Thursday, December 03, 2009

Sized for a Giant: Cigars, Pipes and Tobacco



If you smoke a pipe or enjoy a fine cigar, or just want to inhale a smell that might just remind of your dad or granddad and their constant stogy, then this is the place. If you’re from the Tampa Bay area you've known of Edwards Pipe and Tobacco practically forever. Established in 1960, it has been a fixture for decades at this location on Henderson Boulevard near the intersection with West Kennedy Boulevard. If you are visiting Tampa you must stop by and experience the giant humidor filled with fine cigars, the comfortable and clubby bar atmosphere, delicious coffee and a large selection of pipes and accessories. When I did smoke a pipe, years ago, one of my first was a briar pipe bought at Edwards - they carry their own line of pipes and tobaccos. Although cigars are still a popular fad of sorts, Edwards goes way beyond the hype and glitz of an expensive, show-offy cigar to offer a wide selection of the world's finest brands. It may be Tampa’s largest and widest selection and variety of tobacco products (minus cigarettes.) I have admired the gigantic pipe sign on the top of the store for many years. Even if you’ve never smoked anything, you’ve got to admire a trade sign like this one; they’re kind of rare in this country.

7 comments:

Sara said...

That is awesome that they are still there! Corner of Kennedy and Henderson, right?

My B-I-L smoked cigars for a while and I would go there and buy some for him for the holidays.

Lowell said...

This is the first place I will hit when we go to Tampa. I used to buy my pipe tobacco via mail from Edwards ... but can't remember why I quit - I think it was rather expensive.

Hilda said...

Cool, HUGE pipe! I don't think anyone would miss this shop.

VP said...

As a past sporadic pipe smoker, I am still interested in any pipe and tobacco related items. I think I'd really like this place and I see it is practically impossible to miss...

Lois said...

What a fantastic shot! There's no mistaking what kind of business that is with that giant pipe up there. The sky looks great behind it too!

B SQUARED said...

I seldom see men smoking pipes anymore.

Frank said...

@ Sara - Yep, still in the exact same place...hasn't changed. It has added a larger cigar selection over the years.

@ Jacob - I smoked some of their tobacco blends years ago but when I grab the pipe now it's my old faithful, Captain Black Gold. Never fails.

@ B Squared - With 25-30 percent of the US pop still smoking, it's gone into hiding. I agree that I only see one friend in public with his pipe. That's why dragging my stubborn Pekingese around by the neck allows me time to enjoy a smoking product of choice...seems exceptable that way.