The Wooden Indian Expeditions
The Wooden Indian Expeditions
South Florida is blessed with an abundance of cigar shops… or cursed, depending upon your point of view. It occurred to me that in my neck of the woods there must be fifty cigar shops conveniently located just off the major thoroughfares. There are several within a short drive from my home. Not many of them are “spectacular” destinations. Sometimes the only thing that sets one apart from the others is the Wooden Indian.
Our board already has a B&M thread which includes a link to another site, so this may at first seem redundant. I envision something a little more detailed than just a shop name and an address… but not a review, per se… which would require expertise… which I admittedly do not possess. :smiley4:
When I stop by a shop I’ll snap a few photos and jot down a few impressions. Feel free to do the same, but please be respectful to the shopkeepers and patrons – especially when posting your experiences. I’ll refrain from including the local gas station display of top-shelf White Owls, regardless of the bargain basement prices. *ahem*
Oh, and to give credit where credit is due: The blame for this falls squarely upon badwhale for setting the standard with the photo-enhanced format he introduced in the cigar review forum. (Nice job, whale.)
Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke. It is bad for you. These cigar shop impressions are provided for informational purposes only. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. This is just for fun. I think wooden Indians are cool.
Episode One - The Gardens
Shop: Gardens Cigar
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410
This store is in a Publix Supermarket plaza at the corner of Military and PGA Blvd. It is a few miles east of the PGA National Golf Center.
Atmosphere: This is a compact retail shop. The current owner has been here for five years, but I believe the shop has been around much longer. There is a smoking area near the entry with a fifty inch flat panel television for your viewing pleasure. A few regulars were enjoying lunch, SportsCenter, and cigars. They were all quite cordial and receptive, yet declined to be photographed. Go figure.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ont_Indian.jpg
Wooden Indian: Yes! Based upon the scale of the sculpture, this example is most likely representative of an ancient indigenous tribe of pygmy natives that by now has been fully assimilated into the modern local culture. This awesomely detailed Chieftain is fully adorned in ceremonial cigar smoking headdress, wears war paint, and carries a large Bowie knife. Frankly, he looked a little pissed when I snapped his photo. We didn’t converse.
Service: Frank knows his inventory and the current state of the cigar business.
Walk-in: The walk-in is a typical cedar-lined, automatically humidified retail display. It measures about ten by ten. There is nothing really special about this one.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...igar_humi2.jpg
Cigars: The selection is somewhat limited. All the usual suspects are present including Padron, Fuente, Patel, etc. The higher end selections are lacking, but I was assured that the shop could order in anything I needed. I did find a few LFD Chisels. Prices are a little better than other nearby shops.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...lkin_humi1.jpg
Additional offerings: This is billed as a Cigar, wine, and tobacco shop. There is a limited selection of wine as well as cigarettes and pipe tobacco.
Summary:
Gardens Cigar is a decent local shop. It offers a fair selection of labels in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. It’s nothing flashy, but when you’re visiting the area and want to make a quick stop on your way to PGA National (2 miles west), you will find exactly what you need from a mom & pop operation… sans the higher PGA pricing. Oh, and they have an excellent Wooden Indian.
Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke. It is bad for you. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. I think wooden Indians are cool.
Episode Two - Smoke Inn, Jupiter / Tequesta
The Wooden Indian Expedition party returns today with another captivating installment!
Fun Fact 1: Many of the original Wooden Indian statues commissioned in America accurately recorded images of traditional Native American dress. Some sculptors hired Native American models to pose for their creative renditions to ensure greater authenticity. By doing so, the artists recorded valuable information about the local tribes and cultures. Renowned sculptors’ original works can today fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Plus, they look cool.
Shop: Smoke Inn – Jupiter / Tequesta
Location: Tequesta Florida, 33469 - tucked in a plaza on the East side of US 1, about one quarter mile north of the historic Jupiter Lighthouse and Loxahatchee River Inlet.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...Indian_clo.jpg
Wooden Indian: Um…Yes. Please understand that I have great respect for the Native American Tribes of Florida. Seriously, I do. Let me describe this while applying a bit of tongue in cheek descriptive license.
