Main Street magic

Businesses in East Rockaway offer variety, each with its own niche and ambience, to help ensure no resident is required to commute outside of the Village for holiday necessities and desires.

To walk down the street laterally, residents can begin their shopping journey at Color Nails & Spa on 137 Main St. to achieve a polished look for the holiday season.

David Yang, owner of Color Nails & Spa, said the Christmas season remains one of the spa’s busiest times of year, particularly 10 days before Dec. 25.

Yang said while many clients opt for traditional nail colors, during the holidays people get more creative with the designs they want painted.

But, painted pine trees and Santa caps are not a requirement: one customer sported nails edged with an animal print and flower to express herself in a unique fashion.

Yang said clients can bring in photos for replication, and the spa’s artists want to bring customers’ visions to life.

“We really try to work with [customers],” he said.

The spa offers gift cards year-round, but they also make the perfect stocking stuffers, Yang said.

Gift cards provide access to any of the services provided at Color Nails & Spa, including: waxes, eyebrows tints, and other cosmetic services.

Reservations are suggested, but depending on busyness, the spa does provide services to walk-in customers. For more information call (516) 887-1221.

After spending a few hours refining personal aesthetics at Color Nails & Spa, residents might find themselves getting hungry for lunch. Across the street, Puerta Mexicana at 141 Main St. offers Mexican cuisine with an American twist.

Inside, the colorful, ‘maximalistic’ interior pays homage to the rich culture of Mexico. Papel picado banners, sheets of colorful paper with intricate designs, line the walls and ceiling, marrying themselves with the magenta paint.

Customers say the food matches the colorful atmosphere.

“The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavors that left me craving more,” customer Tina Koshy reviewed. “Every dish was fresh, well-seasoned and perfectly cooked.”

The restaurant offers various items, including traditional foods like tamales and birria tacos, but the owners venture out to provide unorthodox combinations, such as coconut shrimp with a homemade chipotle mayonnaise. Residents should note the restaurant is closed on Mondays. For more information visit, MexicanaPuerta.com.

While delicious, the offerings at Puerta Mexicana can leave residents feeling tired, and perhaps, ready for a nap and massage. Fortunately, Calmer U Holistic Health Center on 131 Main St. is less than a minute walk from the restaurant.

Calmer U offers a range of wellness services designed to help clients relax and recharge. The center provides massage therapy, energy healing, and aromatherapy, all aimed at promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. Calmer U also offers sound healing sessions and guided meditations to enhance mental clarity and physical relaxation. With a focus on holistic health, the center seeks to create a peaceful environment where clients can find balance and unwind, especially after indulging a bunch of tacos. For more information, and to book appointments, visit: CalmerUNY.com.

To finish the night off, residents can treat themselves to dinner and drinks at James and Main, and Haviland Kitchen and Bar.

James and Main, located at 1 Main St., offers a cozy yet contemporary dining experience with a menu focused on American comfort food and craft cocktails. The restaurant features a variety of seasonal dishes, including fresh seafood, steaks, and homemade pastas. With an extensive wine list and signature cocktails, James and Main is a popular spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. For more information visit: JamesAndMain.com.

Just a short walk away, Haviland Kitchen and Bar at 43 Main St., combines modern dining with a vibrant bar scene. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of globally inspired dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to inventive small plates, paired with a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. For more information visit: HavilandKitchen.com.

Just like that, residents can spend the whole day exploring East Rockaway businesses — without lifting a finger, or driving a car.