20 Bad Dates in La

Once a small bookstore in a Downtown LA loft, The Last Bookstore is now the largest independent bookstore in Southern California. The giant, high-ceilinged complex houses thousands of new and used titles, plus a coffee bar and record store to boot. Everything on the Labyrinth Above level is just a dollar, and you're destined to find a literary treasure or two. Check the website before you go because they're always hosting signings and readings. (Via Condé Nast Traveler)

Location:
3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14
Nashville, TN  37215

Phone:
615.953.2243

Changing Hands is Arizona's leading independent bookstore, offering new and used books, unique gifts, toys, and more than 300 author events every year. In Tempe since 1974 (currently at 6428 South McClintock Drive), Changing Hands opened a second location in 2014 at The Newton, an innovative adaptive reuse project that re-purposed the iconic Beef Eaters restaurant in central Phoenix. This second location (at 300 West Camelback Road) is home to Changing Hands' own First Draft Book Bar, one of a small handful "book bars" in the U.S. that serve wine, beer, and coffee drinks in addition to book and event offerings.

Located in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, The Elliott Bay Book Company is a full service bookstore, home to over 150,000 titles, set on cedar shelves in a multi-level, inviting unique atmosphere. The much-loved local shop offers one of the region's best selection of new books, as well as a large collection of bargain editions. In addition, Elliott Bay presents an unparalleled schedule of author readings and events throughout the year.

Lake Forest Book Store was opened in 1949 by a group of local women. Now located directly across from the Lake Forest train station, the store is right in the middle of historic Market Square. Now occupying 2550 sq. ft. of selling space in the historic James Anderson building, the Lake Forest Book Store continues its 69-year relationship with the community and maintains a dedicated staff of well-read, local women to help curate your purchase.

McNally Jackson Books is an independent bookstore based in New York, New York owned and operated by Sarah McNally, a former editor at Basic Books.