Come for the haircut and color, stay for the vintage finds. For Karen Lewis, 67, a retired speech therapist who lives in Fort Salonga and Naples, Fla., that’s the ritual at Bocu Salon and Spa in Commack.

Lewis’ latest addition to her post-haircut closet is a $425 vintage 1950s straw bag in mint condition. “It’s very detailed and has a beautiful bracelet-like clasp,” she says. “I just had to have it. It’s one of a kind.”

The salon offers hair care, facials, massages and manicures, as well as a 4-year-old thrift store called Bocutique. It’s an added extra that’s hidden right in front of the customers.

Maria Polsinelli has been running Bocu Salon and Spa for 37 years. The presence of Bocutique makes appointments an experience. “It’s a nice surprise for new clients,” she says.

Even for long-term customers. “Every time I go in, I look twice,” says Lewis. “They’re constantly changing the merchandise. I make sure I have time before and after my appointment.”

It turns out there are other interesting destinations in Long Island shops, some in places you might not expect them. If you’re in the mood for sweet honey, energizing crystals, pet-safe houseplants, or a dress for a wedding, this is the place to go.

Pet-safe houseplants at Barkfield Road

Since 2022, Barkfield Road in East Northport specializes in organic dog food and healthy treats, as well as custom cakes for pet birthdays and “gotcha” celebrations.

This summer, the store expanded its offerings. Co-owners Kevin and Gabriela Neglia opened a carefully curated plant section with items that are safe for pets.

“We started in early June,” says 30-year-old Kevin, adding that he and his wife have two dogs of their own and love plants and gardening. “It’s something special.”

Ruby and Watermelon Peperomia are two of the store’s plant options. Prices start at around $13.99. It’s a contemporary addition. Interest in houseplants has increased since the pandemic, especially among millennials. The owners admit that the plants, a special feature of the store, are hidden in plain sight. They’re interspersed with other store items. You’ll find some plants in the windows, while others hang in baskets.

Salon and Gems at Bewitched Beauty Bar

Melissa Oakley, 30, has been a hairdresser for over a decade. After a “rough time in my life about three years ago,” she says, “I was introduced to this whole world of crystals and their healing properties.”

It left a lasting impression. The name of her three-month-old Farmingdale salon, Bewitched Beauty Bar, doesn’t explicitly mention crystals, but they’re a big part of the experience.

Selling crystals — ranging in price from $5 to $400 — alongside beauty treatments is not your usual salon business. “I like to be different,” she says. “When your hair is being treated, there’s always something to see.”

Pat Petrizzo, 68, who lives in North Massapequa and works in health care, recently bought “a bag of stones that are themed around love,” she says. She has been one of Oakley’s customers since long before the store opened. When she first saw the large crystal section, she was “surprised.” “It’s like two stores in one,” she says.

Honey treats at Brooklyn Delights Bakery

In 2021, Brooklyn Delights Bakery was a low-profile business located inside Sweet City Treats in Farmingdale. Sweet City Treats was forced to close during the pandemic. Brooklyn Delights—a prepared-food bakery in a storefront and warehouse—weathered the storm and grew.

“The side business became our main business,” says owner Frankie Raimondi, 46. But there’s a new hidden gem to talk about. “Now we have our own honey company in the store,” says Raimondi, “which we developed during the pandemic.”

Gold Mine Honey Co. offers several varieties – wildflower, blueberry and clover honey – and costs about $12.99 per jar.

The honey, Raimondi said, is produced by bees whose hives were moved from Long Island to upstate New York after the beekeeper’s death. There are plans to sell Gold Mine in other stores, he added.

Dresses for all occasions at Here Comes the Bridesmaid

Located in the Bethpage Business Park next to companies like Tesla Energy, Here Comes the Bridesmaid is “a destination with a difference,” says owner Elizabeth Andrei.

According to customer reviews, it’s definitely worth the trip. Jenn DeMuria, 37, who lives in East Meadow and works for the Freeport Public School District, was thrilled when she found bridesmaid dresses in her dream shade of mint at the store.

But first she had to find the store. DeMuria remembers a store employee telling her to look for “Building A, right next to Tesla.” “I thought, ‘Where are you taking me?'” DuMuria says, laughing. “It’s definitely a surprise — and a nice one at that.”

Andrei adds that the store has broadened its focus. “In March, we expanded our offer and now also offer dresses for the mother of the groom and the bride.”

Melanie Leone, a 60-year-old who lives in Northport and works in the insurance industry, didn’t mind the shop being off the beaten path. She found a silver lace dress with cutaway sleeves that she was dying to wear to an upcoming wedding. “It’s very elegant,” she says.

Streetwear at Sprmrkt within the IGA

For trendy streetwear, check out Sprmrkt on Shelter Island, a clothing store discreetly housed inside the IGA grocery store. Anthony Peronace, 29, launched the casual line of emblem t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and caps in 2018.

“Most of the pieces are supermarket-related,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in fashion.” And he creates new designs each season. A tomato-printed Summer 2024 tote bag ($14.99) is a perfect example of marrying personal style with your run-of-the-mill shopping list. The Midnight Hoodie is another new option that captures Shelter Island’s signature night scene with deer, a familiar sight for anyone who’s driven around the island after dark. In the store’s expanded hat collection, hats emblazoned with “Shelter Island” in cucumber green ($37.99) have been a top seller.

Beauty bargains at Cosmetics Warehouse

It’s no secret that looking good for less is a plus, and there are plenty of beauty bargains to be had at Cosmetics Warehouse’s secret sales in Melville.

Skincare, haircare, cosmetics and other products from Estée Lauder-branded brands such as Clinique, MAC, GlamGlow, Bobbi Brown and Origins are 50% off retail prices. The sale runs Saturdays through December 21, excluding November 30.