One of my favorite things to do is seek out independent bookstores (and coffee shops) anywhere I travel. Some of these places have turned out to be hidden gems right in my own back holler. Do you have a favorite bookstore (or coffeehouse) or one you discovered recently? COMMENT BELOW!

Here are a few of my finds…

Little Switzerland Books and Beans, Little Switzerland, North Carolina (closed during winter)

How did it take me a year to discover a three-story bookstore along the mountain road I’ve traveled several times now? Little Switzerland Books and Beans is like a bookshelf organized by “all the feels” instead of the A, B, Cs.

Of course it’s organized, but each area writes it’s own little story, especially the fireplace room and the secluded map and travel room. I could live here. And there’s coffee and pastries. And fresh mountain air. And nice people.

The Creatures’ Cauldron Cafe, Lexington, Kentucky

Not as spooky as it sounds. This coffeehouse was like walking into Hogwarts, complete with candles “floating” overhead and drinks like Unicorn Tears (lavender, honey, vanilla).

The wingback chairs by the window, the snow beginning to fall outside, and a strange figure crossing the street created an immersive, storybook coffee-drinking experience.

Back in the Day Rare Books, Dunedin, Florida

Dunedin is a beautiful small town near Clearwater with boutiques, a few restaurants, and this neat as a pin bookshop with warm and friendly proprietors. In fact, “proprietors” is called for here as the couple I spoke with seem as much a part of the store as their beautiful selection of titles.

I purchased a gorgeous edition of my favorite science fiction book, Dune.

Downtown News and Books, Asheville, North Carolina

Shabby and full of introverted curmudgeons and treasures, it’s a favorite of mine…I think because it reminds me of the tiny newspaper office I worked for when I was 18.

My daughter surprised me with a brown paper-wrapped book that turned out to be a delightful middle grade read called, Finding Serendipity.

Moonraker Books, Langley, Whidbey Island, Washington

After finishing our shopping at the sweet Moonraker bookshop, my husband and I had walked only a few stores down the sidewalk when a tiny, gray-haired woman coming from the opposite direction greeted us warmly. She slipped her arm around my husband and asked amiably how we were enjoying our day and if we had eaten at the lovely restaurant across the street that overlooked the Saratoga Passage.

A bit startled but embraced too by her charm, he just laughed. We assumed she was local and soon discovered she owned the bookstore!

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