The air is crisp; it's sweater weather; and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This is the time of year that I miss New York City the most. As the city spruces up for the holidays the hustle and bustle on the streets increases, and the air is filled with a happy electricity, a sort of infectious spirit-infused energy that I just cannot describe. I loved spending my weekends roaming the streets of Manhattan at this time of the year, discovering its many charms. For example, one cool fall day, I put on my favorite hat and scarf and traveled down to the Village with my friend Vanessa. First, we enjoyed an English tea at the very famous Tea and Sympathy (110 Greenwich Avenue in the West Village). It's a cozy, eclectic, and completely unpretentious spot with authentic English fare. We were lucky enough to be seated at one of the two window tables. 


After our warm pots of tea, our finger sandwiches, and our scones with clotted cream, we wandered through the neighborhood's tree-lined streets, exploring the fabulous independent boutiques that sell everything from children's clothes to jewelry to luggage and gifts. Eventually, we stumbled upon Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (163 West Tenth Street). This charming little store occupies the first floor of a townhouse. The proprietress, Bonnie, sells antique and vintage cookbooks - everything from 18th-century rarities to replacements for worn-out Betty Crocker cookbooks. We had a great time leisurely browsing her stocked-to-the-ceiling shop where we discovered (and purchased) more than a few gems. I can't walk the streets of New York today, as we call Wilmington 'home' now, but I do think I'll make myself a cup of tea and pull out one of those vintage cookbooks in search of a heart-warming comfort-food recipe.