American Science & Surplus

06/28/05

American Science and Surplus by Amanda S. at InsiderPages

Contributor at Insider Pages

This is a store for browsing, if you go in looking for something specific, it could be very frustrating. This is a liquidator warehouse full of all kinds of wacky things: science supplies, toys, mechanic and electrical parts, and just random junk. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon, cheap prices on really weird stuff. Quirky staff is very friendly but definitely a little weird... you have to be to dig on all this stuff. It's definitely worth a visit if you're looking for an epoxy encased scorpion, a venus flytrap, out of season holiday decorations, or a life size plastic mold of a female torso. Parking is ample

PROS: weird stuff, good prices

CONS: disorganized by the nature of the beast

Everything you'll never need but will definitely want, like sea-monkey starter kits and remote-controlled miniature blimps.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Back in 1937, a small ad in Popular Science magazine offered "Ten lenses for 50 cents." The lenses, discarded rejects from a Chicago factory, sold like hotcakes. The company has since grown into three store locations, selling everything from Mexican jumping beans and petri dishes to life-size skeletons and robot parts. While the emphasis is on science and educational equipment, there are plenty of gag gifts to keep you smiling.