Jaewing sent me a PM telling me about "Tobacco Republic" in Loomis which is just down the hill from me about 20 miles. I went there this morning to say "Hi" and to (Don't flame me) buy some pipe tobacco. Yes, I've also become a pipe smoker.
In any case, I met Rich who I assume is one of the owners. He's a nice guy, easy to talk to and not a hard sell salesman at all. The shop is also a cigar lounge so you can sit there and hang out while having a smoke. The ventilation system is amazing, there's not a bit of smoke haze in the room at all. The place is very clean.
They have a wall display humidor, a small walk in humidor ( about 6x6) for flavored tobaccos and pipe tobacco and a HUGE walk in humidor (About 16' x 22') with tons of wonderful cigars.
So I picked up some tiny "smoke break" cigars including a RP vintage 1992 that's only about 3 inches long. I also got 3 one ounce bags of different pipe tobacco and a pipe tamper.
Boy, was I tempted to spend about $100 on some of those sticks. He had a huge selection of Ghurkas, RP's and many many brands that I've never heard of. I think that I may have to go down there on my day off (Friday) and have a smoke in their lounge. I tell ya, it's so cool to know that there's a place where you can hang out and smoke with other people. I really don't have a problem with buying an occasional stick for $10 or more instead of $4 on CBID when I have the benefit of being able to smoke it where I bought it and enjoy the surroundings.
By the way, They're having their Christmas party this Saturday. I should probably give Jaewing a PM and see if he's up for a mini road trip.
