Those who have been to Louisville, Kentucky (or have the pleasure of living here) know it’s a city rich in culture, creativity, and charm. Beyond the bourbon and the bluegrass, there is another “B” that is worth checking out– our thriving bookstore scene.
If you love bookstores, Louisville has plenty to offer, but that’s not all. Interested in a page-turner for your Louisville vacation or staycation? We have several local authors to recommend!
At the Inn at Woodhaven, we invite you to enjoy a rocker on our front porch or cozy up by one of our fireplaces and discover your next great read.
Let’s start by exploring some of the most celebrated and beloved bookstores in our area– both old and new. Each store has its own unique feel and benefits. There is no better way to pass the time, especially on those chilly or rainy days. Here are a few of our favorite locally-owned literary shops for you to peruse.
- Our Favorite Louisville Bookstores
- Louisville's Literary Scene
- Upcoming Events
- Make It a Book Lovers' Getaway
Our Favorite Louisville Bookstores
Let’s start by exploring some of the most celebrated and beloved bookstores in our area– both old and new. Each store has its own unique feel and benefits. There is no better way to pass the time, especially on those chilly or rainy days.
Carmichael’s Bookstore: required reading for Louisville’s book lovers
If you’re a book lover, then your first stop should be to Carmichael’s Bookstore. Family-owned and women-owned since 1978, Carmichael’s is Louisville’s oldest (and one of its most beloved) independent bookstores. They have three locations, including one that is specifically for children’s books. The store is very community-focused, giving you a piece of the true Louisville experience.
Carmichael’s is known for its thoughtful staff picks, extensive selection of titles, and frequent author events across genres. If you’re looking for a local book to remember your trip by, this is the place to find it.
Drive time from Inn: 14 minutes
Butcher Cabin Books: a murder mystery delight
A bookstore dedicated solely to horror stories across genres? Yes, that’s really a thing. Lovers of thrillers and horror novels will be in their happy place with a visit to Butcher Cabin Books– truly a Louisville original concept. This small shop recently celebrated their three-year anniversary and shows no sign of slowing down, with regular author events and a massive inventory, including vinyls, special edition and rare books.
If you are visiting Louisville to enjoy the spookier side of our town, then adding a stop to Butcher Cabin Books is a must-see on your agenda!
Drive time from Inn: 16 minutes
The Rosewater: the best used bookstore Louisville has to offer?
In the middle of Louisville, KY, you can find one of the true literary hidden gems, The Rosewater used bookstore. While you can certainly buy books here, this place feels more like a cozy neighborhood living room. When you walk in, you’ll be among locals that are chatting, reading and sipping coffee.
You can freely browse what’s on their shelves. Or, if you’re looking to purchase a specific title, The Rosewater has you covered. You can contact them on their website, where you can fill out a form and submit it to request one of their staff members track the book down for you!
One of the cool things about this store is that it’s completely run by volunteers who are passionate about books and apply that enthusiasm to their job. A visit means you support the local community and you walk away with some stories of your own to tell!
Drive time from Inn: 17 minutes
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A Novel Romance: a bookstore that’s love at first sight
If horror isn’t your thing, then a visit to one of Louisville’s newest bookstores, A Novel Romance, might be just right for you. Opened in 2023, this quaint shop features a wide selection of romance novels that incorporate inclusivity, empowerment, creativity, and joy. Their Craft Night events invite readers to bring their own craft, whether that’s crocheting or book bedazzling (yes, really), for an evening of fun and community.
The staff at A Novel Romance are experts at finding you your perfect match– in books that is!
Drive time from Inn: 16 minutes
Book & Music Exchange: a bargain-hunter’s dream
Book & Music Exchange is a Louisville treasure for those who love a good deal. Specializing in used books, vinyl, and movies, this store is perfect for browsing on a leisurely afternoon. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find on the shelves— from bestsellers to rare, out-of-print editions. If you love the nostalgic, funky, eclectic vibe of independent stores and a great deal, Book & Music Exchange is your place!
It’s an ideal stop for budget-friendly travelers and collectors alike.
