Eclectic collections of mayhem and miscellaneous treasures surround the walls and shelves of the Cool Guy Stuff store in Marathon. Owners Ten and Diann Diamond recently re-opened the store, located across from the Turtle Hospital on Overseas Highway, after a three-year hiatus due to flooding. The name “Cool Guy Stuff” may be deceptively simple, but it unequivocally promises an adventure in the unexpected.
“My mother actually came up with the name,” said Ten. “When I said I didn’t want 50% of the population to feel excluded, my mom always told me that when you tell women they can’t come, that’s when they show up – so I guess I’m not really excluding anyone after all.”
As a seasoned traveler, Ten possesses an insatiable appetite for the unique and extraordinary. Now enjoying the fruits of his labor, he scours the globe for quirky and quaint gifts, confident that his discerning clientele will be captivated by their charm.
For those seeking the perfect gift for a loved one, it overflows with eccentric delights. From rugged outdoor gear and adventure supplies to buoyant polarized sunglasses and disguised flask-sunscreens, the store boasts an array of unique finds, including an impressive selection of timepieces, home decor and thought-provoking artwork.
“We are very excited to reopen the store and open the art gallery so all of our cool stuff is now in one space,” said Diann. “It’s one-stop shopping for gift buying and you can always find something for yourself as well.”
A collection of glass art pieces, each a testament to the unique vision of artist Chuck Vannatta, graces the walls of the attached gallery. Ten encountered the talented artist during his travels throughout the Golden State. Vannatta’s artistic journey started at the age of 16 in Honolulu, his birthplace and home. He honed his skills at the University of Hawaii and the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts before establishing his own studio.
Other unique treasures on the shelves include anything from a comical vase and a remarkably comfortable seat crafted from repurposed denim to a cunningly disguised knife set masquerading as a captivating work of art. Jewelry, gadgets and an endless array of one-of-a-kind souvenirs await, and the Diamonds say they want to ensure that Cool Guy Stuff remains the ultimate destination for those seeking the perfect gift for the most discerning customers.
“It’s funny, because as patrons arrive, they’re wondering if they’re cool enough ‘guys’ to come into the store,” said manager Mandy Bowers. “We tell them it’s a play on words. Is it a store with cool guys’ stuff, or is it a cool guy that has a ‘stuff’ store?”
Whatever your take is on this whimsical and wacky store, one thing is for sure: you will definitely find something unusual and special.
Visit the store at 2375 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon. For more information, call 305-396-7628 or visit the store from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
