Took a mini 2 day trip to Monterey last week. Time was very limited but I managed to check out 3 shops. First was Hellam's- big shop, lots of cigarettes, no tins, some bulk offerings at very reasonable prices. Some basket pipes and Ascorti pipes on the wall. Lots of novelty, touristy 'junk'- it is in downtown Monterey. Seemed to have a large selection of cigars. Could be some cool stuff in there but I was in a hurry.
Next shop was the Humidor- as you can probably guess, mostly cigars. Was in there all of about 2 minutes but I think I saw some Pete's behind some glass and a couple of Dunhill tins on the shelf.
Last was Carmel Pipe Shop. Was parked in a 30min zone so time was of the essence. Great selection of pipes. I think the owner helped me but there wasn't much chit-chat. Wish I could have spent more time there. New pipes, old pipes, estate pipes. Not a huge selection of tins, but decent. Bulk offerings were pre-bagged in ziplocks. Found a selection of Savinelli pipes in different shapes that were stamped 'CARMEL PIPE' specially for the shop. Came home with this guy:
Sorry for the phone pix.
Next shop was the Humidor- as you can probably guess, mostly cigars. Was in there all of about 2 minutes but I think I saw some Pete's behind some glass and a couple of Dunhill tins on the shelf.
Last was Carmel Pipe Shop. Was parked in a 30min zone so time was of the essence. Great selection of pipes. I think the owner helped me but there wasn't much chit-chat. Wish I could have spent more time there. New pipes, old pipes, estate pipes. Not a huge selection of tins, but decent. Bulk offerings were pre-bagged in ziplocks. Found a selection of Savinelli pipes in different shapes that were stamped 'CARMEL PIPE' specially for the shop. Came home with this guy:
Sorry for the phone pix.