Fabulous bookshop in cute Benicia. The selections are great. The staff is knowledgeable about…read morehelping you find a book. They also have gifts and a puzzle but mainly books. Visit Benicia and don't miss this great shop.

This was my third visit to the Bookshop Benicia. On each visit, no one acknowledged me as I entered…read moreor exited, and no one asked if I needed help. The young woman behind the counter today was staring at her phone the entire time I was there. An older woman, who I assumed was an owner or manager, was talking energetically to two other women shopping when I walked in. She shot me a quick glance, then went back to talking to the two women. She shot one more quick glance before she went into the back room. No one said anything to me as I left. On a previous visit, I needed a calendar. Again, no greeting. When I went to purchase the calendar, the woman asked if I was part of their rewards program. (the most anyone ever has said in there) And when I replied no, she just wrung me up. No, "Would you like to enroll?" Someone gave me a gift card for the shop, but frankly, I can't see ever going back in again, so I'll regift it to someone who enjoys indifference.

Zeppelin Comics is one of those comic shops that instantly feels welcoming. The staff is friendly,…read moreeasygoing, and genuinely loves talking comics. I spent several minutes chatting with the cashier about the new Transformers series and why it's hitting so well, while another staff member checked in and recommended a few books I hadn't even heard of. This place feels like a local bar for comic fans, except instead of drinks you're deep into comic talk and shop news. The variety here is fantastic. The wall is lined with new releases and current titles, there's a strong selection of graphic novels, and the middle of the store is packed with long boxes full of back issues, including great deals like 50-cent bins, variant covers, and bundle finds. There's just so much cool stuff to look through. Benicia is lucky to have a comic shop like this, and whenever I'm in the area, I make it a point to stop by. It's a down-to-earth, no-frills comic store that's simply a joy to visit.

This was my first time back in five years. And it's still the warm welcoming shop that I remember…read moreFilled with indie product and lots of local artist works. Absolutely wonderful. Got another T-shirt because they always make people stare back home.

My 9yo daughter begged me to do Pokemon card trading here for months (apparently this happens every…read moreFriday at 4 until who knows when, it's 5:20 now and only slightly dying down), and finally went today. She's having a blast looking at all the kids cards and chatting. I counted around 30 kids at one point, with probably over half from her elementary school. Staff is very friendly and helpful too, and there are tables for adults playing games too. Wish I had brought something else to do though, next time I'll bring my Steam Deck.

Used to come here all of the time for 2 different games, but was either priced out, or replaced by…read moreanother game. This store is pretty big for a game store. It's located in a shopping plaza so parking is free and readily available, with several options for food nearby. The store has a lot of room for tables for board games, tcg, and there are even tables for war games. They have a pretty good inventory of games, wargame product, and tcg. I first came here for a Lorcana TCG league, but quickly learned how the store is on pricing things. I only played for 1 season, because of the pricing. The materials we received were always priced higher than if you just bought them outright. I haven't looked much into other games, but I've heard they price things very high. This was also the hub for when I got into beyblade, but after a few months, we learned that new management didn't want us hosting events there anymore in place of another game. It was fun when I first got there, but over time, the store didn't really support the games I played, so it didn't feel very welcoming after a while. Your mileage may vary depending on your game.

5 exciting stars up in the sky!…read more Just like craving a re-watch of a favorite movie, craving the taste of a go-to comfort meal, sometimes I think of when I can come back to lovely Benecia (I don't live local) and allow my eyes to ingest the sights of Succulents & More for stress relief, decor ideas, to adopt something cute or ugly (cuz let's be honest, sometimes succulents can be ugly) but green & alive to love & take care of. After leaving the fam at the pier down the street to see what sorts of fish can unluckily become our dinner, I decided to check out what shops this little beach town can offer. Plant stores are my jam, so after yelping "plant store" this walk worthy sparkling gem popped up. I had to rush because they close around 5 & it was past 4pm. Parking isn't the most plentiful on this street, so I jogged there from my already parked car. From the outside array of succulents that greeted me that started at an affordable $5 each, to the packed thoughtful & inspiring aisles of displays of healthy & full greenery, super cute & funny planters (i.e. boob planter), to the inviting green comfy velvet couch, I just wanted to sit down & allow my eyes to devour the cuteness & inspiration that covered every square inch of this store from floor to ceiling. My eyes really couldn't hold it all in, there was so much to look at (check out the video) like framed art, planters, lots of strings of plants, snake plants, pileas, maranatas, calatheas. I can't name them all but theres lots. Which is precisely why I need to come back & do it again. This place isn't big box store like Green Acres, Home Depot or Lowes. It's more boutique plant shop, one that's individul person owned & operated. While there, the new owner of the store zipped around, enthusiastically helping all her customers & answering questions. Shop small business, support local! It's definitely worth the drive here on a sunny day, to come back to search for a cute unique pot or when craving a new plant addition to my growing plant family or just for no reason at all.

