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Slovak-Czech Varieties

Photo: Ben Goldstein

1 City Dog Lounge
Owning a pet usually breeds a predilection for spending oodles of cash on adorable chew toys, stylish collars and even sweaters for four-legged beasts. You can indulge all of these desires and pick up kibble, too, at this cheery spot where the owner’s friendly cats usually sun themselves in the windows. 5-29 50th Ave between Vernon Blvd and 5th St (718-707-3027). Mon–Fri 9am–9pm; Sat 9am–7pm; Sun 11am–7pm.

2 Court Square Wine & Spirits
This neighborhood newcomer features an extensive collection of some 425 international and domestic wines. They’ve also got all your hard-liquor needs covered. 24-20 Jackson Ave between Court Sq and Pearson Sq (718-707-9911). Mon, Tue 11am–8pm; Wed–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun noon–6pm.

3 Hunter’s Point Wines & Spirits
Gregarious shop owner Paul Huston has opened the hood’s sleekest wine shop yet; check out the biodynamic wines, the varied and extensive catalog of spirits, and say hello to Huston’s sleepy Weimaraner. 47-07 Vernon Blvd at 47th Ave (718-472-9463). Mon–Thu 10am–9pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10pm; Sun noon–8pm.

4 Just Things
If you can handle a bit of dust, you’ll unearth secondhand treasures such as Brooke Shields dolls, Nixon-era posters and vintage glassware, among other kitschy relics. This thrift shop’s chain-smoking owner is also a throwback to tough-talking dames of the ’40s. 47-28 Vernon Blvd at 47th Rd (718-786-3675). Wed–Sat noon–5pm.

5 Long Island City Farmers’ Market
It might not rival Union Square’s behemoth Greenmarket, but this outdoor bazaar—open rain or shine—sure beats scrounging for unbruised peaches at the bodega. Snap up the season’s bounty of produce, and pick up artisanal breads and jams while you’re at it. 48th Ave at Vernon Blvd, Saturdays 8am–3pm, Jul–Nov.

Next Level Floral Design

Photo: Ben Goldstein

6 M&J Florist
This local floral decorator usually carries up to 15 different types of blooms—including roses, lilies, snapdragons, irises, mums and asters—and can whip up fragrant creations for office lobbies and weddings, or just a simple bouquet for your home. 12-07 Jackson Ave at 48th Ave (718-706-7260). Mon–Sat 10am–7pm.

7 Next Level Floral Design
Turn your cactus collection into a lush indoor jungle curated by this nature depot. Its amazing selection of specimen plants includes palm trees and weeping ficus, many of which have graced the sets of Silvercup Studios. The friendly staff can also whip up exotic arrangements for folks with a black thumb. 47-30 Vernon Blvd at 47th Rd (718-937-1155). Mon–Fri 7am–7pm; Sat 7am–5pm.

8 Purple Pumpkin Stationery
This quaint shop offers a surprisingly varied selection of cards from Papyrus and gifts including Pré de Provence lotions and soaps, food baskets, children’s books, journals and balloons. They also print custom wedding invitations. 47-14 Vernon Blvd between 47th Ave and 47th Rd (718-784-7300). Mon–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat 10am–5pm.

9 Slovak-Czech Varieties
Never mind the fall of Eastern European Communism: This ethnic department store makes the ancién regime cool again with old-school snacks and industrial-looking housewares that share space with a funky mix of cheap gifts and glass knickknacks. Don’t miss the back room filled with retro wooden toys. 10-59 Jackson Ave between 49th and 50th Aves (718-752-2093). Mon–Fri 11:30am–7:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–5pm.

10 Spokesman Cycles
Bikers from Greenpoint, Astoria and Williamsburg, along with the nabe’s various wheel-powered residents, flock to this superfriendly joint to repair flat tires, pick up Uvex helmets and procure secure Kryptonite locks. 49-04 Vernon Blvd at 49th Ave (718-433-0450). Daily 10am–7pm.

11 Subdivision Boutique
Toeing the line between art gallery and clothing shop, this industrial-chic spot exhibits paintings by local creatives and offers a slew of cutting-edge wares, including Brooklyn-based Sovereign Beck’s natty printed ties and NatureVsFuture’s eco-chic dresses. 48-18 Vernon Blvd at 48th Ave (718-482-1899). Mon 2–6pm, Tue–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–7pm.

12 Vine Wines
Owner Talitha Whidbee’s popular neighborhood wine store offers Wednesday wine tastings, which vary from kitschy concepts like “Think pink and drink rosé” to an annual sake tasting. The shop’s website helpfully includes a list of local BYO restaurants. 12-09 Jackson Ave at 48th Ave (718-433-2611, vine-wine.com). Mon 4–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–7pm.