Michigan’s southwest coast has much to offer for a late-summer getaway. If you’re heading that way for some beach time or small-town charm, here are five indie bookstores worth visiting.
Grand Haven
The Book Cellar, 8 North Seventh St.
Voted the “People’s Choice” Grand Haven bookstore six times, The Book Cellar is beloved in this lakeshore town. Mike O’Brien, co-owner with his wife, Amy, creates a “you’re one of us” feeling in this shop of used, rare, and autographed books, where about 1,000 books come in daily.
O’Brien reads one book a day and listens to two or three more each week, so he’s a great source for book suggestions.
Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Aldea Coffee on Washington Ave. Read there or head down to the beach.
Owner’s recommended read: The Dorians by Nick Cutter, a unique take on Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
St. Joseph
Forever Books, 312 State St.
Forever Books is within walking distance of Lake Bluff Park, called “the bluff” by locals. The view of Lake Michigan from the bluff’s swinging bench makes for a scenic reading moment. The store sells new books, with a wide selection of both adult and children’s titles.
“We have a wonderful table for beach reads,” says owner Robin Allen. “Summer reading is, I think, different than year-round.”
Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Forte Coffee at 2045 Niles Road for something to imbibe while reading a new book.
Owner’s recommended reads: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, a 600-plus-page novel that Allen calls “worth every page,” and Historic Shipwrecks and Rescues on Lake Michigan by Michael Passwater.
Grand Rapids
Schuler Books, 2660 28th St. SE
Schuler Books has been a local favorite since husband-and-wife team Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld launched the business in 1982. The store boasts a spacious venue and a tremendous selection of new and used books, children’s books, and giftware.
“We have a lot of customers who make an afternoon of Schuler Books,” says marketing manager Elizabeth Bosscher.
Manager’s go-to coffee shop: The in-store Chapbook Café, serving an array of coffees, teas, and more, with ample seating for reading and sipping.
Manager’s recommended read: A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper, a cozy mystery in which characters investigate a hotel’s secret — only to find a new case to solve.
South Haven
Hello Books, 330 Kalamazoo St.
This lakeshore bookstore carries used and rare books, and owners Janice Headley and Joe Puleo share a love for the eclectic.
“We get unique voices that are new to West Michigan,” Headley says. “We’re trying to bring in diverse voices and always looking for international authors.”
Owners’ go-to coffee shop: The Flying Saucer Coffee on Phoenix Street. Grab an iced chai latte, find a new favorite book, and relax on the benches overlooking the beach.
Owners’ recommended reads: Puleo picks A Confederacy of Dunces; Headley suggests “anything by Grady Hendrix,” whose books she calls “fun reads.”
Saugatuck
The Book Nook, 242 Butler St.
Though this cozy spot offers new releases, it specializes in used books for both adults and children and provides a space to breathe away from Saugatuck’s bustling sidewalks.
“I want people to come into the bookstore, have a personalized experience, and leave thinking, ‘That was a really cool shop!’” says owner Cheryl Whitfield.
Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Uncommon Coffee Roasters on Hoffman Street, her favorite place to sip and read.
Owner’s recommended reads: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, for its great message about kindness, and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, an “amazing” book Whitfield read in one day.
This story originally appeared in the August 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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