Is there a more magical way to enter a location than through a bookstore? Probably not, and for fans of Sherlock Holmes, there's no better "portal" than the Hein & Company Bookstore in the tiny northern California town of Jackson.
Simply climb the stairs to the second floor and you'll find Baker Street West, a collection of eight shops (okay: shoppes) which hark directly to the pages of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective. Walking through the thoroughfare with its storefronts and Victorian styling gives you a little taste of 221B Baker St. in London.
At Baker Street West, you can purchase English tea and all the accessories at Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Shoppe, find herbs at Dr. Watson’s Apothecary, and get outfitted for your steampunk look at Adler’s Emporium, named for the woman Sherlock most admired, Irene Adler. In the South Downs Apiary you'll find everything related to bees, while vintage games abound at Wiggins Toy Shoppe. There’s even a pub, the Wolf & Bear with a selection of antique barware. For the deep enthusiast, the Deerstalker store offers books and Holmesiana for the collector.
But best of all, you'll get a peek into Sherlock’s study, given by docent tour (and yes, there are secret passageways!). His desk is set up as if he has just stepped away on a case.
For local enthusiasts, Baker Street West is home to Holmes’ Hounds, a local Sherlockian society, offers proper English high tea and even hosts mystery dinner theater or full-length plays. For those farther away, check out the podcast; the latest episode is “The Disobliging Cadaver.”
Or just climb the stairs and poke around. Perhaps in disguise, like Sherlock would do.
