Lots of people feel that Queen Eileen's is the best Encinitas gift shop around to look for gifts of all kinds in downtown Encinitas California.

A visit to this amazing store in the heart of Encinitas's shopping area near the beach will quickly show you why that's so.
READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community
Queen Eileen's was established in 1989 by owner Eileen Burke, "Queenie," and the store has become somewhat of an institution among shoppers and Encinitas residents. Here's just a small sampling of what you can find at Queen Eileen's (take the virtual tour to see more):
The list goes on and on and it is impossible to cover everything - you just have to visit!
A big selling item are the beautiful gift baskets which they will create for you, or you can pick what you want included in them. You can order these in the store, over the phone or on-line at the Queen Eileen's website. During the busy season they make as many as a hundred baskets a day.
And a huge part of her success is Queenie herself, and her friendly staff - Penny and Denise. You might not meet Rosario but she helps with making hundreds of gift baskets throughout the year (she and her husband own the popular Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia which is a terrific casual seafood eatery for lunch and dinner).

Queen Eileen's also sponsors fun events - their Martini Fridays during the holiday season are very popular - bring a friend, have free martinis, and get discounts on your shopping (10% with 1 friend, 20% with 2 or more).
They also have pajama parties, and events for the guys too.
If you are attending the Encinitas Fall Street Fair this Sunday November 22, why not stop in - they'll be making fresh baked cookies all day.
Queen Eileen's is located at 548 S. Coast Highway just south of D Street.
Call them at 800.233.4386 (toll free) or 760.436.4845 (local).
Hours are 9 - 7 Monday through Saturday and 9:30 - 5 on Sundays.
You may already be a fan of the store, but you can become a Fan of Queen Eileen's on-line - visit their Facebook business page.
Enjoy the tour of Queen Eileen's. And check out my interview with Queenie herself.
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If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The San Marcos real estate market continues to evolve, especially with the large number of distress sales. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.
Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local San Marcos real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller.
In October 2009 there were 107 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zip codes (92069 and 92078), just 1 more than in September. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.
|
|
TOTAL |
DETACHED |
ATTACHED |
|
# Sold
|
107 (no change) |
77 (up 8%) |
30 (down 14%) |
|
Ave. $
|
$378,022 (up 3%) |
$441,897 (no change) |
$214,076 (down 2%) |
|
DOM
|
58 |
50 |
79 |
|
List $/Sale $
|
98% (77-131%) |
100% (77-118%) |
94% (78-131%) |
There were 162 homes on the market at the end of October with a Contingent status, i.e., homes with offers awaiting approval from the short sale and REO lenders, down 12% from September. These homes are included in the overall Active stats since they are still considered active until the approvals are obtained.
At the end of October 2009 the San Marcos real estate market had 342 homes for sale (47% are contingent), a modest 3% more than the end of September. This represents an inventory of 4.1 months for attached homes (up from 3.9 in September)) and 3 months for detached (a slight decline from 3.1 months at the end of September) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.
In October we saw 106 homes come on the market, a decrease of 7% from September (the 4th month of declines in new listings). However the number of homes going pending went up by 7% over September. Thus the San Marcos real estate market is not getting less competitive for buyers, and is a sellers market for the inventory priced under $400K which is a good portion of the housing market.
This overview of the San Marcos real estate market is based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months and closed in December. More details can be provided if needed with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of San Marcos (92078 and 92069).
READ MORE:
San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for September 2009
San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for August 2009
San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for July 2009
San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for June 2009
San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for May 2009
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If I can provide more information about San Marcos real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
Buyers in the San Marcos real estate market are facing a market that is quite different than at the beginning of the year.
The inventory is down (only about 3 - 4 months worth for both detached and attached homes) and a lot of competition.
Those buyers seeking new home construction in San Marcos and who are looking for a village feel, with a short distance to a number of amenities including shopping should consider thenew homes at Marketwalk in the San Elijo Hills master planned community in San Marcos.
San Elijo Hills is an award winning master planned community built on the hills of south San Marcos and is designed as a resident-friendly community with a vision back to the villages of the past that were popular for their town centers and community activities.
READ MORE: San Elijo Hills - Award Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos California
Take a VIDEO TOUR of the San Elijo Hills Town Center.
Marketwalk is a series of 12 townhomes in the heart of the San Elijo Hills downtown area, around the corner from the Albertsons' Grocery Store (with Savon Pharmacy). These homes with 4 floor plans (in Italian, Colonial or Loft styles and finishes), are built above the retail establishments on the first floor along the main street with views of the park to the west.
These new construction homes are built on 2 levels, with separate garage parking (2 spaces). The floor plans are:
Current prices range from $385,000 - $714,000; 3 units are now reserved.
HOA fees are $337 to $410/month depending on the plan. There are Mello Roos fees of $50/month.
The local community has two schools, a media center, auditorium, an 18-mile trail network, a 19 acre park (with ball field) with retail growing.
The new homes in Marketwalk in San Elijo Hills in San Marcos, CA offer a terrific opportunity for those buyers seeking an in-town home without a yard to care for in a planned community that continues to grow yet remains focused on its residents.
The annual Encinitas Fall Street Fair will be held this Sunday, November 22, 2009 in the downtown area from 9 until 4 pm. As we are getting closer to the holidays this is a terrific opportunity to get your holiday shopping done.

The Encinitas Fall Street is very popular, and as an annual event for two decades, folks have come to known that this festival is the place to be the weekend before Thanksgiving, just 3 blocks from the ocean in the heart of downtown.
The Encinitas Fall Street Fair is large, with over 450 vendors scattered along main street (the Coast Road/101) with arts, crafts, plenty of food. You can also visit the 200 or so shops along the route or dine in one of the 40+ restaurants between D and J Streets. They will have live music at The Lumberyard (the large shopping strip mall to the South) and at a Community Stage set up by F Street. My favorite local latin music band, Luna Llena, will be playing from 1:30 - 3:30.
The main road will close beginning at 6 but there is plenty of parking along the side streets as well as parking lots including the one at the Coaster Station just 1 block over from the Coast Road (why not take the train?).
To learn more, visit the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association 101 website. Or jus stop by on Sunday - I'll be there in the early PM before heading over to a Brazilian Jazz Concert (the second annual) at the Encinitas Public Library at 2:00.
READ MORE:
Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Town
Downtown Encinitas Dining and Shopping Extravaganza
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If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
San Elijo Hills is an award winning master planned community with a focus on walkability, and recreating the small town feel of the past.
READ MORE:
San Elijo Hills - Award Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos California
The town center is growing in leaps and bounds now, after a bit of a stall for quite some time (lots of contro ersy about that). The Albertsons' grocery was added last year (with its Savon Pharmacy) and slowly but surely there are other retailers moving in as space is available.
Here's a partial list:
The French Bakery/Cafe has left recently and there is a new place in town but I don't recall the name. My bad. Plus there are some other business services including an attorney and the Visitors' Center in town, with room for more.
The MarketWalk condos are now selling (12 unique townhomes in the heart of town - stay tuned for my article).
Two schools - elementary and middle - plus an auditorium and media center are within walking distance as is a huge ball field and of course the park with a beautiful fountain. It really does make one think of some of the towns we have all seen and loved.
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If I can provide more information about San Marcos and San Elijo Hills real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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