WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Magic Shop In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Abra Cadabra! For the slight-of-hand experts in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there are certain places that can help you hone your craft.

In the spirit of the Halloween season, Natalie Nyhus asked viewers what they believe to be the best magic shop in Minnesota. Their votes Nyhus to St. Paul.

It's not your typical work uniform: gold sequins and a pumpkin tie. But Jim Berg fits right in his shop, Twin Cities Magic and Costume in St. Paul.

"I've only had a couple of jobs in my lifetime, this being my favorite of all. It's not really work. I get paid to have fun," Berg said.

He started the store with a friend 30 years ago, a place that packs a laugh and surprise around every corner.

"No magic shop is complete without a rubber chicken. Some people make soup with it. It last for weeks," Berg said.

Nyhus asked Berg why people, including her, love magic so much. He had the perfect answer.

"Because magic is surprising," Berg said, while simultaneously igniting a flame in the palm of his hand. "There's a lot of flash and pizazz to magic. It's when the things you don't expect to happen, happen. Magic is important because it serves many purposes. Everything from a release from reality to creating creativity. How could this happen?"

For many like Berg, the love for magic starts young, whether it's a Harry Potter obsession or a lingering curiosity.

"Magic is easy, when you know the secret," Berg said.

But trying to figure out those secrets will drive you crazy. That's what so fun about magic and why it's been an art performed for thousands of years.

"As short ago as World War II, magicians created the illusion of cities and the access bombers bombed the fake cities and the real cities were safe. True fact," Berg said.

Twin Cities Magic and Costume offers classes for magicians and aspiring magicians young and old. In addition to magic, they have everything you'd need for any stage production, large or small including lighting, costumes and makeup.

Your other favorite shops were Eagle Magic and Joke Store in Burnsville and Universe Games in Minneapolis.