LIC Spot

For those who think there are no good deals in Long Island City, look again.

Groupon has posted a few dining deals in our ‘hood including El Ay Si and Water’s Edge.

How often can you get 50% off these days?

Yesterday I must have seen five UPS trucks loaded with boxes delivering at one of the buildings on Center Blvd. Obviously most of us have done our Christmas shopping by now.

However, if you’re still looking for a stocking stuffer or an extra gift (for someone who’se been extra nice this year), the Carriage House Holiday Market is here for you this Saturday at Ten 10 Studios from noon to 5pm!

Have I mentioned that I need a new iPad?

The Canadian couple selling their trees and bringing joy to Long Island City (right across from Duane Reade on 5th St.) will be hanging around all the way until the 24th of December. It’s a been a good year for them, they said, and that’s probably due to the fact that there are more residents in Hunters Point than ever.

Their inventory is low, but they still seem to have quite a few trees out there if you haven’t put one up yet. And if you’re not putting up a tree, pass by and say “hello”, or better yet bring them a warm cup of cocoa!

As for the the ones that don’t sell? They all get recycled….Merry Christmas!

So you haven’t even started your Christmas shopping and don’t know where to begin?

Good thing you live in Long Island City as we are about to have one of the biggest holiday market events ever.

Click on the links below for more info…and remember, I need an iPad this year.

Saturday, December 15th:

Holiday Pop Artisan Market- 43-01 21st St. Suite 306B

Queens County Market- Quaint Restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens (ok, not LIC but pretty darn close)

Saturday, December 22nd:

The Carriage House Holiday Market- Ten10 Studios, 1010 47th Rd.

Don’t forget that the Queens Traveling Market will be be taking place today, December 2nd at Ten 10 Studios.

What can you expect? 12 vendors selling jewelry, T-shirts, candles, soaps, cupcakes, chocolates, accessories and even a face painter for the kiddies.

Also, Loraine Pavich, The Budget Food Lady will be providing hors d’oeuvres to introduce you to her website.

And of course, photographer Jesse Winter will have some of his work up for sale.

For more info check out their Facebook Page.

Just Things’ store front on Vernon Blvd. – photo by Jesse Winter

Behind its white, unassuming storefront on the corner of Vernon and 47th Road, the small shop named “Just Things” houses an abundance of treasures. In this consignment shop, you’ll find everything from antique housewares and vintage clothing to brand new board games and yoga mats.  Need a fancy vase or a set of espresso cups? Check here first. Friend’s birthday coming up? There’s an entire corner dedicated to unique gift cards, wrapping paper, and gift bags (all just $2 each). A back room holds a colorful assortment of clothes and accessories, while shelves near the front offer everything from old MAD magazines to modern cookbooks. And if you have something unique or unusual to sell, take it to Just Things–if it’s in good condition, you may get a good price for it.

Bill Stephenson shopping at Just Things – photo by Jesse Winter

 Just Things is also worth a visit just for its history. The shop got its start thirty years ago, when a hard-working and independent Long Island businesswoman set up a mini-flea market where friends could rent tables to sell items. (The same woman ran a candy store where Snob is now located.) At the time, LIC was still an industrial area with a lot of warehouses. Local workers would frequent the shop during lunch breaks and on their way home from work during the week.  But as LIC has changed, so did the shop. Eventually it evolved into a fully-stocked consignment shop. Business on weekdays is quieter now, as most of the industry has left and more residents commute to white collar jobs in Manhattan. And the hotels that have sprung up in the area bring in spend-happy tourists from all over the world. The store founder’s daughter, Ann Caporusso, took over the store many years ago, but you can still see a picture of her mother on the wall behind the cash register.

Just Things is open from noon to 5:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, as well as on random Sundays. Thrift shop junkies and bargain hunters with a keen eye will do well digging through the crowded shelves of merchandise–you might just find that rare Chanel necklace or that antique typewriter you didn’t know you were looking for. And in doing so, you’ll be supporting one of the old-established businesses of Long Island City.

by MOB

Photo by {a href="http://www.ten10studios.com/" target=”_blank”}Jesse Winter{/a}

As old businesses shut down and new ones come in, Vernon Blvd. is slowly adapting itself to the needs of Long Island City residents. This shot of the corner deli off 47th Rd. will soon become a one-stop boutique for crying children and stressed parents (Tribeca Pediatrics).  The face lift begs the question: What do you remember about this corner?