With creative backgrounds working in fashion and music respectively, April Xing and Heath Crawley both have a natural love for all things vintage, quirky and rare. These high school friends reconnected and in 2017 decided to create Tiki La La, now a thriving online vintage store that first started in The Galleria precinct of Ettalong. They've since been curating an ever-evolving collection of iconic Mid Century design; an eclectic mix of beautiful retro pieces, vintage fashion and an impressive vinyl collection. We asked them to donate some of their favourite things to see and do around the Central Coast.

What is your favourite local place for coffee?

Not long after we first opened the doors of Tiki La La on Ettalong’s main street, Lords of Pour cafe moved in next door to our shop, which created a great little hotspot for our new business. And we’ve gotta say – they do serve killer coffee. Too convenient!

What’s a favourite local restaurant you both love to visit? 

The Lucky Bee at Hardy’s Bay is next level. The twice-cooked pork hock bao buns are so good, just ask Barbra Streisand who the chefs once cooked for! Grab a couple of Cosmos and enjoy the view across the water. The pizza is also twice as good at Tropicana Social Club, Woy Woy. We can never choose between the "Tony Pepperoni" and the "Fishermen’s Wharf" so we get the "Roasted Fennel" – but they’re all amazing. And an honourable mention goes to Osteria il Coccia for its authentic Italian food cooked by fire, located at The Galleria Ettalong. 

What is your go-to outdoor experience? 

Ettalong Beach waterfront is a beautiful place to be – hanging with friends, walking or riding the bike trail, or a quick dip at high tide, before enjoying sunset cocktails at The Box on the Water.

How would you impress a visitor to the Central Coast?

The Boathouse Patonga is a favourite spot when family and friends are visiting from out of town. Classy pub fare, sunshine, tunes and quality beer at the southernmost tip of The Peninsula. Ahoy!

Where do each of you enjoy shopping?

April: I love Piccolo Pear at East Gosford and Salmon & Co in Ettalong for its lovely, curated flowers, rustic trinkets and garden décor. La Bohème along the Scenic Highway toward Terrigal and Shadow Bang on the stylish strip of Long Jetty are favourites for a quick fashion hit and always have beautiful homewares. 

Heath: You’ll find me scouting around Bookface looking for another book that I probably haven’t got time to read.

Describe a typical day on the Central Coast for you…

Our daily routine is coffee, Tiki La La, coffee, Tiki La La! In summer we try to sneak in a swim at a local beach and dinner at one of our favourite restaurants, too.

Do you have a hidden secret you’d be willing to share? 

We have been dying to try a pottery class with wine by candle light at the beautiful Centered Ceramics in Umina. Also The Galleria complex, where our boutique first opened, and is one of the most bizarre and interesting hidden gems on the Central Coast. It includes a kitsch movie theatre, motel and some of the most amazing, upcoming and in-demand restaurants. A night cap at Bar Toto is an essential experience.