Rest and relaxation during vacation often coincides with many people’s favorite laid-back activity, reading.  For all of those bookworms out there, we understand that you might come to Greater Raleigh only to find yourself without a good book to settle down to when you’re relaxing in our parks, taking a break from sight-seeing at a café, or winding down at the end of an action-packed day.

Rest assured that there are many stores and shops in the area that can provide you with a much larger book selection than what you’ll find at the airport or random retailer.  While, of course, there are many Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Borders to sift through throughout the area, there are also several other bookstores that are a little more unique, with local charm.

If you’re looking for something theological or spiritual in nature, try Stevensbooks in Raleigh.  The store has more than half a million books on various subjects for you to explore, so come prepared to have a ton to choose from.

A hidden gem in itself, Falls River Books is unique in that it deals with used, rare and antiquarian books.  The interior is elegantly appointed with wood grain floors, beautiful fixtures and plush seating.  Here, you can bring your children and your pets as you browse aisles of rare leatherbound books, hardcovers and paperbacks.

Then, of course, there’s Quail Ridge Books and Music on Wade Avenue.  This well-known, charming bookstore specializes in fine literature for adults and children, with a focus on the South.  If you want to get a taste of local flavor, this is the bookstore to visit.