An Afternoon In The Neighborhood Shops

Playing on the Tuscan theme, which is prevalent throughout the architecture of the entire area, The Spa Tuscano melts away stress with unparalleled pampering. My favorite service is the Rose Petal Manicure, during which hands are soaked in a bath of rose water and rose petals prior to a lovely manicure that includes a paraffin treatment and massage. Close your eyes and it's just like you're sitting in Loose Park with the rose garden in full bloom.

The Tuscano Float which is an hour of floating in mineral-rich water that is maintained at a comfortable 94 degrees—is a little more unusual but just as relaxing. The spa also offers an array of massages and facials, all of which can be preceded by the European Bath Ritual: three jet pools of differing temperatures that decrease tension, increase circulation and promote relaxation.

Luckily, knowing just how intriguing the treatments are, the powers that be at The Spa Tuscano have created several packages that include multiple services. One is sure to offer exactly what the doctor ordered.

Speaking of doctors, cosmetic surgeon Gary Hall oversees Rajeunir Medical Spa just down the street. It's the perfect post-Tuscano stop to make that glowing look of relaxation a little more permanent. Whether you're looking for procedures to even out your skin tone, diminish wrinkles or generally touch up your appearance, Rajeunir offers Botox, IPL, Restylane, laser hair removal and other non-invasive treatments.

And then there's the other way to relax: The shopping at Briarcliff Village is some of the best around. The variety of stores ensures you can find practically anything you are looking for—and several things you didn't even know you needed.

Urban Arts + Crafts is a haven for anyone interested in jewelry making, knitting, sewing, calligraphy, felting, scrapbooking or virtually any other DIY craft. The store's supplies are top-notch, giving novice crafters the kind of high-quality materials that will make finished projects look like their creator has been crafting for years. Urban Arts also offers dozens of classes for both beginners and experts, and the staff will even set up a private class if you can find four friends who all want to learn how to make their lives a little more beautiful. Be sure to give Anni, the charming black and white shop cat, a little scratch behind her ears while you're there.

Anyone who has planned a wedding or looked for a cocktail dress in the last several years most likely knows Nolte's Bridal (4149 N. Mulberry Drive). The boutique offers couture evening and wedding gowns, including Vera Wang and designs by owner Michael Nolte himself. Nolte prides himself on his store's exclusive services, which include the ability to order any gown you may have seen elsewhere, the opportunity to match competitors' prices and certified consultants to help every step of the way. Nolte also takes a personal interest in each of his clients—whether or not she's a bride. It's that affection and attention that has made his business such a success.

Once you've found the dress for that special occasion, the next logical step may be invitations. Salutations by Mairead Design owner Maggie Goldsborough goes above and beyond, adding stationery, cards and event planning to her list of wares. So if you're like me and can't seem to ever have enough lovely papers, notes, pens and other assorted materials for creating handwritten ephemera, Goldsborough's store will not disappoint.

Another of my favorite Briarcliff shops is Nell Hill's, Mary Carol Garrity's larger—and much closer—version of her famous Atchison, Kansas, shop. It features European antiques, home furnishings, linens and garden accessories, but I go to pore over the hundreds of bolts of upholstery fabric housed on the second floor. Though I may never have the opportunity to cover an overstuffed chair in blackwatch plaid or upholster a couch in a bright ikat, at Nell Hill's I can touch all the fabrics and dream up plans for all the furniture I don't have room for.

There's more eye candy down the way at Lauren Alexandra. It's the perfect stop for the perfect children's gift. Self-described as the "kid sister" to the original store in Brookside, this location is all about fun, from bright candies and fairy tale books to cuddly stuffed animals and kid's clothes in every color of the rainbow. I used to go to Lauren Alexandra when I couldn't find the right gift anywhere else, but recently I got smarter and now I just go there first. Why waste the time and energy looking elsewhere?

Briarcliff Village even has its own grocery store. GreenAcres Market sells an array of organic foods, specialty cheeses, deli items and natural health and beauty products. From May through September, the market also hosts a Farmers Market every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. Located in the parking lot in front of the store, the Farmers Market features locally grown and organic foods, music, cooking demonstrations and wine and food tastings. What a great a chance to get to know the people who are growing and producing your food.

As long as you're taking it to the Briarcliff streets, don't miss the summer sidewalk sale, which runs July 14-17. If you've never been to the idyllic community north of the river, it's the perfect time to introduce yourself to all it has to offer. If you're a regular, well then, hey: It's just a great time to find some really great bargains.

More to Explore

Briarcliff offers enough retail therapy to make you shop 'til you drop. Fortunately, there are ample opportunities for sustenance that will keep you going strong all day long.

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