Best Smoke Shop: The Station

25940 Michigan Ave., Inkster; 313-561-7969

Motorists driving west along this stretch of Michigan Avenue will find it hard to not do a double-take upon seeing this establishment, with its roadside sign, dark-stained wood paneling, its garage doors painted fire engine red, and the lingerie-wearing mannequins in the storefront window. Once upon a time, it was a Texaco gas station, but at the height of the energy crisis in 1973, this establishment took a detour into the paraphernalia business and never looked back.

To say that the Station is a head shop is not quite fair to the store, which sells a wide variety of novelties. Now, yes, you can procure a T-shirt that expresses your views on marijuana legalization, a water pipe, vaporizers or e-cigarettes, or some cool rolling papers, and walk out a happy customer. But you might be surprised to find that scented oil you want, or that novelty Zippo lighter, or a charming bit of body jewelry. There are also some adult-oriented wares you have to be 18 or older to peruse.

In the end, though, the shop is best described as a boutique, because it’s both a fun place to browse for a half-hour and a place where the service-oriented staff aims to please. Not only will you get exactly what you want, you might find a few other things you didn’t even know you needed. —Michael Jackman