HIDDEN GEM:
An putstanding shop that is a bit off the beaten path. I was walking around John's Pass Village showing my fiancee a fun little tourist stop along the Suncoast when I heard a familiar tune. It was Warren Zevon. I just had to know where it came from. I turned into the store, which the little lady had already stepped into and immediately struck up a conversation with one of the nicest people I have ever met. The owner, Dave.
SENSORY OVERLOAD:
Now, my eyes darted around and I grew excited... a mug promoting the Dead Kennedys... a shirt from The Clash, Ramones beanie... an 8x10 of Dutch Schultz, Wizard of Oz miniatures, Pops... magnets, keychains, pins, flags, posters, baseballs... I was on sensory overload and enjoying the fact that the man and his wife, who was also there that night, shared the collecting passion.
CUT FROM THE SAME MOLD:
As a collector of autographs myself, I can say the owner has some gems... and really too much to see in a 30 minute "once over"... I vowed to return with a fine toothed comb and cut back on the gabbing... like that is going to happen. I learned that Dave and I share a lot in common and we are natural communicators. I was comdortable.for the get go. It is without any reservations that I highly recommend his shop to those who enjoy an interesting and quite a varied assortment of collectables.
SQUAWKERS WILL SQUAWK:
As for the guy who reviewed and mentioned differences in signatures... I have several autographs from bands I really like and they were added to my collection over the past 20-25 years. Guys who have become close friends and would sign a box of Jello or bandaids for no reason, since we are friends. Yes... I attained the autographs from them in person and over time I have noted that their autographs have changed. This even inspired my own change up to my own signature every few years (I have to resign papers at my bank each time I change my signature though, so it is a hassle at B of A).
ADDITIONAL REMINDER:
Just remember to compare the 5 star reviews, especially in this case, to the 1 star review. Compare how many friends people have, compare how many reviews they have posted. You can also see a breakdown of each reviewer's star ratings... like how many 1 star reviews that have posted.
MALCONTENTS (off topic, but these people tick me off):
I also never trust reviews of those who go writing novellas for the bad experiences and 9 words for the good... as a second year Yelp Elite I didn't even think a 9 word review was even acceptable. Think about it ... 9 words for 5 stars. 200 words for a 1 star. Sounds like a person that writes motivated by only anger and/or boredom, rather that to be humble. A.k.a Yelp Elites are not taking them seriously, we know whay to look for, nor should the shop owners fret.
ROUND TWO:
My second visit to the shop meant I drove 80 miles round trip to pick up a gift. The owner and I remained in his shop well past his scheduled closing time. We were talking about everything from Zevon to Joe Strummer. From Burroughs and Ginsberg to Hunter S. Thompson... from Billie Burke to Dutch Schultz... John Prine to Betty Page. From the Twilight Zone to Turner Classic Movies. During all this we paused as customers continued to come into the store and he continued to make sales. (WIN-WIN).
DEPARTING WORDS:
Like I said... This is an outstanding shop and I will most definitely stop in after my next deployment. If you are visiting the village, why not take a peek inside. There really is something for everyone.
NOTE TO THE SHOP OWNER:
Thanks for everything Dave. After living here for 20 years it sort of sucks to have found this shop right before I relocate to L.A. See ya again before the year's up. read more