YOUR Picks: Favorite Local Shops

Photo by Firefly Artist Jim Darcy

Note: This article is and will continue to be updated. Please email YOUR favorite shops to katelaible@gmail.com and let us know why you love them!

We asked. Here's what you told us! We warmly encourage you to join us in celebration of Small Business Saturday every day by going out and supporting Long Island local businesses. This list barely scratches the surface of favorite local places that only exist because people like us spend money there. We'll keep updating it and encourage folks to keep adding to it. We're thankful for every one!

Bixby Collection – 94 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor A women’s clothing boutique. We are told that the folks who own this place are lovely.

Book Revue – 313 New York Avenue, Huntington Family owned since 1977, Book Revue is Long Island's largest independent bookstore selling new, used, and discounted books. They host all sorts of events featuring local authors and international sensations. Their website is really useful, too.

Cameraland – 720 Old Bethpage Rd, Old Bethpage An amazing local photographer told us that this is one of her very favorite places. From their website, “What started out in 1957 as a small local photo shop has grown into one of the oldest & most knowledgeable Photo Specialty & Sports Optics stores in New York. Stop by, say hi, pick our brains, see why so many New Yorkers make Camera Land their first and only stop for their photographic equipment and sports optics needs.”

Cow Over the Moon – 282 Main St, Huntington Lots of great toys, stocking stuffers and and some really interesting sports collectibles.

Einstein’s Attic: – 79 Main Street, Northport “A specialty toy store where imagination can take you anywhere.”

Escape Pod Comics on Main Street was recommended by a lovely helpful person at Book Revue. The selection is great and the owner is super knowledgeable and helpful -- even guiding us to photograph the number on a gift certificate just in case it gets lost. They also have an excellent post-Christmas sale. We are looking forward to going back!

The Firefly Artists: 162 Main Street, Northport As a Managing Partner, Katie has to admit she’s a bit biased, but she can also say someone else suggested this place and that Northforker LI chose it as part of a "Perfect Day in Northport.". (Check out the rest of their top 5!) The artists who fill this local gallery are talented, wonderful people that we're grateful to have met. There are paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, felted wool, knitting, air plants, holiday cards, more!

Island Silkscreen – 328 Larkfield Road, East Northport. For 40 years now, they’ve been offering custom apparel for teams, businesses and events. Our friend, Brandon, said this, “They are a family run custom apparel & embroidery printing shop. They certainly went above and beyond for us with this order. It may just be on my mind since it's a recent and very positive experience.”

John’s Crazy Socks You buy them online, but they’re based in Melville. The selection is incredible and their deep dedication to celebrating individuals with disabilities, and generally endeavoring to spread an ethos of happiness, is really, really helpful.

Land of Oohs and Oz – 155 Main St, Ste A, Farmingdale It’s like a time machine of toys and collectibles. Really neat stuff.

Little Vincent’s – 329 New York Ave, Huntington. A longtime Long Island staple of a pizza place. We know people who moved away YEARS ago and still can’t stop thinking about their slices. While there is no shortage of great pizza on LI, if you get to bar hopping after shopping, you can rest assured that Little V’s is open ‘til 2am. 4am on the weekends!

MJ Beanz – 534 S. Oyster Bay Road, Plainview “We specialize in providing personalized service in picking toys and gift items for children of all ages.” Wonderful selection of toys. Really friendly people.

Nassau County Museum of Art Gift Shop -- One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor A trip to the beautiful Nassau County Museum of Art, alone, is a wonderful gift. Still, we think it’s worthwhile to go shopping there, too. Unique, wonderful, educational things are there, and proceeds support a local treasure. (BTW...they host Art Classes, too!.)

In fact, come to think of it, there are LOTS of great ways to mix gifting with giving to your favorite local treasure. Gift shops at The Vanderbilt, the Walt Whitman Birthplace come to mind immediately, as well as the Antiques and Collectibles Shop of the Huntington Historical Society, and gift from the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe. We’re sure you can think of more. So, there’s your perfect excuse for a holiday season field trip. Go!!

Penny & Cooper on Main Street in Northport has soaps, candles, lotions and bathbombs to enhance your every day. Says the website, "Our charming Long Island Village is where the water, history and friendly faces that surround us provide daily inspiration. Their focus is on natural and high-quality products, simplistic coastal style and connecting with their customers." The shop is lovely and you can buy online, too!

Queen of Hearts is another lovely shop; the only exclusively plus size formal wear store in the Tri-State Area. They carry a variety of options from major manufacturers, most of which are in stock to try on and purchase, and work with an expert seamstress to provides alterations. They also offer custom made dresses. In addition, owner Julie Marchesella is the immediate Past President and Chair of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, a major force for the benefit of Main Streets County Wide!

Record Reserve -- 698 NY-25A, Northport, NY 11768: We were so excited to see Tim find a new location!!! You can sell your old LPs or buy some new vinyl. It’s a small space, but it’s not just records. Katie’s daughter got the whole Harry Potter series in hardcover for a song! Frankly, she can’t get her kids out of the place. They recommend it heartily.

Rosie’s Vintage -- 101 Woodbury Road, Huntington, An artist who loves antiques was raving about this place. The website says “we specialize in 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and our inventory is a mix of Vintage Kitsch & Collectibles with a bit of Antiques thrown in. Our customers range from young vintage lovers starting out, all the way to the Mid Century generation who are looking to reminiscence. The store is comprised of multiple dealers and there is something for everyone... literally. We have dealers who specialize in industrial and masculine decor and collectibles, Mid Century Furniture and Decor, Vintage Clothing and Accessories, Man Cave & Kitchen Decor... and so much more!

Restoration Kitchen and Cocktails – 49 East Hoffman Ave, Lindenhurst. We first heard about this place from our friend, Catie, who knew we'd appreciate it! As per their website, "When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.
This has always been our motto. At Restoration, we donate 100% of our net profits to local charities, foundations and families in need. The goal behind our family owned restaurant is to remind people to 'Be The Good' they want to see in the world."

Suite Pieces – 1038 New York Avenue, Huntington Station – Our friend Elissa has been talking about this vintage furniture and decorative paint boutique since it opened! Beautiful stuff, plus they have workshops, events, and all sorts of supplies to make all that’s old new again

Superior Travel – Lois Howes of Superior Travel is a globetrotter herself and loves making dreams come true. We know travel is tough right now, but she's ready to plan for when it's time!!! She is also an important part of the Friends of Freeport NY the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce and Friends of LI: Communities helping communities post-Sandy. We are grateful!

TrainLand, is located at 293 Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook. This shop, which started in Pete Bianco's basement in 1968, now boasts being the America's largest discount train store. Folks strongly recommend visiting the store if you can, but are also very happy with their online ordering system.

Willy Nilly Trading Company – 153 West Main Street, Bay Shore According to their site, "The goal of Willy Nilly Trading Company is to create a relaxing, inviting environment where you can find exactly what you need and enjoy the shopping experience.”

Willis Hobbies – 300 Willis Ave., Mineola – Serving enthusiasts since 1949, Willis is proud to offer "low prices with friendly expert service and personable hands on help before and after the sale.”

This is just a little sampling. We're happy to keep taking suggestions as we think shopping local is really important for these and many other reasons. Tell us about your favorite local business! We love to share!