Shop Small.

Why I ♡ It: This book store is truly a Gallery! This space is bright and airy and the collection of books has been beautifully curated. We loved being greeted by the shop’s friendly dog! My husband and I also loved the local art and books available in store. If you have time, make sure to stop by Persephone coffee and bakery next door as well! A lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon in the Jackson Hole area.

Why I ♡ It: Jackson Hole Book Trader is conveniently located close to area shopping and it is so cozy and welcoming. I was thrilled to find a signed copy of The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff when we stopped in! A great mixture of used and new books, as well as books pertaining to the Jackson, Wyoming area. I also had to snag one of their 25th Anniversary tote bags to carry out my purchase! I just can’t resist a store tote bag!

Why I ♡ It: Turn the Page Books & Gifts in Westfield will always hold a special place in my bookish heart. This is where I had the pleasure of serving as a bookseller and eventually book store manager from 2018-2023. Turn the Page is a cozy home that has been renovated into an adorable bookshop. You’re greeted by a welcoming porch with adirondack chairs. Then, open the door and step inside one of the cutest book shops you’ll every see. They have a living room area, charming children's area and a little bit of every genre in store. They are also happy to take special orders and host two book clubs each month.

Why I ♡ It: When you find yourself with a very rainy Autumn day in Northern Michigan you make a trip into Leland for a yummy lunch at The Cove and then make your way to the quaint Leelanau books. A small but mighty shop filled with lots of great reading treasures!

Why I ♡ It: The Cottage Bookshop is the perfect quintessential cozy vacation bookshop! It’s located in Glen Arbor, Michigan in a wood cottage. My husband and I both enjoyed searching for great books for our relaxing lake vacation! This is located very close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore and is not to be missed while you’re in Glen Arbor.

Why I ♡ It: Third Place Books Ravenna is all I imagine a bookstore in Seattle to be. The curb appeal of this store is drool worthy. I would have loved to sit out at their patio table on a nice day and read. But, if it’s raining, no worries, they have a cafe inside!! The staff was knowledgeable, the variety of genres and sheer amount of book stock was astonishing to me! Their kid’s section was also so incredible and diverse, I would have spent whole days here when I was a kid!!

Why I ♡ It: Wowza! Let’s start with how stunning this store is! Also, they are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year! The wood, the lighting, the displays, this place is pure bookish magic!! So, so many genres and gorgeous books everywhere you look. I ended up purchasing a staff pick, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree! Because, I like to “buy it where I find it”! If you can only stop in one bookstore while in Seattle this would be the one!

Why I ♡ It: Darling, if I could pick only one word to describe this bookstore it would be this. I loved the gorgeous window display as you enter, they have a ton of great staff picks, and the twinkle lights and great lighting! This place just felt magical and the staff was so lovely and welcoming. I walked away with two beautiful books and a super cool bookmark with Orca’s on it! Thanks for the recommendations of Always a Guest and the Architect’s Apprentice. This is a must see if you are in this neighborhood.

Why I ♡ It: Another magical stop on the Seattle Book Tour! This store stayed with me because they had amazing window displays, knowledgeable staff, handwritten staff picks, and an overall great selection of books for every genre. The kid’s section was out of this world and I was drooling over their picture book display space. I’d love to go back someday with a child and spend all afternoon pouring over which books to take home. The store had gorgeous journals at varying price points. And, let’s take a moment to talk about all the gorgeous coffee table books at the front of the store! If I had a million dollars I would have bought them all!!

Why I ♡ It: University Bookstore won the prize for having the best and widest selection of gifts and books that reflected the Seattle area. Also, they had charming endcap chalkboard displays which made a very large store feel so much more personalized. They also did a fantastic job, by way of signage, of reminding customers how big of an impact they made by supporting an Independently owned bookstore. I already had books and magazines ready to purchase and the bookseller convinced me to buy chocolate bars that were made locally and supported a local charity. That thoughtful, personal touch makes all the difference and this store did a beautiful job of embracing their customers.

Why I ♡ It: Buxton Books is one of my favorite stops when we make our way to Charleston, SC. Polly Buxton and her staff first won over my Mom and I when we attended an Author Event for the launch of the final book in the Tradd Street Series by Karen White. So much thoughtful planning went into this event and it was an experience we’ll never forget! They get extra points for being so accommodating to my Mom when she ended up wheelchair bound that weekend after breaking her foot on the Charleston sidewalks. They frequently have signed copies in store from their author events and especially well known Southern Authors like Stacy Willingham, Patti Callahan Henry, and Kristy Woodson Harvey.

Why I ♡ It: Events, Events, Events! Wild Geese Bookshop and the Johnson County Library have been knocking it out of the park with incredible author events the last couple years! My favorites have been Katherine Center and V.E. Schwab. Their author events are always well attended, so if you see a favorite author coming, don’t hesitate in buying your tickets! Tiffany and her staff have also curated a charming bookshop, well stocked with bestsellers, gifts and journals.

Why I ♡ It: Mad Street Books is a visually stunning bookshop! Located a short uber ride away from my brother’s home in the Ukranian Village neighborhood of Chicago, I love spending time searching the shelves at this neighborhood bookstore! I know they have recently suffered from flooding and the store is closed. But, keep this on your radar for future trips to Chicago. And, if you live in the area, stay tuned to their social media for plans to reopen. I have found several wonderful books there and also love their selection of stickers!

Why I ♡ It: Myopic Books is an experience and any bibliophile will be swept away into the loaded shelves upon shelves of used books. The vibe is funky and fun and they have some incredible finds! Lots of great dining in this area as well, to enjoy after shopping!