IN THIS POST: I lived in the Queen City of North Carolina for over a decade. During that time I became quite familiar with its lovely bookstores. Here’s a list of the best bookstores in Charlotte.
My husband and I moved to and lived in Charlotte, NC for the first fifteen or so years of our marriage. Our children were born in this lovely city and only recently did we move because of a job change.
I visited a lot of bookstores in the greater Charlotte metro area during our time there. Since we moved less than a year ago, I want to share my recommendations before they fade in my memory!
If you want to add bookish experiences to your book shopping adventure, check out this post about Literary Charlotte.
Top 3 Favorite Bookstores in Charlotte
Park Road Books, Charlotte, NC
Park Road Books, started in 1977, is a Charlotte, independent-bookseller classic. What they lack in external ambiance (they’re located in strip mall), they make up for in other ways. Park Road Books has a broad selection of books in several genres, a robust children’s selection, fun paper products, and an active events calendar.
Goldberry Books, Concord, NC
Goldberry Books is a new-ish addition to the book scene. It’s technically in Concord, NC so it is closer to the northern side of Charlotte. Set in an historic, old town setting, Goldberry Books has a combination of new and used books that are carefully curated and beautifully displayed. A room for children’s books is a wonderful nod to little readers. Pick up a coffee from the café next door and come in to browse for a while.
Main Street Books, Davidson, NC
You can tell we lived closer to the northern side of Charlotte since this third pick is another nearby bookstore in Davidson, NC. Main Street Books has a great local selection, a light and airy children’s section, and uses all their space for books and bookish products. Good vibes in a cute downtown make this a great stop for book therapy.
Honorable Mention Bookstores in Charlotte
The Book Rack near Pineville (just outside of south Charlotte) has stacks and rows and aisles of books to browse.
The Grounds is located in Mecklenburg Community Church with weekday hours (and an attached café). It’s a great resource for Christians who may find it hard to find titles in other places.
Julia’s Café is located in a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and also with a café. An intimate setting for a good cause!
That’s Novel Books is located in Camp End – just outside of the urban center for Charlotte – and has an open and airy feel. A small store with big love for books – used and new books by local authors – from the decorations to the seating to the merchandise. It’s also where I found my favorite little book-lovers sign (see below).
Second Look Books is tucked in a strip mall in Harrisburg, NC, minutes away from Charlotte. A good selection and some fun paper products. I once found the entire Land of Stories series here for my daughter, and she was elated! If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Sunflour Bakery down the street (I love their cheddar biscuits that are the size of my fist!).
QOTP: Question of the Post
I realized after writing this that there is a range of styles, locations, and vibes on this list. Most of the time when I travel I look for whatever is closest to where I am. But when I had a goal to visit 40 bookstores before turning 40 I took a much wider look at bookstores in various cities.
Bookstores in Charlotte were my local stomping grounds for years, and I became quite familiar with several of them. What is your favorite local bookstore where you live and why? Selection? Location? Vibe?
Looking for other bookstore ideas? Check out Literary Washington, D.C. or Bookish Boston!
My bookstore visits to Charlottesville and Greenville were memorable given their eclectic locations. DC, SF, and NY had a couple iconic ones that didn’t disappoint. I always prefer gritty and lived in bookstores.
Charlottesville and DC had one each that I remember matching that description, and they were definitely great stores!