London Kensington and Earl's Court

Bookthrift, 22 Thurloe St. (020 7589 2916) Advertising "Quality Books at Bargain Prices," Bookthrift buys overstock books off publishers, meaning they can sell new books at used prices. Featuring a wide selection of Art books, History, and Fiction, Bookthrift has fun deals like 3 books for the price of two in Military History or the three for £2 on £2.99 paperback fiction. The selection isn't as good as it is in other bookstores, but if you look closely, you're likely to find a good read at a great price. South Kensington. Take a right down Thurloe St. Open M-F 10am-8pm, Sa 11am-7pm, Su noon-7pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Trinity Hospice Bookshop, 31 Kensington Church St. (020 7376 1098)With all proceeds going to charity, the Trinity Hospice Bookshop is a good place for any socially-conscious traveler who wants a book that's cheap enough to abuse guilt-free. All the products are donated, and since the store gets them for free, they sell them at next to nothing. Paperbacks are £2.00, all vinyls (with the exception of rare jazz records) are £1.00. The selection ranges wildly, so set aside some time for digging and you just might find a cheap, vintage gem. High Street Kensington. Turn right onto Kensington High St. and left onto Kensington Church St. Open M-Sa 10:30-6pm, Su 11am-5pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

Whole Foods, 63-97 Kensington High St. (020 7368 4500; www.wholefoodsmarket.com) For those living nearby who have the hankering for some health-food cookin', look no further than this centrally-located Whole Foods location. This store is also a good antidote to homesickness for those coming from the States and Canada. High Street Kensington. Turn right onto Kensington High St. Open M-Sa 8am-10pm, Su noon-6pm. Restaurant open Mo-Sa 8am-9:45pm, Su 10am-5:45pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.