The Shell Shop
I inherited my love of seashells from my father. When I was a little girl, he would sit me down and carefully present the latest acquisition from his collection to me like it was a precious jewel. He taught me that each tiny shell contained a wondrous world of pattern and color. Hearing the Latin phylum names roll easily off his tongue was utterly spellbinding. He was so vivid and artful in his description of the undersea world.
Even though he has been collecting seashells for the better part of 30 years and has amassed a world-class collection, he still can’t resist the lure of a great shell shop. Which brings me to one of my happiest of Happy Places – The Shell Shop, in Morro Bay.
Every time my father visits me in California, we make a pilgrimage to this pantheon of marine mollusks. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for the big colorful shells displayed in the open bins in the middle of the shop but my father will hone in on the rare and sublime, tucked away on a top shelf, behind glass.
Just like when I was little, he’ll hold out his hand and sitting there will be a perfect murex with the most marvelous coloring. He’ll take such joy in pointing out what makes it special and I take such joy knowing that because of him my eyes have been opened to the wonders of the natural world.
590 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
805-772-8014
Hours vary. Call the shop for details.
