Cigars International Hamburg
Your average hole-in-the-wall smoke shop, this is not. Cigars International Hamburg is more of a destination than a store, tempting all comers into spending some serious time there. As the largest freestanding cigar store in America, it offers an unbelievable selection of cigars spread across two floors, a cigar-rolling station (of course), two fully-stocked bars, two levels of outdoor deck seating, a pool table, a huge selection of humidors and pipes, and tons of seating and TVs for taking in the game while you relax. The Tinder Box is never going to look the same again. [Scouted by Scott]
Warby Parker Flagship Store
We're huge fans of Warby Parker's glasses — we use them at the computer, out on the town, and basically everywhere but the shower. But up until now, most folks had to order them online, and do a bit of trial-and-error to find the frames for them. That's all about to change with the new Warby Parker Flagship Store. This expansive SoHo space boasts 15-foot ceilings, a 20-foot-wide skylight, terrazzo floors, rolling library ladders, a photo booth, plenty of reading materials — the place is modeled after a library, after all — and tons of glasses, ready to be picked up, tried on, and gazed upon in one of the myriad mirrors. Of course, an optometrist will be on hand for those who need new prescriptions, while sunglass buyers can walk directly out the door wearing their new shades.
The Butcher & Larder
Sustainability isn't as easy as it sounds — just ask the crew at The Butcher & Larder. With the goal of becoming the Windy City's first sustainable, all whole animal butcher shop, they source their animals from small, Midwestern family farms, and custom cut the meat themselves. In addition to traditional cuts, they also make a number of sausages, patés, and deli items like ham, bacon, and corned beef. Looking to learn more about the craft? They offer butchering and charcuterie classes — sharing their CIA-gained knowledge — and have plans to hold occasional family-style dinners at the shop.
Shreve, Crump & Low
Looking for something special for a special someone? The folks at Shreve, Crump & Low are here to help. In business since 1796, they certainly know their stuff, offering high-end wares from their flagship location that's part store, part art gallery. Inside, you'll find fine jewelry, watches, clocks, and tons of gifts ranging from china and flatware to frames, crystal, artwork, and leather goods. One constant remains, no matter what you're looking for: be sure to bring money. Plenty of money. [via]
Seaweed & Gravel
Don't go into Seaweed & Gravel looking for something specific — let something specific find you. This interesting shop offers an eclectic mix of stuff for your perusal, including new and vintage apparel, surfboards, vintage motorcycles, helmets, boots, bags, hats, and even bonsai trees. Even better, almost all of it is available for reasonable if not downright affordable prices, making your compulsive purchases seem that much better. They don't serve food, but don't worry if all that shopping results in a healthy appetite — there's a great taco joint just a couple doors down. [Thanks, Ryan]
Filson London
No longer must our friends across the pond lust longfully after our rustic outdoor apparel — Filson London just opened. Located in SoHo, the shop is the brand's first outside of the Pacific Northwest, and stocks a variety of Filson products, with a special focus on jackets, leather goods, bags, and luggage. Authentic vintage luggage will also be on offer, alongside store exclusives, and at least a couple items in safety orange.
Perfect Picnic
Skip the hassle of trying to procure your own outdoor eats and tap the knowledge of the pros at Perfect Picnic. This delightful store/service offers a menu of pre-configured picnic baskets that include everything from artisanal meats and cheeses to freshly-baked cookies, brownies, and caviar. No matter which basket you choose, you'll be pleased to know that all the foods are sourced from regional farms and purveyors, ensuring a quality product while supporting the sustainability of the local economy. Now all you need is for Spring to actually arrive.
Poler Flagship Store
You've long been able to purchase goods from purveyors of awesome outdoor stuff Poler over the Internets, but now there's a place to check out their entire lineup in the flesh. The new Poler Flagship Store is a no-nonsense space where you can grab, tug on, chew, and otherwise test out their tees, bags, tents, jackets, beanies, hoodies, hats, and other goods before you decide to buy. The store will also play host to rotating pop-up displays from brands like BAGGU, and will offer goods from the likes of Wood and Faulk, Stance, and RAEN optics.
The Butcher Shop
We'll admit, when we first heard the name we weren't expecting a wine bar — but that's exactly what you'll find at The Butcher Shop. This South End spot is a throwback to old world European boucheries, serving as both a place to get a great pinot and a place where you can pick up pretty much any cut of meat you can think of. There's pretty much always bread and olive oil out on the butcher block, and there's a butcher on hand daily to help you with any questions you might have. Wine, food, and housemade sausage: what more could you want?
The Swinery
Despite its name, The Swinery does offer more than just pork products — although to leave without having a least a taste does seem inappropriate. Self-labeled as a "Temple of Porcine Love", the Swinery is Seattle's first sustainable butcher, in that it buys all of its animals — whole — from small farms within 300 miles of the shop, with a preference for certified organic products. A plethora of steaks, chops, house-made sausages, dried and smoked meats, cheeses, and, of course, bacon is available, as is a menu of freshly made burgers, fries, bacon dogs, and other goodies from the courtyard counter.
The Last Bookstore
Okay, so it's not really The Last Bookstore — but it is a name that becomes a little more true with each passing day. Unlike most purveyors of dead tree products, this shop has seen steady growth since its founding in 2005, moving from a loft, to a small location, to the current store: a 10,000 square foot behemoth that used to serve as a bank. Inside, you'll find a record shop, a coffee bar, a small stage, and an enormous selection of books, including over 100,000 priced at a buck a piece. [Scouted by Jeff]
Crow's Feet Commons
When your goal is to get as much outdoot activity in as you can, it's best not to spend all your free time running from shop to shop — which is what makes Crow's Feet Commons so damned convenient. This single store serves as a bike shop and a ski shop so you can any gear you need, as well as a coffee shop, so you can get your morning caffeine fix before you head out. And at the end of the day, you can stop back in to swap stories and enjoy a pint or two of craft brew and a bite from the on-site pub. Yes, that's right — they sell bikes, snowboards, skis, coffee, food, and beer. What's not to like? [Scouted by Matt]
