Happy smoke

Ask anyone who vapes in Wilmington where to go, and Happy Smoke comes up fast. This is one of the highest-rated smoke shops in the area, and the reputation is earned. Locals will tell you the selection is the real draw: a huge wall of vapes, disposables, and e-liquid, plus smoking accessories and a lot of other cool odds and ends worth browsing even if you don't smoke. One regular swears by the Dubai perfume she picked up. The word around town is simple, though: great prices and a bigger variety than the other shops in town.

The people behind the counter are a big part of why folks keep coming back. Ask for Badar (pronounced Bad-er) if you want someone who genuinely knows the products and takes his time with you. Mark has earned his own following too. During a stretch of heavy snow when other vape shops shut their doors, he answered the phone, welcomed people in, made recommendations, and even threw in a few unexpected extras. Amanda gets shout-outs for being patient and helpful as well.

The whole crew, as one person put it, are the real deal, always friendly and quick to help you find exactly what you came for. Value is where Happy Smoke really wins people over. There's a rewards program regulars love, and a buy-eight-vapes-get-one-free deal that has more than a few happy folks walking out with a freebie. People say they've tried several shops in Wilmington and land here for the combination of price and range every time. One more thing locals appreciate: this place keeps the lights on.

Word is they're open even on holidays, which is a big deal when everywhere else is closed. If you're looking for a friendly, well-stocked smoke shop in Wilmington, North Carolina, Happy Smoke is an easy one to recommend.