There’s something magical about stepping into a bookstore. Each one has its own vibe, its own community, and its own treasures waiting to be discovered. On a recent trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, I visited three very different bookstores: So&So Books, Quail Ridge Books, and Dog-Eared Books. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these shops are worth checking out if you love books, cozy spaces, and unique finds.
So&So Books
📍 719 North Person Street
https://www.soandsobooks.com
So&So Books has a cozy, welcoming feel with a nice seating area where you can relax and browse. The shelves are arranged in a somewhat eclectic way, which makes exploring fun, almost like a literary scavenger hunt. Alongside books, they also carry journals. I couldn’t resist picking up a five-year journal instead of a book this time. It’s definitely the kind of bookstore where you can linger for a while and enjoy the atmosphere.
Quail Ridge Books
📍4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road
https://quailridgebooks.com
Quail Ridge Books immediately won me over with its beautiful interior. There’s even a small upstairs area, where I found some sale books, including selections from the owner’s personal library. While I was there, a book signing event was happening, which made it clear that this store is more than just a bookstore, it’s a community hub. They also offer fun options like blind date books and carry an impressive collection of signed editions. I left with a signed poetry book and an art print that I’ll treasure.
Dog-Eared Books
📍 4011 Atlantic Avenue
https://www.wanderlustbooksnc.com
Dog-Eared Books is a used bookstore paradise. It’s in a warehouse building, so it was a little tricky to find, but it’s so worth it to stop there! Every shelf feels like a treasure hunt, and it’s a great place to track down out-of-print titles. The prices are unbeatable: most books are $3, mass-market paperbacks are only $1, and they even offer bags of books for $10 to help jumpstart a free little library. Between me, Mike, and his dad, we walked out with a stack of great finds. I personally bought four books that I can’t wait to dive into.
Plan Your Trip
Final Thoughts
Raleigh’s bookstore scene has something for everyone—from the eclectic and cozy vibe at So&So Books, to the community-centered Quail Ridge Books, to the budget-friendly treasure troves at Dog-Eared Books. Visiting all three gave me a deeper appreciation for how each store contributes to the city’s reading culture. Whether you’re hunting for signed editions, looking for a welcoming space to browse, or stocking up on affordable reads, Raleigh’s independent bookstores deliver. If you’re in town, I highly recommend adding them to your must-visit list.
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Notes from the Shelf 
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