Nearly Normal

Dan and dar Gilkey, owners.

Well, we have settled nicely into our new long term location at 737 G St., Suite 2, Arcata.  We’ve stocked boardgames, miniature war games, supplies to paint the miniatures (or anything else, really), dice, many different role-playing games, puzzles, models, tarot and oracle decks, manga, and science fiction and fantasy books.  There is gaming space at the new location we’ve filled it with comfortable chairs and tables. Customers can use the space for $5 per person (or equivalent in store purchase) to play their own games or one from the growing game library. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  We’ve resumed recurring events: casual Star Wars Unlimited play on Tuesdays starting at 5 p.m., casual Magic the Gathering play on Fridays starting at 5 p.m., and a monthly miniature painting day the second Saturday of the month starting at 11 a.m. with more events to come. Details can be found at boardgamesandbooks.com, or by calling 707-630-5200.

Same bright, cheery atmosphere, new fixtures.

There is  still a “new store smell”, but the product selection and event schedule is nearly back to where it was before the tragic fire of January 2, 2026. Our excellent customer service and mission of inclusion are in full effect, and we are so grateful to see new and familiar faces alike. Over time more art and mementos will be added to give the storefront a nice, lived-in feeling and reflect our (Dan and dar’s) character. 

Noah at Visual Concepts and artist Tony Diaz came together to create one of a kind t-shirts to sell, and gave all proceeds to the fire relief fund.

Dandar’s swift recovery so close to our old location would not have been possible without the money, time and expertise given by the people of our community, near and far.  Our heartfelt thanks go to Humbrews for organizing the Humbrews Arcata Rising event and  the Arcata community who supported it. 500 individual supporters donated through Go Fund Me and Giveahand. Arcata Chamber of Commerce raised awareness and made connections, and  Humboldt Made managed the Arcata Fire Relief Fund seeded by PG&E. They are very grateful to Bill Chino for finding a temporary location in  the Jacoby Storehouse, also to the 15 or so people who showed up with hand trucks and wagons to help them move from there to the new location around  the block. 

We are looking forward to spending the rest of the year playing games, reading books, and nerding out  with you, our community.