Retail Therapy Gone Wild in Truckee CA
Truckee California is situated on the North Shore of Tahoe. Donner Pass Road is the main shopping street. The town was built in 1864. It is so cute with its own railroad station just across the street. My husband and I just love the whole vibe of the Lake Tahoe area, so we came back for a second trip. Last time I was here, I wrote about the Truckee Art Galleries & Collectives (see link below). So this time, I want to feature the best shopping in Truckee CA. Of course this includes all types of art as well. For me retail shopping and art go hand in hand.
Best Shopping in Truckee CA
Let’s start with my favorite shop. Bespoke & Atelier is adorable. Opened in 2012, it’s artsy and original. The building features its original exposed brick and stone wall. Owners Brian Hess and Heather River are both artists. Brian is a musician, and Heather is a fiber artist. Many of the items sold here are created by other local artists. You can purchase ceramics, paintings, candles, handmade blankets and even knitting and painting supplies. I bought a gorgeous candle…it spells so good. Moreover, you’ll find books, housewares, backpacks, handmade soaps, jewelry, and even stationary. Glad to see some people are still writing letters. It’s a long lost art. Bespoke & Atelier, 10098 Donner Pass Road; https://bespoketruckee.com
Best Store for Home Cooks
The Cooking Gallery was opened in 1972 by the Preaseau family, and it continues today with the family’s second generation. Suzanne and Mike Preaseau (sister and brother) keep up with their grandma’s vision. The store is truly a marvel for home cooks – so many incredible items. In addition to cookware, tableware, flatware, and all sorts of gadgets, the store also sells funny aprons, cookbooks, and so much more. I wandered the aisles mesmerized. I bought a new garlic press, a sweet ceramic dish, and some adorable tiny cookie cutters to add to my collection. Also upstairs in another cute shop called Dressed. The Cooking Gallery, 10084 Donner Pass Road; https://cookinggallery.net/
Womens & Mens Fashions, Truckee CA
The Overland is another longtime (50+ years) family-run business which started in Taos. This lovely shop offers all sorts of beautiful clothing as well as great boots, and hats for women and men. The designs are influenced by the American West, created with sheepskin, leather and other organic materials. I purchased a cute shirt for my husband here (of course I had to hide the price tag, but he looks so dapper in it).
The Sock Parlour has so much more than just socks. Yes the quirky little socks were adorable, but this relatively new shop also sells clothing, teapots, mugs, greeting cards, etc. And of course…I had to buy some of these whimsical socks. The Sock Parlour, 10064 Donner Pass Road; https://thesockparlour.com/
Socks and More
Tahoe Oil & Spice offers all sorts of gourmet goodies. Flavored olive oils and flavor-infused balsamic vinegars are the main focus here. However, you can also find a plethora pf spices, honeys and jams too. I bought a truffle flavored olive oil. It is so tasty. Tahoe Oil & Spice, 10091 Donner Pass Road, Suite B; http://tahoeoilandspice.com
La Galleria is another wonderful shop chock full of treasures from around the world. Owner Brooke Bentley is a longtime traveler. She scours the globe to find original designs created in small villages to bring back to La Galleria. Every nook and cranny is just filled with wonderful items. I loved it. I bought a cute pair of earrings here. La Galleria Truckee, 10112 Donner Pass Road; https://www.lagalleriatruckee.com/
Other fun stores include: Kalifornia Jean Bar, Word After Word Bookshop, Truckee Variety Co., and Cabona’s (around since 1906). Also, let’s not forget the art galleries. Read my article – Truckee Art Galleries & Collectives. Here is a list of Donner Pass Road galleries. Gallery 5830, 10060 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA, 96161; https://gallery5830.com; Mountain Arts Collective, 10065 Donner Pass Rd #2, Truckee, CA 96161; https://mountainartscollective.com; Riverside Studios, 10076 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161; https://www.riversidestudiostruckee.com/
Now remember, all of the above mentioned shops are located in Truckee CA on Donner Pass Road – just add the zip code 96161 to your navigator.
At the end of our day, I met my husband at our favorite Truckee Mexican Restaurant which features great cuisine and even more art. Read my article – Como Best Mexican Food Review. I pulled out every trinket that I purchased and spilled it onto the table. My husband said “Wow that’s retail shopping gone wild.” We both laughed and enjoyed an amazing meal.
Read more ETG Tahoe CA Articles HERE.
