1. Main Street Books – Davidson, North Carolina
Davidson College graduate Adah Fitzgerald owns this laid-back establishment, which Anne Bogel describes as “a joy.” Its large windows brim with lively seasonal displays. “They have the friendliest staff, the nicest selection, and beautiful light as well,” she says. Adah and her co-worker, Andrea Jasmine, plan to join Anne on November 15 for the annual episode about holiday gift recommendations on What Should I Read Next?
2. M. Judson Booksellers – Greenville, South Carolina
M. Judson Booksellers occupies a former county courthouse with gorgeous high ceilings, which feel expansive yet not overbearing. Named after 19th-century Renaissance woman Mary Camilla Judson, it’s cozy with comfortable armchairs, a tea shop, and a lovely café. The shop has branched out to include book-related goods and most recently, the Camilla Kitchen with scrumptious pastries and coffee. Besides a great selection of items like candles and T-shirts, it also boasts a special book collection that’s tailored to its location. “It has one of the best Southern lit selections I have seen anywhere,” says Anne.
3. Shelves – Charlotte, North Carolina
Shelves exemplifies Anne’s theory that each independently owned book retailer has a distinctive personality. Shelves owner Abbigail Glen fell in love with books as a child. Her belief in books and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a shop in 2019 that operates both online and as a pop-up bookstore. She dubbed it “Charlotte’s Friendly Neighborhood Bookseller,” partnering with small businesses like coffee shops to set up book sales in the area. “If you’re going to pack up all those books to set up a pop-up shop, every one has to pull its weight,” says Anne, who delved into Abbigail’s enterprise in episode 328 of What Should I Read Next?
4. The Story Shop – Monroe, Georgia
This fantastical children’s bookstore an hour outside of Atlanta is the brainchild of Melissa Music and Stephanie Cannon. Whimsical touches and magical experiences abound, like a wardrobe that lets you climb through to Narnia for story time. “The design and decoration are incredible,” says Anne, noting the store’s library ladder that lets young and old alike climb up to have their “Belle moment” à la the character in Beauty and the Beast.
5. Blue Willow Bookshop – Houston, Texas
Blue Willow Bookshop is not just female-owned, but Valerie Koehler’s shop is also run almost entirely by women. “It’s an interesting store in that it is almost split down the middle between children’s books and adult books,” says Anne. Blue Willow also hosts a number of high-caliber events each year that draw people of diverse interests in addition to booklovers. “Blue Willow has such a great vibe,” Anne says. “They are so warm and welcoming.”
While finding great books is motivation enough to venture to the local bookseller, there are other intangibles that make for a complete experience, such as author readings, signing events, and children’s story time. As thoughts turn toward gift-giving at this time of year, book-related items can minimize your shopping stress with offerings like cozy quilts, calendars, totes, mugs, or stationery. “Those things can make the reading experience delightful,” says Anne. And, of course, there’s always a good cup of coffee.
Written by Marie Baxley
What are your favorite Southern bookshops? Share them with us by tagging @southernladymag on Facebook and Instagram.
Discover inspiring style ideas, travel destinations, and more by ordering your Southern Lady print subscription or digital subscription today!
