The West Virginia Literary Road Trip Leads To 5 Incredible Bookstores And Libraries

I know I'm not alone when I say I love exploring bookstores. Bibliophiles are enthralled with independent bookstores. With the age of online shopping and big box stores, it can feel like these little shops are going extinct, but those of us who love books will always adore the beauty along a shelf, and that bookstore smell that's so incredibly distinct. We're lucky enough to have some amazing indie bookshops here in the Mountain State, and if you're looking to explore some of the best, you'll love the West Virginia road trip we've got planned for you today. This literary adventure is perfect for bookworms!

The actual driving time of this trip isn't too long. You'll only be on the road for a little over an hour, and the trip is a straight 58-mile shot out of Charleston. Of course, you'll want to plan some time to browse the shelves at each location. The full itinerary is available on Google Maps, and it's fully customizable. Feel free to add or rearrange stops to your liking.

We'll start this journey off in the state capital with a visit to Charleston's Taylor Books. This delightful shop is a multi-joy experience, as not only are new and used books sold here, but you can also enjoy coffee and even live music on select nights. If you're anything like me, you need some caffeine to stay focused on a road trip, so grab some at the cafe here. Made-from-scratch pastries are also baked daily, and there's a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches if you'd like something heartier.

You won't have to head too far for our next stop. Plot Twist Books is in South Charleston and carries new and used books, plus an assortment of gifts. I love that there's a focus on local authors here. If you'd like to extend this literary road trip into a weekend-long vacation, you're in luck: Plot Twist Books has its very own Airbnb. This behind-the-shelves experience gives you an up-close look at what running a bookstore entails.

You'll continue on this fun journey with a visit to Scapegoat Books in Dunbar. You'll find this one inside the Eclectic Goods Market, a collection of more than 200 artisan and antique vendors. I love shopping at places like this. Even if I head in without anything specific in mind, I always seem to find the coolest items to bring home, and the treasures to be found here are practically limitless.

Your next stop is a little further away, so hopefully, you've got a good audiobook queued up. Booktenders is a newer shop that just opened in 2022, but it's already become immensely popular with the Barboursville community, and it's easy to see why. Author readings are frequently on the calendar here, and the employees are always happy to provide recommendations.

We'll end this trip the same way we started it - because we love bookends, even the metaphorical kind you find on a road trip. Cicada Books & Coffee is another wonderful coffee shop-bookstore combo that specializes in used books and delicious brews. The monthly book club meetups are open to the public and are a great way to make friends if you live in the Huntington area.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to hit the road!