New York - October 19, 2007

Eyes on the Prize

Blue Ribbon General Store Opens

It feels good to mingle with the laid-back country folk.

Especially out in rustic Boerum Hill, with its haunted brownstones, alternate side parking, and newly minted Blue Ribbon General Store.

The snug shop captures that small town feeling and adds a modern sensibility for city living. Everyday chores get a redesign from lobster-patterned linen dish towels, brocade zip-lock travel bags, Nellie’s detergents, and decoupage storage bins (neon toiles, zebra stripes).

The jam-packed spot also offers gifty items like Let’s Paint the ’90s (paint-by-numbers starring historical figures like Milli Vanilli, Tonya Harding, and Monica Lewinsky), dog treats, man treats, and bath products.

Not to mention grab bag bins for necessities you might need in a pinch: whoopee cushions, wind-up chatter teeth, Silly Putty.

You never know what (or whom) you’ll encounter out there on the range.

Blue Ribbon General Store, 365 State Street, at Bond Street (718-522-9848 or blueribbongeneralstore.com).