Yogi Times is out to explore the hot spots in our community where yogis can have unusual and unexpected experiences, explore hidden nooks and crannies and discover unique treasures that are off the beaten path. Instead of your everyday trip to the mall, we search for special spots that will appeal to those who are looking for more than the average retail experience. This month we spent the day in mysterious and magical Topanga Canyon.

A long-time escape for Angelenos looking to get in touch with their inner flower child, Topanga Canyon is like a snapshot come to life of a long-gone era. A staunch holdout for virtues like peace, love and Birkenstocks, Topanga is home to some hidden gems that might surprise skeptics with cosmopolitan sensibilities. Whether it’s unique contemporary designs, arts and crafts, unexpected gourmet cuisine or unparalleled hiking trails, Topanga Canyon is an adventure waiting to happen.

Topanga Seed and Feed

Featuring “a little bit of everything” Seed and Feed is the go-to place in Topanga Canyon for all garden needs, including plant food, decorative gnomes and a colorful variety of unique wind chimes.

106 South Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA – 310.455.3635

Bhutan Shop

Purchase unique vintage and contemporary art pieces at one of the first stores to carry directly imported Bhutanese handicrafts. Browse beautiful, hand woven tapestries and duvet covers from across the Himalayas while shopping in just one store.

415 South Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA – 866.6BHUTAN – bhutanshop.com

Yoga Desa

Breathe, reach and be yourself in this yoga studio that promotes health, peace, harmony and happiness. Whether you’re a beginner, nursing an injury, expecting a little one or a seasoned yogi, there’s a class for you.

120 North Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA | 310.455.9551 – yogadesa.com

Topanga Home Grown

Experience your new favorite store with unique gifts and clothing from around the world. The more you look, the more you discover.

120 South Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA | 310.455.8781

Water Lily Café

Blend into the down-to-earth atmosphere of this breezy café while you treat your taste buds to a selection of sandwiches, salads with organic greens, soups, smoothies and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch some live music. ”¯

120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Pinetree Circle, Topanga, CA | 310.455.0401

The Man Store

Finally a store just for men. It’s everything you’ll need in one place: gifts, accessories, hiking boots, clothes and more. You’ll find high quality lines from Woolrich, Quicksilver, Life is Good, Aussie Dogs and the exclusive world famous Carhartt line.”¯

120 South Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA | 310.455.8618 – themanstoretopanga.com

Froggy’s.

Froggy’s is a Topanga institution, famous for its fresh fish dishes. Savor a casual meal next to the fireplace while you enjoy live music, or relax under the stars on the heated patio.”¯

Open Monday-Thursday & Sunday, 5-9:30 pm and Friday & Saturday, 5-10 pm.”¯

1105 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga | 310.455.1728”¯

Country Natural Food Store.

Open seven days a week and newly remodeled, the Country Natural Food Store holds all the goods a health junkie craves. Grab a bottle of herbal cough syrup, drink a cup of organic coffee or munch down on a whole wheat avocado and turkey sandwich.

415 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga | 310.455.3434”¯

Inn of the Seventh Ray.

Touted by some as the most romantic restaurant in L.A., Inn of the Seventh Ray will certainly rekindle your love affair with healthy and delicious food. Using their own recipes, and mainly organic foods grown at local farms, the Inn creates unique and flavorful dishes that will have you coming back for more.

128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Topanga, CA | 310.455.1311 innoftheseventhray.com

The Spiral Staircase.

This bookstore, situated next to Inn of the Seventh Ray, is the perfect place to browse while waiting for a table. Make sure to check in at the “Change Your Life” table, a selection of books from customers who listened to the store’s motto that “A Five Minute Wait Can Change Your Life.”

128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Topanga, CA

11. Café Mimosa.

Visiting Café Mimosa is like sitting in a French grandma’s kitchen with a shabby-chic flare. Enjoy outdoor seating as you check your e-mails on their wireless service while sipping organic coffee or tea. Try “The French Survival Kit”, which includes brie, crackers, roasted almonds and grapes. Open Monday-Saturday, 6:30 am-2 pm and Sunday, 7:30 am-2 pm, plus catering.

395 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA | 310.455.4341”¯

12. Hidden Treasures.

Hunting for a unique costume or just want some funky vintage threads? Make sure to visit Hidden Treasures, a boutique packed with stylish finds, both old and new. As you enter this nautically themed store, housed in a Victorian building, you’ll feel like you’re walking the plank – or at least onto Pirates of the Caribbean. Have fun exploring this imaginative hideaway.

154 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA | 310.455.2998

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