Shopping trips frequently revolve around special interests, but other times it is just a means of entertainment or exploring new and different stores. There are some interesting Chico stores to explore. Let us show you around.

Morning

Let’s start out at a very unique store and museum. Bird in Hand 320 Broadway is a mini department store with many unique items from clothing to toys to gifts. Housed in the store is the National Yo-Yo Museum where you can see the largest display of Yo-Yo memorabilia in the nation.

From Bird in Hand we’ll walk north up broadway to Collier Hardware where we can visit an old fashion hardware store experience a 140 year old Chico icon. The building was completed in 1871, with the upper story housing the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, and the ground floor housing a hardware store, along with agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, and, of course, buggy whips.

Our final stop for the morning will be Diamond W Western Wear 181 E. 2nd. St. Winner of the prestigious Golden Rose Award for 2001 , owner David Halimi took his time to “get it right” in designing and restoring this building, which is a work of art—done by local artisans. Just for starters you’ll walk on a copper slate floor, mined in the mountains of India and laid in a diamond pattern. You’ll admire the Galaxy granite store front and the fireplace hearth that has copper naturally inlaid in it.

Lunch

Were right next door to Panama Bar & Cafe, (177 E. 2nd St.) so let’s stop in for one of their 31 famous burgers. They are also famous for their 31 iced teas.

Afternoon

Our first stop after lunch is the Satava Art Glass Studio 819 Wall St. a nice walk south after lunch. Richard Satava opened his studio in 1977 using ancient techniques to create beautiful art glass by combining technical skill and delicate artistry. Vivid colors and unique nature themes are his trade-mark. Passion is visible in his creations. The studio is open featuring glass blowing demonstrations Tuesday-Saturday, 9-4.

Since we’re in the general neighborhood we may want to stop by Shubert’s for an old-fashion ice-cream cone with ice cream made on the premise. You’ll find Shubert’s at 178 East 7th street. (530)342-7163.

Our next stop is a short drive to 2201 Pillsbury Rd., Suite C-5 where we’ll find String Bead for a unique experience viewing thousands of beads of every size, shape, and color. You’ll see some collector’s items. Note especially the handmade lampworked glass beads. You’ll find glass, wood, bone, metalized, horn, precious and semiprecious stones, and seed beads from which to choose. They have a fully operational jewelry fabrication and glass bead-making shop.

Evening

It’s been a long day we’ve cover a lot of ground. How about a Basque style dinner at Basque Norte? 3355 Esplanade 530-891-5204. A family owned restaurant serving among other things, the best T-bone steak in chico.