While on a trip to Portland, OR, I came across Paxton Gate. This shop was very interesting. It had…read moretons of wonderful items for those who are into the metaphysical, taxidermy or just interestingly unique items. The woman working the checkout counter was very warm and friendly. It is a must-go-to store when visiting Portland.

I've never seen such an extensive collection of beautiful & rare oddities - It brought me to…read moreexcited tears! Plants, crystals, bones, teeth, taxidermy, bugs, books, jewelry, apparel, prints, DIY kits, feathers, & more. Some of my favorite pieces were: - The peacock taxidermy - The giraffe taxidermy - The deer jawbone (she came home with me) - The black scorpion preserved in resin (she also came home with me) - The stag beetle preserved in resin (... she came home with me too) - The rat snake preserved in liquid (she will come home with me someday) - The badger skull - The scorpion earrings by Theeth - The "Crap Taxidermy" book The staff was incredible helpful, too. They were eager to tell me more about pieces, show me things in cases, & even wrap my purchases beautifully. Some of the pieces in Paxton Gate were incredibly expensive, but still, they were priced properly. The giraffe taxidermy was $7,500. That makes sense. Some of the other items, however, I couldn't believe at how low the prices were. The deer jaw bone was $14, the black scorpion was $25, & the stag beetle was $18. What a deal! I highly recommend stopping in to this shop if you have a penchant for the macabre, like me. Fun fact: I found all four animals tattooed on me (rat snake, stag beetle, honeybee, badger) in this store.

Awesome selection of dolls and nostalgic toys. Lots of other great finds as well. Would definitely…read morerecommend.

Will not go back there. They chase you down in the store and ask for your purse to 'hold' for you…read morewhile you shop, even if it contains a rescue inhaler, that you need with you, in my case, no matter how small the bagis that nothing else could fit in it. They opted for me to leave if I refused to hand them my smallish bag.

I love coming to this area of Portland to shop-- this is one of my favorite boutiques. The owner is…read morevery thoughtful, kind, and exudes excellent customer service. She's a lovely person. She has a great mix of jewelry, candles, home goods and clothing. Highly recommend the hand made jewelry by the shop owner herself-- absolutely gorgeous!! Very grateful they're surviving all of the changes from the pandemic. Definitely worth stopping by.

I always enjoy stopping in Demimonde. I purchased a beautiful pair of large hoop earrings from here…read morethat make me feel so happy every time I put them on. And I always get compliments on them. There are so many unique pieces in this shop that I often feel like I am in a gallery. Every item feels like a piece of art. I love this place!

Liesl is so kind and talented. She has created an amazing store/environment with so many choices of…read morejewelry, furniture cards and art that I just visit to de-stress. I went to a fun art show last Friday with a talented local artist, fun people to talk to and perfect margaritas. Her location is so cheery because of her warmth and plenty of windows ready to catch any sun that exists in Portland.

Cutest local store ever with such a cozy feeling! Definitely recommend a visit when in Portland!read more

What a delightful store full of wonderful little gifts for any occasion. Drop in frequently to try…read moreand get your hands on the incredible ceramics made there.

​I've long had my eye on a vacant Glisan storefront in the North Montavilla neighborhood, wishing…read moresome cool new business would fill the space. I was thrilled to find out local ceramic artists Mary Carroll and Alexandria Cummings have joined forces to open Fine Things, a ceramics studio and home decor retail space. Their website mentions the retail space will eventually offer their own ceramics, as well as some of their favorite home goods. I can't wait to see this business bloom into a bustling hub for ceramic enthusiasts and artisans - it's just what the neighborhood needs! The studio offers a membership-based workspace for less than $250 a month, providing ceramicists with 24/7 access to a spacious and well-lighted environment equipped with shared tools and resources. The owners are hoping to create a collaborative community where artists can hone their craft and potentially build a following of their own. I haven't had an opportunity to speak with anyone who is using the space, but I am definitely intrigued. At this price... who knows? I might try my hand at becoming a ceramicist. I am such a huge fan of both Mary Carrol and Alexandria Cummings' work, and I can't wait to have a spot to purchase their work right in my neighborhood! Keep an eye out for their retail space, and contact the Fine Things if you are interested in renting production space. I believe they still have spots available.

This place is like going to the gift shop at a science museum if the science museum specialized in…read moredeath. What an assortment of dead animals! Do you need some butterflies to hang on the wall? A giraffe mount? What about a python in a bottle? How about a whole bison? This place had all that and more! The staff were also quite friendly and willing to answer any questions. There's just nothing here I would actually buy. It's almost more like just an experience to walk around in. I didn't take any pictures, but I probably should have!

I love Paxton Gate and I always stop by when I'm in town. They have a wonderful selection of…read moreoddities, crystals, plants, bug pinnings, and taxidermy. Two entire levels full. And the staff is so helpful and knowledgeable. On both occasions I've visited, I've left with a new butterfly pinning. They've carefully wrapped them and thankfully both have survived the pandemic plane ride home. Their items are priced fairly and competitively. They have different events from time to time like classes and pop ups. I'd love to attend a class if I lived closer. There was a carnivorous plant pop up when I last visited. I loved seeing the different varieties and learning about them. Definitely stop in if you're in the area.

Beautiful ceramic/handmade goods and plant shop! The store is well curated and the perfect place…read moreto check out if you're looking for house plants, cute decorative pots, and unique ceramic art. They have a great selection of house plants and air plants. They even designed and make their own ceramic air plant wall holders which are so cute! The ceramic snakes are also really cool. The service was also great. I didn't catch her name but the woman there answered all my questions about how to care for air plants and gave me a pamphlet with the care instructions which was very helpful.

Cute little shop of things, hand made pottery from cups to pots. Lots of cute jewelry and candles…read more Beautiful plants and really cool snake hangers, snake holders and little minute vases.

Beautifully curated vintage furniture and home decor. Every piece feels unique and high-quality,…read moreand the shop has a warm, welcoming vibe. The staff is friendly and helpful without being pushy. Great prices for the craftsmanship you get. A must-visit for anyone who loves stylish, character-filled decor!