Another one bites the dust

The Naturalist is closing. That beautiful store, where I go first when I'm looking for a birthday present or a Christmas present, and where I often stop in just to browse because there are so many lovely things to look at. Wind chimes, jewelery, pottery, calendars, children's books, puzzles and toys, guide books, greeting cards and notes, bird feeders . . . the list goes on. The two women who own The Naturalist have wonderful taste, and have continued and expanded on the types of merchandise featured by the store's former owners. We came close to losing The Naturalist some years ago, when the original owners wanted to retire, but were saved by Cheryl and Patty, who bought it, moved it to its present spot on Second St., and continued to offer not only a beautiful variety of merchandise but their own involvement with what they sold and with the community. Special sale nights that supported the Yolo Basin Foundation were just one of those. They chose their wares with care and a discerning eye, offering beauty and functionality at a reasonable price. The store at Christmas was a feast for the eye, with the decorated tree, sparkly lights and ornaments . . .

They've been trying to sell the business for months, but despite interest from many, no one has come forward at the 11th hour to rescue The Naturalist. So, along with dozens, probably hundreds, of other Davisites, I will have to say goodbye. There are so few shops left like The Naturalist, businesses owned by the people you see behind the counter and stocking the shelves. Sadly, the Targets and Wal-Marts are the order of the day, made sadder still by the fact that, once the small, independent places are gone, the children of today will have nothing to compare to their "big box" shopping experience.

The Naturalist's doors aren't closed just yet; they'll be selling off their stock, and I'll go down to wish them well and maybe pick up a few last things. As I was doing some last-minute Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago, a necklace caught my eye, a small silver oak tree on a silver chain. I was stretching my gift budget, but I bought it for myself. I'm glad I did; it will always remind me of the one-of-a-kind store it came from.