Literary Travels: Journeys Through Words & Places

Do you want to take a literary vacation and don’t know where to start? It might be simpler than you think with these five steps. 

Literature has the unique power to transport readers to different times, cultures, and landscapes, and we don’t even have to leave our homes. 

What do we do, though, when we want to leave our houses, when we want to travel, when we want the culture and the landscape to overtake us in real time? 

A quick Google search elicits grand destinations and stops for the bookish traveler. If you don’t have the time or the financial means to follow John Steinbeck’s route in Travels with Charley, then this blog is for you. 

1. Indie Bookstores & Shop Local

A literary escape could be right in your hometown. Last month, an independent bookstore opened in Cheyenne, Wyoming (my hometown), and it has been a delight to visit! 

Bonsai Books, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

There are choices for all readers in this warm environment. There is a small coffee shop in the back, which adds to the cool vibe. This #indiebookstore features local writers, best sellers, children's and young adult texts, and a nice selection of manga and other comics. The owners are friendly and welcoming and will do anything to meet the needs of their customers. 

2. Visit Where You Land

If you already have a trip planned, take an hour and splurge on your literary journey. When I travel, whether it’s personal or professional, I find one spot to bookshop local in the town I’m in. 

In December, I visited San Diego and could not miss the opportunity to visit Libelula Books & Co. This hot spot is a beacon on the corner of the neighborhood. It’s friendly, cozy, and showcases used, new, and bilingual books. It is queer and BIPOC-friendly. The decor is just as amazing as its book selections, and if you like cats, you can get a visit from them, too. 

Libelula Books & Co., San Diego. 

Another amazing stop we made in San Diego was at Now or Never Comics to satisfy the cravings for my new favorite genre. Look for a future blog on this visit and all the great texts I bought! 

In July, I was at the Gaylord in National Harbor and stumbled across Mahogany Books. I browsed, bought a t-shirt, and fell in love. #BlackBooksMatter

Mahogany Books, National Harbor. 

3. Used bookstores

Whether you are at home or traveling, used bookstores are a great way to shop locally. This saves money, supports your hometown (or someone else’s), and allows you to enjoy a literary escape. 

In 2015, I walked to six different used bookstores on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.. I spent a half-day enjoying the city and dropping into quaint bookstores, each with their own story. One was stacked floor to ceiling with titles. One was bursting onto the sidewalk on the balmy April day. 

Used bookstores are great places to pick up hard-to-find and out-of-print titles. I found a 1st edition Gertrude Stein and an original cover The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The employees and owners always seem to have a story to tell, so you can engage with the community in unique ways. 

Last March, I was in Omaha, Nebraska, and found Jackson Street Booksellers. The scent of a used bookstore is something that only book lovers understand. I picked up a $2 book of poetry by a local author and created a beautiful memory. 

Jackson Street Booksellers, Omaha, Nebraska. 

4. Day Trip

Another inexpensive way to take a literary tour and a great way for my rural friends to enjoy an escape is to hit the road for a day. 

I grew up in a town with fewer than 300 people. A 45-minute drive took us to Sidney, Montana. I remember a bookstore in the same building as the South 40, a wonderful steakhouse. Today, that length of a drive takes me to Laramie to the west or Fort Collins to the south, both of which have wonderful indie bookstores. 

5. Your Local Library

Let’s not forget one of our most valuable community assets: the local library. This can arguably be the most inexpensive and kindest way to support your hometown. Librarians are some of the smartest people around. Celebrate their genius, save money, and share what you read. 

If you are looking to embark on an inexpensive and fulfilling literary vacation, follow any of these five tried-and-true steps. 

When you #shoplocal, find a way to support it. 

• Tell friends to visit.

• Buy a book from a local author. 

• Pluck a sticker for your water bottle. 

• Grab a journal to reflect on your visit. 

• Purchase a coffee cup or t-shirt to memorialize the visit. 

These small steps pay homage to your visit. It shows your appreciation and helps create your own story to share. If you see that bookstore sign you’ve always wanted to check out, do it. If you have half a day, set out on that literary path. 

Follow my Insta, as I find and share indie bookstores, off-the-path libraries, and hidden bookstore gems. 

Bonus Content: Book Review

“We did okay for a couple of dorks, didn’t we.” 

Yes, they did. From the beginning, The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee and illustrations by Dan Santat has a great vibe and tone. The characters are unique and engaging, and the setting and San Francisco skyline offer the perfect backdrop. 

Olive – who feels like she doesn’t belong – arrives at her new school just in time, as she and a group of classmates are tasked with saving the school after a jewelry heist mars the school’s reputation. 

Her grandmother Mimi’s words guide her throughout the book, as she tries to manage friendships, a new living space, and fragile parental relationships. “The unexpected can be exhilarating,” Mimi once said to her.

And, the crime-fighting adventure that unfolds is exhilarating. This book is hot off the presses! 

This middle grade story will be great for children ages 10-15 who love crime-fighting stories, adventure, and quirky characters who find a way to fit in. 

First reviewed on #NetGalley.