The Canyon Crest Towne Centre, a 15-minute drive from California Baptist University, provides a quaint shopping experience through its quirky collection of independent stores.
Permeated with a sense of classic taste and small-town hospitality, this market offers a variety of shops and special events spanning interests and age groups.
Rustic in design and serene in atmosphere, Canyon Crest creates an environment that is ideal for a nice get together with friends and family.
Fountains and benches are scattered throughout the premises, and seasonal events present even more opportunities to socialize.
As a literary haven, Cellar Door Books has become a favorite spot for the center’s locals.
“The people who work there are very welcoming and homey,” said Lindsay Dolan, senior behavioral science and leadership studies double major.
Every second Sunday belongs to a classic car show, while Storytime Saturday is held every weekend for children.
On top of that, concerts take place regularly and cover a wide spectrum of musical genres.
The center is also home to iPhone Pros Repair, a store specializing in fixing damaged tech devices.
When it comes to food, Canyon Crest has a variety of unique options. Romano’s is a popular Italian option for a full meal, while smaller places such as Isabella’s Cupcakes & More offer a delicious snack.
The Living Root Cellar, a vegan-friendly eatery, joined the Canyon Crest Towne Centre earlier this month, offering a variety of juice cleanses and superfood smoothies. Their healthy beverages feature raw and organic foods.
To satisfy a sweet tooth, British Emporium is home to a variety of chocolates, sweets, tea and other popular British foods imported straight from England.
Miglior Gourmet Foods is filled with different flavors of olive oils and balsamic vinegar imported from all over the world. This vintage rarity encourages its visitors to test out a variety of samples.
The Canyon Crest Towne Centre is owned by husband-and-wife duo Mark and Sue Thompson. The couple has been running the shopping center since its establishment in the early 1980s.
It is a common occurrence to bump into the couple in various shops and stops throughout the center.
“It’s my husband’s home away from home,” Sue Thompson said. “Every tree in this center is hand-picked and planted by him.”
The owners’ involvement in not only the area’s design but the day-to-day operations creates a warm sense of community among both the staff and the customers.
The Canyon Crest Towne Centre provides an easygoing escape from the fast-paced duties of everyday life.
With a classic yet trendy mix of stores and services, this one-stop shopping center represents the community values that make the city of Riverside home for many.
