Locally Owned, Neighborhood Bookstore with Children's Programming

Who doesn’t love a charming, independent bookstore, especially on a rainy day?  Ann Patchett (author of Bel Canto) opened this gem in 2011 and has since expanded and remodeled the space. So don’t be fooled by the exterior and location (in the thick of Green Hills): It’s warm, inviting, and full of the most helpful staff (who have fantastic recommendations). The kids section has a small for-kids-only entrance – in addition to the adult entrance – and is stocked with a great assortment of books and book-friendly toys (my go-to for birthday gifts). It’s a great space in the back of the store, complete with train table (so parents can browse while children are entertained), kid-sized furniture, and a built-in story time area.  We're regulars for Thursday story time (weekly, 4m). And there’s another story time on Saturdays at 10:30am. Many times there are author-hosted events where the children’s book author is the live reader, which is always fun and interesting. And, if that wasn't enticing enough, there’s a number of eateries in the same shopping complex – including the classic Americana-styled Fox’s Donut Den, which makes for a great Saturday morning ritual.