Into The Wind is one of those stores that will inspire you to new and silly hobbies. It reminds me of the Wizard's Chest back in Denver, only with a little more class and a little less geekiness.
As the name implies, Into The Wind specializes kites. Really good kites. Stunt kiting is a hobby of mine, and the veterans at Into The Wind are legendary in the kiting community, partly because they've been around for so long. Take a look at the ceiling and all around the store and you'll see that they clearly know their kites. If you're a beginner or just a casual kite flier, they have fun shaped kites like sail ships, and simpler kite designs like their popular Hata. They also sell a few models of simple delta kites in a number of sizes. The real draw is in the two lined stunt kites. They carry stunt kites from many, many manufacturers including my favorite, Prism. First time stunt fliers can pick up Prism's Nexus, Quantum or Hypnotist, all excellent kites for the curious beginner. Into the Wind also sells foil kites and Quad line kites, though you'll have to head to the back of the store to see those.
Besides kites they also sell tons and tons of toys, skill toys and a plethora of gadgetry to bring out the kid in any adult. It goes without saying that kids swarm around this place. Yo-yos, splatter balls, tops, juggling bags, sound based toys, light based toys, they have everything.
If you're into the kite part, ask about their bargain bin. There's a bargain bin in the back of the store, of course, but apparently there's a secret bargain bin in the back office where they do the mail ordering. That bargain bin has some good items that were either lightly used or taken back after little to no use. I got a Prism Speedbag and a Prism Quantum Pro this way and saved a good deal of money.
Unfortunately prices are very high, and if you shop around for high end kites elsewhere on the internet you'll find that the prices Into the Wind charges will make you balk. But that's part of the cost of owning a store on Pearl Street, and its up to you, the consumer whether you'll support a fantastic local store. I chose to do so when the bargain bin came to play, but on a still very limited budget I'm not sure whether my shopping ethics could overcome an empty wallet.
But that's really only for the kites. If you're taking a walk down Pearl Street, this is a required stop for kids and adults. read more