Henry the Hatter
Searching for a fine hat in Motown? You shouldn't have to. Henry the Hatter is a one-stop shop for your bald patch-covering needs. Founded in 1893 and in the same location since 1962, this legendary shop offers hats and caps from New Era, Dobbs, Stetson, Borsalino, Kangol, Biltmore, and others. Already have a hat that simply needs some TLC? They also offer a basic cleaning and blocking service, alongside a full restoration option that will see your favorite hat renovated from the brim up.
Primitive
When you're trying to find the latest skateboarding kicks, it helps to go to a store that's run by a skateboarder. Founded by famed 'boarder Paul Rodriguez, Primitive offers up a wide selection of Nike SB gear, as well as the Valley's best selection of tees, hats, jackets, shirts, and accessories from the likes of The Hundreds, Diamond, Obey, Vans, Crooks & Castles, and more. If that's not enough to entice you, keep in mind that it's worth stopping by just to check out the design of the store.
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Whether you're looking for fresh produce or a fresh meal, you can find it at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. The oldest public market in the city — and conveniently located in downtown — Sweet Auburn offers a number of stands offering fruits, veggies, all sorts of meats, and baked goods, as well as a veritable food court filled with an amazing variety of ready-to-eat meals. And for first timers, don't worry about the heat — the market is happily housed in its original building from 1924, which was recently restored.
Easy Street Records & Cafe
Seattle is a town known for its music, so when you say you're the longest running record store in town, that actually counts for something. Located on the west side of town, Easy Street Records & Cafe opened in 1988, and has outlasted some of the bands its hosted for in-store gigs, as well as its sister location in the Queen Anne. Inside, you'll find a huge selection of both new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and books, as well as a full-service cafe that offers up breakfast and lunch as well as beer, wine, and coffee.
Sloan/Hall
At first glance, you might be scared away by the women's fashion — but take a closer look and you'll find that Sloan/Hall is quite man-friendly. This unique store offers a number of products suitable for manly endeavors, including quality glass and stoneware, refurbished vintage furniture, high-end grooming and fragrance products, artwork, some accessories, and even the occassional bicycle. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye open for its sister store in San Antonio.
RK Motors Charlotte
Whether you're looking for a classic ride or just a hard-to-find limited edition, RK Motors Charlotte is a good place to start your search. Founded in 2010 by a NASCAR team co-owner and another lifelong enthusiast, they've already sold over 1,900 cars to satisfied collectors and drivers all over the world. Their 60,000 sq. ft sales floor is a car lover's dream, with roughly 100 cars on display at any time, many of them among the most desirable in the world. Even if you're not in the market, it's worth stopping by just to gawk at your dream car — or car-s. Plural.
Miller's Surplus
We're not sure we'd agree with its claim to be "The World's Greatest Store", but if you're in the area, Miller's Surplus is well worth a visit. Opened in 1951, this hard-core outdoor lifestyle retailer specializes in military-style goods with a healthy dose of attitude. In addition to the expected camouflage clothing and multitude of flags, you'll also find plenty of bags, belts, boots, workwear, and tons of knives, as well as a copious amount of survival gear — pretty much anything you'd need for your next mission venture into the wilderness.
Hudson Hawk Barber & Shop
Getting a haircut is a great way to boost your confidence — and even more so when you do it in the most manly way possible. Having it cut at Hudson / Hawk Barber & Shop should qualify. Founded by two hometown gentlemen who have trained in Southern California and London, this classic barbershop offers cuts, buzzes, shaves, shoe shines, waxing, and basic cover-up coloring services in a no-nonsense, masculine environment that includes a TV, old-school signage, and the obligatory taxidermy. [Scouted by Daren]
Lawrence Covell
Originally started in Boulder as a handmade leather goods store, Lawrence Covell has become the go-to store for many a discerning man in the area. With a wide range of offerings that run from bohemian and hipster-ish to classic and conservative, they should have something that suits your taste, and from a well-known brand as well — Luciano Barbera, Kiton, Oliver Spencer and Raleigh Denim, Paul Smith, and Rag and Bone are just a few of the labels you'll find inside. Not sure what you want? Go ahead and ask the friendly staff, who will be happy to find you a drink — be it a coffee, wine, or beer — to sip on while you discuss.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
The Bay Area is home to many a market, but few offer the fantastic views of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Situated outside the iconic Ferry Building with the Bay on one side and the skyline on the other, this certified farmers market is operated by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, ensuring that the producers selling there are certified by the counties in which they grow. It's open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and also offers a section for prepared foods and products, as well as a wealth of food trucks and local restaurants serving up ready-to-eat meals.
Boyd's Philadelphia
The mall is a great place to go for variety, but it just can't compete with a great standalone store for ambiance. Take Boyd's Philadelphia for example. Men have been buying their clothes there since 1938, and it's easy to see why. Stretched across four floors — and with three of them offing men's gear — the store offers everything from fine suiting to casual sportswear, as well as a revered selection of shoes. If you've got some extra time to kill, be sure to visit the cafe for a bite, or just to grab a drink.
Fleisher's Grass-Fed & Organic Meats
Responsibly raised meat isn't exactly a rarity in the NYC area, but if you want to learn about it, instead of just eat it, Fleisher's Grass-Fed & Organic Meats is the place to go. Opened in 2011, this offshoot of the upstate butchery is known for its training and schooling program — but trust us, the meat is great as well. All Fleisher's animals are pasture-raised on local farms without antibiotics or hormones, and are butchered in-house to become common cuts, off-beat selections like oxtail and lamb's neck, or turned into homemade sausages, blends, and grinds. [via]
