Monday was my day off, so I decided to travel into Manhattan to visit a destination that, let’s just say it, is heaven for a girl like me.
Located in Tribeca, The Mysterious Bookshop has been in existence for 35 years. It is simply nirvana for any lover of mysteries. It’s lined with dark wood bookshelves, a cozy leather sofa and chair. I walked in the door and was staggered by the amount of books. The whole back wall is devoted to Sherlock Holmes (the bookstore has the biggest selection in the world.)
As you can imagine, I spent a long time there and walked out with four books – books that I wouldn’t find on the shelves of your basic bookstore. If someone offered me a job there, I’d say yes without blinking an eye. There will be more about this bookshop on the book blog.
I’m going to try to get back there one more time before I leave town. ‘Cause it’s my happy place.
Then I walked a few blocks to one of the locations of Billy’s Bakery – known for its cupcakes, which are said by some to be even better than the ones at Magnolia Bakery. Well, I simply had to investigate that claim.
Located in one of those wonderful old buildings with a tin ceiling, it’s been charmingly decorated in a retro style.
I decided to sacrifice for the cause and purchased 4 cupcakes. No, I’m not going to eat them all at once, that pleasure is to be spread out over 4 days.
Oh, lordy.
I have to say they are really, really good. At least as good as Magnolia Bakery.
I’m a happy camper.
Mysteries and cupcakes. What could be better?
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page – all about The Mysterious Bookshop.
Happy Wednesday.
Wow! Two great finds in one day Claudia. Sounds perfect. Those cupcakes look decadent! And I bet that bookstore would be perfect any time, but what about on a grey, rainy day? Curling up on the leather sofa with a book or two would be wonderful.
Perfect for a rainy day, Vera.
Definitely two of my favorites! I hear cupcakes are being edged out by the new trendy ….donut! I much prefer cupcakes to donuts, which I don’t eat more than once every couple of years or more.
I have a favorite cupcake bakery too. It’s called the Republic of Cake, and the menu changes monthly. The one constant is Sam’s Messy Chocolate Cupcake, proceeds of which are donated to the non-profit of the month that supports children with special needs, as the son of one of the owners is a special needs child. I love the cupcakes because the cake part is as tasty as the buttercream frosting, and I especially I’ve the filled cupcakes. We never get out of there with less than three or five apiece, and we, like you, spread out e deliciousness over the week.
Donuts? Oh no, I’ll always take a cupcake!
Claudia, with all the walking you are doing, you can eat all the cupcakes you want. Enjoy every bite! Doris
Oh thank you, Doris – you’ve given me just the excuse I need!
So glad you had a day off to go exploring and found some treasures along the way.
It was a nice day, Janie! But very, very cold.
Hi Claudia, My hubby brought home a box of a dozen assorted Magnolia Bakery cupcakes for Valentine’s Day and I served them as dessert to our guests. He walks through both Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal every day, and Magnolia Bakery is located in both! Now I will have to send him on a mission to find Billy’s. Thanks for the tip! Linda
I know where both those locations are, Linda. Let me know what you think of Billy’s.
Claudia, please elaborate on the flavors, so that we can enjoy those cupcakes vicariously!
I’m sorry, I can’t remember. I tend to go with a yellow cake type flavor and/or chocolate. It’s the frosting I’m crazy about.
Mysteries and cupcakes! What a wonderful day!
Perfect!
Mmmmm. Cupcakes and books. Two of my favorite things but I agree with Nancy. We need to know the flavors so we can live vicariously through you.
Blessings,
Betsy
Read the reply to Nancy, Betsy. I can’t remember the flavors except that they’re very basic – which is what I like.
Thank you for the pointer on the mystery bookshop. I will plan to go there the next time in New York. And also to Billy’s. Can’t wait.
I hope you enjoy them both, Julie!
More fun stops to add to my NYC tour list!
The list gets longer and longer, Barbara!
Oh my…how decadent! Please devote at least a paragraph of descriptive yumminess to each one…please! That bookstore sounds wonderful too…can you imagine a mystery bookstore and cupcake shop all in one? Sounds like you had a nice simple adventure…but lots of fun! ;)
That’s a neat idea, Donnamae. I wonder if someone out there is already doing that?
Mysteries and cupcakes !! How perfect for you..I love all the little nooks and crannies that one can explore in NYC..
Me too. I always learn something more about the city when I get the chance to spend a few days here.
We have a bookstore like that in Houston. It’s called. Murder By The Book.
I hope you frequent it, Cindy!
I love a good mystery, but not knowing the flavor of each of the cupcakes is too much! Another vote for you to share the important missing info! (please)
Can’t remember. Just basic cupcakes as it’s the frosting I’m always the most interested in. I’m not one for fancy flavors….I go for basic, gooey and yummy.
I adore Billy’s. I lived close to the store on 9th ave. and sometimes (often) had a slice, or half a slice, of one of their seasonal cakes on a Sunday night. Bliss! But their decor is as good as the cakes. I am so glad to see this here, as I didn’t have any photos. It’s the same colour scheme as the Chelsea store. Comfort colours!
I’ll have to check out their cakes, Sally. The decor is great, isn’t it? Right up my alley. Such good cupcakes, too! (I bought a Billy’s coffee mug, too.)
Oh yeah..Like they say..” if you can’t be with the one you love..love the cupcake your with”..well..it was something like that..lol..Glad you had a good (as in yummy) day Claudia!!!
The cupcakes were my treat to myself, since I’m off on my own for a week. I feel I deserve them!
I need to find a good cupcake place here…. or do I?? Those look so yummy!
hugs,
Linda
I always feel that a good cupcake is better than, say, two slices of cake or two pieces of pie. The perfect amount!
I can’t wait to see more photos of that bookshop, of course. And speaking of bookshops, I actually bought myself a little present online from The Strand – a cute coffee mug. Got it in the mail yesterday. There’s a pic on IG if you want to take a peek. I like my sweets, but believe it or not, I’m not a fan of cupcakes! I’m a brownie and muffin fan. :-) In any case, I hope you get a chance to relax in the evenings with a good book or movie and enjoy one of your cupcakes!
No, I’m working every evening, taking notes on the preview performances. And I worked this afternoon, as well. But I’m going to pop something in the oven and afterward, I’ll treat myself to cupcake number 3. I’ll go look at IG, Melanie!
A book shop and a bakery. That’s my kind of day out too Claudia. Wonderful. Enjoy your cakes! X
Thanks, Penny!
Sounds like you had a great day. I couldn’t keep the cupcakes around for 4 days. You have the control that I don’t. Enjoy.