Shopping in Clearlake

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.

Ground Zero Clothing and Boardshop’s adroit staff has been equipping athletes with apparel and gear for skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding since 1997. Harnessing the style and proven functionality of such top-tier brands as TOMS, Volcom, Nike SB, and Burton, they swathe bodies from head to toe in shoes, jeans, and T-shirts. Their collection of Spy and Electric sunglasses protects peepers from whipping winds, and their skateboard decks by Real and Creature help guests skim across surfaces with the speed of an over-caffeinated zamboni operator. Though their selection of boards and accessories rotates frequently, they typically have skimboards, wakeboards, and snowboards in stock to help their guests defy gravity in style. Additionally, skilled staff members recalibrate scuffed boards or grant patrons a chance to test pilot new ways to commute to work with their equipment repair and rental services.

Launched more than three decades ago, Site for Sore Eyes now operates to more than 40 showrooms throughout the Bay Area. Staffers at every location share their dedication when pairing customers with head-turning eyewear and contacts. The company secures all of its products with a warranty, replacing broken frames for free and furnishing half-price replacements for glasses that are lost, stolen, or transformed into an acorn squash. In case eyes require prescription tweaks, each shop sits next door to California-licensed Sterling VisionCare doctors of optometry.

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.