Top 7+ Bookstores Every Book Lover Should Visit, According To Southern Authors
Independent bookstores took the lead.
We do a lot of things well in the South, from barbecue and fried chicken to vegetable gardens and holiday decorating. We’re also exceptionally good at storytelling—as evidenced by the number of renowned writers who have roots in the region—and we have an affinity for a charming, one-of-a-kind bookstore. In fact, you’ll find that nearly all of the best cities and towns throughout the South have at least one bookstore where the shelves overflow with best-sellers and new releases, the calendar is dotted with author signings and meet-and-greets, and cozy corners encourage patrons to sit and read a while.
And because no one appreciates a bookstore quite like a writer, we chatted with some of the most prolific contemporary Southern authors to find out which ones every bibliophile should add to their list. Below, see which bookstores came out on top.
South Main Book Company
Salisbury, North Carolina
“Salisbury is my hometown, and South Main Book Company has been in our historic downtown, in some iteration, since 1998. It’s housed inside a historic building with creaky, original hardwood floors, beautiful architectural details, and—the pièce de résistance—antique library ladders,” says Kristy Woodson Harvey, a New York Times best-selling author whose most recent book, Beach House Rules, was released this past May. “South Main is also incredibly supportive of the community and its schools, and hosts author events, book clubs, silent reading nights, and more to bring everyone together,” she adds.
While in Salisbury, the home of Cheerwine, she also suggests a visit to Hap’s Grill, an afternoon exploring the other shops along Main Street—including Caniche and Salisbury Wine Shop—and finishing the day with something sweet. “I’d recommend savoring some homemade ice cream at Spanky’s, which has been a downtown staple since 1928, and grabbing a few cupcakes and Rice Krispies treats from Abigail’s for the road,” she says.
Tombolo Books
For Florida novelist Kristen Arnett, the author of titles such as Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One and Mostly Dead Things, Tombolo Books in St. Pete stands out above all other bookstores. “There are many reasons I'm drawn to this space, but probably what sets the store apart is the fact that the booksellers are such sincere delights,” she says. “Whenever I'm in town, I always leave with new recommendations, new stories, and fresh love in my heart. The stock is all amazing—so many queer authors—and the shop itself is incredibly supportive of Florida writers. It's a beautiful location with a gorgeous patio that occasionally hosts markets and larger author events.”
After browsing the shelves of Tombolo, pop into Black Crow Coffee next door, a cafe Arnett calls “one of the best coffee shops in town.” She also recommends spending time on the beach, then having drinks at Lost & Found and tinned fish and oysters at Barbouni.
Faulkner House Books
“I love Faulkner House in New Orleans’ Pirate’s Alley,” says Wiley Cash, the North Carolina-based best-selling author of When Ghosts Come Home and A Land More Kind Than Home. “The store is tiny but incredibly curated. Everything on the shelves has been selected with reader tastes in mind.” As the bookstore’s name suggests, it’s housed in the former home of William Faulkner; the celebrated Southern novelist lived in the building, which was built in 1837, in the 1920s.
The Lynx Books
“And I can’t leave out my friend Lauren Groff and her wonderful new store, The Lynx Books, down in Gainesville,” says Cash. “They specialize in banned and contested books with a special focus on Florida literature. There’s no place like it.” The store holds various events, including a Florida Literature Book Club, a Classics Book Club, and a weekly family story time.
Buxton Books
“Charleston is lucky to be home to several indie bookstores in the tri-county. If you’re heading to the city, stop first on King Street to visit Buxton Books,” says Mary Alice Monroe, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Where the Rivers Merge and the Lowcountry Summer series, as well as dozens of other works. “Located next door to the historic Charleston Library Society, you’ll be charmed by artsy window displays and a big selection of books—many signed because Buxton Books hosts many author events throughout the year.” Plus, she says, it’s walkable from another King Street favorite, Blue Bicycle Books, as well as some of the best restaurants in the Holy City.
Charis Books & More
“Charis Books & More is America’s oldest continuously operated feminist bookstore. Their on-site events are legendary as they host new writers, local writers, and global heavy-hitters alike,” says Tayari Jones, the New York Times best-selling author of An American Marriage, among other titles. Even if your to-be-read pile is sky-high, you may still find something that catches your eye.
To round out your time in Decatur, follow Jones’ lead: “For me, a happy day in Decatur involves a trip to the international farmers’ market, where I will buy a fruit I can’t identify. Then, I’d swing by Piece of Cake for a gigantic chunk of triple-layered red velvet excellence. After that, off to Charis Books, where someone will recommend a book of poetry by a genius I have yet to discover before identifying the mysterious fruit from the market and maybe even explaining how to enjoy it.”
Fabled Bookshop & Cafe
“Fabled is one of those places that, the minute you walk in, you know you’re in the epicenter of the community,” says Harvey. “Waco residents are grabbing coffee [and] reading at tables and in comfy lounge chairs in this visually stunning space meant to be reminiscent of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” She describes it as a “book lover’s heaven,” one that’s full of "popular titles and quite a few books [she’s] have never seen anywhere else.”
“And, best of all, Fabled’s littlest patrons can walk through a small wardrobe door and enter their own Narnia, filled with books just for them,” she says.
