When it comes to sex shops in Seattle we have a good selection. You aren't forced to go to the local smut parlor and hope that they have what you want. Find the right store, and you'll stumble into a whole new world of sexual knowledge. Here's a little review of some of the more well-known locales in the heart of Seattle.

I'll start with what I think is probably the best known sex shop in Seattle: Castle. When I first moved to Seattle to go to the University of Washington, I remember driving by the gigantic Castle Superstore downtown. I can now embarrassingly admit that I thought it was one of those restaurants that features jousting when I drove by it. I felt a little better when I asked people their opinions of the various stores for this story, and a respondent asked if Castle was the place that sells those little burgers.

The atmosphere in Castle Superstore is like a Blockbuster for porn and other sexual film aides. The workers have nice little uniforms, and the bright lighting and perfectly shelved items made me feel like I was at Target, not a porn store. If you're looking for a non-threatening and mainstream place to get your basic supplies, this is the place. When you run out of lube or need to go grab condoms, heading down to Castle feels making a trip to Rite Aid.

It's like the guilt-free shopping center for people who are way too embarrassed to even think about buying anything from a sex shop. It's also at a mainstream-enough location that you can go with a group of friends for a good laugh at some of the products and not feel like you are offending anyone. Castle has porn, sex toys, outfits and all the basics. Around Halloween they also market themselves as a location to get "sexy" costumes. What is sexy about an outfit that looks like you need Windex to clean is still beyond me.

Next on the list is The Crypt, a store just off Broadway on Capitol Hill. I must admit the sign alone and the fact that you have to go behind some buildings to get to the store really "sets the mood" as entirely creepy. Whereas Castle is a more mainstream retail location, the Crypt is the complete opposite. Personally, if I'm going to a sex shop I want to feel like I'm going to a sex shop, not Target.

The Crypt definitely has shock value; some of the toys in that place made me wonder, "That's supposed to fit where?" The employees all know their stuff, and because the location is a bit more secluded and dark you'll have less hang-ups about asking the staff for whatever item floats your boat.

The Crypt has more porn with a gay or transsexual theme, but there is still a large collection of straight pornography . The store, although secluded and a little darker, was still clean and comfortable to be in. At times I was a little closer to some of the customers than I wanted to be; even though I'm in a sex shop a little privacy would still be nice.

The Crypt had a great porno collection and a great selection of toys ranging from cheap ones to more expensive investments. The outfits, however, seemed a little cheesy,

Finally, we come to what I consider to be the Holy Grail of sex shops, Seattle's very own Babeland (formerly known as Toys in Babeland). Babeland is probably the most inviting sex shop you will ever set foot in. Its location is set among a bunch of shops and restaurants down on Pike Street on Capitol Hill. The brightly colored store and fun window displays are definitely designed to invite the customer right in. I distinctly remember seeing a sign around Mother's Day advertising that if you came in with your mother you'd receive a free toy. Babeland is definitely taking the shame away from exploring your body and your sexuality.

Babeland is very well-known for holding seminars and workshops in its store which customers can pay to attend. Some of the upcoming events are "Sex Bondage with Midori," "Strap on Seductions" and in April "Oral Ambitions: Fellatio." So in one location you can buy lube, condoms, a great new toy and learn how to give great head.

The store is open to all genders and orientations, and the workers will be more than happy to help you find what you're looking for, or maybe suggest something you didn't know existed but you absolutely have to try. The store also has an amazing selection of condoms from which you can pick and choose each type instead of buying a big box. It's a great way to try out different condoms and see what works best for you personally. Safe sex is good sex, so don't just settle for one brand — find what is the best fit, and you'll be more likely to keep up the good work keeping you and your partner safe.

The store is like a showroom with displays of vibrators and toys set up that you can examine. When you buy a toy the workers will tell you everything you need to know about how to clean it and what to do if you have problems.

The store's atmosphere is really enhanced by the staff and the fact that they have educational books as well as their wide selection of porn and sex toys around the store. Another great feature is their Web site and online store: www.babeland.com. You can buy many of the items in their shops online as well. This is great for those of you still too shy to actually head into the location and see what it's all about.

I realize that with the Internet people feel like there is little need to go out into public to buy something you may not want people to know you have, but give it a shot. At places like Babeland you can get your questions answered before you buy a toy and get an education from workers that know a lot about the products.

Reach reporter Hunter Kincaid at editor@thedaily.washington.edu.