Category: Favorite Bookstores

Journey to Fort Myers, Florida ~ June 2022 ~ Photos

Journey to Fort Myers, Florida ~ June 2022 ~ Photos

Journeys with EileenDiane

Who lives sees much, who travels sees more ~ Arabian Proverb

Last month when I flew to Tampa, I liked the area so much I decided to fly to Florida again, this time to the Fort Myers area. I had to connect in Charlotte, NC and two of the four flights I took were delayed. Fortunately, I made my connection going to Fort Myers (after running thru Charlotte Airport – why are connections so far apart when there is little time?) and coming home, while missing a shuttle, there was another an hour later.

Travel Tips:

  • Always try to get a non-stop flight (earliest in the day) and if connecting, always opt for the earliest flight.
  • Check with friends or travel advisors about which airline offers best connections to where you are traveling.
  • Download the airline’s app to keep up to date re flights.
  • If you HAVE to get to your destination (a wedding, cruise, etc.) perhaps book your arrival for a day or two in advance.
  • Be patient and keep your sense of humor as plane travel will not be “fun” this summer.

I spent several days in beautiful Fort Myers, seeing friends, enjoying the beach, Happy Hours and some terrific restaurants plus one of the best Barnes and Nobles that I have ever visited. Since this is Florida’s rainy season, I witnessed some spectacular thunder/lightning storms in the evenings.

Then I drove north to St Petersburg, stopping at Punta Gorda for a terrific lunch at Fishermen’s Village, at the Village Brewhouse. It was fun exploring all of the local shops. Village Brewhouse | Fishermen’s Village | Punta Gorda, Florida (fishermensvillage.com)

After visiting St Petersburg (the Dali Museum is a must!) for a few days, I headed south staying in Sarasota for a few days, loving Siesta Key Beach. It is ranked as one of the best beaches and I definitely would agree. Also in the area, are the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

I drove south to Naples for lunch, then headed back to Fort Myers. This time, instead of a chain hotel, I opted for a local hotel near the beach that a friend recommended. Great recommendation!

I’ll have several more posts and photos about St. Petersburg, the Dali Museum, the Botanical Gardens in Sarasota plus some favorite restaurants, especially in Fort Meyers and St. Petersburg.

Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined

Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Journeys with EileenDiane
  • Interstate 90 from Western Washington to Rapid City, South Dakota
    • East bound, stop in Missoula and Billings
    • West bound, stop in Billings, Missoula, Coeur d’Alene
    • Total road trip mileage: 2,713 miles
  • Mountain passes on I-90 include
    • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, Cascade Range, 3,105 feet
    • Fourth of July Summit, Idaho, Coeur d’Alene Mountains, 3,173 feet
    • Lookout Pass, Idaho-Montana border, Bitterroot Range, 4,710 feet
    • Homestake Pass, Montana, Continental Divide, 6,375 feet
    • Bozeman Pass, Montana, 5,760 feet
  • Montana is truly “Big Sky” country; gorgeous area; friendly people. Highlights include:
    • Missoula ~ great place to explore (good restaurants, parks & book stores)
    • Billings ~ neat area; Gateway to Yellowstone (have to plan another road-trip)
    • Little Big Horn Battlefield and National Monument ~ a must visit
  • Mt Rushmore and the surrounding area are definitely worth the drive
    • Mt Rushmore ~ spectacular, awe-inspiring
    • The Badlands ~ fascinating and mysterious
    • South Dakota Air & Space Museum ~ a must see museum
  • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ a favorite spot which I love to re-visit
    • Beautiful scenery, good restaurants and my favorite book store
  • I planned to travel prior to Memorial weekend to avoid summer traffic
    • Encountered snow in Wyoming
    • Be flexible with your travel plans
      • Leave time to explore and perhaps re-arrange itinerary
    • Have fun and savor your journeys

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State Flags
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Air Force 1, flying over Mt Rushmore
US Air Force Thunderbirds at Mt Rushmore
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Afternoon break
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Delicious Pork Chops, Champs, Soda bread
A Moscow Mule
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Marvelous Bailey’s Mousse
on Centennial Trail
Riverstone Park
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Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Journeys with EileenDiane

The last stop on my road trip (Western Washington to Mt Rushmore) was a favorite spot: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I’ve visited several times and each time I enjoy re-visiting favorite places plus discovering new spots to explore.

I visited my favorite bookstore several times. What a great way to start the day: sipping a delicious latte while browsing their marvelous selection of books, cards, coasters, socks, stuffed animals, etc. I always find a book that is intriguing and which I know I will enjoy.

The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Visiting this bookstore is like seeing a dear friend after a year’s absence.

A special treat is returning in the afternoon to enjoy a glass of Prosecco while deciding which books to purchase. Could not resist several books and I look forward to my next visit.

Savor your journeys.

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Afternoon break
Look to be great reads
Great coffee, wraps, etc
terrific selections …
super collection of coasters
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Marvelous Coasters ..

Two Favorite Bookstores ~ Idaho

https://www.wellreadmoose.com/

 

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Journeys with EileenDiane

On my road trip from western Washington to Mt. Rushmore, I stopped in Missoula for several days. I love browsing and supporting local, independent bookstores, and found two bookstores to add to my “favorite bookstore” list.

