For me shopping also has to do with the whole experience. It’s not like I go shopping for clothes every week, or necessarily even once a month. So I try to incorporate it with other fun things to do in the area. For that reason one of my favorite places to shop is the St. Luke’s Thrift Shop in the West Village. It is a small thrift shop in the basement of an old brownstone. The address is 487 Hudson Street, New York, New York. The selection isn’t huge, but it’s a wealthy neighborhood and many of the clothes or household items there are of really good quality. It’s slightly pricey compared to some thrift stores, but the quality makes it worthwhile. Plus they have sales, like every shop does. Aside from the chance of picking up a great item or two in the shop, I can also visit the lovely, colorful garden next door.  My favorite treasure that I found this past year at St. Luke’s Thrift Shop was a pair of nearly new John Fluevog shoes for $25.00. His shoes generally go for about $225, so I ended up with a screaming deal! I also found a red Ralph Lauren jacket for $7 on sale. The store is small; the selection is sometimes a bit sparse. It’s the type of place you might want to make a habit of dropping into whenever you have time for a stroll in the area. Many years ago I was there one day when a woman brought in several bags of clothes to donate. I heard her say “I just got offered a job in Europe so I have to give away many of my clothes.”   The reward for the shopper who frequents this thrift shop is finding designer clothes at a fraction of the cost, and often in nearly new condition. If you’d like to call ahead to make sure they are open or for their hours, the number is 212-924-9364.

On the grounds of the church next door is the garden filled with colorful roses, rhododendrons, trees, bushes, and benches to sit on in a peaceful, meditative environment. There are always many birds there singing and hiding in the shade of the bushes. This provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle that is generated nonstop a few avenues away. There are a few old brownstones that are alongside the church’s property and their backyards face the garden. One can only quietly gaze at their beauty. Between the garden, the environment all around the garden and the thrift store, this entirety makes for a pleasurable experience.

I also on occasion, follow up my visit to the area with a visit to one of the local cafes for a salad and coffee. My favorite spot is CC’s Café on Hudson. It’s directly across the street from the thrift store at 496 Hudson Street. There is something alluring about Hudson Street, especially in the early am when the rest of the West Village is still somewhat sleepy- eyed, and still waking up. It’s much quieter than most of the surrounding areas and the old brownstones are beautiful. I enjoy hearing the silverware clanking in the background when I walk by cafes or restaurants, since most of the Village doesn’t wake up and become fully operating until later in the afternoon. It’s serene over in this section of the West Village. In the fall I have heard the leaves rustling down the block on some early mornings. This is an area with a rich nightlife, it is usually much busier in the evenings. All in all shopping at St. Luke’s Thrift Shop is more than just shopping. It is an enjoyable way to spend a little while enjoying the West Village and its ambience.