The Book Inn - Fairhope, AL

The Book Inn, Fairhope, AL

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Unbeknownst to me, my arrival in Fairhope coincided with one of the largest events each year, an arts and crafts fair, 70+ years and counting.  The town was flooded with people from EVERYWHERE.  Multiple downtown streets blocked off and packed with vendors.  What does this have to do with The Book Inn?  It’s most likely its most profitable 3-days of sales each year.  If you can align your bookstore with an incredible event like this in your community it would be a no-brainer.  As store manager Samantha L. told me, Fairhope is an artsy community which has supported the success of two bookstores and enabled The Book Inn to enjoy a 45-year run in the same downtown location.  Well done, Fairhope.

A successful 45 years doesn’t happen by luck.  Samantha’s mother, Wanda, is the third owner in its history.  Fairhope is a tourist destination and that is an important part of the customer base.  The Book Inn has a strong core of regular customers as well including 2nd and 3rd generations of those regulars.

The store offers all used books neatly arranged in a one-level setting.  Notice in the pictures that the books are shelved laying down instead of standing up (An attempt to help ease neck pain!).  The Book Inn’s longevity is even more impressive when you consider there are few to no sidelines.  If you bring your books in you can receive store credit in return.  Although some customers will simply choose to donate their books which is always helpful for any bookstore’s overhead.  

I didn’t get to meet Wanda on this day but her daughter Samantha was terrific to meet and visit with (some days Samantha’s daughter is working giving the store three generations of booksellers).  I was especially happy to meet Samantha because she has been a regular follower of the blog for YEARS.  Thank you Samantha!

If you’ve never considered Fairhope as a tourist destination, give it some thought.  Beautiful town, on the gulf coast with lots of unique and artsy small businesses.  And a butt-kickin’ used book store.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Day The World Ended At Little Bighorn, Joseph M. Marshall III.  Story of Little Bighorn told from the viewpoint of Indians who fought there.  The author is a  Lakota descendent of people who were there and has gathered stories from others, through oral histories passed down through the generations.  The first chapter was great in telling the story of the battle at Little Bighorn.  After that, the author goes into minute detail of that history and is a bit repetitive for me.  Offers a different point of view from the usual histories.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Into The Beautiful North, Luis Alberto Urrea.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Fifth Son, Elise Wiesel.  

 

Beautiful day to visit The Book Inn.  

Enjoy the nice weather on their bench, a gumball machine, and a book.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Head over to the left side of the store and let the browsing begin.  

Looking directly to the left after entering.  

If you're on a budget find the purple cart and stock up on $2 books.  

If nothing else, you should get this for someone at every bookstore you visit.  

Locally sourced honey available right at the checkout counter.  

I love it!

One of the several book aisles.  

The perfect pun for a bookstore on the Alabama Gulf Shores.  

Notice how the books are shelved laying down instead of standing up.  No need to tilt your neck to see the titles.  

Many bookstores have creative genre names rarely seen.  Here at The Book Inn, they have "weird plots."

A creative and unique bookish piece of art with a clock.  

Overview of the front part of the store.  

If you have a Bama football fan in your family this would make the perfect gift.  

If you enjoy solars, they have a wide variety here.  

Store pricing statement.  

An overview from the back of the store looking toward the front.  

Spread the word.  

Another shelf loaded with bargains.  

With Samantha, the fine store manager at The Book Inn.  Thanks for a great visit.