This morning, I had the opportunity to visit a small bookshop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire called RiverRun Bookstore.
This shop was tucked away from the main drag, but only by a few steps. I stumbled across it while driving around looking for great places for a photoshoot I was scheduled to do.
I entered the shop right when it opened (10am on Sundays). I was the first in the shop, but I was immediately followed by two others. The employee at the desk was quick to both welcome each of us, and then ask if he could help us find anything.
The shop was wonderfully laid out. I started at the front, checking out the selection of used books that were on sale. Then I moved to the corner where there were a bunch of typewriters and local interest books before moving on to make a loop of the shop.
Of course, one of my favorite sections of the shop was the mystery wall. I just love when book stores use chalkboards like this; it’s so clever!
There was also a lovely children’s section that I would have gone absolutely batty over when I was a kid. To be totally honest, I was pretty excited to see it as a 27 year old adult! How cute is this?!
The selection of books wasn’t massive, as the shop was quite small, but they certainly had a great variety of books available! There were shelves and tables stacked with new books and there were also boxes of used/discounted books in various spaces throughout the shop, like below this table here:
I managed to pass over a few books from the $5 bins… but I didn’t walk out of the shop empty handed. I just had to snag a copy of Bonfire by Krysten Ritter… and of course, I also had to stop and take a photo on the way back to my car. I wish I lived closer to Portsmouth so I could do shots like this more often!
When I was checking out, I asked the employee how long the shop had been there. The answer? Five years. FIVE YEARS?! I can’t believe it had it taken me this long to stop in! I will definitely be back soon!
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping in to RiverRun Bookstore. If you do, I’d love to see your photos!
Click here to visit the RiverRun Bookstore website.
Thanks for reading!
Do you have a favorite local bookshop?
Barb says
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Bonfire. I have a digital copy I haven't touched. What a cool looking bookstore and I love your photo.
Erica Hatch says
Awesome!! I hope we both love the book! π And thank you!
Breana M. says
What a charming bookstore!
Erica Hatch says
Right?! I can't wait to go back π
Lory says
I love the look of this shop, with the pressed metal ceiling and all. I do have to make it to Portsmouth some time, as I've lived in NH for 4+ years and never been!
Erica Hatch says
π You're going to LOVE it! It's such a cute little city! Definitely let me know if you'd like to meet up there sometime!
Greg says
Looks like an awesome bookstore. Love the hardwood floors and the whole vibe.
I love that Col. Mustard chalk!
Erica Hatch says
Me too! It's such a cute shop!
Steph Gorelenore says
Such a cute store, if you are ever on the Vermont side there is a very packed bookstore in Manchester called Northshire Bookstore, it is one of my favorites.
Erica Robyn says
I'll definitely add it to my list!! Thanks for the recommendation! π
Chloe Harris says
I live so near Portsmouth! How didn't I know about this shop?! I guess I know what my weekend plans are now…
Erica Robyn says
Definitely! It's such a cute shop! I also stopped into Book & Bar in Portsmouth. That one is pretty neat too, but VERY different!
Jenna @ Falling Letters says
What a beautiful shop! Thanks for sharing; I love reading about bookstores π
Erica Hatch says
π