Planning a road trip? If you’ve already made a list of the restaurants, beaches, museums and friends you want to see on your next road trip, consider adding a bookstore to the list! Check out these 10 incredible independent bookstores across the United States. These stores will give you a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting literary impression!
Women & Children First (Chicago, IL)
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Cleverly named, Women & Children First, this bookstore is focused on feminism, women’s issues and causes that speak to women. It’s also one of the largest bookstores in the country devoted to feminism and children. The bookstore has an entire section devoted to children’s books that focus on young heroines!
Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN)
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Author Ann Patchett and publisher Karen Hayes banded together over their love of books to open Parnassus Books. Parnussus is especially devoted to stocking books by local authors.
City Lights Books (San Francisco, CA)
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Immerse yourself in San Francisco’s culture at City Lights Books, which also doubles as a publishing house. Since 1953, City Lights has been a meeting hub for those who are passionate about the arts and progressive politics.
Politics and Prose Bookstore (Washington DC)
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If you’re looking for the hottest books, events, signings and talks from renowned authors and political figures such as Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, look no further than Politics & Prose. The staff at Politics and Prose are known for their excellent recommendations and the bookstore also has an “Espresso Machine” so you won’t have to worry about leaving empty-handed.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
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If you’re in Denver, be sure to check out Tattered Cover Bookstore. With three locations, comfy, oversized couches and chairs, and an “espresso machine” that can print out of stock books, this bookstore is a haven for book lovers.
The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, CA)
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A vast, multi-level and exciting bookstore for bookworms, The Last Bookstore sells books, records and features art by local artists.
Elliott Bay Book Company (Seattle, WA)
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Nestled in the Capitol Hill section of Seattle, Elliott Bay Book Company is an inviting bookstore. The bookstore is home to a number of events and houses a vast bargain section. If you love browsing books late into the evenings – this is the bookstore for you! The store is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Faulkner House Books (New Orleans, LA)
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If the name sounds familiar, that’s because this bookstore is located in the home of William Faulkner! Faulkner House Books is the core of the literary community in New Orleans, stocking books by Faulkner and hundreds of other literary masters. Faulkner House has also been dubbed as “America’s Most Charming Bookstore.”
The Rediscovered Bookshop (Boise, ID)
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The Rediscovered Bookshop boasts an impressive collection of new and used books, and it hosts a number of exciting events and signings. One of their most popular events is Book & Booze Night.
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (New York, NY)
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Housing Works is well known for their extensive collection of books, gorgeous cafe and lively calendar of events. In the spirit of local, independent bookstores, this bookstore also donates a portion of their profits to fighting AIDS and homelessness. When you shop here, you know your money is going towards a great cause.
