Hydrangea Cove, a new beach cottage and garden décor gift shop in north Pacific Beach opened its doors in September with flair — complete with special offers, food, champagne and prizes for its guests. “I opened the doors — a very quiet opening — at Hydrangea Cove in mid-April and have been delighted with the reception that we have received from the local community, most of whom drove by the shop and just stopped in,” said owner Susan Christopher. “Now, our new customers are finding us through word-of-mouth.” Visitors won’t find cheap apparel and mass-produced trinkets at this charming beach cottage-themed gift shop. The store is filled with a unique blend of coastal-inspired décor and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that are perfect for quaint beach cottages and seaside gardens. Christopher, a 12-year Mission Beach resident, lives in a nearly 80-year-old beach cottage by the bay in South Mission Beach, which gave her inspiration to open the shop. “The cottage was built in 1932 and I have enjoyed fixing it up and decorating,” she said. “In the last few years, it had become difficult to find shops that carried the items I was looking for in my cottage.” The first-time business owner has more than 30 years of experience in wealth-management banking and nonprofit fundraising. She has worked as a volunteer for more than 25 local nonprofit organizations, served as a member on several boards and helped with more than 60 fundraisers in the past decade. Naturally, Christopher ties in the fundraising element to her new store. “I plan to do an evening reception each month with a percentage of the proceeds going to a nonprofit,” she said. This month’s grand opening benefited the Walden Family Services, a foster and adoption agency where Christopher served as a board member. Hydrangea Cove is located at 929 Turquoise St. Store hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.hydrangeacove.com or call (858) 750-3567.