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Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
Books and bubbly come together at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, a one-of-a-kind bookstore tucked inside Asheville's historic Grove Arcade. Browse floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with thousands of new and used books while sipping a glass of champagne, wine, craft beer or locally roasted coffee.
Bigfoot Books and Brews
Grab your next read with a side of cryptids at Bigfoot Books & Brews, a bookstore and coffee shop in downtown Marion. Browse a wide collection of books before ordering a monster-inspired drink like the Brown Mountain Latte or Sasquatchuccino. The shop also hosts quirky community events, from PowerPoint Parties to the Snail Mail Society, where guests write letters to strangers. While you're downtown, stop by neighboring Not Just Books to continue your literary adventure.
Talking Leaves Indigenous Bookstore
Discover stories rooted in Cherokee culture at Talking Leaves Indigenous Bookstore, where the name comes from the Cherokee phrase for written words. Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of fiction and nonfiction by Indigenous authors, with titles exploring Cherokee history, culture, traditions and identity, along with some children's books you won't find in most bookstores. Beyond books, you'll discover native-made jewelry, artwork, quilts and more. Continue your journey with a weekend exploring Cherokee history and culture through museums, performances and other immersive experiences.
City Lights Bookstore
Celebrate Appalachian stories and mountain roots at City Lights Bookstore. A cornerstone of downtown Sylva since 1985, the independent bookstore is known for its outstanding collection of Appalachian literature, history and folklore, as well as a full calendar of author events. Stop here before exploring NC's Great Smoky Mountains or wandering Sylva's charming Main Street.
Huzzah Books
What started as a sidewalk book stand has grown into one of Boone's newest literary destinations. Huzzah Books pairs a diverse selection of books with a bright, welcoming space known for its striking archway and local artwork. Whether you're searching for your next favorite novel or simply looking to linger with fellow readers, this independent bookstore offers an inspiring stop in the heart of downtown Boone.
The Book Room
Big stories come in small spaces at The Book Room, a cozy independent bookstore tucked inside a tiny white house in downtown Wilkesboro. Once the law office of Thomas B. Finley in the 1880s, the historic building now houses an extensive selection, along with stationery, tea and gifts. After browsing, make a day of downtown by exploring the nearby Wilkes Heritage Museum then find a reading companion with a coffee from Wilkes Coffee Co. or a milkshake from Suck It Up Milkshakes.
Wall Street Books
Find your next favorite read — and a little magic — at Wall Street Books in Waynesville. The independent bookstore is known for its carefully curated selection and a tucked-away reading nook inspired by the wizarding world that feels like stepping into another story. Don’t forget to meet Pippin on your way out, the bookstore's signature doodle dog.
Trope
Find the books everyone is talking about at Trope, Charlotte's first romance-focused independent bookstore. Whether you're searching for a swoon-worthy romance or your next romantasy obsession, you'll find the latest BookTok favorites alongside mystery and contemporary fiction. After picking up your next romance novel, continue the outing with a romantic dinner at nearby Dilworth Tasting Room or Supperland.
Scuppernong Books
Downtown Greensboro's literary living room, Scuppernong Books invites readers to linger after they've found their next great read before settling into the café with a coffee or pastry. The independent bookstore is also a hub for Greensboro's literary community, hosting author talks, book clubs, poetry readings and other events throughout the year. Round out your visit with lunch or dinner at nearby Crafted: The Art of the Taco before exploring downtown's murals, galleries and local businesses.
Bookmarks
Home to one of the nation's premier literary festivals, Bookmarks brings the joy of reading to downtown Winston-Salem year-round. Discover signed editions and staff favorites or attend one of the bookstore's many author talks, book clubs and literary events. Every fall, Bookmarks transforms the city during its nationally recognized Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors, drawing acclaimed writers and readers from across the country.
Capricious Literary Lounge
Before you think country music, think great books. Nashville, North Carolina, is home to Capricious Literary Lounge, where you can browse shelves with a cup of herbal tea in hand, then return for the popular Dinner and a Book Club series, where a shared novel inspires a themed catered meal. The welcoming independent bookstore also hosts book clubs and community gatherings, making it a must-stop for book lovers while exploring the greater Triangle region.
Letters Community Bookshop
Own your own bookstore — sort of. Letters Community Bookshop is one of the few community-owned bookstore co-ops in the country, giving book lovers the chance to invest in the shop while supporting Durham's literary scene. Afterward, continue your bookstore crawl with nearby favorites like Golden Fig Books, The Regulator Bookshop or Rubyfruit inside Queeny's, where books, cocktails and comfort food make for an ideal ending to your literary adventure.
Pamlico Books
Look for the crab holding a book in the window — that's how you'll know you've found Pamlico Books, right along the river in Washington. The independent shop carries new, used and bargain books alongside kids' toys and games, and if they don't have what you're after, they'll order it for you. Cross the street afterward for a coffee at Washington Cafe, where seasonal specialty drinks like the Mornin' IV and Sweater Weather are worth the stop.
Books to Be Red
At the end of the road, a good story awaits. Books to Be Red shares a historic 1898 island home with Deepwater Pottery, creating one of Ocracoke's most charming stops. While browsing, admire handcrafted pottery before strolling beneath the village's live oaks and cedar trees.
Buxton Village Books
Find your next beach read on Hatteras Island at Buxton Village Books, a cozy cottage-style bookstore that's been welcoming readers since 1984. Browse a collection of new and used books along with Outer Banks history and children's favorites, plus unique gifts and treasures. Just a couple of miles from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, it's the perfect stop before visiting the lighthouse, relaxing on the beach or exploring the villages that make Hatteras Island so memorable.
The Island Bookstore
A storybook setting meets a great bookstore at Island Bookstore in Historic Corolla Village, near the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, in a building inspired by the area's original general store. After browsing the shelves, explore the village's historic landmarks, climb the lighthouse or continue your journey along the Northern Outer Banks. Additional Island Bookstore locations can also be found in Duck and Kitty Hawk.
The Recycled Reader
Find your next great read at The Recycled Reader, a downtown Elizabeth City bookstore housed in a repurposed bank building. The cozy reading nook inside the Poe-themed vault is a one-of-a-kind spot to browse the shop's collection. Afterward, stroll Elizabeth City's walkable waterfront downtown to discover local shops, restaurants and public art.
Papercut Books
Step into a scene from "The Summer I Turned Pretty" at Papercut Books, the downtown Wilmington bookstore featured as "Whale of a Tale" in the hit series. Beyond its on-screen fame, the independent shop is known for its selection of new and gently used books, welcoming atmosphere and cheeky motto: "We love books so much it hurts." After finding your next read, continue your literary adventure at nearby Old Books on Front Street.
Visit more filming spots from 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'
White Crab Coffee and Books
Pair your next beach read with a handcrafted coffee at White Crab Coffee and Books in Topsail Beach. Browse shelves of new books, order a specialty latte and pick out the perfect novel to toss in your beach bag. Then spend the rest of the day soaking up the laidback charm of Topsail Beach, from its sandy shoreline to its local shops and restaurants.
Between the Lines
A moving bookshelf swings open into the Secret Garden, a hidden reading nook inside this downtown Goldsboro bookstore. Kids get their own hideout too — the Dragon's Lair, built into the children's section. Beyond the surprises, it's a well-stocked new-and-used bookstore that hosts book release parties, craft classes, wine tastings, monthly sales and even beginner mahjong nights .