Urban Bookstore Pligrimages

Posted on | October 25, 2003 | 11 Comments

I realized, on this last trip, that when I travel, I inevitably end up at the certain favorite bookstores.

In Cambridge, I make a point of visiting the MIT Press Book Store, and Wordsworth.

In Chicago, I’ve got to go to Quimby’s. And the Seminary Co-op might prove necessary on future itineraries. (Thanks, Betsy!)

New York City? Gotham Book Mart. (Looks like they might be moving.)

Washington, D.C.? Kramerbooks and Afterwords cafe.

In Portland, well, it’s just too obvious.

Huh. The other cities I often return to are Austin and L.A. And while I like The Book People in Austin, it’s never been very compelling (unlike, say, sitting outside at Jo’s.)

Comments

11 Responses to “Urban Bookstore Pligrimages”

Adina Levin
October 25th, 2003 @ 4:13 pm

In Davis Square — two T-stops past Harvard, McIntyre and Moore is worth a pilgrimage. Great used bookstore with all of your favorite classic out of print obscurities.
Andy M.
October 25th, 2003 @ 11:43 pm

And what about when you’re home? Moe’s?
peterme
October 26th, 2003 @ 8:01 am

Yep. If I’m anywhere near Telegraph Ave in Berkeley, I stop in at Moe’s Books. And if I’m in San Francisco and out in the avenues, pretty much nothing gets between me and Green Apple Books.
BJMe
October 26th, 2003 @ 9:10 am

When I asked you about things to do in Denver, I am surprised that you didn’t mention a visit to The Tattered Cover Bookstore. http://www.tatteredcover.com

Their inventory is eclectically impressive and they have the best selection of Bargain Books I have browsed under one roof.
victor
October 27th, 2003 @ 6:25 am

Next time you’re in NYC check out the Strand:
http://www.strandbooks.com/aboutus/
peterme
October 27th, 2003 @ 7:22 am

Is it okay that I can’t stand the Strand? I lived not far from it for a couple of years, and would be enticed by it’s massive collection, only to be deflated by what was possibly the worst “shopping experience” I subjected myself to for any length of time.

In that neighborhood, I much prefer St. Marks.
Tim
October 27th, 2003 @ 8:09 am

Besides Quimbys, Powell’s is also in Chicago.

And if you are an architecture fan there is no place better than the Prairie Avenue Bookstore. They are also at http://www.pabooks.com, but their website isn’t very usable.
Matt
April 11th, 2004 @ 5:07 am

I hate the Strand too for a number of reasons:
1. The staff are friendly but usually too busy to really help you.
2. The aisles are narrow and crowded – worse than most and makes browsing incredibly annoying.
3. Inventory varies, you never know if they are going to have what you want. Probably this is because they are so popular but I’ve made several visits looking for something pretty basic and they didn’t have it at the moment. Surely they would in a few days but it is annoying.

I know it isn’t in the same neighborhood but the Gotham Book Mart on 47th & 6th (west of 6th) is a much more enjoyable experience with incredibly helpful employees and a deep selection. The book buying experience is ten times better. I understand they will be moving at some point but hopefully not too far! (I live nearby.)
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