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Travelin Chicks

As the polar vortex begins to make its way own from the Arctic our favorite indoor pastimes make their way to the top of our to-do list. Being the bookworms that we are, hitting up our local & independent bookstores for an afternoon in aisles of novels, journals, and other collections of the written word is surely a must for a successful cozy winter day. Here are some good independent book stores to hit up, all accessible by public transportation.

5. Toad Hall Bookstore: 47 Main Street, Rockport, MA
Toad hall sits by the sea in an old granite building that used to be a bank. Its ambiance is worth a stroll through even if you aren’t an avid reader. With old school charm, you will find a great selection of literature to spend your afternoon combing through and you will also be contributing to the environment. They take all of their net profits and give them to local and environmental projects. Their frequent buyer program gives you 10% off the total of your last 10 purchases too. Talk about a book store that gives back!



Directions: Head over to North Station. Take the Rockport line to the end. Hop off and take a right out of the station onto Railroad Ave. When you hit the intersection, take a left down Main Street. Toad Hall will be on your left.

4. Jabberwocky Bookshop: 50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA
Another bookshop with a great location, Jabberwocky is housed in a refurbished tannery mill that is across the street from the Merrimac River. This little bookshop has great customer service on top of the already amazing selection of books. You can also order online from this delightful little literature haven and have it shipped to your home.



Directions: At North Station take the Newburyport line to its end. It’s about a 2-mile walk from Parker Street to State Street and then a right onto Water Street.

3. Back Page Books: 289 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
This little bookstore is not only a place to buy books but also to print them. Back Page hosts discussions from authors and promotes an atmosphere for independent media.



Directions: Take the Red Line to the Central Stop. Grab Bus 70 towards Cedarwood. Hop off at the Carter Street/CommuterRail Stop. Take a right down Carter Street and then a left onto Moody Street. The shop will be on your right.

2. Raven Used Books: 52B JFK Street, Cambridge, MA
If you go to any used book store hit up Raven! Located in the heart of Cambridge, this place has a revolving stock that is supplied by some of the most educated people in the world. Specializing in scholarly and literary titles, you won’t be sorry roaming these book shelves, specially since most books are 50%-80% off of cover prices. Talk about a steal!



Directions: Take the Red Line to the Harvard stop. Take a left down JFK Street. Raven Used Books will be on your left.

1. Trident Booksellers: 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
The people behind Trident Booksellers have been at it since 1984. Even though this place is on the smaller side, it really packs a punch by what it can fit within its walls.





If your tummy is rumbling after all of that shopping for books, magazines, journals, travel guides, kids books and small gifts, have no fear. This place takes the concept of bookstore/coffee shop to a whole new level! They have a diner to check out that serves breakfast all day, lunch, specials, coffees, teas, smoothies, beer and wine.





Trident covers all genres and has a great selection of beautifully designed classics, both in their own section and throughout the shelves. With a knowledgeable staff you are sure to find the book you came for, and maybe even something special you did not expect.





You can easily waste away an afternoon checking out all that Trident has to offer. Not a shabby way to spend the day though.





And if you’re having too much fun, don’t forget where you are please.





Directions: Take the Green Line to the Hynes Convention Center stop. Take a right on Mass Ave and then a right on Newbury Street. Trident Books will be on your right.

Do you have a favorite independent bookstore that you just can’t get enough of? Let us know about it!