The Sword and the Rose is something out of a fairytale. Truly. Walking in the Cole Valley neighborhood one day I noticed an entryway that led to a hidden garden. Upon exploring further I noticed in the back behind some vines was a short hobbit-like door leading to a full-on magic store. At first glance, it looks like something trying to be a tourist stop for some eccentric Harry Potter fans or some such. But it is nothing of the sort. It is a fully functional magic store filled with everything from books to talismans to a corner for Tarot readings. The store just has a magical, tranquil ambiance. The owner is a local and always willing to strike up conversation about anything. 

Whether you believe in magic or not, this is a one-of-a-kind stop that will take you a little while to believe is real. The Cole Valley neighborhood, colloquially known as the “Brunch Capital”, is a very mellow, sunny part of the cities populated with families and couples. It’s a stone’s throw from Golden Gate Park and a train ride from downtown and the beach. But for a nice respite from the outside world, a trip through a secret garden into another realm is a must.