Since 1927, this East Village gem has delighted bibliophiles with its impressive collection of new, used, rare, and discontinued books. The illustrious shop boasts an impressive 18 miles of books spread over its three floors, promising printed works for every tasted. Used-book lovers will find several specialty sections, including a notable selection of discounted art books, and others will enjoy browsing review copies of recently published works in the basement. Strand Book Store also carries antique items and novelty merchandise guaranteed to put a smile on any bookworm's face. Keep an eye out for discounts and sales when you drop by to experience this literary spectacle, as the beloved bookstore does its best to create special offers for its loyal patrons whenever possible.
Preteen girls love American Girl Place, where they can bring along their favorite American Girl doll to get her hair done, purchase clothing and accessories, get a photo taken at the studio or pick up something for their pet: all for the doll, of course. There is also a line of clothing inspired by the dolls, with everything from modern dresses and casual wear to replicas of vintage sleepwear for the special young lady in your life. Enjoy teatime or brunch at their exclusive bistro, but be sure to book in advance as this is a popular place for mother-daughter bonding and birthday parties.
The South Street Seaport is an architectural excerpt from the city's long and eventful history, with its cobblestone streets flanked on either side by some of downtown Manhattan's oldest commercial buildings. The Historic District is centered around the point where Fulton Street ends at the East River, an enchanting collection of 19th-century buildings and warehouses, that stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Financial District. The neighborhood's history as a bustling port resonates in its distinctive, nautical character, lending the restaurants and cafes that cluster here a jovial vibe. A bevy of shops and quaint boutiques also make this a top-notch shopping destination, with the mall at Pier 17 serving as the epicenter of the South Street Seaport's offerings. Sweeping views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge await at Pier 15, while antique ships bob at the port by the museum. Also of interest are the Titanic Memorial Lighthouse and the old Fulton Fish Market.
Together, Manhattan's iconic Fifth and Madison Avenues comprise one of the most famous shopping districts in the world. Upscale retailers and jewelers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Harry Winston line Fifth Avenue, which runs along the east side of Central Park. Found parallel on Madison Avenue are chic department stores like Barneys New York, as well as individual designers like Armani, Calvin Klein, and DKNY. Although you can find almost every legendary name brand between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, there are also shops there that cater to a younger audience. Treat your kids with a trip to the Disney Store or American Girl Place and see for yourself why this shopping haven has earned such an excellent reputation.
New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city - from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. Excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have also joined the mix in more recent times. Every lunar new year, the street are filled with the hubbub of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade.
Rudy's Music in Soho specializes in guitars and stringed instruments, from ukuleles and bass guitars to mandolins and Flying-V's. Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Gibson, Seagull, Taylor are a few brands that are represented on the shelves. However, the owner himself, Rudy Pensa has been making his own professional guitars since 1982 and has been tinkering with the ax since he was seven-years old. You can purchase these guitars here and in fact, some of the best guitar players in the world have used them, from Eric Clapton to Mark Knopfler. Overall, this shop is for the professional's professional, and sure you could visit Guitar Center uptown, but the chance of running into a guitar hero is much more likely here.
The well-equipped Brooklyn Game Lab promises abundant fun and excitement for children aged between 8 and 15. Found in the heart of the bustling Park Slope neighborhood, the gaming lab believes in shunning video games and instead, offers a number of analytical, tabletop and interactive games to school kids. Multiplayer card and board games are also provided, which help the young minds to engage with their peers in an exciting yet a challenging environment. Brooklyn Game Lab also functions as a lively venue for birthday parties, apart from selling a decent collection of kids' toys.
Clockwork Comics & Cards offers its customers an opportunity to immerse themselves in to a world where superheroes are real and cherished friends. The store offers its customers an extensive collection of the latest comic book releases, back issues, sport and fantasy-fiction cards, figures and a variety of collectibles. Whether you are a well-versed comic book fan or a newbie, you will be delighted by the sheer vastness of the selection available and the knowledge of the staff. Browse through the racks, shelves and boxes, and you may just find that rare treasure you have been searching for, or discover a new series to capture your imagination.