The eclectic style, creativity and sheer variety of businesses that make up the total of First Street also makes the mile-long shopping corridor somewhat of a mystery. The heart of our thriving downtown, rare in many towns these days, is an ever-changing landscape with new businesses coming in and old standbys retiring. In this issue, our fourth in a series of articles detailing downtown Benicia, is a current snapshot of the mix of retail stores, bars and restaurants, and salons and spas—taking the guesswork out of what each block has to offer visitors.
Lisa Duncan Photography Fountain behind Double Rainbow |
This installment focuses on E Street to F Street, where we explore the shopping and dining options a few blocks north of the waterfront. If it’s a professional service you need, in this block you’ll find State Farm Steve McClure Insurance, Joseph Wilder at Edward Jones investment services and Patty Small at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
The big story on this block is its numerous spas and salons. These specialty businesses offer services ranging from nail care to bodywork. Golden Reef Face & Body Spa’s menu includes airbrush tanning; skin care and body detox treatments. All About Beauty Day Spa, an organic spa and store, offers micro pigmentation for designing eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner as well as Eminence Organics skin care products. Magic Hands Healing Center is a group of massage therapy and bodywork specialists offering healing through a variety of massage therapies. Arian Nail Spa, the ultimate in comfort, has expanded in size and options that include nail care, waxing services, paraffin treatments, mineral footbaths and more in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Gentle chiropractic, nutrition and acupuncture and other therapies are offered at Essence of Life Healing Studio.
After your treatment, try one of the block’s three restaurants: Kaigan Sushi, Double Rainbow Café and Szechwan House. Retail stores include Angel Heart 4 You, specializing in inspirational/metaphysical books and gifts as well as readings, classes and workshops. For finely crafted jewelry or diamonds and other precious stones, visit Roberto’s Fine Jewelry—the shop also offers a jewelry repair service.
To follow First Street’s ebb and flow of new/retiring businesses, check beniciamainstreet.org.
E Street to F Street
Szechwan House 500 First Street 707.745.4743
Angel Heart 4 You 501 First Street angelheart4you.net
Roberto’s Fine Jewelry 519 First Street 707.747.5262
Arian Nail Spa 521 First Street ariannailspa.com
All About Beauty Day Spa 523 First Street allaboutbeautydayspa.com
Golden Reef Face & Body Spa 555 First Street Ste. 103 goldenreeftan.com
Magic Hands Healing Center 555 First Street Ste. 200 magichandshealingcenter.com
Peaceful Healing Hands 555 First Street 707.205.5028
Essence of Life Healing Studio 555 First Street, Ste. 203 essenceoflifestudio.com
Kaigan Sushi 560 First Street, A103 kaiganbenicia.com
Double Rainbow 560 First Street 707.745.5000
State Farm Steve McClure 560 First St., Suite C103 stevemcclure.net
