Bookish Wandering in St. Augustine, FL

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

St. Augustine, FL is a popular tourist destination known for its rich, extensive history, close proximity to the beach and wildlife preserves, and vibrant art scene. I happily wandered America’s Oldest City (founded in 1565) for three days and – surprise! – found myself stumbling into some really fantastic bookstores.

Gypsy’s Book Nook may seem secreted away from the constant flow of St. George Street’s tourist traffic, but this only amplifies its charm. A recent “secret project” of GypsyMoon Boutique, Gypsy’s Book Nook offers an amazing selection of books for the small space.

Genres are neatly organized making your next favorite read easy to find. I even found a shelf devoted to local authors – YAY! When you need a quick respite from all the chaos of St. George Street, enjoy the “nook within the nook,” complete with pillows and plants for a moment of self-care.

St. Augustine really does have something for everyone, including us used book fiends. Second Read Books is located on Cordova Street and is probably one of the best-organized used book stores I’ve ever visited. I was also pleased with their selection of local and nonfiction books.

If there’s one thing I know about book lovers, it’s that the only thing we want more than books is bookish merchandise. We want all the stickers and mugs and bookmarks and Kindle slipcases and earrings that tell the world right where we stand when it comes to our bibliophilia. If this sounds like you (because it definitely sounds like me), then Get Lit is your next dream destination.

Located next door to Second Read Books, Get Lit has everything you could ever want when it comes to bookish merch. Better yet, this boutique helps you incorporate your love of books into your personal style. Purses, t-shirts, dresses, and jewelry are beautifully and thoughtfully curated to help you create a perfectly fashionable look while sharing your passion for reading.

The single most creative offering I’ve ever seen in a bookish shop is inside Get Lit and that is a Braid Bar. I have short hair, so I’m in no need of such a service, but don’t think I didn’t wonder what it would be like to have my own hair styled in a Katniss Everdeen braid!

If you ever decide to visit St. Augustine, FL, I encourage you to seek out these small, local businesses and patronize them. Don’t send a billionaire to space… again! The way you spend your money sends a message. Keep your hard-earned dollars in your local literary community so that readers in your area have more bookish options, not fewer.

And if you want to support these businesses but don’t live in the area, here are a few links to help you stay connected. Following businesses on the socials helps get them noticed and buying from them online helps keep their brick-and-mortars open.

Gypsy’s Book Nook is on Instagram at…

https://www.instagram.com/gypsymoonstaugustine/

Gypsy’s Book Nook is on Facebook at…

https://www.facebook.com/gypsymoonimportz

Learn more about Second Read Books by visiting this link…

https://www.visitstaugustine.com/thing-to-do/second-read-books

Get Lit is on Instagram at…

https://www.instagram.com/getlitboutique/

Shop online via Get Lit’s website…

https://www.getlitboutique.com/

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The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.