Acorn Bookshop - St. Paul, MN

Acorn Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

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Years ago when I began this project one of my earliest visits was to a wonderful indie in the Como Park neighborhood of St. Paul called Micawber’s.  It was one of the featured bookstores in My Bookstore that launched my journey.  Sadly, Micawber’s soon went out of business after my visit.  But from those ashes, a seed was planted, an acorn, which sprang from that loss to offer a new life and new bookstore.  That sapling is now Acorn Bookshop, located in the same space I initially visited years ago.  Owner Rachel O.’s dream was to own a bookstore and when walking by the building one day and noticing the for sale sign, the dream became a reality.  Way to go Rachel.

The interior of this bookstore combines gorgeous with cozy.  I don’t know if they were assisted by an interior design professional but it gives off that impression.  The store has been open for about 6 months and Kate, a bookseller and events coordinator, told me that things are going pretty good so far.  One of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger, lives in this neighborhood and was just here for an event the previous day (dang, I just missed him).  The store offers all new books with a few used books accepted as donations only.  It’s possible that this portion of the business will grow in time.  Customers always have the option of ordering books online on the store’s website.  Sidelines include stickers, jewelry, candles, greeting cards, journals, and puzzles to name a few.  Some of these are created locally by talented artists.  I thought the children’s area was especially attractive and artfully created.  Kids will love visiting here.  

Like several new bookstores, many people probably don’t know about this one yet.  It makes a perfect neighborhood bookstore but you don’t have to live in the neighborhood to visit.  Heck, I don’t and if I can make the drive to visit here you can too.  Check out this new and rising star in the Twin Cities bookstore scene.  Congratulations to Rachel and her terrific team.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Mrs. Mike, Benedict & Nancy Freedman.  Originally published in 1947, the story of 16- year-old Katherine living in Boston in the early 20th century.  Her mother sends her to live with an uncle in Alberta hoping that the dry cold air will cure her pleurisy.  Her life takes a turn when she meets Mike, a Canadian Mountie and when they marry they move to the extreme reaches of northwest Canada.  Adventures of weather, Indigenous Canadians, epidemics, crime, and survival are all present in this story that stands the test of time today.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Beloved, Toni Morrison.  

 

The exterior reminds me of a Swiss bungalow.  

A perfect outdoor setting to enjoy the leisure of a book.  

Step right in.  

View from the entrance and looking to the right.  

View from the entrance and looking to the left.  

One of my favorite authors lives near this bookstore and did an event just before my visit.  I strongly encourage you to check out a book by William Kent Krueger.  

Don't encourage me!

Table display of new releases.  

I love the name of this bookstore for reasons like this.  

See if you can help solve the community puzzle and add a few pieces, near the front entrance.  

This is directly to the right after entering.  

This beautiful antique displays various sidelines.  

I love books like the ones featured on this display.  I wish more people would read these.  

Overview of the children's area.  

This miniature fort/playhouse is in the children's area.  They are going to love this area.  

Another angle of the children's area.  

A cozy little nook for a couple of kids.  

Consider a free coffee while you browse.  

The store offers a few used books in addition to all the new ones.  

Beautifully arranged setting in the middle of the store.  

Go ahead, give it a shot and open a present to YOURSELF.  Many indies have a similar promotion, blind date with a book.  

Near the back of the store.  I've decided if I were a regular this comfy chair would be my spot.  

A very cool and curvy set of bookshelves.  Books are on both sides of this curve.  

 

Aromatic candles and sprays.  Treat all your senses.  

Be sure to vote.  I'll do so and plan to vote early, you should do the same.  

A few of the stickers available.  These are hot everywhere I go.  

Overview of the store.  

Great fun for kids at this bookstore.  

For $5, this unique vending machine will dispense bookish prizes.  

Unique greeting cards.  If you see it in a bookstore and like it, GET IT.  You're unlikely to find it anywhere else.  

Unique and creative jewelry created by a local artisan.  Holiday season is around the corner.  Just sayin'.  

