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closeOne Day Vacations: ‘Book’ your vacation this summer at several locales
By Sally Zeiger Hanson/Herald columnist
The summer reading season is upon us. While often mistakenly identified either as a winter “sport” or a lightweight beach activity, reading is actually a perfect reason to hang out on your deck and a good excuse to not do yard work. In anticipation of the coming summer reading season, we recently spent a One Day Vacation at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, Ore. We’ve compiled the top nine reasons to spend your next block of free time exploring an innovative bookstore in our region.
Explore new territory
Covering a whole city block in downtown Portland and housing more than one million books, Powell’s is the world’s largest new and used book store in the world. In the world! Organized into nine color-coded, themed rooms, this bookstore provides maps for its patrons and there is no end to the exploration of ideas that can take place in this one store. One unique feature is that the new and used books are shelved together so you can compare prices on the spot.
Located in Pioneer Square, the Elliot Bay Book Company hip downtown establishment is a must-see for any book lover. In addition to new and used books, magazines, cards and journals, Elliot Bay hosts a great café downstairs from the bookstore. My favorite features are the Staff Selections — favorite books selected by Elliott Bay staff — and the heavenly coconut cake in the café.
Commune with wildlife
The cat that lives in Kings’ Books creates an ambiance that makes this bookstore seem like a home away from home. The new, used, and rare books are meticulously organized and it seems that the staff, and possibly the cat, have read every book there.
Seek advice
Jane, the owner of Fireside Books, can listen to your list of favorite books and reliably recommend a new favorite for you. Located in the lobby of an historic hotel downtown Olympia, Fireside Books features a unique selection of hand picked fiction, history, mystery and children’s books.
Be studious
Pacific Lutheran University new bookstore on the edge of campus, is a feast of great books, unique gifts, wonderful seating areas and good coffee. Flanked by a Forza Coffee shop and featuring a children’s area with climbing toys and a padded floor, the Garfield Book Company is a great place to while away an afternoon. One unique feature is the Fair Trade store in the back which features gifts from around the world with a focus on Scandinavian products in keeping with PLU’s heritage.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
A great Main Street loves a great bookstore. A Good Book in Sumner offers overflowing shelves filled with new and used versions of all those great books that you hear people raving about. Our favorite feature was the stairway in the back that leads to a cozy loft which has couches, toys and children’s books. It’s a great place to take the kids to choose their own books.
Meet your favorite author
Orca Books has a vigorous schedule of visiting authors, poets and musicians passing through their store. Selling new and used books plus cards, journals, locally made products, tea and coffee, Orca Books is the largest independent book store in Olympia.
Work on your accent
Baker Street Books is in a beautifully restored historic old tavern that is next to the renowned Black Diamond Bakery. We like the cozy seating area near the fireplace and the owner’s penchant for all things Scottish.
Leave the mainland
Like a Brigadoon, Eagle Harbor Book Company is just a short ferry ride away. Situated in the picturesque town of Winslow, this store is a serious readers haven. You are bound to find selections that you haven’t seen elsewhere since Eagle Harbor puts a special emphasis on showcasing local authors.
Vacation any time
Having a great stack of books at the ready guarantees a getaway, at least mentally, anytime of the day or night.
My son calls his favorite pastime “Summer Sittin.’” A baseball game is an ideal place to indulge this hobby but reading on your porch can be even better. Visit your favorite bookstore or try a new one, to get all the tools you need to have two One Day Vacations: One during the hunt for good books at an independent bookstore and the second when you take the time to enjoy your new finds.