229 Best Places to Shop in USA

At this book shop, college students, locals, and visitors alike sift through the crowded shelves and tables of new, used, and rare books in all genres, including children's. The shop also hosts book signings and creative book clubs, including a silent one.

Bonnie Slotnick has been running her eponymous cookbook shop for over three decades. Famous and not-yet-famous chefs regularly stop into this shop hoping to unearth some recipes of the past, where the shelves are stocked with over 5,000 rare, hard-to-find, and out-of-print cookbooks. There are newer cookbooks, too. Start planning your next meal here!

The bright, inviting Book Cellar has a well-edited selection of works ranging from local interest to popular fiction. There's also a small wine bar and coffee shop on-site, where customers can linger over their purchases. Readings and other literary events are held here frequently.

Is it an indie bookshop? A coffeehouse? A bar? If you guessed all of the above—ding, ding, ding!—you are correct. Book Club is a charming place to browse for your next exciting read and while away a couple of hours sipping coffee or a glass of wine without leaving the premises. Check the website for ongoing evening literary events. 

Bibliophiles have browsed for new, used, and out-of-print books at this independent shop since 1933.

Located on the garden level of a Liberty Street row house, the Book Lady stocks around 50,000 new, used, and vintage books spanning 40 genres. The friendly staff is always available for a lively literary discussion, and the shop hosts the occasional book signing by noted authors.

Popular for its readings and book signings, this old-fashioned, independent bookstore fits perfectly in an old-fashioned town. The owners say the upstairs loft, where used books are sold, even comes with a resident ghost named Catherine. The shop's staff are always ready to recommend a book, whether you're looking for local history or a quick summer read to enjoy by the pool.

Windows at this modest-size bookstore frame close-up views of the docks and San Francisco Bay. Commuters snap up magazines by the front door as they rush off to their ferries, and kids browse the Kids' Corner while Ferry Building visitors thumb through the thorough selection of cooking and travel titles. Author events take place several times a month.

This is a wonderful browsing place for used, rare, and out-of-print books.

This delightful little bookshop has choice selections of fiction, art, cookbooks, and biographies invitingly displayed in the heart of Chestnut Hill's commercial corridor. There is also a healthy-sized section of Philly-centric books as well as kids' and young-adult books.

Packed solid with used books, music, musical instruments, and movies, Bookmans is also a laid-back café where you can munch on pastries, surf the Internet, and hear live folk music.

A Tucson institution, Bookmans carries an enormous and eclectic selection of used and new books, movies, music, magazines, games, and musical instruments in three spacious locations. Bring your own gently used items for store credit or cash.

Author Emma Straub opened this spacious and well-stocked bookstore after neighborhood landmark BookCourt closed, and she even used her predecessor's tall wooden bookshelves in creating the new space. Books Are Magic hosts author events—many with celebrated writers who happen to live in Brooklyn—several days a week. Don't miss the excellent kids' area in the back.

The Bookshop is the place to shop for all things literary in East Nashville. Though it's tucked into a small space, the shop has an expertly curated assortment of books, ranging from literary fiction to art to cooking. It's connected to Hanna Bee Coffee, making for the perfect leisurely browsing experience. The shop also plays hosts to bookish events, so check the calendar to join the fun.

In 2021, the town's best and most beloved independent bookstore celebrated its 55th anniversary of selling new, used, and remaindered titles. The children's section is especially comprehensive, and the shop's special events calendar is packed with readings, social mixers, book signings, and discussions.

This fine bookshop sells current releases, children's titles, and offbeat periodicals. Authors passing through town often make a stop at this neighborhood institution.

You're welcome to browse for a while in this airy, well organized little bookshop. But don't expect to do it alone. Leo, the big orange shop cat, will trot up to greet you, chat happily, purr when he's patted, and gladly curl up with you on a sofa. You can also sip some "pretty good coffee" as you visit. There's a selection of more than 5,000 books, a few used books, magazines, and lovely greeting cards. The shop also sells wines and hosts monthly tastings.

Pick up a new or used book for the next leg of your trip here, and also browse the greeting cards and a small selection of magazines and journals. The shop stocks a solid selection of titles by local authors, including Nick Jans and Heather Lende, as well as Alaska-oriented fiction and nonfiction.

This old-school collective, around since 1976, stocks books on anarchist theory and practice, as well as titles about gender issues, radicalism, and various other left-leaning topics. A portion of the revenue supports anarchist projects and the Prisoners Literature Project.

Bibliophiles will love hunting for buried treasure in this labyrinth of used books.

The charming, worn-in feel of this store lined with wooden shelves befits the merchandise for sale: the focus is on rare, small-press used and new books, although it's not unheard of to find a $4 Hardy Boys paperback next to a first-edition Edward Gorey. The store also acts as a venue for fringe musicians from near and far. Follow Brickbat on Instagram (@brickbatphilly) to stay abreast of the latest arrivals.

This charming independent store focuses on politics, history, philosophy, poetry, literature, music, film, and Judaica. First opened in 1980, it's a long-standing independent store in the neighborhood.

Spacious and unpretentious, with several spots to cozy up and peruse a book, this beloved downtown bookstore has been in business since 1993. Author and native Mainer Stephen King, who summers in these parts, is a customer and has done book signings here. The helpful staff includes the husband-and-wife owners. Many regulars head straight for the "staff picks"—for recent and all-time kids and adult suggestions. There's a large bargain books area, used books are in the back, and nonfiction offerings are divided into an impressive number of labeled sections, like “nature” and “science.”  Among the fun gift items: totes that match popular books sold here, 3D puzzles, and wood-cut bathymetric maps, coasters, bookmarks, and ornaments made by a local artist, with designs featuring local lakes.

Opened in 1976, one of the city's most beloved independent bookstores resides quietly among the chic fashion boutiques lining Fillmore Street. All ages will find ample choices, from contemporary fiction to children's books to a large selection of Buddhist Dharma literature. The store is owned by Inner Richmond favorite Green Apple Books.

Since 1935, this warmly inviting downtown bookshop has been nourishing the minds of literary Olympians. The knowledgeable staff is devoted to stocking the shelves with interesting works, many by regional authors or with a local focus.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore is an excellent independent shop, with eager and knowledgeable booksellers and a varied selection of new books for adults and children. It also hosts a popular Author Series with discussions and book signings.

Browse the small but mighty selection of books about Charleston and those by local authors, plus classics and a children's section. The shop also hosts an excellent, compelling walking tour, The Lost Stories of Black Charleston, and Charleston's longest-running ghost tour.

Pop into this three-story maze of used, new, and rare books, where the volumes are piled floor to ceiling, and no flat surface is left bare. (Even the bathroom is stacked high.) The knowledgeable staff will help you browse through a wonderful collection of out-of-print history titles, political and fiction writings, and mysteries.

This bookstore has a large selection of new and used books and often features special book signings and other events with authors.