In addition to a fabulous book selection, Shakespeare & Company has cards, t-shirts, journals and gifts plus very friendly, helpful staff. Check out the “staff picks” for ideas. I bought two books that look fascinating (one a staff pick).

My finds at Shakespears & Co
My finds at Shakespears & Co

As you peruse the titles, you will discover many books to whet your appetite. There is a small sitting area, music playing in the background and it is well worth a visit.

Link http://www.shakespeareandco.com/

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How could I resist “The Guest Cat”
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neat bookmark

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Another terrific independent bookstore to explore is Fact and Fiction. They have a terrific selection in their small shop plus very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Located in the downtown area, they specialize in local authors and will gladly order books for you. I found a mystery by a local author which looks to be a good read.

Both stores also have readings and special events.

Savor your journeys.

https://www.factandfictionbooks.com/

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A Favorite Bookstore: Barnes & Noble, Silverdale, WA

A Favorite Bookstore: Barnes & Noble, Silverdale, WA

Journeys with EileenDiane

As much as I love local, independent booksellers, I also love Barnes & Noble, especially their fabulous store in Silverdale. Enjoy the photos below …. 

  • Knowledgeable staff with great customer service
  • Comfortable surroundings, including a Starbuck’s café
  • Terrific selection of books, all genres, with ample room to browse 
  • Marvelous assortment of games, magazines, puzzles, gifts, socks, calendars, journals, cards, cd’s, dvd’s
  • A beautiful children’s section where they have readings and special events 
  • You can order online to have books delivered to the store for pickup
  • Check out their membership program for discounts on books, dvd’s, cd’s
  • Join their mailing list to learn about special events

Let me share a few favorite quotes about books:

There is no friend as loyal as a book.  –Ernest Hemingway

There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.  –Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. –Haruki Murakami

Some books leave us free and some books make us free.  –Ralph Waldo Emerson

I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.  –C.S. Lewis

Savor your journeys as you explore our incredible world. 

 

New Realeases as you enter
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A Favorite Bookstore ~ Imprint Bookstore, Port Townsend, WA

Journeys with EileenDiane

A must browse shop as you tour Port Townsend, conveniently located on Water Street.

  • Very helpful staff
  • Good selection of books, including references and ideas for writers
  • Readings and signings
  • Writing workshops
  • “Quiet Write” rooms

www.writersworkshoppe.com

Photos ~ Port Townsend, WA

A Favorite Bookstore ~ Eagle Harbor Books, Bainbridge Island, WA

Journeys with EileenDiane

 

 

 

If you live near or are visiting Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island to explore Eagle Harbor Book Company.

A short walk from the ferry, on Winslow Way, you will find everything you desire in a bookstore:

  • Helpful, knowledgeable staff
  • Comfortable surroundings
  • Terrific selection
    • Genres include Military History, Native America, Northwest Travel, Local Interest
  • Wide array of staff selections and book club readings
  • Ample room to browse
  • Interesting non-book items include “Knowledge Cards” (“Great Lines from Great Movies”), tote bags, socks, cards, calendars.
  • You can go online and sign up for their monthly newsletter and check upcoming events

https://www.eagleharborbooks.com/

Photos ~ Bainbridge Island, WA

 

 

 

 

 

Two Favorite Bookstores ~ Idaho

Journeys with EileenDiane

Rediscovered BooksRediscovered Bookshop, Boise

Located on popular 8th Street (restaurant row), this is a terrific place to stop in and browse. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, with “staff picks” and book club picks displayed.

There is an excellent selection of books, including mysteries (where I always find new authors), literature, sci-fi and fantasy, philosophy, history, cooking, health and games. There is a terrific classics section ranging from Edgar Allen Poe’s “Tales and Poems” to Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” The children’s section also has a wide range of books, games and toys, including many classics (J M Barrie’s “Peter Pan”).

There is a small sitting area plus a nice selection of cards and cute socks and check out the Water Color Travel Set. It is a small shop but well worth your visit.

Link https://www.rdbooks.org/

Read more →

Malaprops Bookstore, Asheville, North Carolina

Journeys with EileenDiane

Nestled in the Blue Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is well-known as the home of Biltmore Estate, Appalachian Art, The Appalachian Trail plus a multitude of activities for tourists. It also has Malaprops bookstore, established in 1982, which rates very high on my list of book stores worthy of a visit.

My first thought when I crossed the threshold was how comfortable it felt; here was a bookstore that made me feel at home. The staff are friendly and helpful and gladly answer queries, not only about books but also about the surrounding area. I quickly discovered that the store carries an intriguing array of books, from best sellers to stories and photo books set in the area. There are also maps, posters, games and language books, including Hungarian. Yes, I did a double-take when I saw the Hungarian books.

The café area is the ideal spot to sit and browse through the books that caught your eye. There are pastries from a local shop plus an extensive drink menu, ranging from assorted teas and smoothies and marvelous coffee concoctions. Indulge your love of mocha with an “Extra Century Perception” (an Irish crème mocha) or “Suicide Pack” (Almond coconut mocha). They also serve locally roasted coffees.

When you visit the Asheville area, add Malaprops to your list of places to visit. http://www.malaprops.com/