Exceeds my expectations of a bookstore. I came from out of town for a book event and Jack Harlow…read morewas paying for everyone's book. I was in line about 3 hours early for the event not expecting anything special, but Carmichaels booksellers SPOILED the line. They brought out umbrellas to block to hot sun for us sweating, had cold water bottles for everyone, and even brought a tray on chips and two options of queso/dip for us. This was all before I even got to experience the inside of the store. The team treated me life family-even better. The books selection is beautiful and they even have stickers, and more than you can imagine adding to your shopping bag such as custom match boxes and custom candles plus more! I could browse all day. The team helped my find books, gave personalized recommendations, and even helped me pick a souvenir, and were so comforting and welcoming while they helped. During the event they were also taking pictures so I could have memories to look back on forever, I didn't need to pull out my phone once. They have it all, the team shines. Beautiful humans with beautiful souls. Huge shoutout to Beth and Tajah for getting wonderful pictures of me that I will cherish forever. Sending hug! Love you Carmichaels! Shoutout Jack Harlow for putting me on. Much love, MB

Carmichael's is a local favorite and I continue to be impressed they've thrived in Louisville,…read morehaving 3 stores. The Highlands location is well known and for years I shopped there every time we waited to be seated at Ramsi's or wanted coffee from Heine Bros. The store offers a variety of books and every inch is packed with their picks; however, I enjoy following their social media pages to stay aware of their events. The website is also full of information, including new books and pre-sales. Carmichael's is an intimate setting of taking turns to see a shelf or corner of the store. That's part of its character. The staff are nearby and ready to help. Street parking. Shop local - buy gift cards.

I wondered where the kids were getting the vintage t-shirts, or the-t shirts from my own youth. Now…read moreI know. This store have a friendly staff, a helpful one. They have a superb selection of the things from books to music on several formats, more books, pins, magnets, stickers, and ephemera. I love ephemera. I really love the chance to buy something that wasn't mass produced or to give something a new life. I feel like this is a great way to have a fresh style (or your one from high school) or be a little unique. It kills me that you can buy similar shirts at the big box store and have no idea what it's about which tells me I'm old. Also the lighting in there is not oppressive. Why do people love to be under interrogation lights all the time? Fat Rabbit also features local artist cards/postcards which are a big part of my life. I am glad to have found post cards that do not require a mortgage on my least favorite nephew (or the naming rights on his first child). Most of all the people who work there are friendly.

The joy of the hunt! Is that vintage?…read moreThat's so rare! Did you see what I found! Are the best of things that come from finding a new thrift store and shop. We are in a new city and the finds are very great. We happened upon this unique vintage store. They sell local items and craft creations for sale. It's an all in one type of shop. The staff are very helpful. The store is a small space and parking is on the street . What a cool name too! Come and get your vintage on . They have a great collection of "Louisvilles own unique art of post cards. Love it. Now it's your turn to stop in and see.

Small and mighty! I…read moreaccidentally joined a horror book club and now find myself reading a lot more in that genre. Also my fella snagged me a book by local author when Butcher Cabin Books did a pop up at Gore Club one night when I wasn't able to go (he knows the way to my heart is books and cocktails...). So a visit to BCB was high on my to-do-sometime-soon list. One weekend afternoon, after a drop in at Unorthodox up the street, I decided it was time. It is very small inside, but they make very good use of that space. There were quite a few people in there the whole time I was there. They have nice categorization and organization. And having learned from my book club that there are a lot of different kinds of horror books, I quickly had to rein myself in. I allowed myself to get 2 books, so of course I left with buying 3. Book math. But it was just that...they had the editions of the books that I really REALLY wanted and hadn't seen yet at other spots. And a really lovely anniversary cover version of another book. AND a book about our parents dying from another local author. SO LOCAL in fact, that she was actually working the register that day and offered to personalize and sign my book for me! How cool! I also love that this is a family and female owned small business! Ladies supporting local ladies! I will absolutely be back.

If you're a horror fan, you have to check out Butcher Cabin Books! It's a small, super cute…read morehorror-themed bookstore, and even the outside of the building is painted with a horror theme. The whole place has such a fun, spooky vibe. They have a section dedicated to Kentucky authors, which I thought was really cool. The owner has also written a couple of books herself and has a section dedicated to her work where you may even be able to pick up a signed copy. I went in without anything specific in mind and ended up taking the associate's recommendation--and I walked out with a new book! I love when someone can point you toward something you probably wouldn't have picked out yourself. Parking is on the street and was relatively easy to find, and there are a bunch of other little shops along the same area, so it would be easy to make an afternoon out of exploring. Definitely worth stopping in if you love horror, books, or both!

If you're into reading romance, this is your spot!…read more Now, it's not my genre, but I was blown away by the selection, variety, and categorization here. There are rooms that specialize in different types of romance as well as spiciness scales so you know what you're getting into. Seriously, just about any variance of romance you can think of is available here. Everyone was really nice and the shop is genuinely fun to walk around. Take it in and find a fun read!

