A Post: Bookstores in Other States - Nashville, Tennessee & A Giveaway

My weekend, which had been planned for at least 4 months, was cancelled because of an unexpected change in the weather and a few feet of snow. I wished and wished for snow, and Portland got it, but I wasn't there to see. J, the always amazing super sidekick, surprised me many months ago with tickets to see my favorite singer/songwriter, Jeff Mangum (former Neutral Milk Hotel frontman), in Portland, Maine. He thought it would be a good opportunity to explore an area we sort of neglected during our northeast tour this past summer, and enjoy a nice 3 day weekend. Thankfully my mother contacted us that morning to make sure that we brought tons of layers if we were, in fact, planning to brave the historical blizzard.

After much googling, we realized if we went, we'd be staring at a tv in some hotel suite and couldn't even see Mangum if we had braved it because the show had been cancelled. We could have been stuck in Maine or Massachusetts or on a highway somewhere. So. We did a little brainstorming and decided that a short drive to Nashville would grant us the opportunity to get away from the A for a bit, and give us a chance to explore a city that we often only drive through.

It was wonderful. Top ten vacation material there.

We visited a nice French-inspired spot for some brunch (hello, croissant french toast), and even got a little taste of the high life at a speakeasy. The Patterson House is an unassuming little building that doesn't promise much; however, when you're inside, you'll find fancy cocktails served by handsome fellas in suspenders, while oldies play softly in the background, and striking chandeliers provide a dim light for complete intimacy. We cancelled our dinner reservations and spent the night toasting one another and laughing into each other's ears. If you're in Nashville, find it, consume cocktails, and quote your favorite Fitzgerald lines.

We also made it a priority to to visit Parnassus Books, you know, the bookshop owned by Ann Patchett. It was beautiful and perfectly arranged and made me want to spend all of my money on the shiny books that I often lust over on goodreads. I'm definitely going all in and naming it one of the best independent stores I've visited yet!

Here are some photos that should convince you to visit:

This a top secret space that's just big enough for the kiddos. Look at that treasure trove of books! Seriously, I would have died of delight if I had stumbled upon this when I was a wee gal.

And, of course, the damage. You had to know it was coming. How could I not splurge and get myself some new books?

Last one, I swear. I snagged this beauty for my niece because she's learning numbers and because it was so darn awesome. Check out the Babylit site for more options! 

I enjoyed State of Wonder so much, you can read the review here, that I've decided to host a giveaway to celebrate finally visiting the shop and to simply share a good read!

 

You can enter to win a signed copy of Ann Patchett's State of Wonder below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Post: Bookstores in Other States - Montgomery, Alabama

I may have mentioned that I get travel fever. I can't go more than a month without driving somewhere to get my fix. It could be a lot worse. I generally like make a point of stopping to scope out indie book shops in each little city I visit. I've seen quite a few, so many in fact, that I've been asked if I plan on visiting every indie in the world. A lofty goal I'm not likely to achieve. I guess I could try, though.

So I thought I'd start sharing these stops and maybe you could visit, too.

Montgomery, Alabama

Oh, Alabama. I don't mean to pass judgement because I hate it, but I've always been wary of the big A. The state just never seemed terribly exciting. But I've learned my lesson and will admit that I was very impressed. Montgomery has some pretty sweet spots and was glad we were able to visit.

Capitol Book & News 

Great selection.
Welcoming and enormously helpful staff.
Cool setup.. hello old kitchen-turned-cookbook collection.

And because we drove something like 3 hours to get there, we decided to make a day of it. We had lunch at a little cafe (pictured above) and then dinner at a really great Mexican restaurant. The real highlight, however, aside from the bookstore, was Leroy Lounge. I found the drink menu online and knew we had to stop. I had a Pimm's cup for the first time and a blackberry-champagne concoction. Delicious. Plus, the bar's atmosphere was just incredible. A dark interior, with vintage light fixtures and plush, burgundy walls like velvet. If you're there, you have to visit! 

I'd like this to serve as an opportunity for readers to share their favorite independent (local or not) shops as well. Leave a comment if there's one you want to share!

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Thrifty Book Finds

Where: A Cappella Books in Little Five Points, Barnes and Noble

Total Spent: $11.00

Not so thrifty book purchase (and greatly anticipated):

Where: Blue Elephant Book Shop in Decatur
(One of my new favorite independent shops in the city)

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