I went in expecting something similar to Anthropologie's Terrain or Fern's Garden in Berkeley, and…read moregot a mash up of a plant shop merged with a Barnes and Noble. Although I was expecting plants and small gifts, the space feels random and unplanned like someone searched 'garden' on Amazon and then just sold what popped up. The service was friendly but overall the selection wasn't for me.

Stopped by because I saw they had a close out sale (the store is closing on March 14th). They still…read morehad plenty of items and most items were on sale *25% off*. There were only 2 staff but they were helpful and patient. The store was still pretty neat and they had tons of cards available.

The Hallmark Store in Benicia has been the annual lifesaver when visiting family in Benicia. Be it…read morea birthday, Holiday or random celebration, this establishment has something for every occasion. The size of the store does limit the selection, but there aren't that many other options once you cross the bridge. The value+service is ok depending on the team present that day; for the most part, you get what you pay for. As long as they are around, they'll see me getting that last minute gift or card at least once a year!

I visited Five Below today with my nieces and had a mixed experience that I feel is worth sharing…read more When I asked an employee if I could use the restroom Cheryl to be examined , I was told the restrooms were "down" and that the closest one was at the Ross next door. Because I urgently needed to use the restroom, I continued shopping and went to check out. There was a long line of customers with only one cashier, so the wait was quite long. When I finally reached the register, I spoke with Elizabeth and asked if the restrooms were actually out of order. She kindly and politely confirmed that they were working and immediately helped me gain access to the restroom. I want to recognize Elizabeth for her professionalism and willingness to help. However, the earlier interaction was disappointing. As someone who works in hospitality, I understand how important customer experience and accurate communication are. A simple moment like this can make a big difference in how customers feel when visiting a store. Thank you to Elizabeth for turning the situation around with kindness and professionalism.

So why was the heat cranked up to 80 above in five below???…read more It's Valentine's Day and you've got one amazing cashier, shout out to Desiree! She dealt with the long ass lines with no complaining from her and from us waiting 20-30 minutes in line. So I deal with medical migraines and that heat was unbearable and I felt light headed the entire time I was there. I asked why the heater was so cranked up, she said that's how it is in every location. WTF, corporate you want your customers to pass out? Next time have more people working, and keep the temperature down and comfortable for everyone shopping and working there.

Friendly staff and a lot of tables for playing. I went in for the first time when the magic the…read moregathering Spider Man set was released and the staff were very helpful in getting me set up. I will definitely come back.

Store is small. Selection is small too. They did not have any sealed Pokemon when I went a couple…read moreof weeks ago. The rating is more of the price of singles at this store. They go off of market(TCGplayer) and they add a $2 surcharge on top of market price for "shipping" cost on TCGplayer. I wouldn't go here for singles. I don't understand this surcharge? Are you gonna ship it to my house too? Are you applying TCG fees as a discount? Make it make sense.

This is a hidden gem in downtown Martinez. What a great concept to have multiple vendors, small…read morebusiness owners in one place. As soon as you enter they welcome you right away. We were approached immediately to explain the store set up. My sister and I spent a bit of time looking at everything. They have a little bit of everything. I loved the shirts and DIY. They also have classes which I'm thinking to look into joining. The value for several of the items seemed reasonable to me. There are a few items that are on higher end but can see the work in it too.

This is a nice addition to downtown Martinez. Inside you'll find handmade creations from more than…read more30 unique artists. From clothing to jewelry, pottery, home decor, and more. Little Martinez has become quite the artist mecca and weekend destination. Stop in and support local.