Chief Solarcaine does not appear to be an attempt at an accurate historical representation. Our Tequesta warrior sculpture sports a garish, lobster red, slapdash two dimensional gang tag of a paint job. The blurred, grainy photo below is an improvement. This mediocre, sunburned, borderline surrealist rendition of a warrior can not possibly be a fair depiction of the once proud Tequesta Indians. This is just too bad. … *sigh* He is wooden, though. Give them some credit for the effort of hauling this massive log in and out of the shop every day. (They can’t just leave it on the sidewalk overnight; otherwise, it would end up in someone’s garage. *ahem*)
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...Indian_pos.jpg
Atmosphere: The shop entry seemed dark and dated. There were a few chairs squeezed in by the entry near the main counter. The customers in the lounge were obviously regulars. They did not appear to share my enthusiasm for this project, hence there is no photograph. There was a fair amount of traffic for a weekday afternoon and Louis, the shopkeeper, was steadily registering sales.
Service: Since Louis was working the afternoon shift solo, he was pressed for time between manning the counter and ringing the register. He made a point of greeting each customer and knew many of them by name. I asked a few simple questions and received polite, decent answers. Louis knows his inventory and knows the cigar business. Good man.
Walk-in: For a compact shop, this location has a very large, well-stocked humidor. Most of the shop’s square footage is dedicated to their well-lighted, cedar lined, electronically controlled humidor. The pristine conditions inside the walk-in contrast starkly with the aged appearance of the foyer.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...humi_sideA.jpg
A few rental lockers are available for seasonal guests. They keep the inventory at a steady 70% RH, as indicated by the plainly visible hygrometer gauge. No, I didn’t ask about the calibration. You can see the locker cabinet in the center aisle.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...humi_middl.jpg
I rate the walk-in conditions as ‘excellent.’ The stock itself seemed to be in very good condition and there did not appear to be any dead inventory. Based on the traffic, I believe there is sufficient turnover to keep the inventory fresh. Having four additional sister locations can’t hurt either.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...humi_sideB.jpg
Cigars: As far as brand offerings, this shop has a very broad selection. You will find a much better variety of brands and sizes here than in a typical shop of this size. I even spied a full box of MB2 robustos. Prices are in line with the market for Palm Beach.
Additional offerings: This is not a high end retailer. There is a very basic selection of cutters, lighters, and humidifiers. This is likely due to the limited square footage available. IMHO, for a small shop, they have their priorities in order. They simply sell cigars.
Additional amenities: There is a small television, some limited seating, and a bench located outside. Plus, there’s an ice cream shop next door. At the south end of the plaza, there is an excellent old school Italian restaurant named Vulcano’s. It’s been there for 30 years. On the other end of the plaza is a grill and brew pub. They brew in-house and grill a mean grouper sandwich.
Random Thoughts: There is ample parking and plenty of space to erect tents or displays. This would be a great location for a cigar night event if offered in conjunction with additional local activities. For example, the Jupiter Inlet is jammed on holiday weekends. The shop is one mile from several boat launch ramps and three local parks. 2+2 = … 5?
Summary: The Tequesta shop has a very good selection and deep inventory, especially considering the amount of square footage. If you’re in town for business, golf, or sailing, it is definitely worth a stop to resupply. Is it a “destination?” My impression of this particular shop is that it is very much a satellite location. It is one of five Smoke Inn locations in SoFla. Three others are within a 30 mile radius. If you seek an environment to enjoy your cigar and some conversation, there are better choices in Palm Beach.
Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke. It is bad for you. I have the utmost respect for our Native American brothers. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. Ice cream is good. I think Wooden Indians are cool.
Episode Three - Sabor Havana, Palm Beach Gardens
Shop: Sabor Havana (one of four locations)
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, 33418
Sabor Havana is located on PGA Blvd., just west of I-95 on the south side. It is the northernmost of four South Florida locations.
Wooden Indian: No. I must say I was a little disappointed. Perhaps I should have called first. However, in lieu of an actual Indian, I present for your approval: Dr. Sheldon Cooper as “Cigar Store Indian”, portrayed by Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory.” (I’m sure that CBS and TBBT have copyrights on all related images, so credit them…except for the headdress and the Tat Black bundle.)