Drive time from Inn: 14 minutes
A Reader’s Corner: that cozy, bookstore vibe
If you’re looking for a cozy independent shop with plenty of personality, A Reader’s Corner is a must-stop shop. It’s a hidden gem of the Crescent Hill neighborhood and has been in business since 1997. They offer both new, used, rare, and out-of-print books with an inventory of over 50,000 books that covers nearly every genre, from literature and fiction, to history and biographies, to local Kentucky authors.
A Reader’s Corner is also a great place to grab souvenirs or gifts for yourself or other book-lovers in your life. They have a unique assortment of bookmarks, American-made Leanin’ Tree greeting cards, and so much more.
Drive time from Inn: 9 minutes
Louisville’s Literary Scene
It’s not surprising that Louisville has a thriving literary community. After all, Louisville hosts one of the best Book festivals each October, which brings in authors from across the country to celebrate the love of literature! If you didn’t make this year’s festival, here are a few local names you’ll want on your radar as you’re browsing the bookstore collections.
Louisville Authors You’ll Love
Wendell Berry is one of Kentucky’s most celebrated authors. Berry is known for his poetry, essays, and fiction that explore themes of community, land, and sustainability. His thoughtful writing has influenced generations of readers, from his first novel Nathan Coulter (1960) to one of his best-selling books, The World-Ending Fire: The Essential Wendell Berry (2017). On January 28, 2015, he became the first living writer to be ushered into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame.
Kirby Gann is known for his literary fiction set in Kentucky. Gann has written several award-winning novels, including Ghosting, and often focuses his writing on the complexities of southern culture and community. Gann has also taught as part of the MFA in Writing program at Louisville’s Spaulding University.
Tania James has called many places “home”, but spent her childhood growing up in Louisville, Kentucky. She is an acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose work includes Atlas of Unknowns and Aerogrammes. Her stories offer a global perspective but often connect back to where she grew up.
Upcoming Events
If the books and authors got you all excited, we highly recommend you keep an eye on upcoming literary events in Louisville.
Although we highlight some of our favorite events here, the real number is almost impossible to capture in this post. If you’re looking for something genre-specific, you’re guaranteed to receive some hidden gems with a quick visit to Google!
Festivals
The famous Louisville Book Festival is a must for the more hardcore book lovers. Held every year in October, this festival is an absolute treasure trove of used and new books that is guaranteed to have that one book you’ve always wanted.
For more details, click through to their website, where you can view what’s on display this year as well as the year-round program.
Events at Bookstores
Many bookstores regularly offer events such as book signings where you can ask any questions you have about your books to the authors directly.
Keep in mind that many of these events are for smaller crowds only. You sometimes have to register in advance because of the size of the venue, and to keep the author protected from hordes of raving fans!
Most stores will have a calendar where they list their events, such as this one from Carmichael’s Bookstore. The staff really care about these events so if you see anything interesting, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Make It a Book Lovers’ Getaway
For book lovers, a vacation to Louisville offers the perfect balance of cozy bookstore browsing, engaging author events, and the chance to discover new voices rooted in Kentucky’s culture. Whether you’re stocking up on the latest romance novels at Carmichael’s, hunting for rare finds at A Reader’s Corner, or diving into the many works of Wendell Berry, Louisville’s literary scene is worth exploring.
After a day of wandering stores (and refueling at the incredible restaurants in town), you’ll want a peaceful and welcoming place to rest. That’s where the Inn at Woodhaven comes in. Our historic inn offers beautifully decorated rooms, luxurious amenities, and the kind of one-on-one attention you can only get from a bed and breakfast experience.
We’re just a short drive from many of the Louisville bookstores on this list. Book your vacation or staycation today (with our local getaway discount) and experience a trip that is truly unforgettable.
We’ll gladly throw an extra log on the fire for you to enjoy together with books, rocking chairs, and a hot coffee or bourbon on the rocks!
Book your stay at the Inn at Woohaven today and turn your Louisville literary tour into a memorable getaway filled with stories, comfort and inspiration.
