Riding through Alexandria's Del Ray district, my girlfriend and I stumbled across a total gem, Exotic Plantarium/Card & Comic Collectorama. Inside we found a world consisting of years of collecting. Comics everywhere ranging from '60's childrens comics to loads of '80's and '90's horror comics (noteably, Re-Animator issue #1 and other HP Lovecraft related swag). Sports cards and collectables dominated the display cases and the front right quarter of the store. This is where I scored a 1983 Rickey Henderson Topps All-Star card for 60 cents.
I also found an original A Nightmare on Elm Street promotional pin for $1.79.
The front, left quarter of the shop was the Exotic Plantarium. Scores of small, semi-exotic plants such as the Venus Fly Trap and various Cacti. Tyce, my girlfriend, found this little treasure for under three bucks.
The eccentric owner of the Colectorama is a very awkwardly nice man. Any question we had, he was more than pleased to answer and quick to make other helpful suggestions. All plant inquiries were followed with off the mind care instructions. The guy is extremely passionate about his merchandise and wants shoppers to enjoy these treasures as much as he obviously has himself. Paying turned almost comical (no pun intended) when he explained that payment via credit card would certainly take him a few minutes, at least. He was also hard pressed to provide change for a $50 bill and suggested we buy more to ease the burden. We will certainly return to the store, located at 2008 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, VA. and suggest you stop by yourself if you are ever in the Del Ray area. BIG UPS!
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