The Upper West Side is always flirting with change. Never extreme, but often noteworthy! Best of all, fashion fuses with food on almost every block.
Here is a baker's dozen of "back to school" addresses to hit as you return to the city streets from travels far and wide. Some are new and lesser known and others may be household names for some dear readers!
A is for Amsterdam Avenue:
The blocks from 77th to 87th are enjoying a kind of renaissance of late, from niche eateries to indie boutiques including kids specialty stores. There are just days, after all, when a dash down to Nolita is not in the cards...
Cardeology too: 526 Amsterdam Avenue: In search of quotes and quips and novelty gifts? The new location for this card and party supply store is not to be missed just five blocks north of its former digs. There are fun finds to be had -- Sponge Bob lunchbox, anyone?
MAGPIE: 488 Amsterdam Avenue: A cozy atmosphere to encourage browsing a thoughtful assortment of eco-friendly and handcrafted gifts and accessories. I picked up a few round NYC purse mirrors!
Treat House: 452 Amsterdam Ave: Six words - rice treats! homemade marshmallows! and, Stumptown coffee! The cart out front is lots of fun, too...
Dot: 467 Amsterdam Avenue: For the fun and the fabulous child in all of us, this is a new addition to the shopping scene for girls 2 to 16. Dibs on the fruit loops duffle bag and yes, the doll in the red dress is named Dot, too -- star of Randi Zuckerberg's first picture book for the new generation of media savvy kids!
KES NYC: 463 Amsterdam Avenue: A needed pause at the community minded KES, a Spring newcomer, will reward the in-the-know shopper with fall knits from Raquel Allegra, hats by Tracy Watts and of course, Lia Kes's own sophisticated and understated designs.
A block or so away at 455 Amsterdam Avenue, home grown New York apothecary and perfumery Malin + Goetz celebrates 10 fragrant years.
Sugar and Plumm: 377 Amsterdam Avenue: Newly expanded, dine in, take out, or just drool over the macaroons, chocolate, gummies and more. A purple bicycle awaits to deliver your every sugary need right to your doorstep!
B is for Broadway:
Book Culture: 2915 Broadway: Smartest accessories of the season? Books! I liked this handy back to school desk box, too. And, well worth the walk to 114th Street to visit the Columbia University campus. Book Culture is undergoing its own cultural revolution, adding a new location on Columbus Avenue this Fall. Now that's what I call disruptive retail - the return of the neighborhood bookstore!
Liberty House: 2878A Broadway: With roots in a Mississippi cooperative from the '60's, this women's, kids and gift shop keeps rolling with an organic vibe to the mix. Its messages of peace and hope win it a place on any shopping tour.
BTW Bakery: 2442 Broadway: By the Way Bakery hits the scene with gluten free, dairy free baked goods to die for. This old fashioned, small batch operation offers muffins, cookies, tea cakes and more. I sampled lemon poppy seed and a seasonal peach bundt.
C is for Columbus Avenue:
boc nyc: 410 Columbus Avenue: The softest cream sweatshirt in the window could easily stop West side traffic, as could the camo fold over 'duo' clutch and the sage, leopard print Chan Luu cashmere scarf to be discovered inside. Get them while still hot at this specialty boutique's new digs on Columbus, formerly found on Broadway...
Only Hearts: 386 Columbus Avenue: High honorable mention to this neighborhood veteran boutique, still going strong with every underpinning imaginable plus all things we heart to give and to get.
Wyatt Lily: 290 Columbus Avenue: Too cute puffer vests, printed t-shirts and leggings, onesies, and more inside owner Rachel Uchitel's statement making specialty addition to the neighborhood. From 0 to 6, plus a special kids consignment section.
Shopped out? Splash in the fountain at Tecumseh playground, visit the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, drop in on Madeline at the New York Historical Society through October 14th...
Why, the possibilities are as endless as the city's sweet September days ahead!
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