So, This Happened…
Okay, first of all, if you don’t already know this about me: I love a good Sunday stroll in the city. A little window shopping, a lot of coffee, and preferably ending the day with some sushi and a new pair of shoes (it’s called balance, okay?).
Anyway, this past Sunday, I was wandering around SoHo — you know, pretending I wasn’t searching for the perfect vintage leather jacket — and literally tripped over the cutest little bookstore. Like, truly, the universe had to physically shove me into this place.
And honestly? Thank you, universe. Because now I’m obsessed.
Meet “Paper Moon Books”
Tucked between a designer jewelry store and a gelato place that, let’s be honest, I absolutely also went into, was this tiny bookstore called Paper Moon Books. I had totally never seen it before — turns out it’s relatively new (opened in February!) but it feels like it’s been there forever in the best possible way.
Walking in felt like stepping into an actual Pinterest board.
Here’s what I loved immediately:
- Cozy wooden shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling (with sliding ladders! Like Beauty and the Beast!)
- String lights instead of fluorescent lighting, which honestly just improved my entire mood
- That old-book smell… you know. That “I’m a well-read, mysterious woman drinking tea by the window” vibe.
- A tiny (!) cafe (!!) inside where they serve lavender lattes and pistachio croissants
- A golden retriever named Walter who literally just naps behind the counter and accepts head scratches
I mean, are you kidding??
Things I Bought (Because Obviously)
Did I need to buy anything? No.
Did I leave with a tote bag full of treasures? You already know the answer.
My haul included:
- Little Women — because somehow, scandalously, I've never actually read it
- A pocket-sized journal embossed with little moons and stars (!!!)
- A candle that smells like “morning rain in Maine”…whatever that means, but it’s incredible
- A card for Monica that says “You’re my lobster” (because honestly… it was physically impossible not to)
- A lavender latte and a pistachio croissant, obvi
Quote I wrote in my new journal while sitting by the window, pretending I’m the main character:
"Today I fell in love with a place, and somehow it feels like it fell in love right back."
I know. I'm disgustingly sentimental sometimes. Let’s all move on.
Other SoHo Moments I’m Living For Right Now
Since moving here, I swear SoHo just keeps surprising me. Like:
- Random Art Installations: Saw a painted piano just sitting on Prince Street the other day. Some guy was playing “Clocks” by Coldplay and I honestly had a full emotional experience.
- Pop-Up Sample Sales: Found a pair of thigh-high suede boots at 80% off. Thank you and goodnight.
- Adorable Sidewalk Cafés: I had a $9 iced oat milk latte that made me question all my life choices and yet — not one single regret. Not one.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wandering around SoHo anytime soon, please pop into Paper Moon Books. Sit for a while. Order something you can’t pronounce. Pet Walter. Pretend (like me) that you’re starring in a charming indie film about self-discovery.
And maybe — if you’re lucky — you’ll also trip into your next favorite thing.
💛
xoxo,
Rachel
#NewYorkLife #SoHoAdventures #BookstoreCrush #SendHelpImBuyingMoreCandles
