Crow & Co Books & Cafe - Hutchinson, KS

 

Crow & Co Books & Cafe, Hutchinson, KS

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Ok Hutch, this place is a MUST see.  Yeah, yeah, they have lots of books, lots of gift items, a top notch coffee cafe, but this place has something that even a non-reader and non-shopper will enjoy.  I arrived here early and had to wait but it was well worth it.  The people I met here, Sara and Ashton were fantastic, but there's even more.  My wait was rewarded when in walked Ollie and Sylvie, the bookstore dogs who are the stars here.  This store doesn't have one bookstore dog, but TWO (full disclosure requires me to mention that Sylvie is a bookstore dog trainee).  What an absolutely lovable pair that are a perfect fit in this wonderful bookstore.

Ollie scans the store for customers from his office. 

But that's not all that comes with this store.  A historical building that dates back to the 1800s on a corner location of the Main Street downtown.  You'll find a very well curated inventory of diverse books, something that owner Sara C. feels strongly about in this community.  They opened this store in August of 2020, a pandemic baby not even two years old and in that short time they've done an excellent business.  Additionally, they offer a wide variety of sidelines including greeting cards, stickers (they sell well), locally crafted jewelry (also sells well), and the Hutchinson town flag to name a few.  The cafe can be accessed from its own entrance on the side street or through the bookstore, a beautiful space with plenty of available  seating.  Take time to enjoy a variety of art on the walls as you browse through the store, all produced by talented local artists.  In the store's short life, they've already hosted multiple events and established a LBGTQ book club.  They also have a successful online presence for book sales.  Crow & Co are checking all the boxes for their customers who visit here.   

Of course, I really enjoyed meeting Ollie and Sylvie but the bi-peds are pretty darn nice too.  Sara and store manager Ashton were just the best to talk to and meet.  Ashton was especially patient with all my endless chatter while I waited for Ollie and Sylvie.

Some of the people in Hutch haven't discovered this wonderful world of Crow & Co yet.  Come on people, wake up and enjoy an experience you'll never get online.  Check out this shining star in the Hutchinson business community and find out what their legions of devoted regulars already know.  This place rocks!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Haunting Of Alma Fielding, Kate Summerscale.  True story that reviews the rigorous research done in 1938 London on Alma Fielding who claims to be haunted by a poltergeist.  Many of the happenings surrounding her are unexplainable but others are found to be a hoax.  So, was she indeed haunted?  I found the book to be a bit academic and dry.  At times, it seemed to cover everything in microscopic detail minute by minute. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Swimmers, Julie Otsuka. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Taint, Janet Kelley.   

 

Another view of the beautiful exterior. 

You can get to the Crow & Co cafe through this entrance on the side of the building or you can enter through the front door of the bookstore and get there from the inside. 

Sounds good. 

Lots of display window space. 

Looking straight into the store from the front entrance. 

Attractive table displays waiting just inside the entrance. 

This is my new BFF Ollie.  He was running behind the day of my visit but this is how he'll look as he comes to greet you when you enter the store. 

 

This is Sylvie.  She is a bookstore dog trainee, dependent on Ollie for her daily instruction.  Pictured above is her training in taking breaks. 

Sylvie asking Ollie when she's going to get her own shelf for book recommendations.  I've decided that Ollie and Sylvie are my two best friends.  They just don't know it. 

 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Overview of the children's area in the front of the store. 

Ask Sara about the book darts.  You'll need them. 

Two great places to try out a book. 

I love hearing about the history of bookstores located in historic buildings.  This is the Crow & Co building back in 1882. 

Unique and locally created jewelry. 

Terrific work of art on display.

Just about the coziest place in the store.  Fireplace, comfy chairs, and lots of books. 

Ask here and at any indie. 

This view is from the back of the bookstore area looking into the cafe.  There is a large room to the right with additional seating. 

I love the historic ceilings in these buildings. 

A great place to sip a coffee and try a book. 

Lots of choices on the cafe menu. 

View from the cafe looking toward the front of the bookstore. 

Wow!  Yes please. 

Overview of the multi-purpose room located off of the cafe and to the right.  A great space for events or cafe seating. 

Another overview of the events space.  Go through the doors back to the cafe. 

View looking from the cafe to the front entrance of the bookstore. 

This was the look on Ollie's face when I left Crow & Co. 

With Ashton on the left holding Sylvie and Sara in the middle holding Ollie, ALL of the fine souls you'll meet at Crow & Co Books & Cafe.  Thanks for a great visit.