Don't worry -- you won't have any trouble finding that must-have Catalina key chain or refrigerator magnet, as Crescent Avenue is lined with a myriad of schlocky souvenir shops. There are, however, a few stores that do offer unique and tasteful items. C. C. Gallagher (tel. 310/510-1278) carries high-end gifts and also is a flower and coffee shop; they're best for finding beautiful art, music, and jewelry created by local artists. For colorful handmade pottery, stop by Chet's Hardware (tel. 310/510-0990), in the Arcade -- an arched shopping annex that connects Sumner and Metropole avenues. Latitude 33 (tel. 310/510-0802) is the place to get your vintage aloha shirts, shorts, hats, and sandals. Buoys and Gulls (tel. 310/510-0416) offers men's and women's wear such as Nautica, Reyn Spooner islander shirts, Hurley, and Billabong. The Steamer Trunk (tel. 310/510-2600) is loaded with unique gifts to take home to the dog-sitter or neighbor who collected your mail. Leo's Drugstore (tel. 310/510-0189) is the obvious spot to pick up the sunscreen that you forgot to pack. Von's, located on Metropole Avenue in the center of town, and Von's Express on Catalina Avenue, are Avalon's main grocery stores where you'll find all your food staples.
