I’ve heard of three other people doing bookstore crawls. They meticulously plan their route and drive happily from one bookstore to another, buying books and talking to owners along the way. I did one earlier this year and loved it. They were right, there’s something about driving to several bookstores that lets you see the best of your city all while supporting local bookstores.
This is the itinerary that I followed, and just like a bar crawl, it is Long. Get ready for lunch and probably some snacks, because we’ve got a full day ahead of us. Hop on in and let’s book crawl!
Assumptions
- It is Saturday (this will work on other days but almost all bookstores are open on Saturdays so it’s easier)
- You’re starting at 10 am (the time most bookstores open)
- You’re willing to drive the Triangle Area
- You’re looking for fiction books (No comic stores in this article…)
First Stop: The Regulator
Second Stop: Books Do Furnish a Room
Around the corner and hiding behind a Wing shop is the used bookstore, Book Do Furnish a Room. The outside is a plain blue, but don’t let that fool you. Inside, you’ll find several shelves filled with books, CDs, and a huge section for comic books. Browse around and find as many hidden treasures as you can. I’ve already spent too much money here.
Third Stop: Letters Bookshop
Get in your car! We’re headed to downtown Durham, in the thick of the skyscrapers and cramped roads (I’ll let you drive). This small new and used bookstore is home to a friendly owner and employees who are willing to help no matter your request. This is a great place to find a book or just chat with the locals. Let’s head out to our next stop!
Fourth Stop: Rofhiwa Book Cafe
Fifth Stop: Wanderlust Books
A small used bookstore owned and operated by the same owners as the coffee shop next door. Wanderlust Books is a bookstore of passion, from bright decorative tones to its ever-evolving stock. It’s easy shopping too, all books are $5 unless marked.
Sixth Stop: Quail Ridge Books
I can’t make a bookstore itinerary without Quail Ridge Books. This is the largest independent bookstore I’ve ever been to, and they make use of every inch of their space. They have a large children’s section (with a tree to add to a forest theme) with several places to sit and enjoy the books. There are all the fiction and nonfiction books you would expect. They also always have a curated selection for their displays. From black history month to Women’s day, you’re sure to find something you love for any celebration.
Seventh Stop: So & So Books
If you manage your time wisely (unlike me), you might be able to squeeze in So & So books before they close at 5 pm. Another adorable bookstore, their collection is small but extremely curated. Unfortunately, I did not manage my time well enough to go to this one, but I’m it’s on my list next time I’m in Raleigh.
Last Stop: Blackbird Books and Coffee
This is the last stop for two reasons. 1. It closes at 7 pm, necessary for obvious reasons, and 2. It brings the whole night together with its cafe-witch aesthetic. This is the place you can take a breather, get a warm drink, and let your brain rest. Browse the last few bits of books you likely haven’t seen yet, stare at the walls, and appreciate the old cobblestone vibes this whole store brings to you.
Conclusion
You made it! Now that’s what we call a full day of work and likely an empty wallet. At this point, you’ve been to about 3/4 of the bookstores in or around Raleigh. The good news is now you can plan another book crawl of all the places you haven’t been able to go to! I count myself lucky to live near a city with such a vibrant book community. Every time I told someone I was going on a bookstore crawl they would recommend me another store!
Have you been on a bookstore crawl, or do you plan to? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and if you want more bookish and travel content join my newsletter! I send out reviews, events, activities, and more every month. Stay brave!
Who I am...
I’m a midwestern native and now travel across the United States. I spent my childhood dreaming of living the adventures in my books, and have made it my mission to bring these experiences to life.
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