, the prices here are as good or better than many other local shops and with fewer crowds.  So, stop by for your next costume party!

FAST FACTS

RETAIL - CHILDREN

Open: Mon-Sun

Prices: $-$$$

Adventure Toys

BRYAN'S OPINION:  This place is full of toys that are more interesting that the typically stuff you see at Toys r Us. I've been here so many times with my son that it's like a destination spot.  We used to have a routine that after karate we'd stop off here to look at toys before walking down the street to Spot Pizza.  This place isn't about quantity, it's about quality - a theme in Los Altos.

When you walk in, head right, and look at the section between the girls toys in front and the Legos and building toys in back.  That middle section is a goldmine of scientific learning toys and family games you'll have a hard time finding anywhere else.  You want to build a rocket?  There is a kit to build one.  In the same section is a wide range of puzzles with enough challenge for kids 2-80.  You want a 5000 piece super-puzzle, they've got it.

Opposite that section is their game area.  There are lots of individual and family games including old classics.  What is most interesting is there are games there I haven't seen anywhere else including similar specialty toy stores in other areas of the state.  Many are award winning and some are just plain creative.

The rest of the store offers just a much variety.  There are the usual Legos and dolls plus crafting kits and dress-up clothes to let a kids imagination go wild.  Along with their usual creative selection, you'll find special displays for certain holidays and nice extras especially during Christmas.