A Tintin Fan’s Pilgrimage: The Magical Little Shop in California Keeping the Legacy Alive. | by I Wish I Were Tintin (Jesse Nazario) | Jul, 2025 | Medium
If you’ve read any of my articles before, then you already know—I’m a huge Tintin fan. I don’t hide it. I write about him, I collect everything I can, and I’ve even thrown Tintin-themed parties. But if you’re also a fan here in the U.S., then you know the struggle is real. Finding Tintin merchandise in the States is more difficult than tracking down Red Rackham’s treasure. At least, it was—until I came across a little shop in California that completely changed the game for me.
The Sausalito Ferry Co., nestled right across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, isn’t just a store. It’s a Tintin goldmine. Officially licensed, beautifully stocked, and proudly calling itself the number one Tintin retailer in the United States—and honestly, I believe it. They’ve got everything: plush Snowys, collectible figurines, gorgeous hardcover books, keychains, tin boxes, vehicles—you name it. It’s like stepping into a corner of Hergé’s world, only it’s right here in America. I’ve been ordering from them for a while now. My Tintin collection is full of pieces from this shop—figurines, knick-knacks, and a couple of classic books. I’ve even handed my wife a few of my extra books so she can enjoy the stories, too. This place has helped me build the collection I’ve always wanted.
But what really made the shop stand out for me was something beyond just the merchandise—it was the personal touch. A while back, I sent a quick email just to say thank you for what the shop meant to me as a longtime fan. To my surprise, the owner, Ken Robinson, responded with a kind and genuine message back. He thanked me for reaching out and shared his appreciation, and that little exchange meant a lot. It turned a cool Tintin shop into something more—it felt like a connection to a bigger, worldwide Tintin family. The Sausalito Ferry Co. is more than a store. It’s a piece of Tintin’s legacy, planted right here in the U.S. For fans like me—who grew up dreaming of rocket ships, mystery islands, and ancient scrolls—it’s a reminder that adventure is still out there, and so is the community that loves it. And mark my words: one day I will make the trip to California to see the shop in person. It’s not just a wish—it’s on my list. I want to walk through those doors, browse the shelves, and soak it all in. I owe that to the kid in me who first cracked open a Tintin book and never looked back. Until then, I’ll keep ordering, collecting, and dreaming—just like Tintin.
