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Shopping & Services

Best Trip to the Old West: Sheldon Feed
In the midst of the ever-growing city of Elk Grove, you can still find signs of the old Elk Grove in Sheldon Feed, in business for more than 40 years. The humble farming supply store is an instant trip to cowboy territory, peddling everything from saddles, reins and Western apparel to, yes, even bales of hay. 8928 Grant Line Road, Elk Grove; (916) 686-6400

Best Businessmen on Boards: The Owners of Ground Zero Clothing & Board Shop
With the economy in bad shape, it's understandable to have a bleak outlook on business, but the owners of Ground Zero Clothing & Boards-Del Campo High School grads Seth Sternin and Brendan Mohr-aren't letting it get them down. Their chain of stores for all things boards (skateboards, snowboards, wakeboards, etc.) expanded to five locations in the Sacramento area this past July with the opening of their store at the Roseville Galleria. And they are community-oriented, holding skate contests, an annual snowboard video premiere and other youth-oriented events throughout the year. Oh, and they give away free stuff at these events. groundzero boardshop.net

Best Housewares Department in a Hardware Store: Davis Ace Hardware
This old-fashioned hardware store sells an eye-popping selection of things for the home, from china and giftware to kitchen appliances and cookware. It carries pricey brands such as Viking, Cuisinart, All-Clad, Emile Henry and Le Creuset, but the wall of inexpensive kitchen gadgets and gizmos is pretty cool, too. 240 G St., Davis; (530) 758-8000; davisace.com

Best Place To Celebrate Christmas Year-Round: William Glen Christmas & More
Whether it is right before Christmas or in the heat of July, William Glen Christmas & More is a veritable winter wonderland. The shop, originally open only seasonally, laid down permanent roots when the William Glen staff realized that the Christmas magic needn't fade away once January arrives. 2651 El Paseo Lane, Sacramento; (916) 481-2397; williamglen.com

Best Proof That Second Time's a Charm: Second Season
Saks Fifth Avenue white lined pants for $5. A Burberry blazer for $6. Twenty-five-cent books. Those are just a few of the deals we spotted during a visit to this upscale secondhand shop located close to Country Club Plaza in Sacramento. But the best reason for shopping (besides screamin' deals): The money raised at this all-volunteer-run store benefits the Assistance League of Sacramento, which serves needy children and adults in our community. 2528 Yorktown Ave., Suite C, Sacramento; (916) 488-0828; sacramento.assistanceleague.org

Best Place for a Cheapskate: Bargain Barn
Need office supplies but hate to part with your cash? This is the place for you. Run by UC Davis, the Bargain Barn sells used computers, printers, office furniture, office products and other stuff for a fraction of the original price. They even get the occasional random item among their inventory; think piano, kayak, wrestling mat. Part of the university's commitment to sustainability, the Bargain Barn diverts 8,000 university items from landfills every year. Located on the UC Davis campus on La Rue Road. (530) 752-2145; bargain barn.uc davis.edu

Best Way To Clear Your Brush: Goat Central
Ditch those gasoline-powered lawn mowers now. El Dorado-based Goat Central rents out goats to happily chomp away weeds and unwanted vegetation on your property. The number of goats depends upon the project (the goats are suitable for properties 1 acre or larger), but it can range from 20 to 200, says Julie Austin, who co-owns the biz with husband Roy. You may have seen the hungry critters this past summer munching in the Empire Ranch subdivision in Folsom or the Lake Forest subdivision in El Dorado Hills. (530) 621-2920; goatcen tral.com