Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of activity around Orlando may seem impossible, but escaping to a bookstore is all it takes to get away from it all. Orlando is home to a number of bookstores beyond the usual Borders and Barnes & Noble chains; tucked away in the neighborhoods around the city are a few hidden gems that are worth exploring on your sunny afternoon. Grab a large iced coffee and tap into your inner bookworm to browse and explore some of Orlando’s coziest spots; here’s where you’ll find some of the best bookstores in Orlando:
Brandywine Books
114 S. Park Avenue, Suite E, Winter Park
Take a short drive north of Orlando to Winter Park, an historical town that whisks you away to an old Euroepean shopping and restaurant center. You’ll need to explore a little in order to find Brandywine Books, but the effort is well worth it. As you meander behind the boutiques on the bricklined streets, head to through the gates to this independent bookstore that features antique books, original copies with author signatures, and an assortment of imported books and magazines from around the world.
Urban Think Bookstore
625 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando
Urban Think Bookstore of Orlando is the type of place you’ll want to dress up for; it’s located in the upscale Thornton Park area, and you can browse local artwork and enjoy a glass of wine during your hunt. This bookstore also hosts community events and gatherings each week, so pick up a schedule on your way in to find out if any author signings or showcases are taking place. It’s open seven days a week, and a visit here is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Bad Apple Comics
8110 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
It’s not technically a bookstore, but the comic book shop is a great place to round up magazines and collectible copies of your favorite superhero’s escapades. Bad Apple Comics is filled to the brim with the animations of yesteryear, and you’re sure to stumble across an old Superman comic to add to your collection. Plan to spend a few hours here and escape to the glory days of childhood when superheros really did rule the world.
Beyda & Associates
10227 General Drive, Orlando
Brush up on your Jimmy Buffet knowledge or explore the world of dinosaurs at this educational bookstore. It’s perfect for teachers and curious kids, and you’ll find an assortment of textbooks, supplemental reading, and even a few mensa-style puzzles and books. This bookstore sells to both vendors and the general public, and carries discounted titles from the major publishers.
Books A Million
6701 South Kirkman Road, Orlando
It’s just a short drive from Universal Studios in Orlanod, and even though it’s a chain, it offers one of the largest selections of textbooks, children’s books, paperbacks, and magazines. The store is clean and well-organized, and you can find something on almost any topic. Head here for a few hours between shopping breaks for a roundup of the latest bestseller, or just a magazine or two.
The Book Rack
6012 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando
If you want to flex some frugal muscles as you build your home library, head to this used and discount bookstore for a large selection of your favorites. Novels, nonfiction hard cover books, and even gift books are competitively priced, and you’ll find it very difficult to leave without at least three to four great finds. Plan to spend about an hour or two browsing the entire store.
From comic books to the latest bestseller, it’s easy to find something for all tastes at the bookstores in Orlando. While Barnes & Noble and Borders offer plenty of comforts and a wide selection, you can dig beyond the norm and head out to these unique destinations for even more great titles.
