The Value of Family-Owned Bookstores…read more In the age of mega-bookstores, it is becoming a greater challenge to find a family-owned bookstore where you find highly committed people focused on creating great experiences for book-loving customers. My wife and I are always seeking out those family-owned bookstores when we travel across the Midwest. When we walk into any of these kinds of bookstores, we are often immediately introduced to an owner, and eager employees always wanting show a high level of passion for serving the needs of people like my wife and myself. I am often pleased with each bookstore visit and amazed at how successful they are in their businesses, always showing their best efforts to help patrons find great titles. There is something special about a family-owned bookstore. The personal connection, passion for books, and genuine desire to help customers create an experience that is difficult to find in today's world of mega-retailers. Yet there is one one bookstore that has stood far above all the other great bookstores. This great experience begins on the west end of Lake Street in Petoskey. It starts when you walk into and start examining the shelves of McLean & Eakin Booksellers owned by Matt and Jessilynn. You are amazed at the unique titles and their stories that seem to consistently appear on every shelf. Experiencing McLean & Eakin Booksellers is a reader's delight. I have been fortunate to meet Matt and as you listen or watch him you can see an enthusiastic gentleman who takes a personal interest in every person he chats with....and will even go out of his way to help someone. Talk to anyone who works at McLean & Eakin Booksellers and you will see the same unselfish passion and interest in helping someone. So are you an owner operator bookstore patron and visiting Petoskey, be sure your footsteps take you to McLean & Eakin Booksellers. Then stop at Roast n Toast and grab a bite.... your starting points for a great Petoskey day.

We travel to Petosky at least once a year, and this is a must stop for me. It's so cozy and we…read morealways have the best experience. Not to mention we are welcomed by the sweetest dog who loves pet rubs. Will co to he to shop local to see Tator Tot and get good books!

This is my favorite book shop in the area and the only book shop in Harbor Springs. Located on the…read moremain street in one of the cutest downtowns you'll ever see, this book shop is small, yet mighty. They always have new book releases, as well as classics, kid's books, biographies, history books and more. They also have some cool greeting cards and mini gifts. During COVID19, the book shop is only letting people in who have appointments, but will happily let you call in and order any books for pick up. You can pay over the phone, and they have a cute rack outside the shop with books labeled by the names of those who purchased them to pick up. I checked their Facebook page to see a few of the new books they'd gotten in recently, emailed them with my phone number, and they called back within the hour. I paid over the phone, stopped by 30 minutes later, and grabbed the book with my name from their outdoor rack. Super easy and cute! I'm so in love with the book I got and was so happy I found this place, as I'd run out of books for vacation!

I can only reiterate what others have said. This bookstore is fantastic!!…read more Despite being a small sized store, it's packed with any type of book you'd like. Local authors, newly released, sci fi, fiction, current events, children's books. You name it, they have it! They also had a nice selection of stationary and gift items. As others mentioned, the staff are friendly and extremely informative! I purchased two books and can't wait to start them! I highly recommend this bookstore!

What a cool bookstore! I could have spent hours browsing. A really unique collection of old and new…read moreat reasonable prices. I can't wait to come back when I have more time to really dig in.

In our day trip to Northport, we were walking back from lunch when Dog Ears Books peaked our…read moreinterested. Upon further examination, we discovered a true gem in the town of Northport. This used/new bookstore has a delightful charm (complete with a dog in a chair, adorably sleeping during our visit), books stacked from floor to ceiling, and a certain ambiance that can only be achieved by the greatest used bookstores. After combing through the shelves, my other half grabbed a stack of books he couldn't leave without. It would have received a five star review, except you can only pay with cash. We had to pop over to the ATM to get enough cash for our total.

What a retro throwback on Front Street! Seriously, although it gives off 70-80s school…read morelibrary vibes this is an excellent independent and locally owned bookstore and coffeeshop that deserves your business. The staff is wonderful and has great insights not only on books but events and sights to check out in Traverse City. There is a terrific section dedicated to local hikes, sights and history should you like a meaningful souvenir from TC and the kids' section also has much to offer. Be sure to get a coffee, snack, etc along with your literary purchase and enjoy their shaded patio overlooking Front Street.

Stopped in over the summer and was happy to a see an author out front with his books!…read more When I walked in, I was surprised to see how big the book shop was and loved browsing at their various sections. They also have a lovely upstairs with cards, puzzles, and more. There's a small cafe on the lower level as well. I'd frequent this place all the time if I lived here.

Great selection and friendly staff! Their dedication to support local Michigan authors is…read morewonderful. A warm, cozy place to drop into on a cold day. The gifts selection is so helpful! The staff is knowledgeable and provides staff picks that help me find new reads and authors.

This is a great little independent bookstore. I got some great deals, but aside from that, it…read moreseemed very warm, there were lots of events, and it just seemed like a fun place to go for people that like books. This is what bookstores were meant to be before they became so cold and corporate - probably one of my favorite bookstores in MI.

A charming little shop packed with books for all readers. I loved browsing and picked up a vacation…read moreread. The staff were friendly and the prices were reasonable. I'll be back next time I'm in town!

We make a point to visit The Cottage Book Shop every year, and we always find something special to…read moretake home. They have an incredible selection, including tons of gorgeous special edition classics like Jane Eyre, making it so much fun to browse. The store is cozy, welcoming, and full of unique finds. It's become one of our favorite annual stops, and we already can't wait to come back next year!

Great place to spend a relaxing afternoon of browsing for books that I don't need to have...but…read morelove to buy!

This place used to be awesome. But no going there is kinda sad…read more There are often huge gaps where there should be books. And the media section is now laughable. I remember when I'd go in every weekend and see new blu rays. But now, it's always the same stuff. Actually that section looks more empty than the bookshelves.

Love to support such fun and independent book stores. Had a great selection of books, fun displays,…read moreand creative gifts. Loved the "banned" books display. Appreciated the dog dishes outside since we're traveling with our dogs. Always nice to see a business that cares about humans and four legged friends too.

Absolutely fell in love with this indie bookstore in downtown Traverse City. They have a phenomenal…read morecollection of books, with lots of seller recommendations. The sellers were helpful in finding books, and I had to limit myself so I wouldn't overstuff my suitcase home! I especially appreciated the local recs + the wonderful mystery/horror selection. Highly recommend stopping in and supporting a local bookstore!