17 Historic Downtown Squares with Cute Bookstores and Courtyard Benches
Historic downtown squares are often the heart of a city, where charm and history come together in a unique way. These areas are perfect for strolling, sitting on a bench, and soaking in the atmosphere. What makes them even more special are the cozy bookstores tucked around the squares, offering a perfect place to browse through a good book. Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem in a local shop or enjoying the peacefulness of a courtyard, these spaces invite you to slow down and enjoy the moment. The benches in these squares offer a place to rest, reflect, or simply enjoy the surroundings. With a blend of history, books, and outdoor spaces, these downtown squares offer a retreat from the rush of everyday life. They provide a quiet escape, making them a must-see for anyone who loves books and beautiful, serene settings.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s downtown is full of charming squares that have a rich history, and the area is perfect for book lovers. At the heart of the city, you will find a collection of bookstores nestled around park-like squares. Many of these bookstores offer an inviting ambiance, with shelves filled with both classic and contemporary literature. The public squares themselves are lined with benches, ideal for sitting and reading in the shade. The layout of Charleston’s downtown has a timeless feel, where cobblestone streets lead to squares such as Marion Square, which is home to the local bookstore, Blue Bicycle Books.
Here, visitors can enjoy a good book while overlooking the park, making it an unforgettable experience. The history of Charleston is often reflected in the bookstore offerings, with books on the Civil War, local history, and southern culture. The combination of cozy bookstores and peaceful courtyards creates a perfect environment for anyone looking to relax and immerse themselves in a good book.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s downtown is famous for its historic squares, each offering a unique blend of beauty and tranquility. Many of the squares have shaded benches, offered a peaceful escape while reading or people-watching. One notable square is Chippewa Square, which is just a short walk from the city’s many independent bookstores. The Book Lady Bookstore is a must-visit for those seeking used books or unique literary finds.
The charming storefronts and local businesses that surround the squares in Savannah are perfect for book lovers who also enjoy exploring quaint shops. The benches scattered throughout these squares invite visitors to sit back and enjoy their newly found treasures. Many squares, such as Johnson Square, also offer lush greenery and peaceful surroundings that make reading outdoors even more enjoyable. The combination of old architecture, bookstores, and garden-like squares makes Savannah one of the best places to relax with a book.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is another city with a rich historical backdrop and beautiful downtown squares. The city’s French Quarter is home to several historic squares, like Jackson Square, which is surrounded by many independent bookstores. A perfect spot for reading, the square is often filled with local artists and street performers. The Garden District is another neighborhood with charming squares and benches where you can relax with a book.
The Garden District Book Shop offers a variety of genres, from local history to contemporary fiction. The district’s lush green squares, like Lafayette Square, are perfect for grabbing a seat and reading under the shade of massive oak trees. The city’s architecture and cultural atmosphere provide a unique setting for bookstore enthusiasts to explore and unwind in the surrounding parks. With an abundance of spots to sit and enjoy a book, New Orleans is an ideal city for any literary traveler.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford is a quaint southern town, known for its literary history and stunning downtown squares. Square Books, one of the most iconic independent bookstores in the country, is located just off the historic Oxford Square. This bookstore is a staple for both locals and visitors and offers a wide range of literature, including works by local authors.
The Oxford Square itself is a gathering place, surrounded by benches and shaded by large trees. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and immerse yourself in a good book while enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown. The square is often host to local events, author readings, and literary gatherings, making it a lively place for book lovers. The charm of the area is not just in the books but also in the historical architecture that surrounds the square, creating an inviting atmosphere for all.
Lexington, Kentucky
Located in the heart of Lexington, the downtown area is home to several beautiful historic squares, perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors with a good book. The squares are often lined with benches, where you can sit and take in the views of the surrounding buildings and lush green spaces. One of the most popular squares is Cheapside Park, which hosts several independent bookstores nearby.
