Artifacts 

Shopping

Happy holiday shopping in South County!

Steaming Bean Coffee and Tea Company in Pismo Beach, at 1651 Shell Beach Rd., exhibiting works by John Landon and more. Info: 773-2222.

West Coast Gallery features Gregory Simmons, Thomadro, Rubi Glass, and more. 991 Price St., Suite A, Pismo Beach. Info: 295-6120 or 305-8103. 

The kids

The Children’s Museum in Paso Robles is located at the Paso Robles Volunteer Firehouse at 623 13th St. It’s dedicated to the heritage of the Paso firefighters. Exhibits include an old fire truck, tractor exhibit, live stage and puppet theater, arts and crafts area, and Newton’s Playhouse. Mon. and Thurs. in December: ages 6-8 prepare and eat snacks. 3rd Sun.: 10 a.m.-noon, open to families and kids with special needs. In addition there will be a holiday candle carousel at the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, which will be on display through the end of the year.

Santa Claus will visit the museum on Dec. 13 and 20 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Sweet Treats returns to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum Dec. 15 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Lauren from Two Little Birds Bakery will bring cookies and decorating materials for the holidays. A fee of $5 will be charged per participant.

  Third Sunday is a time when the museum is closed to the general public, but open to families with children who have special needs. Dec. 21 from 10 a.m.–noon. 

The museum also offers a variety of interesting arts and crafts activities for children and their parents. Different activities are scheduled each day of the month. These creations make great gifts and mementos for scrapbooks or albums. Info: pasokids.org or 238-7432.

In addition, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is located at 1010 Nipomo St. in SLO. The museum inspires learning through play within a rich environment of interactive exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Story times, science and math days, gardening, and more. Open Tues.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 admission. Info: 545-5874 or slocm.org.