Flora and Fauna — Local services in Burlington

Super cool shop! Definitely not for everyone because of the bones and preserved specimens, but for those interested in collecting oddities it is a great shop! The only reason I'm not leaving five stars is because I felt the shop keeper was a little rude. I'm unsure if I read their expression and tone wrong, but it seemed they were irritated with me. What I did seems pretty reasonable so I'll detail it out here-

I purchased many items and had a small pile forming up at the register, and had previously talked to the employee about leaving things there. When I was ready to check out I noticed the line was six or seven people long and the employee wasn't around. I overheard those in line discussing the employee rudely for not being present. Multiple people stated that they called back behind the curtain to see if anyone was available. A few people left and put back their things, leaving the line to two parties long. I decided to try saying hello behind the curtain just in case someone was available. I did not mind the wait but the people in front of me were complaining and agitated. When I called back a hello, the employee rounded the corner and said hello back. I quickly apologized for peaking back there and stated I just wanted to see if someone was available because of the line. They widened their eyes at me and said "That's crazy." in response to me stating how many people were there. I believe they were being sarcastic and were annoyed at me.

After checking out and asking a few questions about the shop, as well as complimenting how cool it was, they said "For future reference only one person is on staff and if they're not at the front they're using the bathroom." I said something along the lines of "I understand have a nice day." But they were clearly not happy with me.

I think what I did was reasonable considering this is a shop is a very tourist heavy area on a saturday where the shop had many people inside. Many people, including myself are not local and don't know this shop. I never meant any offense and tried to convey I wasn't attempting to snoop or be rude. For future reference, I suggest putting a sign by the register that says "Only one person on staff, if absent, will be back shortly!"

A sign would prevent someone (who didn't know any better because they're likely a tourist during a busy season) from looking for an employee who was available.

Again, a lovely shop and I bought many cool things. Just wish the staffing was made clear so I didn't receive the negative attitude.

Much love from a fellow...

What an amazing store! We happened upon this unique store on Church Street and it is clear that the owners have a real passion for both collecting and sharing their passions with others. Sol, one of the owners, graciously spent some time with us and shared some of their vision. They clearly take a real pride in the items in the store collected over many years and their attention to detail for a truly unique and well thought out collection of, unique and mostly natural artifacts is amazing! Huge selection of plants, terrariums, ancient wooden bowls and pots, health and beauty items, kitchen items, décor, books, specimens, natural artifacts, and many others. Their sign says “Oddities, Plants, Gifts and So Much More” – great way to describe them! Thanks for a wonderful visit – we bought a few items for our home and we’ll be back! Congrats on the 'soft opening' and looking forward to your grand...

Found this shop fun, but it's not for everyone. The welcoming sign and unusual art in the entryway beckoned is up the stairs. At the top, we found more cool stuff including wall-mount candle holders that look like hands. Intrigued, we continued to the main room. Although there were more bones and taxidermy than I would prefer, they do sell an array of interesting items there. Remember cricket lickets? They got 'em. Baby head planter for your garden? Check. Bigfoot themed foods of course! Giant stuffed buffalo that we can't figure out how to got inside on the upper floor? Yeah, that's there too. This shop will not be your thing of taxidermy or bones or pickled specimen offend you. Whole those things aren't my cup of tea, I still enjoyed browsing all the cool items. If you like an oddities shop, this...