The Lexington Public Library also offers a nearby space to sit and read outside, further enhancing the literary atmosphere of the area. The stores in downtown Lexington often feature books by local authors and offer events such as book signings and readings. The blend of history, literature, and scenic outdoor spaces makes Lexington a hidden gem for book lovers who enjoy spending time in peaceful downtown squares.
Austin, Texas
Austin, with its lively culture and vibrant history, has several historic downtown squares that are perfect for a quiet afternoon with a book. The city is home to independent bookstores like BookPeople, located near the historic 2nd Street District. BookPeople is known for its extensive selection of books and community events, making it a local hub for book lovers.
The nearby squares, such as Republic Square Park, offer a peaceful setting with benches for sitting and reading. Austin’s downtown areas are filled with greenery and art, giving a unique atmosphere to the spaces around the squares. The peaceful environment in these areas makes them perfect for readers who want to immerse themselves in their books while enjoying the warmth of the Texas sun. Austin’s combination of literary culture and beautiful public squares is ideal for a relaxing day out.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s downtown squares are a beautiful combination of historical charm and modern culture, with many independent bookstores nestled in the heart of the city. The historic Santa Fe Plaza is a central location where visitors can explore bookstores such as Collected Works Bookstore and Coffeehouse. The Plaza is surrounded by benches, making it a perfect location for readers who want to enjoy a good book outdoors.
The city itself has a rich cultural history, and many of the bookstores in the area focus on Native American history, Southwestern culture, and local art. The quiet atmosphere of the Plaza, combined with the warmth of Santa Fe’s sunshine, creates an ideal environment for anyone who enjoys reading outside. Visitors can also enjoy local art galleries and shops, adding a creative touch to their bookstore experience.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth’s historic downtown is filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and bookstores. Market Square, one of the most iconic squares in the city, is home to local businesses and several benches where you can sit and relax with a book. The nearby RiverRun Bookstore is a well-loved independent bookstore with a wide selection of books for all tastes.
The atmosphere of the square is calm and inviting, and it is often filled with locals and visitors enjoying the outdoors. Many of the surrounding buildings are historic, and the area has a classic New England charm that adds to the experience of reading in the square. Portsmouth’s combination of scenic views, historic squares, and local bookstores makes it a great place to relax with a good book.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington’s historic downtown is home to several scenic squares, perfect for those looking to spend time with a book outdoors. Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street, is lined with charming bookstores and cafes. The historic surroundings, with their cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings, provide a perfect backdrop for reading.
The nearby City Hall Park is a quiet area with benches where visitors can sit and read while watching the world go by. The combination of local businesses and beautiful open spaces makes Burlington a wonderful destination for book lovers. The bookstore options in the area also reflect the city’s laid-back, artistic vibe, offering a wide variety of genres to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the squares or taking in the scenic views, Burlington’s downtown is the perfect place to escape with a good book.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s downtown is a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and history, with several charming squares perfect for spending time with a book. The city’s independent bookstores, such as Malaprop’s Bookstore, are found near Pack Square, a popular location with plenty of benches and outdoor seating.
The square is a peaceful spot, perfect for reading or enjoying a cup of coffee from one of the nearby cafes. The surrounding area is filled with stunning architecture and art galleries, adding to the cultural atmosphere of the square. Asheville’s literary culture is reflected in the bookstore offerings, with many local authors featured. The combination of picturesque squares and inviting bookstores makes Asheville a wonderful destination for those looking to relax with a book outdoors.
Beacon, New York
Beacon is a small town with a big literary charm, especially in its historic downtown area. Main Street is home to many independent bookstores, and the town’s well-maintained squares are perfect for reading and relaxing. The centerpiece of the town is the Beacon Historical Society, which often hosts local book sales and events.
