Images of The Gardener, Miki’s Paper, Margaret O’Leary, Erica Tanov and Forza courtesy of FourthStreetShop.com

Not all city dwellers know about this little gem of a street in Berkeley.  Since my time as a student, Fourth Street has developed into a hotspot for design lovers with an idyllic, small neighborhood feel.  Whenever I head across the bay, I give myself extra time to wander and discover new finds.  It’s easy to spend a few hours browsing from big name stores to local businesses.  Here are some of my favorites:

• For your home, there are big-name stores like CB2, Z Gallerie, and Design Within Reach.  Stop by Rejuvenation for old-school fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen.  Berkeley is also home to the Crate & Barrel outlet, which has great deals on basics like glassware and white china.  You can also score on marked-down furniture, rugs and accessories.

• I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of my favorite local decorating stores has a new outpost there.  Ruby Living Design features higher end furnishings from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Hickory, Oly Studio and more.

• Check out the Gardener and Forza for a unique selection of items for your home.  For paper-lovers like us, the Japanese papers at Miki’s Paper are pretty enough to frame on their own and Paper-Source always inspires DIY projects.

• I can never resist popping into Margaret O’Leary for their eponymous line of sweaters, well-curated collection of clothes, and delicate jewelry.  Everything at Erica Tanov is beautiful and beautifully-made.

• Finally, be sure to stop for a bite to eat at Tacubaya for unique Mexican dishes like plantains and squash tamales — delicioso!