Along Main Street: Shopping in Islip

Islip has one of those main streets that just make you want to stroll. In fact, Barbara DeLillo and her daughter Kim come all the way from their Brentwood home, along with their dog Amelia, just to stroll along the street.

"It's a great walking town. It has nice shops here," says Barbara DeLillo. "We like to get a cookie at Manhattan [Sweets] Bakery when we are here, too."

Balcony Arts and Antiques

(585 Main St., 631-277-0615)

With an emphasis on crystal and oil paintings, the shop has many fun finds -- take the 23-inch-high lamp with a large domed crystal shade ($1,250), which seems like it could have been on the set of "The Great Gatsby." A 12-service Hertel-Jacob china set from Bavaria is tagged at $425, and includes serving bowls and a coffee urn.

Furniture dates from a mid-20th century dining table in walnut for $3,000 to an inlay wood étagère serving chest from 1880s Japan for $2,800.

Take a peek in the back to see the original stage of the Islip Star vaudeville theater that was housed there in the early part of the 1900's.

Altamira

(541 Main St., 631-277-0680)

It started as a framing shop, then Altamira transformed into a hippie oasis, selling handmade purses, glycerin soaps and healing gemstones.

Batik-designed throws go for $160, and handmade pottery bowls from Pennsylvania artist Royce Yoder start at $69. Pick up a crotchet headband from Nepal for $12.

It's interesting to see the large framed old -- and odd -- maps, including a 1873 Beers map of New York City ($750) and a  Giclée of a 1903 U.S. Department of Agriculture Bureau of Soils map of Babylon and Islip ($489).

Lori's Nook & Cranny

(469 Main St., 631-277-7600)

Aptly named, because in every nook and cranny of this shop are charming necklaces and earrings, as well as quote pillows, candles and clothing.

Owner Lori Stuck Zegel greets customers in the eclectic store, helping them choose items for birthday gifts or just for themselves.

"We are mostly about jewelry," says Stuck Zegel, who has a large collection -- from initial necklaces at $15 and a display of $8 earrings. "I make sure there is a price range for everybody."

Sew What's New

(400 Main St., 631-277-4215)

This fabric store has been a mainstay in Islip for years, but it recently expanded to include yarn after a similar shop across the street went out of business last year.

Even if you don't have the yarn bug, it's fun to look through the different colors and textures, from worsted weight to baby fine, as well as the super bulky for scarves and hats.

If you live nearby, the shop offers sewing, knit and crochet classes, including making American Girl doll clothes. And there's always someone there to give advice.

"If you get stuck on a pattern, no one online can help," says employee Marion Reiter, who was knitting some baby clothes in the back one recent Friday afternoon.

Only You

(549 Main St., 631-277-2333; onlyyougifts.com)

Owner Melinda Cantor designs most of the invitations and other graphic stationery sold here, but the other engraved items are also worth a browse, from the silver-plated desk sets to cigarette boxes and tie clips. Lenox frames, engraved in a day or two, start at $28. "They fly off the shelves," Cantor says.

There's a three-day notice for embroidered baby blankets and other fabric items. She also engraves wineglasses with initials or names in sparkling glitter ($110 for a set of two) -- a perfect wedding or engagement gift, she says. Engraved pens are about $20 to $30.

Cantor has been in Islip for 16 years, she notes. "When you do business in Islip, you just want to stay."

Part of an ongoing series spotlighting downtown streets for shopping and exploring around Long Island.