Vacation Spots

Booking Through Thursday


Another question inspired by the Bunch of Grapes on Martha’s Vineyard having burned down on the Fourth of July.

Do you buy books while on vacation/holiday?
Do you have favorite bookstores that you only get to visit while away on a trip?
What/Where are they?

I’m still devastated about the Bunch of Grapes, even though I usually only got to visit it once or twice a year–it was such a vital part of my trips to Martha’s Vineyard. Its (hopefully temporary) loss won’t affect my day-to-day book habits, but it was such a wonderful store on one of my favorite places. Stopping there was such a strong tradition, and I’m going to miss it as part of my vacations. But it made me think–I always buy books when I’m away from home. They’re as much of a trip-souvenir as any t-shirt or trinket. Better, even! And it occurs to me that I can’t be the only one of us who does that, huh?

~~ I don't get a chance to travel much as I would have like. Even during my vacation time from work, it just not possible to go anywhere far. With gas, finding someone to go with and finding the place to stay..etc. But I've been to few trip in the past. The longest trip I have been, away from home, was in Maryland about 4 years ago. Where I went to Nora Roberts's Anniversary 3 days events at "Turn the Pages: Bookstore and Cafe". A friend and I took the 2 days road trip instead of the plane. When I got there, I brought some books there. Including Nora Roberts' latest book and the "I Dream of Roarke" T-shirt (it getting old, I need to buy a new one). I think of those as my trip-souvenir. Nora personalized her book for me. Sadly though, Rebecca York was also at the signing and because I wasn't familiar with her books at that time, I didn't buy her books. It was until a year later, when I finally discover her books that I do regret ever not greeting her and buy her personalized books when I had that chance to in Maryland. But I sure did had lot of fun in Maryland. I met all the wonderful ladies (including my friend, Darla) that I've spoken to online yahoo group over many years, there. Lot of laugh, dancing, blackmail pictures *grin*, hugs, chatting..etc. I didn't even want to go home *LOL*

However, I do tend to always buy books when I'm on a holiday. Especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. My relatives are always inviting my family over to their house to celebrate/eat. It like a reunion! And they don't live too far away from my home. Just about an hour to 30 minute drive (depend on traffic and which subdivision you going to) So when I'm there, I normally hit the bookstores and grab me a book. Of course, I did bring some books that was from home (on my TBR pile) with me. But that doesn't mean I can't go buy more books, right? *grin*. The only bookstores I go to, while on trip is Barne and Nobles. It the only place I see. I'm sure there are other bookstore there, but none of my family read (except my cousin, but I think she gave up reading when she got married) so I couldn't ask them to give me a recommend of places to check out. My family think I'm crazy to buy more books, when I have some in my traveling bags LOL!

But I would love to buy books about the places that I'm visiting, if I go on a long trip. It be interesting to get to know the facts about the places and the famous tourist attraction that I'm sure will be a sight seeing. Even better, if I end up in the places that my favorite authors has used for their scenes in the book. It would be fun and cool to see the places that authors talked about in the scenes, make it more believable and real for me to clearly see the whole scenery of what is being descripted. I know some authors are good at writing them :)

What about you? Do you buy books while on vacation/holiday? Do you have favorite bookstores that you only get to visit while away on a trip? What/Where are they?