As editorial director of Pacific WEDDINGS, I am introduced to many talented and creative entrepreneurs. In this feature, I share a few of my favorite things from California and Hawaii.

On a recent trip to Napa Valley, I stopped in at a cozy restaurant called Market on Main Street in St. Helena. The warm atmosphere of this gathering place is at once casual and regal in its own right. The menu is decidedly American Classic, with an impressive wine list and reasonable prices. According to Chef Keane, Market raises the bar for fine art dining casually. We found the food as delightful as the atmosphere—fresh and unpretentious. And the name says it all: the chef’s preparations take their cue from seasonal ingredients and “whatever looks good” at the local markets. The friendly, attentive service makes this a great spot for an intimate rehearsal dinner or family gathering. (707) 963-3799; www.marketsthelena.com

My husband and I visit the island of Lana‘i at least once a year, and a few years ago I discovered The Local Gentry, a delightful clothing boutique in the heart of town. Proprietor Jenna Gentry Majkus has a keen eye for fashion, and each season she brings in the most fabulous dresses and resort wear from around the world. Visitors to the two resorts located on the island will be pleasantly surprised at the extensive selection of stylish clothes and jewelry packed in this charming store. If you happen to be staying on Maui, The Local Gentry is reason enough to make the easy 45-minute ferry boat ride from Lahaina. (808) 565-9130, locgent@aloha.net

If you are a diehard sun bum or passionate about outdoor sports activities (most of us living in Hawaii or California qualify), allow me to introduce you to Kelise Riedel. The skincare entrepreneur has developed a line of products called Evolution Surf that counter the aging effects of the sun—and Kelise should know. The California native fell in love with surfing in the seventh grade, and she says she started seeing the tell-tale signs of sun damage in her twenties. The Evolution Surf creams are handmade and specially formulated to moisturize and nourish your skin. The Bamboo Microdermabrasion Scrub leaves your skin feeling smooth and revitalized, and I love the coconut scents and silky textures of the face cremes, not to mention the fabulous surfboard-inspired packaging. (888) EVO-4249; www.evolutionsurf.com