Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. insists on its website and on Facebook that it’s a real business, but you can’t blame people for asking, since it’s not everyday you’re confronted with a store that offers space-travel supplies and rocket parking. The quirky shop offers a wide selection of science gear and novelties; where else can you find a jar of Chaos, a globe of Mars, and a Cherry-Scented Diversion Deployment System (a raygun that shoots smoke rings)?! But best of all, this nerdy establishment hosts 826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center for “the young people of Earth.” In fact, all proceeds go to the center—so you really do need to buy that Diversion Deployment System, for your protection and for the children! And if that’s not enough, 826 Seattle publishes an annual anthology, What to Read in the Rain, that features well-known authors and selected pieces by the center’s students, giving them a place to share their voices. At Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co., patrons can shop with peace of mind, knowing that they’ll be ready for their next space exploration while also helping Earth’s future leaders.

8414 Greenwood Ave. N.,

greenwoodspacetravelsupply.com