Field trip to Carmine Street

1. House of Oldies
The “world headquarters for out-of-print 45s and LPs,” Bob Abramson’s impressive collection of rare ’50s and ’60s soul, female vocalists, rock, bluegrass and more (starting at $5) has earned him a positive reputation on the block for more than 40 years. A young, international clientele and a foolproof filing system allows him to catalog more than a million records (not a single CD!) in his vast archives—located in a basement beneath the shop as well as a warehouse on Long Island. 35 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-243-0500, houseofoldies.com)

2. Wisdom of Tibet
Looking for some culture and crafts you can’t find at the big chain stores? Stop by this serene and beautiful shop and pick up handmade jewelry, clothing and crafts from Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet as well as Buddhist ritual objects, meditation CDs, books and more. Finds are inexpensive and include embroidered satin pouches ($1.99–$4.99), mala beads ($15–$48) and semiprecious stones ($.45–$1.50). 34 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-255-2077, tibetantranquility.com)

3. Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books
Stocking everything from Che to Chomsky, Jim Drougas’s shop is a treat for bibliophiles, beatniks and tourists alike. Selections range from Latin American history, politics, horror and sci-fi to art and children’s books—all of which are sure to remind you that reading really is fun! All the titles are publisher’s overstocks, and the no-tax policy means the price on the cover—a third off the list price—is what you pay. 34 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-229-0079)

4. Carmine Street Custom Guitars
Master luthier Rick Kelly has been building coveted custom guitars from reclaimed wood since the ’70s, and he’s been working and selling goods out of this storefront (a former speakeasy) since 1990. You’ll find everything you need to make sweet music including ukuleles ($35 and up), Bolivian charangos, banjos, traveling guitars, accessories, and an impressive selection of acoustic and electric imports ($250 and up). 42 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-691-8400, kellyguitars.com)

5. The Lively Set
Stray a few feet off Carmine and down Bedford for a quirky antique shop that attracts stylists, celebrities (regulars include Betsey Johnson, Gisele Bündchen and Yoko Ono) and locals in the market for vintage furniture and decorative accessories ranging in style from country to midcentury modern. Fill your apartment with decorative wall sconces (starting at $325 for a pair), refurbished furniture (like an industrial metal 1920s dresser in red for $2,250) and McCoy flowerpots ($35–$65). 33 Bedford St between Carmine and Downing Sts (212-807-8417, thelivelyset.com)

Additional reporting by Aynsley Karps.

Pit stops

Sweet Revenge
Marlo Scott’s year-old spot was born of a desire to escape a grueling corporate existence and build something from scratch. The result: the pairing of sophisticated wine and beer with decadent artisan flavored cupcakes ($10 during happy hour). She also sells the treats à la carte ($3.50 each). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available. 62 Carmine St between Bedford St and Seventh Ave (212-242-2240, sweetrevengenyc.com)

The Grey Dog’s Coffee
Dave Ethan and Pete Adrian figured out the perfect antidote to a dog-eat-dog world when they opened their first café 13 years ago. The cozy atmosphere, engaging vibe, hearty grub and delicious coffee packs in the crowds from 6:30am till closing daily. 33 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleecker Sts (212-242-8166, thegreydog.com)

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