The first part of this tour covered the food and drink to fuel your travels. This installment expends that energy, and a little extra cash, on the goods that make the nabe great.

 

Start the journey on a literary foot at Word bookstore on the corner of Milton Street, small but well stocked with classics, modern favorites, and new fiction, non-fiction and poetry.  Frequent readings from new-release authors and other bookish events are advertised on their website and the chalkboard outside.

 

From books to boutiques, the next block is home to Alter, a pair of shops offering imported labels and new designers, keeping GP'ers in well-fitting jeans and flannel. Dalaga, between Greenpoint Ave. and Kent Street, has moved strictly to ladies' fashion with a keen eye for accessories; their sales are especially great as the laid-back shop-ladies serve bubbly to bargain-hunters.

 

If a new 'do suits you, take a swing off Franklin to The Parlour on Greenpoint Avenue - a sophisticated new hair salon run by talented, down-to-earth stylists who take the time to know their clients and their follicle fears. Next door find Alphabeta, an art store with an urban slant selling spray paint and sneakers of every spectral hue. There is also a backyard garden and a gallery space which hosts events and installations celebrating urban art.

 

Pre-loved goods are plentiful on Franklin. Kill Devil Hill is part-store, part-time-capsule with vintage clothes, antique knick-knacks, and penny-candy. Junk, between Freeman and Green Streets, is a used furniture and housewares emporium; though a few large pieces can be overpriced, glassware, lamps and smaller kitchy-collectibles are well worth a look. and across the street, Permanent Records hosts a solid array of new and used vinyl and a staff ready to special-order any album you wish, ready for pick-up in short order.

 

After you've shopped and ate your way down Franklin, pick up a bottle of vino at Dandelion Wine (btwn Java & India Streets) to take home. And lucky you if it's Friday afternoon--free wine tastings!