I'm in love with A Novel Romance and all of its adorable romance sub-genre vignettes from sports…read more(!) to fantasy (!!) to filth (!!!). It's clear that so much thought went into the crafting of each setup and the rooms truly make this bookstore feel like multiple. Not to mention several adorable staged areas for photos. Staff were super kind and will help you find what you're looking for or happily provide you with a recommendation. The store gets regular visits from writers too - there was a ton of signed copies and various fun author freebies. If you're a romance reader, this is well worth driving out of your way to shop!

VERY interesting place! Yes, it is run out of the owners house, but you would swear he sleeps on…read morebooks! They are wall to wall, first editions, etc. It's not your typical bookstore with a rack for popular sci-fI, or fantasy, he has complete rooms dedicated to history, arts, self-help, etc. but they are mostly old. The smell of old books permeates the entire house. It's a beautiful thing. Go spend an hour looking at historic Louisville books, (I found a courier journal cookbook from the mid eighties here!) or go upstairs to peruse a wall of art! It's a fantastic place!

From the owner: Buying and Selling Used and Rare Books--Specializing in History, Military, Kentucky, Art & Art…read moreHistory, Philosophy & Religion, Genealogy, Poetry, Fine Leatherbound, Antiquarian, Signed and Collectible, Documents, Posters and Ephemera

Stalwart Books is awesome! This retail shop where you'll find not only books, but also gifts and…read morecrafts, is located in Logan Street Market. All proceeds from the shop go to support a non-profit called OneWord, which provides literacy access and education for those in need in the Louisville area. Stalwart accepts donated books, so if you have any you're looking to clear out of your house, you should definitely consider donating here! Any and all books are accepted, everything from adult novels to children's books, so don't toss anything, just bring them here instead. The owner of the shop is a social worker who has worked in the non-profit world. She had a dream to own a bookstore that would support community literacy, a cause that is personally dear to her, and she's realized that dream with Stalwart! (I recommend reading the bio of the shop on the Logan Street Market website, there's more awesome information there.) I really can't speak highly enough of this shop. It's easily accessible within the market, offers tons of merchandise to shop for such a small space, takes donations, and all proceeds go to benefit an important cause. Plus, you'll receive great service! Stephanie is really friendly, and she's there to help if you're looking for something specific. If you're in the market for books or gifts, definitely make Stalwart one of your first stops!

A total hidden gem here in KY! This 2nd hand bookstore is volunteer run so their hours can be a…read morelittle wanky, but this means that all of their profits can be donated to help families in the city who need emergency funds for food, housing, etc. They try to host events in their space and are always open to new ideas! A great spot to find newer or older books, craft supplies etc! Donate books here to give back to your community!

The Rosewater is a used bookstore that is ran by volunteers and supports the south end community…read morewith their sales. We were greeted right away by a volunteer working to organize and check-in donated books. One side of the renovated house holds fiction and another holds non-fiction. Upstairs is a kids area, restroom, and closets full of paperbacks. A few tables and the closets offered 3 or 2 books for $1. Quite a deal when you are like me, not searching for a particular book, just looking for an interesting story. In the front room near the register you can find vintage and collectible books as well as new arrivals. I also appreciated that coffee and tea were made for those that wanted to sit and stay awhile. Tell your friends about the Rosewater - I'm sure it's a hidden store. I've been incredibly close to it (across from the Streatery) and had no idea! Because it is a used bookstore, you can't guarantee they have what you're looking for, but the thrill is in finding what you didn't know you needed. Street parking is fairly easy to find. Near food and coffee shops.

Eclectic store over Decca Restaurant on East Market Street in NuLu stocking boutique wine, curated…read morebourbon, unique books and unusual vinyl albums. Soon to offer wine tastings this shop is worth a stop when you're exploring all NuLu has to offer. Check it out!

They always have a book I pick up and LOVE! And staff is always so friendly, kind, and…read moreknowledgeable! Great experience!!

Very quaint enjoyable shop with new items and a decent children/young adult selection to keep the…read moreyoung minds reading. No discounts but love to support local shops. Service was a welcoming hello and and an appreciated check out.

Carmichael's is a must-visit every time I am in Louisville. The booksellers are some of the nicest…read morepeople I have ever met (to the bookseller who complimented my Dan and Phil shirt-- you rock!). Everyone I have met there has been an avid reader and offered great recommendations. The store is laid out in an inviting and cozy way. It's easy to browse and get lost in the rows of shelves. I specifically found myself lost in the religion and spirituality section for over an hour last time because they had such a great collection of books. I especially loved all the local and regional authors I was able to find! I don't ever expect indie booksellers to have sales, so seeing so many discounted options was a treat for me! Everything is reasonably priced without the sales, too. Do not miss Carmichael's if you're in Louisville; it's simply the best!