Neighborhood Watch: Marblehead

This North Shore beach town has the goods for an afternoon of sun and shopping.

By Sascha de Gersdorff

DOUBLE BREWED

If the Central Perk of Marblehead hangouts is Java Sun (35 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-7788, javasuncafe.com), with its yellow paint and red couches, nearby Atomic Café (14 School St., 781-631-6464, atomicafe.com) is the edgy Brooklyn coffeehouse of Gossip Girl. At the former, flavored beans and coconut-chocolate cupcakes keep the regulars happy; at the latter, hipster coffee klatchers linger over maximum-strength joe and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.

HOME BASES

Window displays including such oddities as a full-size gold suit of armor welcome shoppers to a world of eccentric finds at Piari Luna (33 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-0651). The catchall home store feels like an upscale Anthropologie, with vintage chandeliers and milled French soaps, but call ahead: A recent visit revealed a sign reading “Perfect beach day—couldn’t resist!” on the locked door. Up the road, long-standing décor boutique C’est La Vie (24 Atlantic Ave., 781-639-2468) deals in John Derian alphabet plates, countrified melamine place settings, and soft tees designed by local artists.

BEACH CHIC

At the new Bobbles & Lace (92 Washington St., 781-631-0190), silvery mini shifts and jewel-toned maxi dresses by designers like Collective Concepts go for under $100, while plastic and wooden accessories hover around 20 bucks. Another newcomer, French + Italian (129 Washington St., 781-639-5129, frenchitalian.com), steers away from the North Shore’s pervasive preppy look and toward a cleaner, European aesthetic with Roberto Collina knitwear, Le Mont St. Michel blouses, and, coming this fall, exclusive “simple with a twist” Anne Willi dresses. Somewhere in between is She (86 Washington St., 781-639-9800), a shabby-chic stalwart stocking eco-friendly organic pants and tops by Trinity and Rebe, as well as handbags by Marblehead’s own Helen E. Riegle.

TREAT YOURSELF

Gouda-flavored popcorn, spicy artichoke dip, fresh blueberry tea bread…and it’s all free! Well, sort of. At Shubie’s (16 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-0149, shubies.com), snacking on samples is encouraged. Lunchers can grab and go, or enjoy gourmet bites at the newly debuted “food bar.”

WEE CARE

At the hot-pink Babe (7 Pleasant St., 781-639-4900), tweens—and a few small-boned adults—dig the selection of clothing, which includes comfy lounge pants by Hard Tail and Free People, plus stickers and games. Next door, Mud Puddle Toys (One Pleasant St., 781-631-0814, mudpuddletoys.com) entices tots with sandcastle sets and classic kid-friendly books.

PREENING CREW

The recently overhauled interior of La Belle Femme (8 Spring St., 781-631-9806, labellefemmedayspa.com) gives the staff ample room to execute sharp haircuts, ultrasonic facials, and hot and cold stone “perfect legs” treatments. The two-floor spa is loaded with premier products by Frédéric Fekkai and Rescue Beauty Lounge. And Jambu (38 Atlantic Ave., 781-639-9600, jambujewelry.com) offers a tightly edited collection of affordable jewelry that’s both conservative (Jamie Joseph gem pendants) and funky (Me & Ro silver bangles).