Wendell Cigar Company

If you have been hunting for a cigar shop in Wendell with a genuinely serious selection, Wendell Cigar Company on East Third Street is the one people keep talking about. This is a boutique operation through and through, stocked with rare and hard to find sticks that draw enthusiasts from as far as Apex just to see what is on the shelves. Ask anyone who has walked through the door and the first thing they mention is the walk-in humidor, a custom piece crafted by a local woodworking company. Folks around town describe it as the most beautiful humidor they have ever set foot in, an all mahogany work of art that anchors the whole shop.

The selection is what earns Wendell Cigar Company its reputation as one of the highest-rated smoke shops in the area. Regulars rattle off names like Casdagli, Avowed, Foundation, Rojas, Blackbird, Caldwell, Warped, Valacari, Stolen Thrones and HDA. Word around Wendell is this is one of the only shops in North Carolina carrying the full Avowed line, so if you lean toward smaller craft brands with unusual blends, this is the place to make the drive for. Prices are known to be reasonable, and the whole spot is clean and well kept.

The people behind the counter are a big part of the draw. Ryder the manager knows his cigars inside and out, and Tucker and the rest of the tobacconists are the kind of friendly, knowledgeable crew who will point you toward something new without any fuss. One local put it best, saying the owners have built a real community gathering place, welcoming whether you are a seasoned aficionado or just starting out. There is even a cigar and tobacco museum worth a look.

The lounge is still coming together, but comfortable chairs and wifi are already in place, and the atmosphere is relaxed and refined, a quiet retreat from the noise of Main Street. People who shop here are clearly excited about what comes next.