The Pleasure Chest

A West Village institution since 1971, this sex-toy megastore opens a second NYC location. The 5,600-square-foot space has a boudoir feel, and stocks both luxury and budget gadgets ($15–$200), as well as books ($10–$30) and lingerie ($5–$150). Upon entering, you’ll find goodies catering to beginners, including Maison Close bodysuits ($130) and tomes such as Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy ($16). Continue your exploration with popular toys, such as Vibratex Rabbit vibrators ($70–$85), Lelo Luna Beads ($50) and Tantus G-spot dildos ($90). Among the dozens of items geared toward men are Tantus cock slings ($43) and Tenga masturbation sleeves ($8). If your tastes run a little less vanilla, there’s an entire room of kinky paraphernalia, filled with leather floggers ($25–$140), O-ring collars ($55) and electric wands ($155). A large meeting room downstairs offers free classes like “Beginners’ BDSM” and “The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure.” Don’t leave without checking out the Sex Is Back campaign (sexisback.com) playing on iPads, featuring real videos of people overcoming shame and finding sex-positive fulfillment.