One of the most warm and welcoming yarn stores I've been to! Theresa, the owner, made me feel like…read moreI belonged from the moment I stepped in. This has happily become my local yarn store. It's a real community spot. The yarn selection ranges from standard go-tos like Berroco and Plymouth, to lovely stuff from Malabrigo and Juniper Moon Farm, to indie hand-dyes. The trend seems to be toward fashion colors and styles. I'm not exactly a fashionista myself, and I still find it easy to leave with creative choices. Especially because everyone there has been so willing to help me discover something I can't wait to knit or crochet up. Right now it's a super yummy pima cotton dk yarn I'm using for a shawl, and next up I have a cozy soft 100% recycled yarn for a cardigan. (And while prices at some LYSs can get scary sometimes, they seem to have really reasonable pricing.) PS: Parking in Union can be tough, but if the adjacent smaller lots are full, there's also a big municipal lot behind the Dollar Tree. (You can walk through for a shortcut! Buy yourself a soda!)

i came upon this store during the wool walk. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. Good…read moreselection of quality yarns in different price ranges. They helped me choose a project and went out of their way to order two colors for me. When i had family issues that caused a delay in picking it up, they held the bag for me for a few months and were kind and welcoming when i finally was able to retrieve it. Definitely a revisit for me when i'm in the area!!

Pompton Plains, NJ - we have just set up a birdhouse and put out some feed in our backyard hoping…read moreto attract some nesting birds in spring, and to our delight, all sorts of beautiful birdies started visiting! Now excited to up the ante, we visited the (newly opened!) Backyard Birding Store to get another bird feeder and buy more feed. I had many questions and the owners are super helpful and knowledgeable. I hit up Yelp to find a store specializing in birds because you're simply not going to get this level of expertise, inventory variety, service and attention at a general pet shop or a hardware store. I was looking for a squirrel-deterring bird feeder and was shown several kinds and how they functioned. I also asked for advice about types of feed, set-ups, etc. and store owner Andrew was very patient and helpful in explaining everything. They carry a large, fantastic, and high quality selection of bird feeders and food (for squirrel friends too!). I was surprised to see that the prices of feed and suet cakes are comparable to or even cheaper than big box stores & hardware stores. And the variety and quality are way better. There's basically no reason for me to go to those places with this local resource, and I would much rather support small businesses rooted in the community such as this. There are also gifts, books, things for kids like bug catchers, and other products and accessories. This shop is perfect for the bird and nature lover in your life, if you're looking to start a new hobby (or with your child), or if you just want to attract some lovely birds to your backyard!

The recent grand opening of The Backyard Birding Store on March 1, 2025, was a resounding success,…read morewith a great turnout that showcased the community's passion for birding. It was wonderful to see so many bird enthusiasts come together to celebrate this new haven for bird lovers, and the excitement and joy shared among fellow nature enthusiasts made the event truly special. The Backyard Birding Store has quickly established itself as a go-to resource for anyone passionate about backyard birding. With an impressive selection of high-quality birdseed, feeders, and decorative birdhouses, the store is truly a treasure trove for those looking to attract and care for local birds. The experience of watching and listening to the delightful songs of backyard birds can bring immense joy and connection to nature, and this store is dedicated to helping customers create that sanctuary in their own gardens. Birds play critical roles in our ecosystems, contributing to pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. By offering birdhouses and feeders, we not only foster a welcoming environment for these vital creatures but also cultivate a vibrant backyard filled with life and energy. The Backyard Birding Store is committed to guiding customers on their journey to enhance their outdoor spaces and embrace the beauty of nature. As John James Audubon once said, "The bird is the most perfect of all animals; it is the one that flies, that sings, that is free." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what birding can bring to our lives--a sense of freedom, inspiration, and joy. A special highlight of the opening was the showcase of fine-art avian photography by my friend Cheryl Colgan of Cheryl's Birds. Her stunning images of songbirds and warblers captivated attendees, and it was a joy to see her work celebrated in such a meaningful way. With around 50 matted 5x7 prints and unique framed 8x10 photographs available, Cheryl's art adds a touch of beauty and inspiration to the store. The owners, Andrew and Joanne, have created not only a retail space but a community hub where bird lovers can connect, share their experiences, and deepen their appreciation for nature. Their journey from passionate hobbyists to dedicated business owners reflects a commitment to fostering a love for backyard birding in others. If you haven't had the chance to visit The Backyard Birding Store yet, I encourage you to stop by and explore their offerings. Supporting local businesses like this not only enriches our community but also helps us all embrace the joy of birding. Store Location: 679A Route 23 South, Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444 Contact: 973-513-9246 https://www.thebackyardbirdingstore.com Let's continue to celebrate the beauty of birds and the joy of backyard birding together! #BackyardBirding #BirdWatching #BirdPhotography #CherylsBirds #SupportLocalArtists #NaturePhotography #NewJerseyBirds #BirdLovers #NatureCommunity #BirdFeeding #WildlifeConservation #PomptonPlains

A very cool comic shop with a lot to offer for comic fans…read more With their ever-present Halloween decor and surprisingly organized interiors, Gotham Comics is not your run of the mill comic shop. From new issues to back log, everything has a neat and tidy place, making browsing quick and effortless. They place a variety of mid-level rare comics ranging in price from $15 to $40 near most of the comic shelves, which make for both excellent window shopping and dangerous impulse purchases. They have a nice selection of old and new comics, mostly from DC and Marvel, so Gotham might not be great if you're looking for more obscure or niche comic brands. Similarly, this is a comic shop first, and things like games have a small presence. I also have to mention the staff working at Gotham. The employee was super helpful, going above and beyond in looking for issues that I couldn't immediately find. He made my visit feel extra special. The only downside with this comic shop is that it isn't located closer to my home! Otherwise I'd go there every week!

Quaint little comic book shop that totally gives off the "local comic shop" vibe from the 90's…read more Take it for what it is, and don't expect it to have everything you're looking for. But if you're looking for mainstream new releases, chances are you'll find them on release day (maybe the week after too). Not too much else to look at, especially collectibles, so your visit will probably be a whole lot shorter than other comic book shops (which is better for your wallet). But if you're in the area and you're in a pinch for that new Batman comic, this is your place. It was a hot day when I visited and they just had a couple floor fans running. Nothing gets me out of a comic book shop faster than sweaty hands on loose/unbagged books. And for parking, expect to circle around a couple times (plan to pay for a meter). But service is super friendly and they take card. And like I said, for what it is/does it's still a 5 star place