Shopping in Middle Island

In 1913, German-born Carl Braunhart debuted a shop of high-quality cycles that eventually migrated stateside and, over the years, traded hands to his great-grandson. In 1980, Fred Feller bought the shop from the Braunhart family, and when his son, Darren, graduated from college, Carl Hart Bicycles once again became a multigenerational family business. Today, Fred and Darren's staff of factory-certified technicians and cycling enthusiasts, some with backgrounds in semiprofessional racing, help patrons sift through an impressive inventory of quality bicycles from top industry brands such as Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale. Most two-wheelers come in five to eight sizes for myriad heights, and staffers measure customers to find the best fit. But when a traditional bicycle won't suffice, they send measurements to Seven Cycles or Guru factories, where workers craft customized frames. Custom-fit bikes contour to riders' bodies, cushioning the stress of frequent biking and the need to throw bikes at slow-moving pedestrians.Before committing to any purchase, customers are encouraged to take a test spin around the parking lot or stop by on Demo Days. On these days, bike manufacturers bring their cycles to the store and patrons can try them on for size as they pop wheelies over unassuming companions or traverse miles of mountain trails that branch out from the shop. On Saturdays, Darren or an assistant manager takes groups of up to 35 cyclists on 36-mile excursions. Afterwards, athletes refuel with bagels at the shop.

The Priceless Parrot Preserve sounds like a jungle. The calls and conversations of more than 100 birds from 29 species form a symphony that strengthens social bonds. Well-behaved members of the flock greet visitors and play with toys hanging from the ceiling, whereas animals with behavioral issues—often the products of abuse or neglect—hang back, working with volunteers and founders Gene and Marietta Avery to grow and recover. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Gene provides medical care to the often malnourished birds and ensures that they receive a rich diet of nuts and fruit.

Gene and Marietta Avery founded The Priceless Parrot Preserve to care for neglected and abandoned exotic birds. Their goal is twofold: to educate the public about the birds both as pets and wild creatures, and to give a permanent home to mistreated and unwanted birds. The couple originally adopted the birds out of their own pockets, but formed their own preserve when confronted with the sheer number of birds in need. Today, they specialize in taking in larger birds such as macaws and cockatoos that demand more attention and other birds that might be considered unadoptable.

It’s been 40 years since the Ferraro family opened Plaza Surf N Sports, and today its inventory of sporting goods and apparel only continues to expand. The staff of sports enthusiasts is on hand to help patrons navigate the selection and can assist with everything from fitting and sizing hockey equipment to finding the right skateboard deck. The shop also handles team orders and trophies, ideal for local youth teams or professionals that lost a championship but really want a trophy anyway.

Plaza Surf N Sports’ Montauk location specializes in watersports, stocking a large selection of bathing suits, goggles, and surfboards. Day rentals outfit trips to the shore with surfboards, boogie boards, kayaks, and beach chairs, which are more relaxing for wave riding than conventional surfboards.

The Spa 25 welcomes visitors for a quiet and relaxing retreat from the hectic outside world. In the elegant spa, staffers beautify each area of the body, waxing away excess hair, applying facials to remove dead skin, and giving muscles a melting massage to complement intense workouts. The hydrating foot treatment brings spring to the step, and the full-body polish treatment exfoliates customers from head to toe and buffs in a coat of hydration cream to dramatically increase their Blue Book resale value.

Ronjo Magic shop opened 1974 a few years later I added Costumes to our store and it was a perfect fit. With performing arts skils and show biz in my blood the knowledge we offer is endless to all performers from backyard partys to stage productions, Getting dressed for a party is as serious to us as a broadway show.

The proprietor of Say It In Thread began sewing at the age of 13, eventually graduating from the famed Fashion Institute of Technology. But it wasn't until she became a mom herself that she figured out how to support her little family with what she loved to do. In 1989, she began by embroidering baby gifts. Today, she crafts custom gifts, from pattern to hemming, embroidering each one to make it one of a kind. Customers can choose from a range of gifts, robes and towels, laundry bags and duffel bags, and throws and baby blankets. Each one is personalized with bright-colored thread, with the recipient's initials or name, and even a clever graphic such as baseballs for the sports fan, flowers for a gardener, or an adding machine for someone who likes things that tick.

The professional photographers at Target Portrait Studios capture paramount moments in premier lighting with high-tech digital cameras and a choice of vivid background images. After clients discuss pose preferences with their portraitist, subjects take the stage for approximately 10 minutes of flashing bulbs, bright smiles, and focused lenses. Clients are welcome to bring props and shadow puppets from home, and after choosing a background, they can further customize each image with one of the studio's props, if desired.