You could easily spend all day on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, with its many restaurants and shops, but this northern stretch feels more laid-back, if that\u2019s possible in San Diego, where flip-flops are de rigueur.<\/p>\n
Conceived by owner Heidi Ledger as a showcase for small independent makers, including women in particular, Thread Spun is a sunny, inviting retail space offering fair trade apparel, home goods, accessories and gifts from around the world.<\/p>\n
Inside, you\u2019ll find plenty of great gifts for others \u2014 or yourself \u2014 including Los Angeles women-owned brands such as Amente<\/a> clothing, Flowerhead Tea<\/a>, hand-poured candles from Roen Candle Co.<\/a> and Jessica Gonzalez\u2019s playful asparagus-shaped candles for Happy Organics<\/a>.<\/p>\n Grab a cold drink while you shop \u2014 visiting on a hot day, I appreciated that they offered refrigerated drinks for sale \u2014 while perusing a wide assortment of cards, books, apothecary gifts and jewelry.<\/p>\n The boutique also offers creative workshops for the local community on the back patio, including sewing, upcycling, journaling and, fittingly, the art of making sun catchers to brighten your home.<\/p>\n Around Encinitas: The boutique opened here in 2020, right next to 101 Piercing<\/a>, Child of Wild<\/a> jewelry and Leucadia Floral and Plant<\/a>, known for its great selection of houseplants and fresh flowers. If you head farther down North Coast Highway 101, you\u2019ll find plenty of restaurants, surf shops and coffee houses, including the longtime favorite, Pannikin Coffee and Tea<\/a>. <\/p>\n