The Day I Became Belle (Kind Of)
Okay, so you know how sometimes you're just walking around, trying to find that one coffee shop you saw on Instagram — the one where the latte art literally looks like a swan wearing a beret? Well, that’s what I was doing this Saturday. In heels. (Mistake number one.)
Fifteen wrong turns later, I ended up somewhere very different — I found a tiny bookstore tucked between two brownstones, with a crooked little sign that just said: “Hearth.”
I know what you’re thinking: "Rachel. You, in a bookstore? Voluntarily?"
But listen — the door was open, and there was this golden-hour light spilling out like a literal Disney movie scene. I mean, if there was ever a moment the universe wanted me to go in, that was it.
Spoiler alert: I did. And I did NOT regret it.
First Impressions: If Anthropologie and the Beast’s Library Had a Baby
You guys, the second I stepped inside, I actually gasped. Out loud. Like, I had a moment.
There were stacks of books everywhere — but not in a "we don’t have organizational skills" way. More in a "each stack belongs exactly where it is and if you move it, the vibe is ruined forever" kind of way. Velvet armchairs. A cat named Hemingway. (He was wearing a tiny plaid bow tie and I'm not okay.)
And the smell?? It was old paper, vanilla candles, and just the softest hint of espresso. Honestly, if they bottled it, I'd wear it like perfume.
Things I Loved Inside “Hearth”:
- A handwritten sign that said, "You don't have to finish every book you start. It's okay. HEMINGWAY SAID SO." (Was the cat running the place?? Still unclear.)
- A wall labeled “Books For When You Feel Flammable” — filled with poetry, feminist essays, and Joan Didion. (Very on-brand for my current emotional landscape.)
- A teeny-tiny café in the back serving what might’ve been the best lavender shortbread I've ever had. (I tried to play it cool. I very much did not succeed.)
“It looks like if Rory Gilmore’s living room married an independent film festival and had twins.”
— Me, texting Monica and Phoebe while still inside.
What I Bought (Because Obviously I Did)
I walked out with:
- A first-edition Breakfast at Tiffany’s (which felt like fate??),
- A book of cocktail recipes called Literary Libations, and
- A tote bag that says, “I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie.” (No regrets.)
To be honest, I also bought an $8 latte called "Plot Twist" that had cinnamon and cardamom and something called “storytelling dust” on it. Was it a little extra? Yes. Was it delicious? Also yes.
A Few Random Thoughts I Had While There:
- Why am I not coming to places like this more often?
- If boys took girls on bookstore dates, the world would be a better place.
- Maybe I should read more actual books instead of just reading wine menus really thoroughly.
- Is it very me to want velvet armchairs now? Like…in the bathroom?
Final Verdict
I went looking for a croissant and instead found my inner Belle. (Minus the singing furniture…although honestly in New York, that wouldn’t even crack my Top 5 weird discoveries.)
This little accidental adventure reminded me that NYC still has so many surprises hidden in plain sight. Even after living here for years, sometimes the city just tugs on your sleeve and says, "Hey — come get lost."
You better believe I’m planning my next "accidental" stroll already. Probably with better shoes though.
👠📚✨
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If you know any other secret spots I NEED to check out, tell me!! Otherwise, you might find me living at Hearth permanently. (Sorry, Hemingway!)
