Yes, I do love real books and good bookstores. McNally Jackson is perhaps my favorite bookstore in New York City. I typically go to the location in Soho. But if you happen to find yourself in Williamsburg it is definitely worth it. Every person who works at McNally Jackson knows books and they tend to specialize in different kinds of topics. The selection of books in the areas of poetry, literature, arts, general nonfiction to name a few areas always fascinates me.

McNally Jackson 76 N. 4th Street, Williamsburg

Yes, I do love bookstores and Spoonbill & Sugartown Bookseller certainly fits this category. Their location is small but their collection is highly curated. They also sell select magazines and paper goods as well as a few secondhand books.

I asked a salesperson about books on a particular topic and she was able to help me find what I was looking for. They are an indie business and they've been in business since 1999.

"If you happen to walk through the doors, you might find the book you’re looking for. But if your mind and eyes remain open you’ll be subject to the phenomenon of “bookshop serendipity”, where anything can happen. We offer second-hand, rare as well as new books on Contemporary Art, Literature, Philosophy and various Design fields – but we also hand-pick thousands of good books of all stripes every month to try and satisfy print-lovers from all over the world."

Spoonbill & Sugartown Bookseller, 218 Bedford Avenue near North 5th Street

Cafe Colette is a real favorite restaurant. The decor is retro in style. The food is exceptional. The music is always upbeat but doesn't overpower the ability to hear and have a conversation. It is independently owned and they have 2 of my photos on the wall!

"Colette embraces the idea of New American cuisine, and is influenced by flavors and techniques from Spain, Italy, Central America, and beyond. Our menu is primarily sourced locally, serving meat, eggs, and dairy that are free range, antibiotic free, and organic. Our cocktails are creative, 
yet rooted in the classics, and our wines are natural and sustainably produced. We are proud to be a part of Williamsburg's dynamic restaurant community, and enjoy serving our neighborhood regulars and visitors alike."

Cafe Colette, 79 Berry Street at North 9th Street

Devoción is a very cool café in Williamsburg. Yes, the coffee is really good. But the thing you will notice even before you order is that the look and feel of the space is like being in a rain forest. Great coffee and great atmosphere.

You will also notice when entering that they roast their beans right there! I haven’t been to their other 3 locations in the city. Not yet. It could be a little tricky getting a seat here.

Devoción - 69 Grand Street near Wythe Street

Artists & Fleas opened in Williamsburg in 2003 to provide a marketplace for local artists and artisans. It is a fabulous marketplace where you can find vintage clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, and much much more. They are open Saturdays and Sundays and if there's a problem with the L train, you can also take the East River Ferry. Artists & Fleas also has a new location in Soho which I'll be adding to this blog in the near future. You can find the Chelsea Market location listed here under artisan markets.

Artists & Fleas, 70 North 7th Street