Kulture

2 1/2 N. 18th St.
644-5044
kultureva.com

Second Place: Katra Gala

Third Place: Green House Glass

Need a pink, hand-blown glass pipe that looks like a unicorn with a rainbow for a tail? Or maybe a super-classy, Snoop-Dog-branded vaporizer is more your speed? Dude, either way, check out Kulture. The local chain has three locations, with a fourth set to open on Cary Street in the vicinity of Virginia Commonwealth University. Kulture's flagship store in Shockoe Bottom now also features a glass-blowing studio in its basement for public demonstrations — in case you were curious how that pink unicorn pipe was actually made. Owner Evan Matthews says the studio is one way the shop is trying to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive market. At Katra Gala on Main Street, smoking gets scientific. Or at least scientific sounding, with bongs boasting features such as recycler tubes and fritted disc percs. At Green House Glass, things are alternately arty and nostalgic: Don't be surprised if you find yourself smoking (tobacco, of course) out of a Super Mario chillum.