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California knows how to juxtapose life and death. During a trip there in October, I encountered a few fine examples: impressively ginormous trees dangling off plummeting cliffs of insanity; scenic mountain hikes, but in 99 degree dry heat; or the tastiest fast food burger, along with my pleading arteries. It’s no wonder then, that when it came to boutique decor, it was terrariums and taxidermy everywhere I turned.

Take San Fran’s Paxton Gate. While many small stores and coffee shops are sprinkled with plant life and former wildlife, Paxton is entirely comprised of it. The shop doesn’t just have a plant display, they have an entire greenhouse filled with succulents, ferns, and cacti. They don’t just have antlers hanging above their front register, they have a conjoined twin calf bust, fox penis bones, and cave bear jaws. How could this not shock and occupy me for hours on end? I can’t think of a cooler place I visited in 2012, and it certainly set the bar for 2013. Here’s to discovering and uncovering gems just like it (or better yet, nothing like it) this year!

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