Jackson, California
This past weekend, I went to a small gold rush town called Jackson just off of Highway 49, south of Sutter Creek. I did not think much of it prior to my trip, but I just knew it was one of the many places I had not visited before.
This little town has a cool building with hidden gems like the Hein & Company Bookstore and Baker Street West, a non-profit organization that “formed to enhance performing arts, educational opportunities, and lively experiences that will foster interest in Victorian culture and the literature of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and others of the period.”
There were two main entrances to the bookstore, and I entered from the left entrance. The old furniture and old books made it seem as if I had walked into a grandparent’s library or study room. As I walked in further, I found the geology/land survey section to my right, the Sci-Fi/fantasy to my left, and the cooking section straight ahead. On the left, I also saw old books stacked all around a column from floor to ceiling.
Once I made a right and went through the archway, I saw the cash register to my right. In front of the cash register were café tables, chairs, and the café entrance/exit. There was also another spiral column of books from floor to ceiling ahead of me, a cafe behind the spiral columns, some rocks and minerals to the left of the spiral book column, a yellow couch to the left of that, and more books as well as the staircase to the second floor.
As I walked up the stairs, I started to see the Sherlock-themed décor on the stairs and walls. Once I got to the second floor, it was as if I had time-traveled back to the Victorian era. Everything was so cute, and it just so happened the Baker Street West people were filming a movie. They were dressed in Victorian clothes and, though they were taking their lunch break, were so welcoming to everyone who made it up to the second floor. I asked if I could take some pictures for my travel blog and they not only said yes, but that photography was encouraged! Perhaps it was the small town charm, but I was enamored with this place, its staff, and the patrons. I purchased a book from the shop called Secret California: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Ruth Carlson. Baker Street West was featured in this book. I skimmed through the book, and it seems like there are a lot of cool places to visit in the future.
Once I was done exploring the upstairs level, I went back down to the bookstore to purchase a few more books. The bookstore staff were very friendly and helpful, and also made a joke when I asked for the geology section. It was a wonderful experience overall.
Once I left the bookstore, I started to walk around Main Street to explore the stores that were open. I came across a bakery that is Serbian-owned. Unfortunately, it was closed that day, so I did not get to try their foods. It looked really cute from the outside, though. To end the day in Jackson, I made a quick stop at the candy story and got a few pieces of chocolate. There was a frequent customer that often came in with his grandchildren. It was the last 5 minutes before the store closed, so the kids were running all around trying to pick up whatever treats they could. It was a heart-warming scene for me because I never got to spend such simple moments with my own grandparents.
I have been raving about the bookstore and the Sherlock Holmes themed stores to my friends, so I will definitely be back another time.
Trip Date: March 5, 2023
Location: Jackson, California
Source: http://bakerstreetwest.com/
Post Edited by: MK
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