1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Is it possible for a bookshop’s prime location to also be the one thing that could make a customer steer clear? If your bookshop is right in the heart of Rockefeller Center, it could be. But, given the right time of day and year, I wouldn’t let that stop you from visiting McNally Jackson’s spectacular Rock Center location. Is it a Saturday two weeks before Christmas? Fahgettaboutit. Is it a casual Wednesday in the fall? Guess what, still busy, but not terribly so. In fact, only the surrounding street and plaza were chaotically packed when I dropped in. The store itself is a beauty on the inside and had the right mix of bustle without feeling like you’re in the Union Square 4, 5, 6 platform at rush hour. So don’t take my warning as STEER CLEAR but rather as BE READY.