INSIDER GUIDES

Ask A Local: CJ Alberts

If you want to know what makes Arizona such a special place to visit, ask a local — so we did. Join us as we explore Yuma with CJ Alberts, owner of Sunny's Bookstore.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is CJ Alberts, I’m 32, a triple water sign and own an independent bookstore called Sunny’s Bookstore. I also work at the publisher Bindery Books as their Marketing Director. It’s books all the time in my life!

How long have you lived in Yuma?

I grew up here and lived here from ages 11-18. After graduating high school, I moved to Portland, Oregon. I went to college there and ended up staying for 11 years. I’ve been back full time in Yuma for just over two years. I think it’s a really special little town, close enough to so much of the best of the Southwest within a couple hours and some really amazing people.

What motivated you to open a bookstore in Yuma?

I’ve always been a major bookworm, I grew up as an only child and reading was such a solace for me. When I was still living in Portland, I converted a Japanese mini-truck into a mobile bookstore and did popups with it. I moved back to Yuma partly to open Sunny’s, and immediately started looking for a brick and mortar space.

Having experienced the rich literary and bookstore scene in Portland, I knew how much Yuma would benefit from a similar offering and having a space like a queer affirming bookstore would have meant to me as a kid. We found a great spot in our historic downtown Main Street district and the rest is history.

Favorite place for a cocktail in Yuma?
I admit I’m not a huge drinker but I love the vibes at Crazy Earls. It’s a total dive and the average age of the patrons is 80+. Cafecito downtown has a good beer selection too.

Must-see cultural attractions in Yuma?
Right outside of Yuma there is a really cool date farm called Naked Dates. It has a brewery, live music and really great food. They throw different events all the time and have yurts set up for glamping if you want to stay overnight.

Tourist spot in Yuma that’s worth the visit?
The wetlands park downtown is so pretty! It’s one of our rare spots with some biodiversity and has really cute walking trails right along the Colorado River.

A friend is coming to Yuma for the first time... describe the perfect weekend itinerary.

Start the day getting a facial at Laser Gals, head to the Yuma farmers market (stop by the vintage vendor Lovebird Vintage and get the tamales from Angie’s Kitchen), bop around downtown and hit up all the small shops, stop for lunch at Prison Hill or The Pint House, swing by Lunar Tattoo to get tattooed by Yuma’s finest, and end the day by running into the river somewhere with a burrito in hand from Taco Salsa!

Best place to get out in nature in Yuma?

There’s such pretty nature only a 20 minute drive away. Martinez Lake and Senators Wash and primed for swimming and filled with wild donkeys.

Your favorite time of year in Yuma, and why?
I love being here in winter of course because you can actually be outside but I think the way we totally slow down in the summer is kind of fun too. Half of the population of Yuma is made up of snowbirds, and our traffic patterns come to halt once it starts getting warm outside.

Best Yuma souvenir and/or local shop?
I have to shout out the 261 Shops on Main Street where Sunny’s is located! We have 10 vendors inside of our building and each one is an independently owned business. I especially love Kiwi’s Distinguished Pet Goods, Karyna’s Korner and The Maples Apothecary.

Finish this sentence: “Don't leave Yuma without…”
Is it gauche to say coming by the bookstore?! Come by the bookstore!