Articles Tagged "Shop Local"

Big-box retailers have become popular places to shop, but that doesn't mean we should forget our local small businesses. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is designated as Small Business Saturday each year, and it falls on November 26 this year. It's a great reminder to support small businesses, many of which have been negatively affected by the pandemic. You'll be supporting your local economy and helping preserve unique businesses. And they're the perfect spots to pick up interesting holiday gifts or a treat for yourself.

Our REALTORS® recommend shopping small this holiday season at the following Nassau and Suffolk counties businesses:

• Port Salt Cave - Inspiration Wharf, 403 Main St. #3, Port Washington, NY 11050
  Port Salt Cave, located just around the corner from Port Washington homes for sale, offers products that focus on health and well-being. You'll find items from around the world, including hand-crafted jewelry, natural stones, and Himalayan salt lamps. If you find a gift you'd like to buy, pair it with a gift certificate for a visit to the shop's salt cave, which uses therapeutic salt imported from Poland. 
  
  
• Stony Brook Chocolate - 143 Main St., Stony Brook, NY 11790  
  Most people love chocolate, so you may be able to buy several gifts—as well as some for yourself and for entertaining—at Stony Brook Chocolate. The charming shop is located near Stony Brook homes for sale. Choose from a wide variety of the finest Belgian chocolate creations, including clusters, candies, patties, and turtles in your choice of milk, dark, or white chocolate. If you're looking for something delicious that also makes a beautiful presentation, consider the All-Occasion Gift Box, which comes with 16 assorted truffles and a large chocolate bar, all of which are intricately decorated.
  
  
• The Giftologist - 37 South Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570  
  The Giftologist has a huge variety of carefully curated gifts, including perfumes inspired by local beaches, adorable Jellycat-branded plush animals, accessories including bags and jewelry, and much more. If you're looking for holiday gifts, you'll probably be able to cross several names off your list at the shop, which is close to Rockville Centre homes for sale. It even carries products it puts in its "funny, snarky, and witty" category, including appropriately designed socks. They're definitely a different gift idea for that sarcastic coworker or eye-rolling teenager.
  
  
• Matty's Toy Shop - 19 Covert Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001, with two additional locations  
  From its modest beginnings in flea markets to its current three independent locations, Matty's Toy Shop has served the area since 1988. Located near Floral Park homes for sale, it's one of the largest independent toy retailers in the country. Reviewers praise its excellent customer service as well as its large selection, which includes educational toys. You'll find everything here, from specialty toys to the hottest toys of the year.
  
  
• The Gift Corner - 157 N. Country Rd., Mount Sinai, NY 11766
  The Gift Corner, located near Mount Sinai homes for sale, will get you in the holiday spirit if you're not there already. The shop carries plenty of festive items to help deck your halls for the holidays or give as gifts, including Christmas signs, ornaments, and Santas and snowmen galore. You can even find gifts for the Fluffies or Fidos on your list.

If you're looking for a home to buy in the area, contact us to see Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. For over 65 years, our business has helped countless homeowners achieve their dreams, and we look forward to serving you as well. 

National Wedding Planning Day is March 1, so if you're a bride-to-be, it's the perfect time to start planning the wedding of your dreams. One of the most important elements to decide on is your bridal gown, and you'll find many shops in Nassau and Suffolk counties that can help you turn your dreams into a reality.

Our REALTORS®  suggest visiting one of the following Long Island shops to find the perfect dress for your Big Day.

Nassau County

• The Wedding Plaza - 216 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY 11001
  If you're looking for a designer wedding gown, stop by The Wedding Plaza, located near Floral Park homes for sale. The shop, serving area brides since 1988, has a large selection of dresses from designers including Kitty Chen, Pronovias, and Justin Alexander. And if you have a specific designer you love, schedule a visit during one of the shop's frequent trunk shows that highlight their collection. 
  
  
• Blossom Brides - 230 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
  You'll find the latest in bridal looks and accessories at Blossom Brides, located just around the corner from Rockville Centre homes for sale. And when you find a gown to love, you can have the shop employ some of their original and unique customization options to create a one-of-a-kind look. Custom tailoring and design work are offered, and after your big day, the shop can even clean and preserve your gown for you.
  
