According to the official website, Gnarly Vines Wine & Spirits owner Brian Robinson "launched his formal wine career on Bastille Day in 1997 when he became the Director of the Wine Auction Department at Phillips Auctioneers." So don't be shy about asking for advice when you head over to the shop to browse its vast inventory. Don't feel like leaving the house right now? Gnarly Vines delivers for free to the area with orders of $20 or more. Visit the website for information on upcoming tasting events as well as for online shopping.
Powerhouse on 8th is a bookstore, reading club, mini-gallery and community space that opened in 2012 in South Slope. It offers a variety of books for children, young adults and adults, selling new books, best sellers and limited and signed editions. It carries fiction, non-fiction and cookbooks, and also sells stationery, gifts and artwork. Powerhouse on 8th hosts events and activities regularly, including children's story time, reading clubs for all ages, middle school reading groups, arts and crafts, cooking and food tasting, workshops and a variety of other activities.