Paxton Gate

Though many Mission District residents count Paxton Gate among their favorite storefronts, they always have a hard time describing the place to the uninitiated. The store describes its inventory thus: "treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and the natural sciences." In layman terms, this translates to unique gardening supplies, exotic plants (some of which are carnivorous), collectible insects, taxidermy (including lions, giraffes and punk-rock mice), specialty teas and tea accessories, hand-made jewelry, antique toys, quirky books and some very unusual home furnishings. See the website for online shopping, event calendar, taxidermy class schedule and details on Paxton Gate's landscaping service.