  
• Karen Sabag New York - 1685-87 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030
  If you're a bride-to-be who will be in the area looking at Manhasset homes for sale, schedule an appointment with Karen Sabag New York to discuss the vision you have for your gown. The atelier will work closely with you from design conception to completion to take your gown from sketch to reality, reflecting hundreds of hours of work as various artisans create your dress.

Suffolk County

• Angel Bridals - 39 W. Main St., East Islip NY 11730
  For over 30 years, Angel Bridals, located just around the corner from East Islip homes for sale, has helped brides get ready for their big day. Couture bridal gowns are available from sizes 2 to 32, and you'll also be able to find everything you might need to accessorize your gown, including custom headpieces, jewelry collections, and undergarments. The shop also offers expert alterations, gown restoration, and customizing, which is their forte. 
  
  
• Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique - 3 Crooked Hill Rd., Commack, NY 11725
  No matter your style, you're likely to find the right bridal gown at Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique. Located near Commack homes for sale, the boutique carries traditional gowns as well as those in styles such as boho chic. For a fun experience, gather friends and family to accompany you on Princess Package at the shop, including champagne, stylists, light snacks, and a credit toward a bridal gown purchase.
  
  
• Bridal Salon of Dix Hills - 1870 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743
  Bridal Salon of Dix Hills, a full-service bridal boutique located near Huntington homes for sale, aims to make your fairytale wedding a dream come true. The shop carries dresses in sizes 2-32W and specializes in figure-flattering gowns for any bride. Their experienced staff will guide you through the process of finding the perfect gown for you.

Contact us to see Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. Since 1954, our brokerage has helped clients who have been drawn to live on Long Island find their dream homes, and we'd love to help you as well! 

Monday, December 13th is an important day, especially for music lovers. It's Violin Day! Invented in the 1500s, the violin has since become an important instrument across various genres of music, from classical to hard rock. What better way to honor it than by visiting one of the great music shops on Long Island. Here are some top music shops our REALTORS® recommend.

• Lewis Music: 278 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
  Lewis Music is a locally owned music store not far from many Garden City homes for sale. They sell string instruments, including violins. Some are new, and others are used on consignment. The store also sells bows and offers bow repair services.
  
  Lewis Music also sells guitars and band instruments, and they offer both in-person and virtual music lessons. If you're not quite ready to buy your own instrument, ask about their rental program.
  
  
• Laconia Music Center: 410 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
  Laconia Music Center is a music store just minutes from Floral Park homes for sale. They opened in 1960 and have been serving the Long Island community ever since.
  
  This store offers violins and other orchestra string instruments with straightforward pricing. They're also known for their selection of less-common instruments, including tubas, bassoons, and contrabasses. Aspiring musicians of all ages can take lessons at their modern studio.
  
  
• Poppa's Music Music: 168 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
  Take a break from looking at Nassau County homes for sale, and stop by Poppa's Music Music to look at the instruments. They have an impressive selection of guitars, pianos, and woodwinds.
  
  Poppa's Music Music also offers rentals, including violins and larger string instruments like cellos. They have some smaller instruments to suit school children, too. If you already own a violin or other instrument and need it fixed, visit their repair center.
  
  
• Munro Music: 416 Larkfield Rd., East Northport, NY 11731
  Munro Music is within easy reach of East Northport homes for sale. They offer violin and viola lessons for all ages. You could even learn how to play the cello, the bass version of the violin. Their one-on-one, private teaching style makes it easier to learn at your own pace.
  
  Munro Music also sells sheet music, and they rent band and orchestra instruments for the school year and summer. 
  
  
• The Instrument Store: 81H E. Jeftyn Blvd., Deer Park, NY 11729
  If you're looking at Dix Hills homes for sale, then The Instrument Store is a good place to celebrate Violin Day. They've been in business since 1991, and they carry a great selection of instruments, from saxophones to guitars.
  
