I've realized recently that Hopkins students have no idea where to go for help when it comes to reliable information about supplies they need for a healthy sex life.
And I don’t mean condoms or lube. I know a lot of the student population don’t really get off campus much to explore Baltimore and those who do often think that a good portion of the city is incredibly sketchy.
So it stands to reason that they wouldn’t think that they could find clean sex shops around here that would be anything other than awkward and creepy.
Thank god that’s not true. Easily accessed from campus are a few comfortable, friendly and non-intrusive adult shops that should be utilized both for products and information.
I completely understand if any of you feel awkward to walk into an “adult” store. The first time I wandered into one, I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop blushing the whole time.
Seriously though, it shouldn’t be embarrassing to go to a sex shop. Despite the insane taboo that our culture puts on sex, there are some things you can only get from a proper shop with a knowledgeable worker. It’s really a resource that should be used, not be a dirty little secret tucked away.
A clean reliable shop is far safer to buy from than an unknown source off the Internet. I know it’s easy and anonymous to buy toys offline but most of the time you have no idea what you’re actually getting. While reviews work well if you know what to look for, going into a store and being able to ask a clerk makes all the difference.
Especially when a big part of finding toys that fit you individually is experience. And for those who don’t have personal experience, it helps to know someone who can steer you in the right direction for beginner products.
The variety of toys on the market can be absolutely daunting sometimes and not all of them are reliable or safe to use. Which makes knowing where to go for them very helpful.
So far my favorite shop around campus has to be Sugar, located in Hampden. Though, it does mostly cater to women and gay men. It is a completely non-intimidating boutique. Rather than the standard sketchy shelves of products (of varying quality), Sugar offers a smaller selection of well-priced toys that are known for their quality.
One of the best parts of the store though is that they keep a store copy of every item they sell on display, which any of the staff are more than willing to show you and explain all the pros and cons of.
Despite being small they also have a wonderful book selection from how-to guides to more lifestyle guides. It’s not for those who are looking for novelties or anything too kinky, but if you’re looking for a toy for personal or partner use, it’s a great first stop.
In addition, the staff is wonderful. They have that perfect balance of being respectful of how awkward of a shopping experience it can be and being more than willing to answer any questions about products.
They also have the added bonus of offering a variety of classes on different topics.
Another good find that’s easily accessed from campus has to be Chained Desires down in Mount Vernon. Being just off of Read St. means it’s a quick walk from the JHMI.
This is much more of an any-and-everyone-is-welcome kind of shop. Though, it definitely focuses on a much more specialized crowd.
While they carry the normal array of toys for all general preferences, most of their products are focused on fetishist and the BDSM community. For the more adventurous they offer a great selection of bondage gear and fetish wear.
Again this is a place where you should really take advantage of the staff. They’re both knowledgeable about their products and have plenty of information about the communities they serve. Especially with a specialty shop like this, having a well-informed staff is absolutely imperative.
Considering the communities they cater to, these are products that need to be used only by those who are well-informed about what they’re doing. Even if the staff can’t answer every question, they will point you in the right direction.
And it’s nice to know that this is a place where you won’t be uncomfortable buying kinkier stuff. It’s an extremely friendly shop that really tries to focus on making the experience as comfortable and discrete as possible.
There are a few other decent shops in the area, but these two have proven to be everything an adult shop should be: reliable, clean and knowledgeable. For a campus that usually prides itself on knowing what we’re talking about, it seems like this is one of those things that most of us have blinders on.
I know how much of a bad reputation sex shops tend to get, but not all of them are mortifyingly sketchy.
There’s nothing embarrassing about utilizing the resources out there for you.
Besides, sometimes you just want something to spice up your sex life with and need a little advice on. And you never know what you’ll find in a sex shop.
