Westminster: Something to Ride, Something to Draw

The aroma of leather is almost overwhelming in the showroom of Harley-Davidson of Westminster (13031 Goldenwest St., [714] 893-6274). But then, what would one expect from a Harley dealer and repair shop that’s been doing business for 27 years? Harley leather jackets may run $285 to $375, but tank tops and T-shirts are only $20. That’s about as inexpensive as it gets. The showroom has a dozen 2001-model Harleys ranging from the entry-level Sportsters, around $7,000, to the plush touring bikes, starting around $20,000.

John Davidson, no relation, has three. He said he likes having his name on his bike. “I bought my first Harley here, a 1992 XLS,” Davidson said. “I’ve also got a 2000 [model] Heritage Soft Tail. I’ve done quite a bit of business here and I’m very satisfied.” Davidson says among the draws of Harleys are their unique character and mystique: “It’s like the Beach Boys say: ‘Good vibrations!’ ”

The 42-year-old Fountain Valley resident, who has always had a motorcycle in his garage, says he enjoys buying a stripped-down model and customizing it himself. “Part of the fun of it is trying to find the right balance [of accessories on the bike],” Davidson says. “There’s a lot of detail on bikes that you just don’t see on cars. You get people from all walks of life on Harleys: those just wanting a hobby, some who love the freedom. It’s kind of like a brotherhood.

The showroom is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sundays.

The Art Supply Warehouse (6672 Westminster Blvd., [714] 891-3626) attracts students from Golden West, Santa Ana and Orange Coast colleges. Paintbrushes, clay tools, poster board, sketchbooks and more fill the aisles. More than a dozen types of X-Acto knives line one aisle with various blade and handle sizes, ranging from $1.89 to $6.39.

The store also has an excellent used art book section, with such items as a guide to illustrating with markers and a visual quick-start guide for Adobe’s Illustrator programs, for Mac and Windows. And help is easily in sight, as a dozen twentysomething employees in red aprons work the floor of the store’s aisles.

The store is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

* Getting There: From the Garden Grove Freeway, take Beach Boulevard or Goldenwest Street south. From the San Diego Freeway, take the same exits north.

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Westminster

1. Harley-Davidson of Westminster

13031 Goldenwest St., (714) 893-6274

Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays.

2. Art Supply Warehouse

6672 Westminster Blvd. (714) 891-3626

Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

* A new Discover Orange County will run next Sunday in the Orange County Calendar.