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ooper3CSI2.jpg
(You know you envy my mad Photoshop skills!)
Here is the front entrance. The photo does not do justice to the setting. I plan to go back when it cools down just to enjoy the scenery. I hear they sight cougars here all the time.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...t_noIndian.jpg
Atmosphere: This is definitely a higher end store. The appearance and presentation fit in perfectly with the desired image and attitude of “The Gardens.” *nose in air* PBG was home to many professionals and executives back in the hey-day of Pratt-Whitney at the peak of the defense industry boom era. (Look - a pun!) It’s also close to the island of Palm Beach. Some of that aristocratic snobbery has rubbed off on the commoners. But wait – the guys behind the counter are definitely not affected by whatever is in the water around here. It’s probably because they drink scotch instead. You will appreciate the broad selection and the comfortable lounge.
Lounge/Entry area: The lounge offers comfortable seating facing the main entrance. There is plenty of room to enjoy your cigar, watch one of the three televisions, or browse the web. The gathering area is very clean and well ventilated.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...PBG_lounge.jpg
Service: The young man behind the counter greeted me immediately. He dropped his paperwork, rounded the corner, and offered his help. I was impressed by his outstanding attitude. He was more than willing to discuss, at length, the shop’s offerings and cigars in general. He is the type of employee every businessman wants to hire.
Walk-in: The entire store is a humidity controlled walk-in. You can see part of the ventilation system in the photos. There are a few lockers for rent, but they don’t seem to advertize it.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...back_stock.jpg
Cigars: This is a fairly new shop in a fairly new plaza, so the stock is in good condition. The variety and breadth of brands reflects the high end focus. This location has more Opus, GoF, and Davidoff styles than any other shop I have seen in this area… so far.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...OpusOpus-1.jpg
Additional offerings: You guessed it – from desktops, to cutters, to lighters, it’s all high end merchandise. Look:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...mi_display.jpg
Additional amenities: There is a small coffee/espresso/wine bar near the lounge. They offer beverages primarily when hosting cigar events.
Summary: If you’re coming to PBG for golf or a visit, definitely stop in here. The guy in episode one is probably a little cheaper, but he’s much more limited. Try not to drool on the inventory, please.
Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke. It is bad for you. Ice cream is good. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. I watch the Big Bang Theory on CBS. I have the utmost respect for our Native American brothers. I think Wooden Indians are cool.
Episode Five - Cloud Nine Cigar Bar & Lounge
Shop: Cloud Nine Cigar Bar & Lounge
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, 33418
Cloud 9 is on the southwest corner of Donald Ross Road and Military.
Wooden Indian: Negative. When asked about the absent traditional talisman of good fortune, the clerk cited the sidewalk obstruction law of 1910, mumbled something unintelligible, and disappeared into the mist of the humidor. I don’t know… I’ve got nothing.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...t_noIndian.jpg
Atmosphere: The bar and lounge are very clean. All of the furnishings and displays look brand new. The set-up looks great, but it seems a little… sterile.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...9_full_bar.jpg
Service: The clerk seemed more interested in web browsing than anything else. He didn’t seem too interested in describing the shop, nor its stock and amenities. I’m pretty sure he is a grad student working on his dissertation. … or not...
Walk-in: Yes, they have a walk-in and yes it’s full of cigars. For some reason they had a ton of Diamond Crown. Look:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...DiamondCro.jpg
Additional offerings: They have a decent selection of humidors and accessories.
Additional amenities: This is by far the best cigar smoking lounge in the area. There is a full bar and plenty of space to relax, watch television, enjoy a beverage, and savor a cigar. They also offer free Wi-Fi.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a..._loungetoo.jpg
Summary: This shop fits its community quite well. There are professional offices nearby as well as upscale communities. The Jupiter Hammerheads baseball team plays right across the street. I would like to stop in here when the evening crowd is around and reevaluate. Overall rating: Meh.
Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke; it is bad for you. Plus, that means less for me. I have the utmost respect for our Native American brothers. They never wear metallic armor. Ice cream is good. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. I do watch the Big Bang Theory on CBS. I think Wooden Indians are cool.
Episode Six - Smoke Inn Port Saint Lucie!
Shop: Smoke Inn – Port Saint Lucie, (Population: Not that many - Hee Haw!)
