You guys, something magical just happened. You know those days when you just want to wear a cute outfit, grab a coffee, and go for a little walk to clear your head? Well, I did that today. And by “little walk,” I mean…I got completely lost. Like, “Am I still in Manhattan or have I somehow wandered into like a Jane Austen novel?” lost. But I ended up somewhere even better than what I was looking for, which is honestly kind of my thing lately.
So here’s what happened…
The Accidental Wander
It started out SO normal. I left my apartment in SoHo wearing my new beige trench (very old Céline energy), thinking I’d just swing by Bleecker Street for a croissant and maybe window-shop some overpriced candles. I had no agenda, no stress—just vibes.
Then I took a turn (maybe two?) and suddenly I was deep in the West Village, where every street curves for no reason, and all the buildings look like the place Carrie Bradshaw wrote depressing love letters to herself. My phone had like, 4% battery. Classic Rachel.
Enter the Bookstore of My Dreams
Just as I accepted that I might need to adopt a dog and start a new life as a lost street poet, I saw it.
A little black-and-white sign above a deep green door:
“Bon Vivant Books – Wine, Words, and Wandering Hearts Welcome”
Um. Okay. SERIOUSLY?
I walked in. It smelled like old paperbacks, lavender, and a little whiff of something I later found out was a Riesling spritz. There were floor-to-ceiling books, indie music playing (but not annoying indie—like Amélie soundtrack indie), and—wait for it—a tiny wine bar tucked in the back.
Did I just move in? Maybe emotionally.
Why I’m Obsessed
Here’s what made this place absolutely perfect:
1. The Book Collection Is…Just, WOW
It’s all curated—no bland bestsellers or airport thrillers. I found an early edition of Joan Didion’s “Play It As It Lays” and this insanely beautiful poetry book called “The Lonely City.” Someone put effort into picking these books, and I felt like they were looking right into my soul.
2. THE WINE
Not a joke. I had a glass of pét-nat rosé and let me just say, sipping wine while flipping through a collection of essays about women in New York hits different. (It was also $11, which is basically free in NYC standards.)
3. The Vibe
There were candles. Little velvet chairs. A golden retriever named Miso (yes, like the soup) asleep next to the register. The playlist was Nico, Regina Spektor, and French jazz I pretended to recognize. The girl behind the counter wore overalls and had a tiny nose ring and probably writes screenplays in a Moleskine.
As I sat there, sipping my wine and reading a short story about Brooklyn girls who make bad dating decisions (relatable), I had this moment of like, "Oh, this is why I live here." For stuff like this.
Final Thoughts from a (Formerly Lost) Girl
Sometimes, getting a little lost is the universe’s way of handing you exactly what you didn’t know you needed. A cozy pocket of quiet in one of the busiest cities in the world. A glass of wine between you and whatever kind of week you were having.
I left Bon Vivant Books carrying two novels, a light buzz, and a renewed ability to believe in cute weird things happening for no reason. And also maybe the phone number of a guy named Theo who teaches creative writing at NYU. We’ll see.
So if you’re ever wandering around the West Village and don’t know where to turn…
maybe don’t check your map. Just keep walking. Something wonderful might be just around the corner.
xo,
Rach 💋
“New York is not a city, it’s a mood. And sometimes, that mood just wants a glass of wine and a paperback.” —probably me
P.S. If you’ve been, or have other hidden West Village gems I need to stumble into (on purpose or otherwise), send them my way in the comments. I’m all ears—and heels.
