Getting ready for the next round of sex shop visits I was reminiscing about the last round- remembering my favorite things about each shop. I decided it would be fun to share them with you. As I was assembling the list, though, I noticed that sometimes I wanted to tell you about dildos and other times I wanted to tell you about fluffy dogs so I decided to tell you one sexy thing and one non-sex-related thing about each shop. Because it’s not always about sex, I guess, or something….

So here goes, from Portland ME to Portland OR, 17 sex shops and the cool things about them! Enjoy!

Nomia Boutique   – Portland ME

What’s so sexy?

There are the cutest notes next to the toys all over the shop – For example: “Why silicone?”

Because it’s not always about sex…

This place is so cozy and welcoming it’s like shopping for sex toys at your cool aunt’s house.

Oh My! – Northampton, MA

What’s so sexy?

Their condom & lube bar is nothing short of impressive.  Check it out.

Because it’s not always about sex…

The Oh My! Space is not wheelchair accessible. When I visited I saw a flyer for an event where they set up shop somewhere accessible for an evening.

Good Vibrations– Brookline, MA

What’s so sexy?

I love this place for many reasons. The biggest? When I lived in Boston they indulged my habit of frequently coming by to just hang out with the sex toys. They are just cool folks!

And because it’s not always about sex…

Good Vibrations is on the back of the building it’s located in. The front of the building houses a popular stroller and baby toy store. It’s really common to overhear moms in the area whispering “Oh! it’s behind Magic Beans!”

Babeland – LES NYC

What’s so sexy?

They do awesome events always but sometimes they team up with another favorite of mine, Bust Magazine and that’s just sexier than I can handle

And because it’s not always about sex…

I heard a fun story here: After 9/11 when lower Manhattan was off-limits the owners were escorted in to the shop so they could get employees their pay checks. This resulted in emergency workers asking for sex advice and leaving with free toys. I love that story!

Pleasure Chest– NYC

What’s so sexy?

In addition to being a legit sex positive shop Pleasure Chest is also a place where you can get all kitted out for your next bachelorette party- seriously, you don’t have to go somewhere icky for that- you can get it done at the lovely PC!

And because it’s not always about sex…

The NYC Pleasure Chest is just in such a cool location. If you’re in town, go hang out on Christopher St. and then swing by and say hello!

Eve’s Garden– NYC

What’s so sexy?

Maybe it’s the incognito office building setting- I don’t know- but while I was at Eve’s Garden it seemed to be THE spot for men looking to learn how to please their partners. it was so cool to see so many men come in, ask questions, learn stuff and leave with toys lube and smiles.

And because it’s not always about sex…

They have a living room. For real. It’s a totally separate room with books and chairs and stuff. Look at it! ->

Sugar, Baltimore, MD

What’s so sexy?

My visit to Sugar involved a lot of me going “Wait! What’s that?!” and Sugar’s owner Jacq patiently explaining cool stuff to me- that’s Sugar, you WILL learn new sex stuff here.

And because it’s not always about sex…

If you use the bathroom at Sugar you need a key. The key is attached to a butt plug, natch.

Sexploratorium– Philadelphia, PA

What’s so sexy?

This was the largest selection of high-quality sexual products I have ever seen in one place.

And because it’s not always about sex…

Okay, so they have moved (and I can’t wait to see the new space) and I don’t know the new space BUT I do know that it has brought their sister store Passional, home of super-hot corsets and the like, into the same space as Sexploratorium with its amazing selection so, you know, boo-yah and stuff.

Shag – Williamsburg, NY

What’s so sexy?

The classroom at this place is enormous. And gorgeous. And amazing. And they do really cool stuff in it.

And because it’s not always about sex…

Don’t miss the art, jewelry or housewares!

Come as You Are– Toronto, ON

What’s so sexy?

They are the only cooperatively owned and operated sex shop in the world. The people working there are the owners.

And because it’s not always about sex…

The pool balls used as display racks. That’s just cool.

Good For Her– Toronto, ON

What’s so sexy? 

They host weekly women and trans only shopping hours to ensure maximum shopping comfort for all patrons.

And because it’s not always about sex…

This place is in the cutest quiet little neighborhood. It made me want to go to a yoga class, get a latte and do some sex shopping.

Early to Bed– Chicago, IL

What’s so sexy?

Early to Bed is an educational dream come true – cool classes, in store library, EtB tv for online learning- so much to learn!!

And because it’s not always about sex…

Early to Bed just relocated and rumor has it the new shop has a very cool glittery floor!

Tulip- Chicago, IL

What’s so sexy?

One location is actually right next door to a silicone dildo manufacturing facility. (I’m not making this up) Not only does Tulip have access to an amazing array of dildo options, they also get these awesome little dicks made from the silicone remnants.

And because it’s not always about sex…

Tulip has two locations one in Andersonville and one in Lakeview. I may have hit them both in the same day… I may have been to both twice in the space of 48 hours…

Tool Shed-Milwaukee, WI

What’s so sexy?

My favorite feature at Tool Shed was the “recommended for  beginners” box of vibrators. Shopping for that first vibrator can be so daunting, narrowing it down helps!

And because it’s not always about sex…

In addition to all the awesome sex stuff (and there’s a lot of awesome sex stuff) Tool Shed carries an impressive array of gift-type products- seriously I could stuff some stockings here… I really didn’t mean that as dirty as it sounded

A Woman’s Touch– Madison, WI

What’s so sexy?

They have a “build-your-own vibe” section with different casings, motors, controls etc to help you build your ideal vibe.

And because it’s not always about sex….

Big. Fluffy. Puppy. Maybe two (?) I know I got to pet at least one super awesome dog here.

PS- they also moved after I visited… was it something I said, guys?

Smitten Kitten -Minneapolis, MN

What’s so sexy?

I’m torn between the enormous assortment of body safe toys and the streaming educational porn.

And because it’s not always about sex….

The music at Smitten Kitten plays through an awesome antique stereo

She Bop, Portland, OR

What’s so sexy?

She Bop does some of the coolest events! Burlesque classes happen regularly and last December they teamed up with a neighboring ice cream shop for an event that was nothing short of inspired.

And because it’s not always about sex….

She Bop has a copy of the original Cyndi Lauper She Bop 45 hanging behind the register

That was fun, right?!