229 Best Places to Shop in USA

The spirit of Moe Moskowitz—the creative, cantankerous late proprietor—lives on in this world-famous house full of new and used books. Since it first opened in 1959, students and professors have flocked here to browse the large selection of literary and cultural criticism, art titles, and literature in foreign languages.

Visit one of the last independent bookstores with a Hollywood pedigree to discover books about film, music, art, and photography.

Since 1955, this bookstore has been the heart of Menlo Park. The store has many mainstream books, yet also maintains the independent, intellectual side that made it popular with the Beat Generation and activists (even the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia would play his guitar here). Author talks are a big draw at what continues to be one of the Bay Area’s definitive local bookstores.

Archestratus is one of those rare neighborhood gems that becomes a true community hub—particularly for hardcore foodies. More than a tiny bookstore specializing in cookbooks and culinary writings, it also offers a well-curated selection of kitchenware and groceries, from pastas to tinned fish. There's also a small children's reading section and adequate meeting space for their culinary- and literary-inspired events. While their sit down café component is no longer open, they still offer daily artisanal sandwiches to go.

Santa Fe is well-known for its mystical side and the Ark is where locals go to feed their spiritual souls. Mainly a metaphysical bookstore, the Ark also offers a diverse selection of cards, gemstones, candles, and crystals as well as gifts of all kinds, from Tibetan prayer flags and wind chimes to yoga mats and clothing.

Since 1984, this bastion of bibliophilia has offered new, used, and collectible titles to discerning shoppers. Its shelves are robust in art, photography, and graphic design, as well as plenty of literature inspired by Seattle and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Housed in one of Seattle's most historic buildings, this eclectic assortment will satisfy both the avid reader and the discriminating collector.

For over 10 years this Queer, female-owned adorable bookshop in Queens has served as a central hub dedicated to supporting local authors and promoting the literary arts. It’s a refreshing alternative to the big-box book stores and online giants, especially with their in-store speaking and author events. While you're browsing bestsellers, indie titles, nonfiction, poetry, and well-curated staff picks, consider RSVPing to read a tale of your own at their popular Storytelling Show, a free open-mic-style reading series. Alternatively, you can opt to attend one of their author events, which are generally free of charge, but require an RSVP.

This legendary shop stocks one of Hawaii's largest selections of maps, including topographical and relief maps, and Hilo's largest selection of Hawaiian music (feel free to ask for advice about your selection). It also has a wealth of books about Hawaii, with great choices for children. If you need an umbrella on a rainy Hilo day, this bookstore has plenty of them.

At this unusual bookstore and bar, you can relax on an overstuffed chair or sofa while sipping one of 80 wines and champagnes by the glass. The inventory includes more than 20,000 secondhand books, with special strength in Civil War, American history, and North Carolina subjects. It's pet friendly, too, with an "espresso dog bar." 

This Charles Street town house lined with shelves across four levels is stuffed full of books of every genre, but you won't find a speck of dust in sight. Instead, the place has an art deco--library feel with brass lights, a spiral staircase, cushioned window seats, and a whole heck of a lot of customers. Yes, expect to deal with a crowd, but don't let that stop you from browsing the latest publications or grabbing a coffee and sitting awhile in the hidden rear courtyard.

Famed Santa Fe resident George R. R. Martin owns this fantasy-and-science-fiction-focused bookstore as well as Jean Cocteau Cinema next-door. Named after Cocteau’s 1946 classic Beauty and the Beast (which was also a television show the Game of Thrones author worked on in the 1980s), the shop features books of all genres, each signed by its writer. This, of course, includes Martin’s many offerings, but also books by Diana Gabaldon, Leonard Maltin, Erica Jong, and Walter Jon Williams.

Look for out-of-print and rare books, including hardcover classics and a large selection of Lowcountry fiction and nonfiction, at this locally adored bookstore offering everything from military history to cookbooks. It hosts frequent signings by local authors like Matt and Ted Lee.

In addition to having a well-rounded selection of books, magazines, and stationery, this fabulous independent bookstore cosponsors many literary events throughout the year. The staff is unusually adept at helping with selections and making thoughtful reading recommendations.

Just off Central Avenue, this charming bookstore and wine bar is an excellent place to enjoy a glass of vino or to quietly work throughout the day. The bar also serves pastries, coffee, tea, and other beverages. If you’re looking for a good read or a memento from your visit, check out the latest book releases, as well as book- and wine-related accessories.

