
Best Bookstore
Books Inc.
Books Inc. has been serving the Mountain View community for more than two decades. The shop stocks nonfiction, fiction and kids' novels, in addition to games and gift items. In addition to in-store services, the bookseller offers online ordering and virtual author events. What's new: The shop is resuming its in-store author visits following a two-year interruption due to COVID-19.
317 Castro St.; booksinc.net/MountainView; 650-428-1234
Best Bike Shop
Mike's Bikes
Founded in 1964, independent bike chain Mike's Bikes has a singular purpose — to get as many people on bikes as possible. The shop features a big selection of brands and types, plus a skilled staff to offer tuneups in its shop or off-site through its mobile mechanic service.
4233 W. Middlefield Road; mikesbikes.com; 650-858-7700

Best Florist
Fleur de Lis
Neighborhood flower shop Fleur de Lis sells floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, holidays, funerals and corporate events. The store also offers a selection of gifts, fruit baskets and plants.
811 Castro St., Mountain View; fdlflowers.com; 650-968-0220

Best Hardware Store
Blossom True Value Hardware
Since 1973, Blossom True Value Hardware has been providing customers a wide variety of items for plumbing, gardening and electrical work, in addition to housewares and other small appliances. The hardware store also provides a key- and glass-cutting service for customers.
1297 W El Camino Real; truevalue.com; 650-964-7871
Best Store for Unusual Gifts
East West Bookshop
East West Bookshop is designed to be a place for "self-exploration, expansion of understanding and self-awareness in an uplifting environment," according to the store manager, who said the shop stocks unique gift items with that philosophy in mind. East West offers crystals, singing bowls, jewelry, used books, art and much more. The shop also hosts more than 300 author events each year.
324 Castro St., Mountain View; eastwestbooks.org; 650-988-9800