Atlantic Avenue runs alongside Brooklyn Heights dividing it from the leafy brownstone neighborhoods of Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill (to the East). Once the center of New York City’s Middle Eastern Community, Atlantic Avenue is now filled with antique shops and small boutiques.

Sahadi Importing Company (187 Atlantic Ave., 718/624-4550) is one of the few Middle Eastern stores left. This well-stocked Middle Eastern supermarket has a huge selection of olives and dried fruit as well as some of the city’s best prepared hummus and kibbeh.

Also on Atlantic Avenue, DARR (369 Atlantic Ave.) is another fun stop, with its eclectic collection of vintage furnishing.

Wander along Smith Street (in Boerum Hill) and walk back along Court Street (Cobble Hill). Both streets are representative of the new fresh flavors of the neighborhoods, although Court Street has more of the older established stores that reflect the neighborhoods Italian-American heritage.

If quirky kids stuff is of interest, pop by the charming Brooklyn mini empire of Area Kids (233 Smith St., 718/522 6455). Another borough-centric shop is Brooklyn Industries (100 Smith St., 718/596-3986).