Mountain Shire Books & Gifts - Winter Park, CO

Mountain Shire Books & Gifts, Winter Park, CO

 (Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

My trip to visit this bookstore was not an easy one.  If you're not used to mountain driving (not easy for me!) this bookstore visit will be challenging.  You'll first have to deal with bumper to bumper driving on I-70 no matter which direction you come from.  Then you'll exit for Winter Park and begin a climb that includes hair pin turns, frightening but beautiful views over guard rails down sheer cliffs, and occasionally following a line of cars behind a semi going 25 mph.  If you decide to come in the winter the difficulty increases significantly.  BUT dear readers, you will be rewarded for your brave efforts when you meet owner Miriam R. and experience Mountain Shire Books & Gifts, a tiny little bookstore with a big personality that really sparkles.

When the pandemic began its decline Mountain Shire began its lift-off, opening a little over a year ago last July.  And lift off it did as that first month of business was outstanding.  Since then the store has shown positive growth and I'm really impressed at all that is offered in this 587 square foot space.  You'll find all new books and a handful of used for the bargain hunters.  The sidelines are numerous including greeting cards, stickers ( I haven't been to a store yet that these aren't selling.  If you aren't stocking these indie owners, start), bookstore candles, coffee, and more.  This is one place where the puzzles sell well because of the winter skiing season at the nearby resort.  You would think it would feel crowded with all that in this space but I was perfectly comfortable.  Even though the store enjoys heavy tourist traffic, they also have local regulars and a bookstore book club.

I know what you're saying.  "Indie Bob, this sounds like a hip Rocky Mountain bookstore but I just don't think I can get there.  What should I do?"  You're right, it is hip and you can still get a book from them online at bookshop.org.  A great way to support this indie and many others.

Mountain Shire, has a great location in the Copper Creek Square, a retail area with many other fun businesses.  But none as fun as this cute little bookstore filling a void long missing in this Colorado resort town.  Congratulations Miriam!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  In Praise Of Good Bookstores, Jeff Deutsch.  The author offers a work in praise of bookstores, the browsing experience, and what makes a good bookstore.  The author grew up in Brooklyn, owns a bookstore in Chicago, and only references a few bookstores.  Unfortunately, the ones he mentioned are all in big cities, with nowhere near the challenges most bookstores face.  One of the life blood necessities of many indies are the sidelines and he is not a proponent of this.  Honestly, I felt like I could make the case for many indies I've been to located in much smaller communities that provide outstanding bookstore service to their populations.  I didn't think he articulated his argument clearly and in a way that most could understand.  Disappointing. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Miss Benson's Beetle, Rachel Joyce. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Damnation Spring, Ash Davidson.  

 

Nice view looking down to the courtyard from the bookstore. 

Agreed. 

View of the bookstore on the 2nd level of Copper Creek Square. 

 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

 

Looking to the right from the front entrance. 

 

Go to the left after entering and start your browsing with the some of the non-fiction. 

Overview of the front room. 

 

You can find bargain buys at almost all bookstores. 

 

Attractive table display of new releases. 

 

Bookstore candles are popular items at many indies. 

 

Keep up to date with Mountain Shire events. 

 

Walk ten steps into the store and look to the left. 

 

A few of the greeting cards offered. 

 

Overview of the delightful children's area. 

 

Every indie has stickers unique to its community. 

 

If you can't ski, you might as well work a puzzle. 

 

Various guides to the region, a must for any tourist. 

 

Body butters, sprays and miscellaneous beauty products available here but I love the company name best of all, Spinster Sisters Co. 

 

Yes, sit here and try out a book. 

 

Mountain Shire frisbees.  I love it!

 

When the mountain snows fly, you're going to need some coffee to go with your book. 

Attractive display in the children's section.

Overview of the store looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance.

A few of the book recommendations from Miriam and Mountain Shire. 

With Miriam, the fine owner at Mountain Shire Books & Gifts.  Thanks for a great visit.