Cole's, a favorite of many locals, is in a turn-of-the-20th-century wisteria-covered cottage, the former guesthouse of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. John and Barbara Cole founded the shop in 1946 and moved it into the cottage 20 years later. Barbara and her children continue to run it today. Visitors will find cookbooks in the old kitchen, paperbacks in a former classroom, and CDs and harmonicas in Zach's music corner. The children's section bulges with a diverse selection, and there are plenty of books about La Jolla and San Diego, and wonderful art books. Sitting and reading in the patio garden is acceptable, and even encouraged.