If yesterday we gave advice on where to go from shopping in Soho, Today I will talk about Harlem.
The first thing that can attract the attention of this popular New York neighborhood is, as you can see in the photo, that most stores have part of their merchandise displayed on the street as if it were a flea market. It was something that caught my eye and turned a quiet morning in Harlem into a morning of shopping.
You can start on bustling 116th Street, between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue, in what is known as El Barrio or Spanish Harlem, an area east of Harlem where Puerto Rican descendants predominate. This street is lined with clothing stores usually at affordable prices.
However, in Harlem we also find other types of stores where we can find interesting things.
To lovers of music they will love to enter House Latin Music Shop. This store, open for 45 years, offers a wide selection of Latin music CDs, vintage vinyl and instruments. Located at 151 East 116th Street, it is a must see not only for the music, but for its staff.
For those who prefer the literature, they will enjoy in The Blue House Bookstore. This literary center hosts book clubs, author signings, exhibitions, film screenings, and writing workshops. Although it is a Latin center, you can find books in English and Spanish. This store is at 143 East 103rd Street.
And finally a curious store: Just Botany. Located at 134 East of 104 between Lexington and Park Avenue, this Hispanic botanical store sells spiritual products associated with the Santería such as candles, religious statues, herbs and oils. The owner, Jorge Vargas, guides customers who are not familiar with these products.
Diversity of shops and products to lose a whole day in the delicious Harlem neighborhood.