Many thanks to the SF local who told us about "The Pirate Store" also known as 826 Valencia. I had no idea what to expect and this crazy little wonder of a place just blew me away. 826 Valencia, the store, exists to support 826 Valencia the writing project. I may not be getting it right but the way I was told was that, for some reason, the 826 Valencia writing project folks have to keep a storefront (or get some benefit from a storefront) so they came up with the pirate supply store. I love the fact that, although they could have some sort of regular store selling books, they came up with this, far more interesting concept. They sell a few things- some books, t-shirts, dice, flags, prints and so on but most of the store is like an art installation. There are all these drawers lining one wall with weird little trinkets in them. One drawer had clay marbles, another had nets and one even had cloth fake limbs. It's funny and interesting and the boys loved it!

To the right of the entrance, they have a little corner that looks like a movie theater but with an aquarium instead of a screen. In the center of the room they have a large vat of sand where you "dig for treasure". When you find treasure (glass beads in the boys' case) you have to barter in order to keep them. They had to either perform for the people in the store or draw in a special book. They drew in the book.

I loved the bulletin board, especially the part about taking the notes out of the bottle before posting it. By the cash register they have a big vat of lard. Sayer was totally intrigued. He asked the lady how much is was and she said for each scoop of lard he had to give them a chunk of his hair. It was hilarious to see the look on his face. He thought about it though, I have to say. I told him we couldn't take lard on the plane. That and the part about the hair convinced him to pass it up.

The shop is all about the little details. I personally loved the employee of the month illustrations- amazing!

So, if you find yourself and your little pirates in the SF area, make a stop at 826 Valencia. While you're there, buy something and support a great cause. Sayer and Finn are the proud owners of some 826 Valencia pirate t-shirts!