Sundog Books - Seaside, FL

Sundog Books, Seaside, FL

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I don’t think there’s an indie owner anywhere that wouldn’t trade places with owner Linda W. at Sundog Books.  This bookstore is blessed with many advantages that other indies just don’t have.  This is why they’ve enjoyed an almost 40 year run in the bookstore business.  As Linda told me, location, location, location.  Situated perfectly in the downtown circle surrounded by multiple small businesses and many food wagons.  The store is also just a stone’s throw from the beach so you can get your beach read and be back on tour towel in less than 5 minutes.  Best of all, the store and city circle are packed with tourists.  Granted, I visited during Spring break but there have been few bookstores I’ve visited that have been as busy as Sundog.  A constant stream of customers filing into an already packed store the entire 90 minutes of my visit.  Ironically, many of the locals will order their Sundog books online, always an option if you can’t visit in person.  The final check mark for the location is the perfect weather, sunny skies, and gulf breezes.  This puts EVERYONE in a good book-buying mood. 

Sundog offers all new books and a wide variety of sidelines in a medium-sized crowded space.  Part of that crowdedness though is because of the customers of all ages and from all over the country.  This just helps contribute to the vibrancy of a healthy bookstore.  I thought the books and sidelines offered for tourists was especially good.  In addition to puzzles, stickers, greeting cards, and journals, the store merch offered was outstanding with much to choose from.  Hats, hoodies, t-shtirs, sweatshirts in all sizes and colors and mugs all make for great items for tourists.  

My only disappointment was that I didn’t get here a few years ago to meet the store’s co-owner, Bob, who founded the store with his wife Linda.  Bob is gone but his staff pick recommendations remain and I can tell we would’ve had a really good chat.  I can also tell after talking to Linda and Kennedy, a bookseller, that Bob’s presence continues to be felt on the staff at Sundog, a legacy that all in Seaside can take comfort in.  

Readers, this is your place.  Follow the Florida panhandle coast and eventually it will lead you to Seaside and Sundog Books.  Discover this legendary and successful bookstore deserving of national attention.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Sister Lumberjack, Candace Simar.  Historical fiction that follows a handful of characters in the logging camps of northern Minnesota in the late 1800s.  Challenges of severe winter weather, hunger, fighting and drunkenness, and devastating injuries.  Sister “Lumberjack” is a nun from Duluth who is trying to help the lumberjacks with an option for medical care if needed and raising money for an orphanage.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Wager, David Grann.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Memorial Days, Geraldine Brooks.  George: A Magpie Memoir, Freida Hughes.  Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, Grady Hendrix.  Two Sundog t-shirts.  Not purchased but gifted, The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Christy Lefteri.  Thank you Linda and Kennedy.  

Up the steps and into the store.  

Tropical view looking away from the store before entering. 

Sidelines and store merch available on the front porch.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking directly to the left from the front entrance.  

Looking to the right just inside the store.  

Variety of greeting cards inside the front door.  

Stroll over to the right side of the store and enjoy this view.  

Sundog offers a wide assortment of greeting cards.  Perfect for tourists on vacation.  

Attractive table display near the front of the store.  

Left side of the store looking over the checkout counter and toward the back. 

These make perfect tourist souvenirs.  

An assortment of Penguin's classics.  

If you forgot to pack your reading glasses for your vacation they've got you covered.  

Lots of books of interest for tourists.  

Overview of the children's area.  

Looking into the back hallway at the very rear of the store.  You'll find lots of store merch in this area.  

Get a Sundog t-shirt like this.  

 

They have lots of store merch to choose from in the back hallway.  

Don't leave Seaside without a Sundog mug.  

View looking from the back hallway toward the front of the store.  

Get a Sundog hat to go with your t-shirt.  The store's variety of Sundog merchandise is outstanding.  

Spring breakers can find their school tumbler here.  

A cross-section view of the store.  

Be sure to check out the staff favorites, front of the store on the right side.  

Many bookstores post thought-provoking quotes throughout their stores.  

Words of wisdom for our current times.  

With Kennedy, one of the fine booksellers at Sundog Books.  Thanks for a great visit.