A rock shop with gift and New Age items is the short way to describe the inventory of Gaia's Rock'n Crystals that will open Friday in Bay 115 at 610 W. Hubbard at Northwest Boulevard.

A more complete way to describe what it offers includes large and small crystals, minerals, gemstones, geodes, large pieces from throughout the world and gift items such as agate wind chimes, mortar and pestle sets, stone gift boxes, sage, smudge fans and wings, singing bowls, jewelry and handcrafted items.

Owners Maryann Smith and Joan Frasier began rock explorations in the Northwest years ago, and Maryann has added lapidary work and teaching workshops and classes. Gaia is the creator of the universe in Greek mythology and also known as Mother Earth.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the grand-opening days Friday and Saturday and afterward from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Phone 964-4708.

Paragon Brewing opens Thursday

Paragon Brewing will open "softly" Thursday as a full-service brewpub with traditional pub food, with a full opening planned for May 6. Located at 5785 Government Way, select craft beers from the Northwest will be served while the brewery itself is under construction.

The increased kitchen capacity with the remodel will allow a British pub-inspired menu, and the 2,000-square-foot brewery should be complete this summer.

The new website of www.paragonbrewing.com also hints at future merchandise.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Key people are home brewer Kerry Kieres, Chris Kieres, Jake Bieker, Matt Dill and chef Pete Edge. All ages are welcome.

The Way Back is downtown

Seven vendors selling art, antiques and vintage and "upcycled" wares comprise The Way Back. This new shop opens Thursday at 213 N. Fourth St. (across from Cisco's). The vendors anticipate expanding to the rear of the historical building, which last was an attorney's office.

Regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily will be extended for downtown events including Artwalks and Farmers Markets. The first featured Artwalk artist will be May 9 with Jessica Nash's "functional art from repurposed and vintage materials."

Shop founder is Samantha Drummond, who was a court reporter in Spokane for 30 years but always had a "spate job" in an antique store. Phone 457-2597.

Bulwark Barber cuts downtown

A classic, full-service barbershop with everything needed for men's basic grooming is offered at Bulwark Barber now open at 204 N. Third St.

"The men of North Idaho deserve a place to come be men and talk about things like wrenching on motorcycles and reeling in fish," said shop owner Tanden Launder, who has the Thrux Lawrence men's shop next door.

Barber Matt Roerick is an area native whose hobby is guitars, but says cutting hair is what he loves most. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Phone 661-7419.

Now for the Tidbits

- Watch for upcoming news on Lake City Cakes on Dalton Avenue, Lizzie Lou's Country Gift Store and the Stylebar shop on Government Way, Taylor's Automart and Animal Medical Center on Fourth Street, Uva Trattoria on Best Avenue, Abandon Your Aches Massage on Ironwood Parkway and Chef in the Forest to be Embers Pizza in Hauser.

- The Fork of Lakeside restaurant opens this week with lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. Closed Sundays. Phone 292-4392.

- If kids are late to school, Lake City High School's clock on Ramsey Road is still on regular time.

- OK. That's how you spell the word that somehow was coined out of "all correct."

- This week was Shakespeare's 450th birthday. Check "Shakespeare's 50 Everyday Phrases" to discover common phrases and words that he "invented."

- Label instructions on a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only."

- On a church bulletin: "Scouts need items for recycling with proceeds used to cripple children."

- I didn't like my beard at first, but it grew on me.

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at [email protected].