Sure one can get a marriage license whereever they live, but in NYC its a bustling business. Inside 80 Centre Street, hundred of couples apply each day, many of whom get hitched right there and then. A cottage business of florists and photographers flank the building awaiting these brides and grooms and their wedding parties. It aint Vegas but it sure feels like it. Oddly warms the heart

www.shopgotham.com

Why we like this one:

What you will find: Both old and new items: Antique/vintage fashion, furniture and collectibles, fine jewelry, new handcrafted items, cosmetics, food and flowers, more.

This established market with more than 140 vendors stockng a combination of old and new items. Shop for a 1930’s milk glass lighting fixture as shown above or load up on Lancome mascara. Buy a 1950’s mink stole, an old singer sewing machine table or a trendy new cuff bracelet made of wire. Every category is represented here and in the warm months, the flower vendors have among the best assortment and prices in the city. There is also an excellent but small farmer’s market. If you are seeking fine jewelry, head inside the school to find at least 10 vendors with large inventories of fine antique jewelry.

Pros: A pleasant non-frenetic environment frequented mostly by locals.

Cons: Not the place to seek out that vintage designer label.

www.shopgotham.com

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Alicia Keys was part of the GMA summer concert series this morning. At Shop Gotham we like to throw in to the mix all the reasons NYC rocks, not just shopping. Here are some photos from this morning’s concert. (One gorgeous and talented broad).

And for information on how Shop Gotham can rock your shopping world, please see: www.shopgotham.com

1)Even if you cant afford one item at Bergdorf Goodman, anyone can wander in and almost always spot a celeb. Last week Kelsey Grammer and wife spotted in shoe dept.  PS. Fine dept stores are also very useful for their lovely bathrooms.

2)Street Vendors in Soho.  Some of the best authentic jewelry, hats, art & whatnot are sold on the streets of Soho. Talented folks without the overhead of stores, create and sell edgy & trendy at a fraction of the stores’ prices. TIP: The exception is those located on Broadway. These vendors sell the mass merch shipped in overseas.

3)Because some of the best music can be heard in the subways.

Shop Gotham shopping tours. www.shopgotham.com

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 gra.mer spoted w wife at BG better shoes, shout out to Conrans for bathroom stuff & other cool kitch – give link /address – new subject: shout out?

3 More Reasons NYC Rocks

1) Almost All Shops are open on Sunday (exception: upper Madison avenue). We recommend taking our Soho & Nolita shopping tour at noon on Sunday. Wake up late. Take your tour. Follow it by a late leisurely lunch at a charming cafe in Soho or Nolita. Shop some more. Drag your bags home. Take a nap. A perfect sunday.

2)Cover bands at BBKings. Almost any musician you have ever loved is represented at BBkings by a “look-alike band”, who are often as good as the real deal. Typically $15. Civilized environment with food & bev.

3)Philharmonic in Central Park. True that about a zillion other people also show up to picnic under the stars. But there is always a patch of grass to snag and hey, its the NY Philarmonic for free!  July 17 2009.

1.Pizza by the slice

2.Always a kook to gawk at

3.Broadway baseball league (summers) 

And #4 of course, insane shopping & shopping tours: www.shopgotham.com

Peace & love in Central Park

Broadway cast of Hair, performing free, Fri, June 26, 7am – 9am (somewhere in this timeframe), Rumsey Playfield, 69th & Fifth Avenue (part of GMA summer concert series)

#1: The 24-hour Apple Store, Fifth Ave @ 59th Stteet

Not only does this store offer a dizzying array of cool toys to check out, but you can get round-the-clock tech help for your dying iphone or the missing music on your ipod.

#2: Never go without the milk in your coffee

The city that never sleeps is most valuable when you need those “essentials” at odd hours.. like red licorice or milk for your coffee. Never more than 2 blocks away

#3: The cheapest manicures

The supply and demand rule is never more apparent than in the NYC manicure (and pedicure) industry. It seems there is one on every block.  Cheap, Fabulous and typically no appointments needed.