Best Bookshops on the West Coast
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ~ Charles William Eliot
As like many of those who have a passion for writing I also am a serious reader, but like any smart traveler I’m always trying to save my pennies for the next adventure, so where does my love for reading and my thriftiness lead me? It leads me threw the doors of many used bookshops in search of everything from the classics to mysteries and travelogues to wildlife tales. So, it’s no surprise that on my US West Coast Adventure I was in search of some great reads and found some of the Best Bookshops on the West Coast.
San Diego’s Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Located in San Diego’s Seaport Village, Upstart Crow is bookstore, café and gift shop. The “Upstart Crow” is in reference to a nasty nickname given to William Shakespeare by a fellow begrudging playwright. I loved the artsy atmosphere with its quirky tables and differing chairs (like out of an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Tea party), there’s always something magical when surrounded by books, a cool vibe and a latte to stir the creative juices. Upstart Crow also has Shakespeare open readings, Open Mic Poetry, a Book Club and live music by local musicians every Saturday night.
San Francisco’s Russian Hill Bookstore
Located on lively Polk street, Russian Hill Bookstore is the epitome of the classic used bookstore but with added bonuses like a fantastic array of gifts and stationary and new local books. Opened for over 20 years this little gem with floor to ceiling books is also known as the best card store in San Francisco.
San Francisco’s The Booksmith
Located in the eccentric neighbourhood of Haight and Ashbury, The Booksmith is a funky bookstore full of character. From the quirky staff to the colourful chalk art work signs for every theme and genre of books, you’ll be pleasantly distracted. The Booksmith is approaching its 30 year mark and is one busy place that has strong community ties. With over 200 events every year, in store and offsite, from book swaps to hosting great authors and even a literary game night – The Booksmith has something for everyone and will surly entertain.
Portland’s Powell’s City of Books
While in Portland I knew I had to visit the World famous Powell’s City of Books but I had no idea of just how large and truly spectacular it really was. At four levels high and covering an entire city block Powell’s is a book lovers dream world, with over a million new, used and rare books to lay your paws on. With over 40 years in the books, Powell’s is a hub of activity with shoppers, browsers and café loungers. A must is a visit to the Rare Book Room on level 3 where you’ll find old and out-of-print books and many with a hefty price tag. But it’s the antiquated atmosphere that’s amazing, shut off from the rest of the store, surrounded by classic bookshelves in what feels like an iconic author’s, like Ernest Hemingway’s, home library from decades past, you can not help but slow your pace and hold you breath and explore the wonder of these old text.
*Their oldest book is De Bello Judaica (The Jewish War) by Flavius Josephus and was printed in 1480 – with a price tag of $12,500
Seattle’s Mystery Bookshop
Seattle’s Mystery Bookshop is by far the best mystery bookshop I’ve ever encountered! I was greeted by two lovely and charming ladies (one with a hankering to always read the ending first – of which she is doggedly working on breaking) who truly have a passion for all things mystery! Seattle’s Mystery Bookshop has been around for nearly 25 years and was one of many used bookshops in Seattle. I loved how they took their decorating of the shop from out of a mystery novel with blood-red tablecloths, fake blood pools and droplets on the floor, bloody handprints on the windows and even in the form of bookends. With an extensive website, entertaining and chuckle worthy blog, and author events and book signings Seattle’s Mystery Bookshop take the mystery out of where to shop!
Bookshops to coffeehouses and a side of mystery, I found my fair share of the Best Bookshops on the West Coast and am glad to have found some new favourites, many heavy souvenirs and will always be on the look out for the next good read!
