Shop Julian Unique Boutiques & More

Bread is freshly baked daily at Dudley’s in Santa Ysabel. The bakery will be providing refreshments for the Merchants open house. Photo by Darrel Kinney

By Bobbi Zane

Eight Santa Ysabel businesses will participate in the second of a round of monthly Open House Block Parties scheduled by the Julian Merchants Association. It will be held in Santa Ysabel from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20

Patricia McConnell, owner of the Santa Ysabel General Store Antiques, is the event coordinator.

Purpose of the block parties is to give Merchant members and others in the community an opportunity to visit one another’s businesses to get first-hand information about what each merchant offers.

The initial event in the series was held Jan. 16, when about eight businesses in and around the Cole Building entertained about 50 visitors/customers with warm welcomes, hot beverages and good conversation. Those who participated were Julian Yesteryears, American Gardener, Candy Mine, Pistols and Petticoats, Wandering Sage, Julian Imports, Old Julian Garage, and Cowgirl Café. They were pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to meet new people in the community.

Crossroads, which carries an array of unique items, has donated a prize for a drawing. Photo by Darrel Kinney

For the February event, McConnell will have her expansive antiques store open as will Donna Sherrill, owner of Sherrill Orchards next door, and Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, operated by Annie Rowley across the street. 

“We’ll have refreshments provided by our neighbors across the street, Dudley’s and Julian Pie Company. Also Crossroads has donated a prize for a drawing,” McConnell said.

Visitors to the General Store will be rewarded with an array of antiques, Christmas items and a collection of hand-crafted furnishings, including cedar log mantels created by Ted Ferrick and a selection of cedar benches and tables crafted by Ken Mann. McConnell’s store also holds textiles, china, jewelry, books and kitchenware.

Sherrill Orchards sells a collection of fruit preserves, olives, pickles, syrups and salsas, as well as a selection of Depression Glass.

Patricia McConnell, owner of the Santa Ysabel General Store Antiques, is the event coordinator. Photo by Bobbi Zane

Grandpa’s Old Time Photo, owned by Larry Becket, recently moved into the old Santa Ysabel gas station and willow shop. He’ll be ready to take his popular sepia-tinted photos of people in period dress starting the first week in February.

The Once Upon a Time collection of boutiques purveying collectibles, home furnishings and Victorian items, owned by Sandy Jimenez, also will participate in the block party. She will offer discounts on selected items.