NY recs that aren’t spendy. I’m flying solo and bouncing between Brooklyn and Westchester (ie. Grand Central/Midtown) and looking for: spots for great solo lunches/treats/snacks at the bar? cute little shops? coffee shops where I can read?

Question

NY recs that aren’t spendy. I’m flying solo and bouncing between Brooklyn and Westchester (ie. Grand Central/Midtown) and looking for: spots for great solo lunches/treats/snacks at the bar?  cute little shops? coffee shops where I can read?

Sophie · Answer

Wave Hill, Bronx NY: 28 acres of serene beautifully planted gardens and green space in the Bronx halfway between the 1 train and metro north. Iconic river views. Kids under 6 are free, adult admission is $10. They run a free shuttle from the trains on weekends. Kids art projects on weekend mornings.

Catherine Davis · Answer

Casey Rubber Stamps, NYC: I wandered into this place on the LES and it’s a gem! Unique vintage-style rubber stamps (often sourced from old books). They also make custom-made ones. I got a pretty “D” and use it in place of my address on xmas cards.

Sara Quinn · Answer

Printed Matter: When I’m in nyc one of my fave free things to do is visit the incredible bookstores and just browse for hours. It’s heaven to me.  We just don’t have bookstores like that here in Atlanta. Printed matter is a captivating art book and small press and diy publishing space that I could literally spend a week in. Last time I was there I also hit up McNally Jackson, Rizzoli, Books of Wonder and Spoonbill and Sugartown but there are sooooo many gems.