These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State
Across the US, independent bookstores are having a comeback. Often combining bookselling with a cafe or bar, these stores will usually stock rare presses and obscure publishers, alongside classics and bestsellers. The below are no exception, but also have that little something extra which makes them stand out from the rest. Let find out These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State below.
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These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State
Alabama
Potentially the only bookshop in the world with an inventory composed entirely of signed copies. It’s a great place to pick up a special gift, as almost every book is sold at publishers’ regular retail price.
Alaska
The longest running bookstore in Alaska, Homer’s stocks books, stationery and has an in house espresso bar. Make sure you take the time to relax on the porch next to the timber reading man.
Arkansas
A must visit if you love cozy old bookstores with lots to discover. Look out for unique leather bound and rare books. That is once of These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State.
Colorado
Mutiny Information Cafe. An impossibly cool secondhand bookshop selling fiction, art books, records, and comics. Stay a while to try the local coffee beans and play on the vintage pinball machines.
Connecticut
RJ Julia Booksellers. Small in size, but with a track record of hosting some incredible authors from around the world. That is once of These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State.
Delaware
Rainbow Records, Newark or Courtesy of Rainbow Records. Rainbow Records. Great selection of books, as well as new and used vinyl. The in store soundtrack is also excellent.
Florida
With several locations across Florida, we recommend heading to the one in Coral Gables to enjoy the cafe and outdoor patio. These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State.
Georgia
Possibly the most charming bookstore around. Cozy and with a beautifully curated collection, they also have a second location, so you have no excuse not to visit.
Hawaii
Hakubundo. Features English and Japanese titles, including manga, as well as craft supplies, toys, and gifts.
Idaho
Bookstore at night or Courtesy of BookPeople of Moscow. BookPeople of Moscow. This bookstore is the oldest in Idaho and has been in continuous operation on Moscow’s main street for almost 45 years.
Wyoming
The perfect environment for browsing or working, the coffeehouse has great coffee, pastries, and vegetarian food. That is once of These Independent Bookstores to Visit in Every US State.
Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tennessee
In its own words, Parnassus around since 2011 is truly more than a bookstore. It’s a cheery celebration of great writing, down to its gleaming hardwood floors and grinning staff, infused with the same joy as store founder and author Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes.
Patchett’s blog is the basis of the Parnassus online magazine, Musing, which also features staff reading picks, author interviews, and an extra charming shop dog diaries that feels like an IRL idea from You’ve Got Mail. Laura Dannen Redman.
Second Story Books, Washington, D.C.
On a recent trip to D.C., I carved out an afternoon for Second Story Books, which I’d heard had a fascinating collection of used, rare, and out of print books. How can you not want to visit a store run by the guy who not only repairs books but also loans books for movie sets and helps institutions like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress build their collections.
The Dupont Circle store, one of two locations, lived up to the hype: It took real effort to keep my book hoarding instincts in check as I explored the maze like store and hit up the sidewalk sale shelves, which offer serious deals on the weekends. Aislyn Greene.
Explore Booksellers, Aspen, Colorado
Housed in a Victorian home in the center of town, Explore Booksellers is an Aspen institution. Inside, books on business, history, art, travel, and more are crammed into every corner, with an entire room dedicated to children’s literature. The shop also stocks numerous regional titles as well as cards, journals, and gifts and regularly hosts events with local and visiting authors. When you’ve finished shopping, grab lunch on the second floor, where Pyramid Bistro serves healthy, veggie forward fare. Natalie Beauregard.