Are you a book lover with a serious case of wanderlust? This summer, combine your love for literature with a fun road trip. From charming small towns steeped in literary history to bustling cities with iconic bookstores, the U.S. is brimming with bookish destinations. Grab your favorite book, pack your bags, and get ready to explore these ten enchanting spots where stories come to life. If you’re looking for a great book to bring along on your trip, make sure to check out our summer reading list.
- Concord, Massachusetts – Walk The Foot Paths of the Great
- Why Go: Walk the same streets as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. Concord is practically the Hogwarts of American literature.
- Don’t Miss: The Orchard House, where Alcott wrote Little Women.
- New York City, New York – Booklover Shopping Spree
- Why Go: From the New York Public Library to countless indie bookstores, NYC is a literary playground.
- Don’t Miss: Strand Bookstore with its “18 miles of books” and the iconic New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room.
- San Francisco, California – Retro Fun
- Why Go: The city that gave us Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, San Francisco’s literary past is as vibrant as its present.
- Don’t Miss: City Lights Bookstore, the legendary independent bookstore and publishing house, and a walk through the Beat Museum.
- Portland, Oregon – The Indie Bookstore Capital
- Why Go: Portland’s quirky, laid-back vibe is a haven for readers and writers alike.
- Don’t Miss: Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. You might just need a map to navigate this wonderland.
- Savannah, Georgia – Book Fun with a Side of Southern Charm
- Why Go: Beautiful squares, historic homes, and a literary scene that’s as warm and inviting as the Southern hospitality.
- Don’t Miss: The Book Lady Bookstore, a cozy gem in the heart of Savannah, and a ghost tour inspired by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
- Iowa City, Iowa – Writers Must Visit
- Why Go: Home to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, this city breathes creativity and inspiration.
- Don’t Miss: Prairie Lights, a beloved indie bookstore, and the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, with bronze relief panels celebrating authors and their works.
- Washington, D.C. – A Capital of Historic Literature
- Why Go: Besides being the nation’s capital, D.C. is packed with literary treasures.
- Don’t Miss: The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, and a literary tour that includes Edgar Allan Poe’s former residence.
- Oxford, Mississippi – Best Place for Gothic Fans
- Why Go: Dive into the world of William Faulkner and Southern Gothic literature in this charming town.
- Don’t Miss: Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s home-turned-museum, and Square Books, a delightful bookstore with three locations around the town square.
- Key West, Florida – Hemingway’s Hideaway
- Why Go: Ernest Hemingway’s spirit lives on in this sunny, bohemian paradise.
- Don’t Miss: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can meet the famous six-toed cats, and the annual Hemingway Days festival.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Twin Cities of Tomes
- Why Go: A vibrant literary scene with a plethora of bookstores and literary events.
- Don’t Miss: Wild Rumpus, a whimsical bookstore perfect for kids and kids at heart, and the Loft Literary Center, offering classes and events for writers.
Pack your favorite books, hit the road, and let your literary adventure begin! Make sure to enter these giveaways to win books for your adventures!