Location: Somke Inn is located on one of the main thoroughfares a few minutes east of I-95 and the PGA Golf Courses at St. Lucie West.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a..._PSL1front.jpg
Wooden Indian: Yes! Finally! This is a fine example of a traditional Cigar Store Indian. The Chief stands about six feet tall, has an appropriate South Florida tan, and sports a fashionable Smoke Inn duffel bag. He is clad in buckskin and wears a tribal leader’s ceremonial feathered headdress. In his left hand is a bundle of colossal cigars. (I’m guessing Flor de Baloney.)
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...iefawesome.jpg
I’m not sure about the weasel looking over his left shoulder. Any guesses?
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...hiefdetail.jpg
Atmosphere: This edition of Smoke Inn is off Prima Vista Blvd., on the way to the PGA golf resort in St. Lucie West and the Reserve. Most of the traffic in the shop on this day appeared to be golfers on their way out to the course. There is definitely potential for this shop to accommodate regular gatherings of a cigar smokers’ club.
Service: I spent about 45 minutes smoking and talking with the weekend guy (who prefers to remain unnamed and stayed well wide of the camera lens.) We enjoyed a rambling conversation about the city’s history and how the little town grew up. He makes no claims about his cigar expertise, but he is more than willing to find answers to your cigar related questions.
Walk-in: You may notice a similarity to Smoke Inn’s Tequesta location. The basic layout is the same. Each shop in the chain customizes its storage based on the square footage and code allowances. The stock is in excellent condition and the humidor is very well maintained. Check it out:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a..._PSLBright.jpg
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a..._PSLcenter.jpg
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n_PSLAleft.jpg
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...enterstock.jpg
Additional amenities: There is a fair selection of accessories and a few desktop boxes to choose from. Opposite the main counter is a small bar offering coffee, espresso, and hot tea. One of the best features is the amount of space dedicated to the smoking lounge near the entry. (Sorry, no photos are included out of respect for customers’ privacy.) I understand there are a couple informal gatherings each week.
Summary: This was my first trip to the shop in a couple years. I found it to be better than average, and possibly the best cigar shop on the Treasure Coast… so far. I liked the relaxed atmosphere. For visitors to the area, this is the only stop you need for resupply. For locals who choose to shop online only - you don’t know what you’re missing.
Do not smoke too much; it is bad for you. I have the utmost respect for our Native American brothers. They never wear metallic armor. Ice cream is good. Sometimes I use Stay-Puft marshmallows in hot cocoa. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. I do watch the Big Bang Theory on CBS. I think Wooden Indians are cool.
Episode 7 - Oasis Cigar Shop, Sunrise, FL
Shop: Oasis Cigars – 33323
Location: Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise, FL – near the Cheesecake Factory.
I would never have known this cigar shop exists had I not passed it on the way to score an espresso and cherry cheesecake fix. The Sawgrass Mills Mall is gianormous. It’s a regular stop for tour companies who bring guests visiting Florida from around the globe. I go only to the Adidas outlet and then I immediately leave… … …unless I want cheesecake.
Wooden Indian: No wooden specimen here, but I’ll give partial credit for the neon image above the doorway.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ars_1entry.jpg
Atmosphere: You may notice from the image that Oasis is located in a breezeway off the main building. This a mall shop and it fits into the mall culture. It was about eighty-eight degrees out the day I stopped by. The front door was wide open and I’m not sure the AC was running. Go figure.
Service: The owner/manager seemed helpful, but not particularly knowledgeable about his stock.
Walk-in: Since the shop was wide open, I don’t see how the conditions could be well controlled. The glass-door cases you can see in the photo below are humidified and probably offer some buffer from the temperature and humidity swings. Draw your own conclusions.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ox_display.jpg
Cigars: Oasis offers an average selection at higher than average prices. My guess is that mall rent is fairly high.
Additional offerings: They do offer quite a selection of lighters, cutters, and desktop humidors. This is the first time I saw an extensive array of hookahs in a cigar shop. You can see them on top of the cases in this photo.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...er_display.jpg
Summary: If you’re on your way to the cheesecake place and have a minute to kill, it won’t hurt you to stop in and say hello.