Weddingbee Blog

Mr. Canary and I are working on our guide to NYC to include on our wedding Web site and as a little pamphlet in our out-of-town bags. This is a great little pet project for Mr. Canary who loves to write, but also a lot of fun for both of us to reminisce about our favorite spots. I’ll post more on that when we’ve completed the project, but while we were compiling our list, one of my most favorite places in the city came to mind, The Strand Bookstore.

If you’re a New Yorker and a bibliophile like Mr. Canary and me, you’ll know why The Strand is a “must-visit” on our list. It was one of the first places I took Mr. Canary when he’d visit me during our summers in college. It’s the best no-frills shop… all about books (over 18 miles actually!)

The Strand circa 1938 {Image from here}

The Strand is the only surviving remnant of the Fourth Avenue bookstalls that used to line the outskirts of the East Village. My favorite artist of all time, Joseph Cornell, used to shop there for folios and pieces of ephemera to include in his beautiful shadowboxes. Now, you can hit up The Strand for the latest bestseller or a hard-to-find art catalog at discount prices (usually at least 10-15% off the list price). One of my favorite sections is dedicated to New York City, where you’ll find discounted Zagat’s guides for shopping and food as well as a trove of maps and neighborhood specific books. This is the perfect place to shop for additions to an out-of-town gift basket or for first time New York visitors.

Not only is The Strand great for books, they also carry great gift items from notebooks and journals to Strand-branded totes, which would be great as out-of-town bags or gifts for bridesmaids. I plan on buying a few in various patterns for my junior bridesmaids who are bookworms in the making.

Colorful patterned Strand Totes, $8.95
{Image from here}

Strand mug, $6.95
{Image from here}

What are some of your local favorites and do you plan on incorporating them into the wedding?