Girard Avenue runs like a spine down the middle of the block area bounded by Silverado and Kline streets on the west and east and Herschel Avenue and Drury Lane on the north and south. This compact Village section has no shortage of banks and financial services. It also includes a diverse array of businesses, everything from restaurants, salons, contractors and florists to a boutique pet store, Muttropolis at 7755 Girard Ave. “Muttropolis is home to the latest design-driven yet functional dog and cat supplies,” said store rep Kimberly Topuzes, noting the shop has “cool specialty collars that show your dog or cat’s style, overstuffed beds to match your home decor or the highest-quality food and treats for their health and longevity. “Muttropolis is dedicated to finding the latest and most innovative products for your pet,” said Topuzes, noting monthly special events for pets and their parents include meet-ups, parties and adoptions. There are two cornerstone Village businesses in this block section, Adelaide’s Florists and Decorators at 7766 Girard Ave. and Meanley & Son Ace Hardware at 7756 Girard Ave. Begun by the Phillips family nearly 80 years ago, current owners Jerry Parent and Larry Anhorn are continuing Adelaide’s traditional “style” incorporating newer, cutting-edge designs. “Whether your style is traditional, contemporary or over-the-top, Adelaide’s is the perfect choice for your floral or plant needs,” states their website at adelaides.com. Meanley & Son Ace Hardware has been in the Village since 1948. After 65 years, the store’s tradition of dedicated service continues with an inventory that includes gourmet cookware, kitchen gadgets, Frazee and Mythic paints, cleaning supplies, garden, electrical, plumbing, hardware, et cetera and all the “widgets, fasteners, glues, and whatchamacallits you would expect,” said the hardware store’s website, meanleyace.com. The website notes Meanley’s is “a hardware store for everyone, visiting travelers, new residents and old-timers alike.” My Own Space (MOS) at 7722 Girard Ave., #110 is a full-service design showroom specializing in modern home furnishings, lighting, rugs and accessories. “This month marks MOS’ 11th year in La Jolla Village,” said owner Rik Armour. “We have found our current location, which is in the heart of La Jolla’s Design District and in closer proximity to other furniture and interior design-related showrooms, to be a perfect fit for us. Our neighbors on Girard and the other occupants of our building are great. And our landlord is a local who cares a lot about La Jolla.” Armour would like to see more locals frequenting Village businesses. “Shop local should really be more than just a catchy slogan,” he said, adding MOS “has been fortunate enough to survive (and thrive) despite what were at times very challenging economic conditions. We are very grateful to our clients, many of whom have been with us since day one, and we look forward to seeing what the future will bring to the Village. Orangetheory Fitness at 7734 Girard Ave. Suite C offers high-tech, 60-minute workout sessions split between cardiovascular and strength training, with heart rate monitors to track intensity and maximize metabolic burn, increase energy and burn more calories, even after leaving the studio.
Another La Jolla institution, the Ascot Shop at 7750 Girard Ave., has been in the Village since 1950 and continues a 65-year tradition of selling fine menswear in its beautiful showroom with hardwood flooring, state-of-the-art lighting, antique tables and Honduras mahogany cabinetry.
Other stores in this block section include but are not limited to: Pink Lagoon, Salon Cosmopolitan, Hamilton’s Salon, GDC Construction, Chase Bank, DW Print Works, Wells Fargo Bank, La Jolla Coin Shop, Berkshire Hathaway Realtors, La Donna, Ligne Roset, Jos. Bank Clothiers, Nativa Interiors, Brick & Bell, Richard Trainer Optometry, United Coin and Precious Metals, Eurocomfort Footwear, Juice Crafters, Brow Lounge, Bulfer’s Fine Jewelry, Fruititude, Cinderella Shoe Clinic, Spice & Rice Thai, La Taverna and Silverado Cleaner.