MSN.com published a list of classic bookshops in America that the literary-minded traveler should consider the next time she plans a trip. I’ve never been to any of them, sad to say, although I’ve heard of most. If anyone has a place for me to bunk down for a night or two while I haunt, say, City Lights in San Francisco or The Strand in NYC, I’d be most obliged. As it is, B. and I practically live in my local Borders or Barnes & Noble on the weekend, but there’s nothing like a real independent bookshop in which to get lost for hours. Days, even.
By the way, may we please have a moment of silence for the Espace Cafe, formerly of Sonoma, California? Although an old friend lives there, I’ve never actually been to that part of Northern California; however, I read about its recent, sad close after only sixteen months in business. If you check out this still-in-existence page from their original Web site, you can view photos of the interior.
Isn’t it gorgeous? I love the creamy maple interior, the comfy seating, the clean, open look. It was owned by a French restaurateur and his Filipino-American wife — both of whom have extensive experience in the food and hospitality field — and infused with tons of European touches. Wish I’d had a chance to visit it at least once.
I urge you to visit your independently owned, local businesses as often as you can. I go to my favorite local cafes several times a week. Dallas lost most of its local cafes over the years, so only a handful scattered in remote corners throughout the Metroplex remain, leaving Starbucks to vacuum up all the customers everywhere else. I would hate to see that happen where I live now, and I hope it’s not happening in your neck of the woods.
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Thanks Marjorie! I’ll show this to Xav and I think he’ll be pleased. He’s still in the mourning phase… By the way, I’d welcome you to our humble abode but you may have to share space with Thomas (aka hellboy) and that’s not relaxing. Still, if ever you’re in the area, I can take you to a great dim sum place close to City Lights.
-joanne
I’ve been to three: Elliott Bay, Powell’s and City Lights.
I can’t believe you haven’t been to the first two. Don’t you live near Seattle, or am I wrong?
My father works in a tiny, sweet independent bookshop in Olympia: The Fireside. Just wanted to give it a little free PR — I don’t think they even have a website!
Joanne, that’s awfully kind of you! Please give your husband my condolences for the closing of his coffee shop. And yes, I’m going to take you up on that invitation for dim sum the next time I’m in the city. Hard to believe that the last time I was in SF was in August 2001. Geez, time flies.
Dear Betty, bonjour! Lucky you! No, I live in Colorado. I think you’re thinking of Colleen, who is fortunate enough to live in Seattle.
And please tell your father that I hope to have the privilege of visiting his bookshop sometime. My husband actually had an opportunity to interview with the hospital up in Olympia, but alas, it didn’t work out. It looked like such a fantastic place to live!
Salut,
Marjorie
Interesting, there is a connection…I have an aunt and uncle in Fort Collins. In fact, I spent a week there this summer. Where do you live? Send me it by email if you prefer…
Bonjour, Betty! No, I live waaay out in western Colorado, about 4 hours from Fort Collins, more if it’s winter. I’ve only ever been to the Front Range (other than when I’m just passing through DIA) just once, about a decade ago, when I spent a few days at Estes Park. I wouldn’t drive to the FR now anytime between October and May!
Salut,
Marjorie
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