What is it that makes Hertel such a gold star destination for head shops? I would imagine that the homegrown success of Terrapin Station has got to send smoke signals to others looking to open in the neighborhood. Maybe the same strategic location maneuvers that apply to the fast food joints also apply to smoke shops? First there was Terrapin – the head shop has created quite a buzz over the years. Then came Headin’ to Hertel, a business that looks like it’ll stick around for 20 years or more. Now it looks like Marley’s Cigar and Hookah Lounge (next to Romeo and Juliet’s) is looking to spark it up on the street. The way things are going, it should be a hit rather than a crash and burn as long as they carry the good stuff and are kind to their customers.
Along with the heavy hitters on the street, there are also a few lesser known places to score some glass, puff on a hookah (hubbly bubbly) and purchase paraphernalia. That doesn’t mean that there’s no room for another smoke shop to fire it up. Taking one look at the Rastafarian and the Dancing Bear displayed on the front window of Marley’s, I have a feeling that there is going to be high cross-traffic with neighboring Hydroponics of Buffalo – the two should be good buds soon enough.
Gone are the days of the five and dime stores in North Buffalo – the times are a changin’ for sure. Or are they? Thankfully you can still find bake shops selling old world puff pastries, and for those looking for a twist you may even stumble into a quaint cafe selling wheat grass. As Hertel comes alive with the budding greens of spring, and customers pop up like weeds all around… I will be perfectly blunt when I say that there are no bad seeds on Hertel, just a couple of dope shops here and there.