Coastal South Carolina Bookstores That You’ll Want to Bookmark on Your Next Lowcountry Adventure
MARY ALICE MONROE (she/her)
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Fresh off a 26-city book tour for my latest novel, Where the Rivers Merge, I’ve been reflecting on the unforgettable bookstores that welcomed me along the way. Each stop reminded me of just how vital indie bookstores are to the communities they serve. No two are ever the same, and each one offers a vibrant experience.
Here in coastal South Carolina– my home and the source of inspiration for many of my novels– we have quite a few beloved indie shops. If you’re planning a trip to the Lowcountry (or you’re local), here’s my personal go-to guide for must-visit bookstores that are full of character!
CHARLESTON, SC
Charleston is lucky to be home to several indie bookstores in the tri-county. If you’re heading to the city, stop first on King Street to visit Buxton Books. Located next door to the historic Charleston Library Society, you’ll be charmed by artsy window displays and a big selection of books– many signed because Buxton Books hosts many author events throughout the year, including my Wild Dunes author series on Isle of Palms. Bonus: you can book a ghost tour while you’re there!
When you leave Buxton Books at 160 King Street, take a leisurely stroll up to 420 King Street to visit another Charleston favorite, Blue Bicycle Books. This longtime bookstore hosts the legendary YALLFest, an annual festival celebrating ‘young adult’ books that takes over the city every November. Blue Bicycle Books also hosts lots of book events and is a charming place to find the latest bestsellers–signed.
Bonus: BBB has a large rare books collection!
Mount Pleasant, SC
Leave Charleston and drive across the city’s picturesque Ravenel Bridge into Mount Pleasant to visit The Village Bookseller. Located on Coleman Boulevard, this charming bookstore is at the gateway to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. It’s the perfect place to browse for good books, including a great children’s books section.
Bonus: The bookstore has a great coffee bar!
Bluffton, SC
Speaking of children’s literature, if you drive south from Charleston to enjoy a day trip or overnight in Beaufort, be sure to also stop in nearby Bluffton, where you’ll find South Carolina’s oldest children’s bookstore. The Storybook Shoppe is located at the Tanger 2 Outlet Mall, yet maintains a whimsical feel perfect for their special storytime events. Every book is handpicked by the store’s owner to ensure there is something for every child to enjoy reading.
Bonus: Find a nook where you can write a note for a bookstore fairy (sometimes they write you back).
Pawley’s Island, SC
North of Charleston on the way to Myrtle Beach, a must-visit bookstore for me is Litchfield Books. Owned by a dynamic daughter-mother duo, they have built a reputation for hosting sold-out luncheons featuring some of the biggest names in the literary world. I’ve never missed a book signing event at Litchfield Books for every book I’ve launched! You can sign up for an author event, or simply pop into the store to pick out your next book to enjoy on the beach.
Bonus: Check out the posters signed by authors along the wall.
Wherever your Lowcountry travels take you, be sure to carve out time for a visit to a locally owned independent bookstore. From Main Street Reads in Summerville to Indigo Books on Kiawah Island and Edisto Island Bookstore along the way to Edisto Beach, I hope you make time to explore these unique literary havens and take home something truly meaningful.