With Kate, one of the fine booksellers you'll meet at Acorn Bookshop.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Tattooed Tree Books - Fort Atkinson, WI

Tattooed Tree Books, Fort Atkinson, WI

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If you’re anywhere near Fort Atkinson and haven’t discovered this indie yet, move it to the top of your to-do list.  The experience I had here is exactly WHY you don’t go online and just click to get a book.  Dena T. is the effervescent and enthusiastic owner of this new bookstore only 5 months old and located in the heart of downtown Fort Atkinson.  My time here was like a mini-course in books, bookstores, and Dena’s journey to Tattooed Tree Books.  When you visit here and meet Dena you’ll be immersed in a true bookstore experience.  Surprisingly, her past wasn’t necessarily destined for this since she was on the path of paleoanthropology as a young adult.  Now, in addition to bookstore ownership, her other jobs include a position in IT, a very creative artist whose work you can see throughout the store, and a mother.  I’ve met many talented and fascinating owners on this journey but Dena takes these attributes to the nth degree.

This one-level indie is in a space that was built in 1898.  Up until 5 months ago it had been many things, including a Sears store.  Tattooed Tree offers all new books and a few used books accepted as donations.  They may expand their used books inventory sometime in the future.  Keep in mind that you can also support the store by ordering  books online through bookshop.org.  There are a wide selection of sidelines including stickers, unique book marks, store merch, puzzles, teas, and locally created items like drawstring bags, tote bags, and jewelry.  Maybe even consider picking up an original work of art created by the bookstore owner herself.  Tattooed Tree has already hosted several events and discovered this is another excellent way to bring people into the store.

One of my favorite things here besides Dena and bookseller Kit, is the store name, Tattooed Tree Books.  I found it confusing until Dena explained it.  The pages in a book come from a tree, right?  The printing on the pages make it a tattooed tree.  Clever, very clever.  There are so MANY intentional and subtle quirks like this that maybe you should consider visiting and discover them yourself.

Hey regulars, bring a friend to this already award-winning bookstore in the Fort Atkinson business community.  Enjoy your visit and savor the time you spend at this special place.  Congrats Dena and Fort Atkinson.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, Kristin Harmel.  A family living in 1940s occupied France resorts to stealing jewelry to help fund the resistance.  As the Nazis close in on the French Jewish population, they also close in on the jewel thieves.  But sometimes crimes and tragedies that happen back in time, have major implications decades later in a different time and place.  Historical fiction.  One of the best books I read all summer.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Mrs. Mike, Benedict & Nancy Freedman.  

 

Always!

I was lucky to get on street parking but there is also a large parking lot behind the store.  

Spacious front window display.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  This space has lived many lives dating back to 1898.  

You have to see this in person to believe it.  I don't recall seeing anything like this in other indies I've visited.  This is a gigantic replica of a book just inside the entrance and to the right.  I'm over 6 feet tall and the book is taller than me.  It was created by Dena and she may add additional pages that can be turned.  Absolutely remarkable.  Be sure to ask her about the page numbers at the top of each page.  They are intentional.  Great work Dena.  

  

Enlarge this to read Dena's story about The Big Book, pictured above.  

 

Very attractive display in the center of the store.  

 

If I were a regular, this would be my spot.  Perfect for trying out a book or two.  

Go to the left side of the store and enjoy browsing this wall.  

An intriguing book.  

Miniature drawstring bags, created locally.  

Unique blends of teas.  

Locally crafted unique jewelry available here.  In any bookstore, if you see it and you like it, GET IT.  It will be hard to find elsewhere.  

Unique sidelines.  

A few of the stickers available.  

 

The store offers a wide variety of unique sidelines.  I think there is something for everyone.  

Tiny books for big ideas.  There are so many clever things here.  

If you're a feral book nerd you need this shirt.  

Some of Dena's talented art work available and on display.  

A few of the puzzles available.  

A cozy and comfy setting right in the middle of the store.  

I discovered these indestructible books for toddlers a few years ago and think they're still a great idea today.  Drool proof!

Shouldn't all regulars have a Tattooed Tree Books t-shirt?  

View looking into the Chroma Art Studio, in the building behind the bookstore's space.  A perfect partner for an independent bookstore.  

The Chroma Art Studio is a great place to explore, experience, and create.  

A terrific gathering place for events and book clubs behind the bookstore. 

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

Only in Wisconsin.  Read the title again so you don't miss it.  

With Kit on the left and Dena on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at Tattooed Tree Books.  Thanks for a great visit.