Paul Pipe Shop, Flint Michigan! Mecca for Pipe Aficionados!

[michiganlover]

I was returning from Detroit today, and stopped by Paul's Pipe Shop in Flint, Michigan.

This place is a absolute Mecca for Pipe Aficionados. They had tons of pipes for sale (literally. I would guess near 1000). There were many cabinets in view stocked full of pipes, but also probably 20 drawers behind the counter filled with even more pipes!! There were also many many vintage pipes for sale on the wall above the counter.

The store even sells their own branded pipes that are supposed to be made in house.

They are also said to blend their own tobaccos.

It's also home to the Arrowhead Pipe Club which meets once a month.

I apparently missed it, but there is also a Pipe Museum at the back of the store.

The original owner is still alive, and just celebrated his 100 birthday.

I picked up a rusticated Falcon for $35, and two of his in house blends: Arrowhead Pipe Club Mixture, and Creme Brulee.

 

[the_edski]

Nice background on the shop, John. Thanks for sharing! I would visit, but a co-worker of mine who is originally from Michigan told us to never ever go to Flint.

 

[michiganlover]

but a co-worker of mine who is originally from Michigan told us to never ever go to Flint.

It's less than 5 minutes off of the expressway, and in downtown Flint. Didn't appear to be in a rough neighborhood. I'd say it's pretty safe in the daytime.

It's next to the Post Office, The Flint Journal newspaper offices, and across the street from the Genesee Country Health Department.

 

[sychodelix]

Looks like an awesome place! Love that pipe!

 

[Kilroy6644]

Why have I never heard of this place before? I wish I'd heard of it several months ago; I could've made a trip. Now I'm in the middle of a move and can't spare the cash. Maybe it's something to do when I'm on vacation.

 

[Argonaut]

The owner is a 6 time world champion pipe smoker, and is 100 years old and still smoking. That's cool!

 

[Hunter]

Awesome I'm headed to Michigan this summer, if I'm in the area I'm sure I'll take a quick peak.

 

[Argonaut]

Awesome I'm headed to Michigan this summer, if I'm in the area I'm sure I'll take a quick peak.

Is there anywhere you aren't headed to in the next year? I need to give you a shopping list!

 

[Hunter]

Is there anywhere you aren't headed to in the next year? I need to give you a shopping list!

HAHAHA, well that sort of is the plan. When I go to the US I'll see which Canuck's want stuff, and when I go to Mexico, I'll see what B&Ber's want, and when I go to Cuba I'll make a small list of what cigars people want but it will be a much smaller list since I only have myself and my mules... I mean parents (I'm an awful son!) to bring back cigars... and three people at 50 cigars... just barely enough for myself!

EDIT: So when we get close to vacation days I'll send out PMs to people that are interested and we will sort out the details!

 

[Luke49783]

Stumbled across this thread after it was linked in another, I never thought I'd say this, but now I want to go to Flint!

 

[tlag77]

Stumbled across this thread after it was linked in another, I never thought I'd say this, but now I want to go to Flint!

Flint isn't all that bad, just leave while it is still light out.

 

[Luke49783]

Flint isn't all that bad, just leave while it is still light out.

Ha! Exactly. I live on the west side of the state and am from the UP, so I never have a reason to go over there.

 

[Toirtis]

Far too much in their museum that I would want to purchase....I spotted a desk pipe amongst the photos....a rare thing! Should I ever be near Flint, I will be sure to have the shop on my list to see.

 

[tlag77]

I was heading to U of M to see my little brother in law, ( thought he was in Flint), so I was checking on Pauls hours, turns out the Champ passed away in late August. Just thought if anybody cared I'd let ya'll know.