Horizon Books is an independent bookstore in Traverse City, MI. They are in a prime location on Front St., right in the heart of the shopping district, next to the historic State Theater and the Grand Traverse Pie Co. Horizon has been around forever and have long been an anchor in the vibrant downtown area. The store has a main level as well as a downstairs cafe and upper level for nonfiction. They also have a small coffee kiosk on the main floor. They have a nice fireplace as well, with tables to stack your books on and read. And with great hours (open until 11:00 every night), you can spend as long as you want there. They also have tables and chairs outside, and Horizon is a prime people watching location as they're right in the middle of the action on Front St.
Horizon has a regular schedule of author signings and events, and they participate in the National Writers Series which frequently brings authors to Traverse City. There's a few other indie bookstores in the area, and they're all great, but Horizon is always my first stop when I want a book on vacation. Here's an author of a journaling book and you can see Horizon at the 2:57 mark as she goes inside to look for her book.
I've been going to Horizon for years, since I was a kid, as we always vacationed in the area. I remember some of their other locations, but they've been in this spot now for a long time, and they're definitely a fixture in the area. It's a great place to get out of the heat for a while in the summertime, and get a coffee and a book. People will hang out too in front of the store, talking or hanging out with their animals, and watch the foot traffic go by, as it's a big touristy area. Horizon is a bookish oasis amidst the bustle of Front St., and a great place for book lovers.
Looks like a home <3
ReplyDeleteOpen until 11! What a truly wonderful place. All bookstores should follow that example.
It does kind of, doesn't it? And I agree- I love how late they're open!
DeleteDefinitely :D
DeleteShiny books...our nearest bookstore is Waterstones about 6 miles away and there is a lack of choice there!
ReplyDeleteAw I woulda thought a Waterstones would have a good selection!
DeleteI really like how this store is set up. On the outside, it seems quite colorful and large but the inside reminds me a little bit of a trendy library. I would definitely love to check this out, and glad you enjoyed it. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteIt does definitely have a different feel to it. It's not trendy or modern looking, but inside it is a nice little oasis from the hustle and bustle outside- and the fireplace is a nice touch.
DeleteI adore little bookstores like this!!
ReplyDeleteI do too, nothing like a good indie!
DeleteEvery town needs a bookstore like this😁
ReplyDeleteI agree!!
DeleteI need to find places like this near my home; as far as I know, B&N is the only bookstore near me. Or, start looking cool bookstores when we're on vacation!
ReplyDeleteSame here, B & N is closest to us. This one is actually in our vacation town about 2.5 hours north, but I love going there!
DeleteI have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to bookstores I want to visit. Adding this to my list!
ReplyDeletePS Riverdale hiatus WHY????
Jen Ryland Reviews
Ooh I'll have to check that out! And I didn't even realize Riverdale was on hiatus! But I think it's back soon???
DeleteWow, it looks wonderful! It looks so cozy and inviting. I think it's awesome to be able to grow up with a regular bookstore nearby. I'll have to add this to my list of bookstores to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one! And it is inviting inside, especially at night with the fireplace. :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful bookshop. I love independent bookstores. They're usually so homey. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, I love a good indie bookstore. :)
DeleteLooks wonderful. One day I’m going to go on a bookstore road trip.
ReplyDeleteThat would be so fun, wouldn't it? Whenever I'm in a new town I alwasys want to find the bookstores...
DeleteI've been to Traverse City! But missed the book store :(
ReplyDeleteHave you? Cool. It's a fun town... :)
DeleteI've heard that Powell's is awesome. If I'm in Portland I will definitely do that!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to hang out!! Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I've seen this bookstore featured from other bloggers. Unfortunately we did not go near here when we were up that way
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bookstore! And such a fantastic location. I love the fact that they have the cafe and they are open so late. What a treat to get to go there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bookstore. It looks so much cozier than some of the bigger chains. I also love the late hours. The few Indie bookshops here always seem to open late and close early, which doesn't make it very easy to shop for books if you work full time.
ReplyDeletethis looks so lovely and cozy <3 it does look like a bookish oasis :D
ReplyDeleteI love this post! This bookstore looks wonderful! I wish I had something like that in my region! Have a wonderful week and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so big for an independent store! It's awesome that they have regular author signings too - I don't think any of our stores in Baltimore do that. (Although we do have at least two really cool used books stores so it's not all bad!)
ReplyDeleteVisited this store many times too. My friend was there just last weekend.
ReplyDeleteI practically live there when I'm in town! Speaking of which, I'm due for a return visit. :)
DeleteWow, this is great! This looks like such a fun place to go- especially with it being open til 11, that is fabulous. It just looks like such an inviting place, too!
ReplyDeleteI like it there. And the 11:00 closing time is SO nice!
DeleteThis looks like such a great, cozy bookstore! I love the look of the whole area with the brick and the trees and the big windows. How cool that it has lots of author signings and events too. It sounds like a lovely place!
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice place. I like hanging out there at night near the fireplace. And they even have a great view of the water- the bay can be seen from the back windows!
DeleteNice! We lost our one and only indie last year. They tried to blame it on Amazon, but they totally ignored that we are a college town, and basically catered to people my age. They also didn't understand the importance if having more book related merch because that is what I always shopped there for, but they only had so much. That would have brought the students in, too, needing last minute gifts. I am hoping some young entrepreneurs will see a need and fill the gap someday. 😢
ReplyDeleteLove it! One of the things I want to do this year is visit more independent bookstores when I'm traveling because my town has zero. I've been kind of hibernating since I don't leave the house in winter but you've inspired me to get back to that! This looks like a fun store to visit!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteYay for supporting local bookstores! I love their cozy atmospheres when they have coffee shops and fireplaces! and love to see author signings and other bookish events too!
ReplyDelete