New stores, old mannequin

For me, a trip to Sonoma isn't complete without saying hello to the ages-old mannequin in the vintage ticket booth in the lobby of the Sebastiani Theater on the east side of the Plaza. She's a little rough around the edges (literally... check out that nose, and those lips!) and her best days are definitely behind her. I suspect she was dropped a time or two in her former life as a department store model. Some might say she's even a tad creepy. Nonetheless, she's always there to greet moviegoers ("The King's Speech" was playing inside), and sporting the occasional fashion update. On my last visit she was wearing these jaunty new specs and looking quite regal.

During my stroll around the Plaza, I uncovered a new store called Kingston Ellis. It opened late last year before the holidays, and is doing a brisk business in collectibles, gifts, home decor, jewelry, clothing, ribbons, and interesting odds and ends. The color scheme is black, white, and ivory (or cream?). Apparently there is no Kingston and no Ellis –– the owner just likes the sound of the names together.

Kingston Ellis occupies what used to be the humor and costume store called Laughing Queen, where I could always count on finding dirty greeting cards and other goofy items, and have a smile on my face the whole time I browsed. Laughing Queen called it quits after many years and the new shop opened soon after.

Claypot cooking enthusiasts, take note. On the west side of the Plaza is bram, devoted to claypot vessels. Stop by to admire the beautiful craftsmanship of the pots and learn how to use them in your kitchen.