While in New York the other week in the West Village I came across two stores which were just great experiences and so quintessential 'New York'.
First was
'The Meadow' which was a fascinating shop filled with an enormous collection of different salts in a rainbow of colors as well as chocolates, flowers and drink mixes: Delightful!
I bought an after dinner mint drink in a great vintage looking vial meant to aid digestion (but I really bought it for the cute bottle!). I was sorely tempted by the gorgeous flowers and all of the salts though! Did you have any idea so many types of salt existed?
Directly next door is a great little shop full of great gift ideas :
Leo Design. How often do you find a vintage store with a decidely masculine aire rather than feminine? Every single item in this store I wanted to take home with me but thankfully (for my wallet) I came out empty handed. Be sure to stop by these 2 great shops next time you are in the village!
Leo Design is located at 543 Hudson Street
The Meadow is at 523 Hudson Street in NYC
and
3731 N. Mississippi Avenue in Portland, OR.
While in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, I came across a small city park that I had never heard of in Greenpoint, which was surprising considering its' loveliness, Monsignor McGorlick Park.
Opened in 1891, the park gained beautiful structures and monuments throughout its' history which attracted my eye. 
Designed in 1910 by the architectural firm Helmle, Huberty and Hudswell who built many impressive structures in Brooklyn, the main building housed M and W bathrooms seperated by a covered curved colonnade.
The beautiful neo-classical detailing of the structure isn't surprising as Helmle received his training at the well known architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. 
The yellow brick and limestone facade also features a beautiful segmented beadboard ceiling with trimwork picked out with yellow paint.
I just think this is such a lovely building, don't you? I wonder what the original light fixtures were (the junction boxes are still in the ceiling)
Located inside the crescent shaped building is a WWI memorial created by noted sculptor Carl Augustus Herber in 1923.
In her left hand Winged Victory holds a laurel for victory and a palm frond for peace in the other.
While I was drawn in by the architecture, I believe the locals simply appreciate the open space and lush green!
McGorlick Park is located between Driggs and Nassau Avenues & Russell and Monitor streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 
