It’s never been easier to get your hands on a book, whether it’s ordering from Amazon or instantly downloading books on your Kindle, but nothing beats a good independent bookstore. I’ve been lucky to travel to some pretty amazing independent bookstores in the U.S, and today I’m going to share some of my favorite ones!
M.Judson Booksellers has all the makings of a classic bookstore – bestsellers, new releases, children’s books, author events, and more. Opened in 2015, M.Judson Booksellers has quickly become a local favorite. It’s located in a historic courthouse building in downtown Greenville, SC, an area filled with delicious restaurants and beautiful scenery, including my personal favorite, Falls Park on the Reedy River.
The bookstore carries more than just books! Inside, you’ll find a cafe, local specialty items, paper goods, and even unique furniture pieces. M.Judson’s calendar is also full of wonderful events for everyone – Page Pairings, Lunch & Lit, Launch Parties, just to name a few.
2. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe: Asheville, NC
Here’s a bookstore that is probably recognizable to a lot of book lovers out there. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, nestled in the heart of Asheville, NC, is a unique bookstore that embraces local authors and pushes them to succeed both regionally and nationally.
This store is well-respected and loved within the Asheville community – earlier this month they celebrated their 40th anniversary, offering 25% off everything in the store to celebrate.
3. Park Road Books: Charlotte, NC
I almost missed this store because it’s not located in a ‘downtown’ area that I just happened to come upon while exploring. This is one I sought out when I was on the hunt for a certain book while visiting Charlotte for a weekend. I was glad to come across it, because it is a quality bookstore.
It’s smaller than some of the others on this list, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of inventory and titles this store carries. It’s quiet and organized with a nice, cozy vibe.
4. Chamblin Bookmine: Jacksonville, FL
Saving the best for last, Chamblin Bookmine is unlike any bookstore you will ever set foot in. Comprised of thousands of feet (yes, THOUSANDS) of warehouse space stocked top to bottom with books – it’s quite the experience. Take a look at their Instagram to get a visual for this out-of-the-box bookstore.
If you ever find yourself in any of the above cities, please consider stopping by one of these independent shops to keep bookstores thriving in local communities. They will always be happy for your support and business.
