Peruse the rare cheeses and charcuteries of the historic Essex Street Market, select a smoothie at its Tra-La-La Juice Bar, and rediscover your inner child at Economy Candy on Rivington Street, where retro delights such as Cherry Lips and Pixie Sticks abound.

BBC: Summer in the city: New York

Her cherry-red lips were bright in her face, like something sparkly on a billboard that was otherwise weatherworn.

NEWYORKER: I.D.

Classical Chinese notions of beauty call for cherry-blossom lips and an egg-shaped face, and the artists have shaped young Mulan accordingly.

CNN: WOMAN WARRIOR