Recently, my daughter and I embarked on a trip to New England, prioritizing visits to independent bookstores along our route. Over the course of our journey, we explored five unique stores, each with its own distinct charm.
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We began our adventure in Boston, where we visited Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, located at 71 Charles Street. This beautifully restored 1845 Greek Revival townhouse has been welcoming book lovers since its opening in 2022. The store features a magical children's section that occupies an entire floor, complete with child-sized doors and a miniature train overhead. It's a place that inspires creativity, making it a must-see on any Boston itinerary.
After soaking in the city, we drove to New Hampshire, where the fall foliage was in full splendor. We stopped at White Birch Books, nestled in a charming old house with a wraparound porch at 2568 White Mountain Highway in North Conway. This independent bookstore has been part of the Mount Washington Valley literary scene for over thirty years. The cozy shop is well-stocked and features an impressive collection of staff pick notecards. The children's section is located upstairs, where I envisioned kids sitting on the stairs, engrossed in their chosen books.
Our next stop was The Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick, Vermont, found at 41 S Main Street. Although not on our planned list, we couldn't resist stopping when my daughter spotted it. This independent store, which opened in 1988 and was taken over by its current owners in 2014, offers a vibrant community atmosphere, highlighted by a mural featuring local businesses painted by a regional artist. The warm and welcoming staff made our visit memorable, and it quickly became my daughter's favorite stop.
In Stowe, Vermont, we explored Bear Pond Books at 38 Main Street, the second-largest independent bookstore in the state, established in 1970. Located near a picturesque white-steepled church, Bear Pond boasts a wide selection of books focused on New England and Vermont, alongside a variety of stationery and puzzles. A touching moment occurred when I overheard a little boy asking his dad to read him a book from the children's aisle, which was a delightful highlight of our visit.
Lastly, we visited The Yankee Bookshop at 12 Central Street in Woodstock, Vermont, which has been in operation since 1935, making it the oldest independent bookstore in the state. The store's welcoming white and yellow facade is inviting, and the collection is thoughtfully curated, featuring everything from new releases to staff picks. I admired the beautiful plants adorning the shelves, tended to by one of the owners, adding a touch of life to the atmosphere. The shop also offers a selection of vinyl records and high-quality stationery.
Each bookstore we visited left a lasting impression, earning a place in my independent bookstore notebook. I encourage everyone to seek out independent bookstores on their travels and share their discoveries.
I am currently reading "If Not You" by Ellen O’Clover and listening to "The City of Widows" by Nadia Hashimi. You can find additional recommendations or connect with me at [email protected] or on Instagram @thebookwhisperertn.
Linda Sullivan is a passionate reader dedicated to inspiring others to explore the world of books.