You have heard of Soho and TriBeCa and even NoHo in New York City.

Well, here in Katonah, New York we have NoKa. When I first walked into NoKa a few years ago - at that time only a stylish gift shop on the second floor of a beautiful Victorian at 25 Katonah Avenue - I asked the engaging owner, Jennifer Cook, what that meant. “We are on the NOrthern end of KAtonah! Hence NoKa!”

Did I call it just a “stylish gift shop”? I was wrong! You will not walk in and get hit by the scent of scented ANYTHING! What you will find is the most amusing yet intelligent selection of gift items. Most of which will give you a giggle if not a full out belly laugh. Also the items are very unique as well as affordable. One would think they were created exclusively for the store. They will also do a great job of wrapping it.

If you love Retro, you will love NoKa’s! As soon as you step in onto the linoleum floors you are whisked back to the days of Ozzie & Harriet and the beloved tales of Dick & Jane and their Dog Spot. Many of the furniture pieces are for sale as well since they find unique pieces on Ebay for the store and take pieces on consignment.

Since that time,when the shop below vacated, Jennifer conquered that as well with NoKa Joe’s! They bravely meet the morning commuters (the steps to Metro North are across the way) at 5:50 in the morning with fair traded coffees and teas. They are also known for their delicious fresh Winter Soups. During the Summer they are serving Soft Serve Ice Cream as well as their many delicious lattes, cappuccino’s and imported Italian sodas until 9. A great way to stroll Katonah Avenue, sit on the benches and have a friendly chat. They also have a wide array of fun retro candies including everyone’s favorite Jelly Belly flavors.

And just for a goof, NoKa Joe’s sponsors a few funny events each year. In the fall they have their SPAM carving contest that is judged during the Fall Festival. This spring NoKa Joe’s invited friends to be extras at the Harrison Ford movie filmed at the Muscoot. Those that attended spent a creative day decorating cabbages for the ‘cabbage festival’ (and watching Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams run their lines!)

This store is full of fun, upstairs and down. The gifts are terrific. The food is of the highest quality. The prices are great! Aside from fun, when you spend over 20 dollars, one dollar will be contributed to three local charities - your choice - actually that is MY idea of FUN!

NoKa Joe’s is open 7 days a week, opening a little before 6 am as mentioned for the commuters Monday - Friday, at 8 on Saturday and 9 on Sunday.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom