Downtown Ithaca is known for its variety of eccentric shops located in and around the Commons. From Evolution to Diaspora to Adult World, the city is willing to accept almost any type of boutique, no matter how strange the product. A little-known homegrown shop known as Providence Hobbies can also be found amidst the bundle of novelty shops.
A store which specializes in hobbies ranging from RC cars to motorized planes to Magic Card Tournaments to all types of strategy games, it attracts everyone from young kids to model aircraft builders. In addition to just selling merchandise, the store also holds tournaments on the weekends, which also serves as a way of meeting new people.
“It’s a community event,” explains Jeffrey, “that’s really what we’re about.”
Several months ago, Jeffrey Witty, owner of Providence Hobbies, had his store closed down by the state of New York because he was unable to pay the taxes to keep the store going. “I had begun making arrangements for the next stage in my life,” he said, “I thought it was over.” To his great surprise, his customers began donating money into the PayPal account without him even asking. Eventually, enough money was gathered to get the store running again.
“I didn’t ask for it, but I’m very grateful,” he said.
The store is located on 308 E. Seneca St. You can also become a fan of them on facebook.
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