The Faithful Shopper: All for Love

The Faithful Shopper: All for Love
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Ah, Valentine's Day, when we show those we love the extent of our affections the old-fashioned way -- with gifts! Fortunately, we have multiple options, depending on your beloved's tastes, and your budget. From sweets to gems, check out these shops (and a vacation idea or two) to express your love.

Sweets for the Sweet

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Sugar and Plumm - 377 Amsterdam Avenue - 257 Bleecker Street
Macarons, cupcakes, brownies chocolates, ice cream and pastries - all made from scratch -- and unique items from around the world. Any gift from here is a delight!

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Vosges - 132 Spring Street - 1100 Madison Avenue
How can you resist a shop whose slogan is Peace, Love, Chocolate? Luscious chocolate is just one gift you can find here -- look at the beautifully packaged wine gifts and more.

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Francois Payard - 1293 Third Avenue - Plaza Food Hall
Whether you're visiting the patisserie (locations above) or the bakeries, Payard's confections will make a sweet day even sweeter.

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Laduree - 864 Madison Avenue - 398 West Broadway
The ultimate macaron, another gift from France to New York. And other desserts, too!

Wine, Love and Song

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Le Dû Wines - 500 Washington Street
Sommelier Jean-Luc Le Du created a lovely shop with a particular specialty in small production wines. Get a bottle of something hard to find, attend a tasting or even a winemaker dinner!

Generous Gems

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Tiffany - 727 Fifth Avenue - 37 Wall Street - 97 Greene Street
Obvious, perhaps, but there's nothing more romantic than an engagement ring or other fine jewelry gift in that little blue box.

Sending the Message

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Greenwich Letterpress - 39 Christopher Street
A unique line of cards in a truly artistic printing style. Whether your message is romantic or whimsical, convey it with quality and style.

Spalicious

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Mandarin Oriental - 80 Columbus Circle
Always a sybaritic experience, the spa here also offers a private suite for couples to be pampered together.

Dining

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One if By Land, Two if By Sea - 17 Barrow Street
Often listed as the most romantic restaurant in New York, One if By Land also has a terrific menu -- if you can book it. I'm not the only person who feels this way!

Say it with Flowers

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Belle Fleur - 134 Fifth Avenue
Stunning flowers, stunning colors, stunning vases equal a stunning presentation, not surprising given that founder Meredith Waga Perez trained at my alma mater, the Parsons School of Design!

For your Bibliophile

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Rizzoli Bookstore - 31 West 57th Street
The collection of art books and literature is sublime, but the setting, a beautiful six-story townhouse, is beyond compare. And get there soon -- there has been talk of demolishing this treasure.

Getaway

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Harborfront Inn at Greenport - 209 Front Street, Greenport, NY
Located on Long Island's North Fork, the Inn overlooks Peconic Bay, and allows you to walk throughout the town. Then enjoy a luxurious suite and amenities to just relax ....

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The Rhinecliff - 4 Grinnell Street, Rhinecliff, NY
Less than two hours north of the city, this historic hotel (built in 1854) brings you to another time and place, boasting antiques including the original Oak bar -- yet offers the modern necessities.

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Mayflower Inn - 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, CT
The epitome of a country house, boasting 30 individually and luxuriously decorated rooms, a fabulous restaurant and of the best spas in New England.

A visit to any of the above will make your beloved very, very happy on Valentine's Day. Here's to love and Happy Shopping!

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