On weekends, visitors can take a seat on the benches around the Main Street Square and enjoy the peaceful setting while reading a good book. The surrounding buildings, which date back to the late 1800s, offer a quaint backdrop to this literary escape. The town has a welcoming vibe and is often quieter than some larger cities, making it the perfect place to unwind with a novel. Beacon’s mix of history, books, and beautiful outdoor spaces offers a calm retreat for any reader.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its scenic beauty and artistic charm, and the downtown squares are no exception. This small coastal town is filled with charming bookstores, such as the iconic Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore, which is nestled in the heart of the town’s historic district. The town’s squares are lined with benches, ideal for readers who want to take in the views of the beautiful coastal surroundings while reading.
Carmel’s downtown is known for its historic cottages and natural beauty, providing an idyllic atmosphere for enjoying a book outdoors. Visitors can walk through the town’s pedestrian-only streets and stumble upon one of many inviting bookstores offering a selection of classic and contemporary literature. Carmel’s quiet squares are the perfect place to sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota’s downtown is a blend of history, culture, and literature. The downtown area boasts a variety of independent bookstores, and the city’s historic squares offer peaceful spaces for reading. One of the most iconic squares is Five Points Park, located in the heart of the city. This lovely park is often filled with locals and visitors sitting on benches, enjoying the atmosphere, and reading their favorite books.
Sarasota’s history can be explored through literature, and many of the bookstores focus on Florida’s cultural and environmental heritage. The beautiful weather and warm sunshine create the perfect environment for enjoying a book in one of the city’s many squares. The quiet atmosphere in downtown Sarasota makes it an ideal spot for readers looking to escape the bustle of everyday life.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, is known for its charming historic downtown, which is filled with independent bookstores and scenic squares. The town’s main square, Hubbard Park, is a peaceful location where visitors can sit on benches and enjoy the outdoors while reading a good book. The bookshelves of Bear Pond Books, a beloved local bookstore, offer a wide variety of genres, and it’s just a short walk from the park.
The town’s historic buildings add to the atmosphere, with much of the downtown area preserving its classic New England charm. Montpelier’s small-town feel makes it an ideal place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life, and the bookstores and public squares provide the perfect setting for reading and relaxing. Whether you’re looking to explore local history or dive into fiction, Montpelier offers a cozy escape for all types of book lovers.
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is a vibrant city with a thriving downtown filled with historic squares, perfect for book lovers. The city’s historic district is home to several independent bookstores, like The Regulator Bookshop, which offers a great selection of books on a variety of topics. The downtown area has many squares with benches where people can relax, take in the surroundings, and read a book.
One of the most popular squares in the city is CCB Plaza, a space often filled with visitors enjoying the outdoors. Durham’s historical architecture and green spaces create an inviting environment for those who love to read and explore local culture. The mixture of history, culture, and books makes Durham a top destination for anyone who wants to sit back, enjoy a good book, and take in the peaceful city ambiance.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful surroundings, and the downtown squares are an ideal place for readers to relax. The historic Pearl Street Mall is the heart of downtown, lined with independent bookstores and unique shops. The area has several benches, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy their books while soaking in the mountain views.
The Boulder Book Store is a must-visit, offering a wide range of books, from fiction to non-fiction, and it is located just a short walk from the mall. The combination of beautiful weather and serene outdoor spaces makes Boulder a perfect spot to read and relax. The squares around downtown are also home to local events, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area. Boulder’s mix of outdoor activities, culture, and bookstores provides a peaceful retreat for book lovers.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati’s downtown offers a unique blend of historic charm and literary culture, with several scenic squares that are perfect for reading. Washington Park, one of the city’s most popular squares, offers benches where visitors can sit and enjoy a book in the shade of beautiful trees. The surrounding area is home to many independent bookstores, including the popular Joseph-Beth Booksellers, which is just a short walk from the park.
The city’s historic district is filled with stunning 19th-century architecture, adding to the charm of the downtown squares. Cincinnati’s combination of history, literature, and beautiful public spaces makes it an ideal destination for those who want to explore the city while enjoying a good book. The peaceful atmosphere in the squares allows visitors to truly unwind and immerse themselves in their reading.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.