Like many things at Colonial Williamsburg, the bookstore is unfortunately less refined and more…read moretouristy than it was years ago, but I think that's a reflection on the visitors and their tastes and Williamsburg's attempts to adapt to what people will buy. The book sections are smaller than they were, the video and music section is gone, and they've moved some of the food stuffs and home decorations from across the hall to fill the space. Still, there is a good selection of books on relevant history from Jamestown through the Civil War, decorative arts, architecture, trades and crafts, cooking and military history for the serious historian; and of course books on Williamsburg itself. Check out the bargain table for good deals on close out items.

On a recent visit to Colonial Williamsburg, I stopped in to look around. Bought some books and…read moreprints. They were nice enough to let me leave my purchases until I finished with Williamsburg. When I returned to pick up my purchases, I was told the Artist came in and they had him sign the largest print I bought. What a thoughtful thing to do for a perfect stranger. Their sales people are the best. Love this store. I give them TEN STARS for super service. Sarah Texas

I can't let Women's History Month come to an end without giving a shout out to a business that is…read moreowned by a black woman. I visited The Book Bar last month during a trip to Richmond. As an avid reader and lover of literature, book stores are kind of my jam. I visited on a Sunday afternoon. The store was pretty empty as there was only one other customer there at the time. The cool thing about The Book Bar is that they sell books and wine! They also have a bar where they do wine tastings. Although I didn't indulge in a wine tasting during my visit, the wine tastings are free! Although they sell books here, this isn't what you'd expect from the typical book store. I think of it as more of a community space where you can buy and/or read books, sip wine, and enjoy good conversation. They also host events here, including author visits. In addition to books and wine, they sell products from other local businesses. I picked up some banana pudding cookies from here made by The Sweetest Thing RVA. Finally, I can't end my review without acknowledging the excellent customer service I received while there. I was immediately greeted by the staff upon entering the store even though she was helping someone else. Then, the employee proceeded to assist me when she had the chance. She asked me what I was currently reading and if I had a favorite genre. I told her that I like historical fiction and she recommended a book for me. The cool thing is she recommended a book that had references to the city of Richmond, which made the book a nice personal souvenir to remind me of my visit. I can't wait to return! Please check them out!

This brand new bookstore downtown is a VIBE. RVA book bar focuses on black, indigenous and people…read moreof color authors, so it's a great place to buy your next read. When you walk in, you'll find a beautiful, welcoming space. I may have visited too soon after grand opening, as the owner Krystle just restocked her shelves. I went looking for a specific book, which she didn't have at the moment (but could order if I wanted!) and bought another that caught my eye. There is also a whole section for treats, self care items, and goodies. I plan to be back and get some work done with some wine from their selection.

This shop is a gem. If you're into thrifting or looking for…read morea gift for someone, you'll find something in there. One of the people I was with got prints of old planes as a gift for her husband, who loves them and I picked up some cute pins to add to my collection. It does get busy and crowded inside due to the amount of items and people wanting to stop and observe their findings.

I had a great experience at the Yorktown Bookshop. They have a great selection of unique, out of…read moreprint military history books, antique maps, classic vinyl, and several other curiosities all reasonably priced. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. She was happy to assist me with what I was looking for. I highly recommend a visit whenever you are in the area.

Great bookstore downtown! The staff were friendly and helpful. A ton of selection of both books and…read moresmall gift items. The price point on everything was reasonable.

I absolutely love this local bookstore. It's so stunning and located in Shockoe Slip. It feels very…read moreRichmond with all the brick buildings and cobblestone streets. I usually take the bus when visiting, but there is street parking out front and nearby. This tiny bookstore has everything from books to small gifts. They carry most well-known trending books as well as fun local or independent finds. I haven't done it before, but it seems if they don't have a book in stock, you can order it through them. The prices are what you'd expect for a bookstore. On a recent trip, I was looking for a cookbook to get my friend for his birthday. There were specific ones he wanted. After hunting through their wonderful collection and having no luck, I asked someone who worked there. They were extremely kind and helpful. Although they didn't carry those specific cookbooks, they did give me recs for similar ones. I had a different question later and asked someone else who was equally as kind and helpful. I highly recommend visiting this bookstore. Although it is on the smaller side, there is a lot to explore. You will definitely leave feeling inspired to read more.

I love this bookshop…read more I have been shopping there for at least 15 years. Always an excellent and unexpected selection of books. Support local and independent booksellers!

Absolutely lovely selection. I was a turd and didn't…read morethink to check the hours before driving a 30 - 40 minute drive to stop by. When at the door I noticed "by appointment" and decided to call, luckily they were in, and kindly allowed me in to see the books. The owner is very gracious and will help you find what you're out for, even if its on 10 different subjects.

A rare find. This bookstore is a tight squeeze but that is part of the ambiance. The prices are…read morefairly reasonable and indexed to the market and the selection varied.

Tucked away behind huge green shrubs, in the heart of the quaint town of Phoebus (Hampton) lies a…read moretrue treasure. This book store will occupy a delightful nook in your brain, I promise!

we have been looking for a locally-owned bookstore and we found "Turn the Page Bookshop" online,…read moreit's located at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets on Richmond Road - the store is a fantastic selection of new books and hundreds of gently used books by category - I am a non-fiction author and I can spend an entire afternoon in this bookshop - highly recommended

Upon first entering the store I was overwhelmed!! There were books everywhere. It took a second to…read moreunderstand how things were organized but once I did I was off to hunt for my favorites. They have the store split between new books and used books. There are cozy couches and a few chairs nestled throughout the store. The vibe of the store feels like someone's home library which I actually liked. Overall this place was cool but if you're not someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt then this might not be for you.

This was always a date place for us when the hubs and I were young and still lived in the area . It…read moreused to have a cafe. We miss it. My husband misses their brownies. Only draw back is that their religious section is lackluster (basically nothing about Judaism). They otherwise have a good selection of books. They also have fun mugs and games. The staff really try to get you to join the membership. Not a terrible deal if you live in the area. We do make a pilgrimage here because it's always nice to reminisce our old dating days.

I love this place! I miss bookstores so was so happy to see…read moreBooks-A-Million. They have a wonderful variety of books and a friendly staff. If you are a book lover or need to buy a gift for a book lover, this is your spot!!

Super Cute book store in Newport News and I love the clever name of the shop. Such a helpful and…read morepleasant staff. There's a charming cafe in the back serving snacks and beverages but it's not affiliated with bookstore! I bought an armload of books and gifts here, the prices were very reasonable. Extremely well organized and tidy bookstore. The displays were adorable. I would definitely come back here to rummage through the shelves of books! A reader's paradise!

How did I not know they were here ? ‍ Wonderful selection of gently read books, great prices... I…read morefound titles for men and women, kids, fiction and non- fiction... even a large print section.... And the cafe is adorable ! .

The service was fantastic. The two people behind the counter were super helpful with any questions…read morewe had. The selection of books varies from local artists to a broader audience. All inclusive, all love inside the shop. The books were reasonably priced, and I am always going to support a local business over the corporate overlords.

I stopped by Shelf Life to view their selection while casually browsing in Carytown, but honestly…read morespent the bulk of my time in the shop hanging with their cow cats. How could you not? They are so cute, interactive, friendly and just plain adorable. What a cool place they get to call home. They seemed to have an expansive selection of quality books as well.