  The Instrument Store often offers open box deals, which are a good way to save when buying an instrument. If they have to order an instrument for you, they always offer free shipping. 
  
  
• The Music Zoo: 123 Smith St., Farmingdale, NY 11735
  The Music Zoo has such a creative name, and its employees are just as creative and lovely. Open since 1994, this is a great music shop to visit if you're looking at West Islip homes for sale.
  
  The Music Zoo sells some of the best brands, from Gibson to Taylor. They're also a great place to pick up amps and various musical accessories. 

Whether you play the violin, have always wanted to learn, or just like admiring the art behind these gorgeous string instruments, stopping at one of these music shops is sure to be enjoyable. Contact us if you need help finding homes for sale nearby.

Nothing makes a man look and feel better than a well-fitted suit and tie. Since December is National Tie Month, why not take some inspiration from it to upgrade your wardrobe? To help you get started, our REALTORS® have rounded up six of the best menswear shops around Long Island in the list below. 

• Bertalia - 15 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570 
  Bertalia has been helping men around our Rockville Centre homes for sale dress to impress since 2002. Their suit department is extensive and includes a multitude of tie options in both colorful and subdued designs. Their expert staff is always on hand to provide fashion advice to shoppers who need it, and they even offer in-house tailoring services upon request.
  
  
• Joseph & Joseph - 132 7th St., Garden City, NY 11530 
  If you're looking for one-on-one guidance while shopping for your suits and ties, Joseph & Joseph is the place to go. This small menswear shop doesn't even have their own website, but they get more than enough business through word-of-mouth to sustain themselves. The shop is owned and operated by the same two Josephs for whom the business is named. They are known for their excellent, knowledgeable service and a willingness to go above and beyond for their customers.
  
  
• Giorgenti New York - 1325 Franklin Ave., Suite 255, Garden City, NY 11530 
  Giorgenti New York is an independent menswear retailer located near many of our Garden City homes for sale. From shirts and dress pants to sports coats, overcoats, vests, tuxedos, and (of course) ties, you'll find everything you need to look your best all in one place.  Notably, this goes for women as well as men – Giorgenti is happy to provide tailoring services for women's suits and menswear-inspired items as well. All of the business's pricing is listed on their website, making this an excellent place to find bespoke menswear on a budget. 
  
  
• Milano Men's Attire - 245 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11746 
  Milano Men's Attire caters to men who prefer the slim and stylish fit of Italian suits over the boxier American style. Run by an experienced tailor with over 20 years in the business, this shop offers suits and ties from popular Italian brands like Ferrante and Dolce Punta and is frequented by high-profile clients like David Ortiz. Located just minutes away from many of our Huntington homes for sale, it's a great place to add a little European flair to your wardrobe with a piece of clothing made just for you.  
  
  
• Edward Alan Big and Tall - 10-2020 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725 
  Shopping for clothes can frustrating for people who rarely fit into the standard range of menswear sizes but don't have the budget for custom clothing. Luckily, there's a solution located close to our Commack homes for sale. Edward Alan Big and Tall carries both casual and formal menswear in larger sizes than you'll find on the rack at most other retailers. If you still can't find the right fit, this shop offers free alterations with any purchase to help you look your best.
  
  
• Thomas Mitchell Clothiers - 24 Gerard St., Huntington, NY 11743 
  Instead of trying to keep up with fast-changing modern fashions, Thomas Mitchell Clothiers has taken a different approach to menswear. Their shop is designed to mimic the look of a British haberdashery, and their clothing emphasizes that same old-fashioned appeal. The shop stocks a variety of slim-fitting traditional British menswear in luxurious fabrics like wool, cashmere, tweed, and more. They offer custom sizing to ensure optimal fit, but if you prefer to shop off the rack, they also employ a full-time tailor who can alter their pre-made garments to better conform to your measurements.  

A new suit can make you feel like a whole new you, and it's never hard to get one on Long Island. There are so many quality clothing retailers around our Nassau County homes for sale and our Suffolk County homes for sale that you'll always have a place to shop for any occasion. If you've been thinking about making this area your home, contact us today; we'll be happy to help you find a local property that meets your needs.