Shopping in Clearlake

A Southwest-based company for more than a century, Frazee Paint and its team of manufacturers are well acquainted with the unique climactic conditions of the region. Always pulling from the latest technology, their technicians design each of their paint and coating products to withstand dry heat, sparse rainfall, and showers of chewing tobacco from passing cowboys. Their quality paints, wall-coverings, wood-care products, and painter's tools stock the shelves of more than 125 retail locations throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada, as well as international dealers in Mexico, China, and Guam.

Since 1976, the environmentally conscious staff at The Futon Shop has stocked futons, furniture, and frames built from chemical-free cotton, natural latex, and hybrid soy foam, among other virtuous ingredients. Cushy mattresses, vibrantly shaded futon covers, and platform beds preserve the earth’s bounty as effectively as they accommodate human bodies and under-the-bed monsters. Homeowners can also illuminate domiciles with eco-friendly Eangee lamps, which have a carbon footprint of nearly zero and are manufactured by workers who earn a living wage. Even little ones can enjoy the environmentalist furnishings by napping on an organic crib mattress nestled in a bunny white baby crib.

At Trek Bicycle Store of Santa Rosa, a staff of experienced bike builders, mechanics, and salesfolk combine an encyclopedic knowledge of their trade with a passion for cycling. Technicians tune, repair, and construct both road and mountain-ready bikes from scratch, with an ample supply of cruisers, one-speeds, children's, and BMX models ready for any type of cyclist. The shop also hosts regular ride alongs that guide pedaling herds through the scenic Napa Valley countryside.

Commuters, athletes, and hobbyists alike gear up with Trek's vast array of helmets, shoes, clothing, and tubes from brands such as Bontrager, Castrelli, and Shimano. After arming themselves with new equipment, customers can consult certified therapists for massage treatments that help to undo the effects of stress or injury and work with instructors in cycling-centric yoga classes that help riders build core strength, flexibility, and the ability to mind meld with their bikes.

In its four-decade history, Bananas at Large has provided production equipment and instruments to musical acts including the Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, and Poison. At both the business' locations, soon-to-be superstars can stock up on their own equipment from well known and specialty brand names. Musicians just learning to tickle guitars till they cry melodies meet with dedicated teachers, many of whom studied music in school or have played professionally for years. In classes, the teachers draw upon their backgrounds in genres from funk to classical to lead 30- to 45-minute classes on instruments including the guitar, keyboard, and drums.

The staff at Windsor Bicycle Center is composed almost entirely of avid cyclists of all backgrounds, from a sales guru with more than 20 years of industry experience to several members of the local racing circuit. As such, the team helps customers navigate the wide assortment of bikes and parts by Cannondale, Electra, Giant, Pearl Izumi, Shimano, and Giro to find the perfect fit for their stature and style. To keep existing bikes in shape, Windsor's mechanics perform services such as complete tune-ups and repairs, which include everything from complete drivetrain cleanings to installing new tires to replace worn-out 12" pizzas.

Breakaway Bikes' owners and bike enthusiasts, Phil and Christina Fifer, equip cyclists with bicycles, athletic apparel, and gear from quality brands including Marin Bikes, Haro Bikes, and Niner Bikes. To suit the needs of cyclists of varying skill levels and ages, they carry merchandise for adults and children who plan on treading rough terrain, meandering along city streets, or coasting down bowling-alley lanes. In addition to wares, the couple smoothes rides with tune-ups, bike-fitting sessions, and overhauls.