Booked for the Weekend
If your ideal weekend involves turning pages by the fireplace, West Chester, PA is calling, with a book-themed hotel, cozy literary cafes, and independent bookstores at every turn.
My friend and I were overdue for a little getaway. Since we both love nothing more than a good book and a glass of wine, we planned a relaxing trip to West Chester, PA: filled with bookstores, cozy cafes, and plenty of time to unwind. Here are the places that made our literary escape so special!
The Bookery Coffeehouse
Before diving into our bookish weekend in West Chester, we made a quick stop at The Bookery Coffeehouse for a morning pick-me-up. This inviting cafe sits next door to Plant Roots, a stunning plant shop stocked with everything from leafy greens to gardening tools. The Bookery offers a curated selection of romance, thrillers, and bestsellers, making it the perfect spot to sip, browse, and spill tea with friends. With free Wi-Fi and cozy corners, it’s also an ideal place to work, read, or simply unwind. Coffee in hand and books on the brain, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to our literary adventure.
Baldwin’s Book Barn
Built in 1822, Baldwin’s Book Barn is a five-story treasure trove of used books, maps, and prints. Its stone walls are lined with worn titles and cozy nooks that invite you to linger. A beloved community staple for antiquarian book lovers and curious families alike, the barn is a labyrinth of genres, from fiction and children’s stories to world history. Step inside, and it’s easy to lose track of time!
The Bookhouse Hotel at Faunbrook
I first discovered The Bookhouse Hotel on Instagram, and was instantly captivated by its thoughtful decor, beautiful finishes, and, of course, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in nearly every room. After booking our stay, my friend and I were counting down the days until check-in. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a handwritten note welcoming us for the weekend, which was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for their exceptional service. The first floor offers a variety of cozy sitting areas perfect for curling up with a book, with a photo booth behind a secret bookshelf and a record player to set the mood. In the morning, guests are treated to pastries from a local bakery and fresh coffee, the perfect way to start the day. Later, my friend and I enjoyed a lively round of “Books and Ladders,” a literary twist on Chutes and Ladders, while sipping wine after an evening in downtown West Chester. The Bookhouse Hotel provided everything we could have hoped for in a getaway and is a place I’ll be returning to soon.
Bookmarks
The hotel provided us with a coupon for Bookmarks, a charming independent bookshop in town, and my friend and I immediately marked it as our next stop. With two floors of curated collections, from bestsellers and literary classics to cookbooks and nonfiction, Bookmarks has all the makings of a great local bookstore. Each room is dedicated to a specific genre, including children’s, Young Adult, and more, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for among its well-lit shelves. Perfect for a quick visit or a leisurely afternoon, this bookstore is a true gem in the heart of West Chester.
Bookstore Bakery
Bookstore Bakery is the perfect place to satisfy cravings for both a sweet treat and a weekend read. Opened just last year by an English major and a pastry chef, the shop highlights bestsellers and new releases alongside an irresistible spread of baked goods and coffee. Because nothing pairs better than a paperback and a pastry!
Second Reading Bookstore
The final chapter of our literary weekend led us to Second Reading Bookstore: a cozy, secondhand shop with quiet charm. Operated by a team of kind, knowledgeable volunteers, the store supports the West Chester Area Senior Center. My friend and I took our time browsing the well-loved shelves and chatting with the staff, whose passion for books made the experience all the more special.
A fitting end to a weekend spent chasing stories, one bookstore at a time.