This exceptional bookstore offers well-curated local-interest materials, best sellers, and an excellent children's section. Puzzle enthusiasts will appreciate the unique jigsaw selection, guaranteed to keep you challenged. Don't miss the back room with its selection of local clothing and gifts.

More than 1000 cookbooks and other related works fill the shelves of this warm, modern shop. There's often a treat in the oven or on the counter for shoppers to enjoy as they browse the artfully curated selection of new and classic cookbooks; staff are extraordinarily knowledgeable and happy to help. In the evening, the shop hosts author talks and classes, and there's also a small shelf of interesting and local pantry goods that make excellent souvenirs.

Shop for gifts or yourself at this cozy independent bookstore, which feels more like a small-town library, welcoming browsers to linger. It sells new and secondhand books, and the children's section is filled with both books and toys.

This independent bookstore may be small in size, but it is big in prestige. Thanks to its knowledgeable owners, many famous authors love this place and tend to include it on their publicity tours. Once you've bought books here a time or two, the staff will be able to recommend ones you'll like with amazing accuracy.

Established in 1970, Texas's largest independent bookstore is a homegrown alternative to Amazon and corporate chains. The quirky bookshop, staffed with a passionate team of dedicated booksellers, has been voted Austin's best bookstore for more than 20 years, stocking bestsellers along with books on topics from celebrity memoirs to alternative home-building texts; there's also an incredible children's section. Browse magazines; shop for literary-inspired tchotchkes and Austin- and Texas-centric gifts; and catch readings and signings by local and touring authors. Heavy-hitting literati luminaries, including former presidents, make stops here while on book tours.

Greater Miami's only independent English-language bookshop specializes in contemporary and classical literature as well as books on the arts, architecture, Florida, and Cuba. The Coral Gables store is the largest of several South Florida locations. Here, you can sip and read in the courtyard lounge or dine at the old-fashioned in-store café while browsing the photography gallery. Multiple rooms are filled with myriad genres; plus there's an entire area dedicated to kids. There are book signings, literary events, poetry, and other readings, too.

This nonprofit, independently minded, neighborhood bookstore is the brainchild of a small group of local booklovers, led by authors and Key West residents Judy Blume and her husband George Cooper. It is affiliated with the Miami-based book store of the same name and is in The Studios of Key West, a nonprofit arts center providing artist-in-residency opportunities for artists and writers. If you stop by, you might find Judy behind the register or stocking books.

Readers young and old delight in Manhattan's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore. The friendly, knowledgeable staff can help select gifts for all reading levels. Don't miss the extensive Oz section, plus the collection of old, rare, and collectible children's books and original children's book art.

This North Valley stalwart has been reviving readers' spirits for many a year in a cozy neighborhood setting. A committed independent seller, Bookworks fairly prides itself on service, and booklovers from all corners flock here for its fine stock of regional coffee-table books, a well-culled selection of modern fiction and nonfiction, architecture and design titles, well-chosen calendars and cards, and a (small) playground's worth of kids' books. Regular signings and readings draw some big guns to this compact treasure.

Boulder's largest independent bookstore stocks thousands of new and used books, including a great selection of photography, history, and art books about Colorado. The bookstore hosts hundreds of community events each year.

Bibliophiles can't get enough of this old-timey book store that has been in operation since 1825 and is, literally, chockablock with books floor to ceiling and stuffed into corners. The owner, Ken Gloss, who regularly tours with Antiques Roadshow, fields queries from passionate book lovers about out-of-print, rare, antique, and foreign-language tomes. If you're simply in need of a read for the ride home, browse the rolling carts in Brattle's adjacent outdoor lot, where books of all genres go for pocket change. It's the shop with the oversized pencil above the door.

A special place, Brewster Book Store is filled to the rafters with books by local and international authors, with an extensive fiction selection and kids' section. Author signings and children's story times and craft sessions take place year-round.

Since 1961 this independent bookseller has anchored Harvard Street and enriched the Coolidge Corner community with poetry readings, book clubs, and author talks. Browse the well-edited selection of bestsellers, hardcovers, and paperbacks, as well as an expansive gift area packed with cards and fun items that range from cutting boards and tea towels to leather notebooks and printed scarves. The well-read booksellers can always offer great suggestions.  Head downstairs for thousands of used books.

New and out-of-print titles are sold here; the store hosts regular author appearances.