In 2024 alone, 66,000 people visited Forks, Washington, the setting of the 'Twilight' series, a powerful draw for literary-inspired travel. This trend, where 55% of travelers consider such trips, extends beyond fictional locales, shaping the best literary destinations and bookstores for 2026, according to call it a ‘book-cation’ or a ‘readaway,’ literary travel is having a moment.
Despite widespread predictions of the decline of physical books and brick-and-mortar stores, new independent bookstores are flourishing, and literary tourism is booming. This unexpected vitality challenges the narrative that digital content would fully supplant tangible literary experiences.
The enduring appeal of physical books and shared literary experiences suggests a robust future for bookstores and destination-based literary travel. Curated physical spaces and collective cultural engagement remain essential human needs, as evidenced by Wellington's XO Book Co, a romance bookstore, which saw lines out the door on its opening day on Willis Street, defying expectations for niche physical stores against online retailers, reports a reading renaissance: wellington welcomes two new indie bookshops.
New Pages: A Look at Thriving Bookstores
Literary tourism thrives in established hubs and new locales. Iowa City, designated America's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2008, continues to draw aspiring writers and scholars, its status highlighting deep literary roots, according to the american city where almost everyone seems to be writing a book. Similarly, Haworth’s Brontë Parsonage Museum remains a powerful draw, attracting 88,000 visitors in 2017, according to the Brontë Parsonage Museum's historical data to immerse themselves in the Brontë sisters' world. These sites confirm the enduring allure of places steeped in literary history.
Independent bookstores, often driven by specialized curation and community focus, are opening across the globe. Wellington, New Zealand, is emerging as a literary cluster on Willis Street, with XO Book Co and Aurelia Books now open or planned, alongside a third store. XO Book Co, a romance bookstore, saw immediate success with lines out the door on its opening day, a testament to owner Juliet Gengenbach’s 15 years of planning and the power of niche appeal. Aurelia Books, set to open across the street, will further solidify this hub.
Beyond established centers, new independents are carving out unique spaces. Palomino Books & Music, opening July 1 in Tulsa's Kendall-Whittier District, will focus on Indigenous literature, offering language courses and music performances, according to the Tulsa Flyer. In Springfield, Illinois, Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore opened July 1, 2026, selling new books directly from publishers, according to The State Journal-Register. These ventures demonstrate a commitment to diverse voices and community engagement, proving that physical spaces can foster cultural identity.
Even major chains are expanding their physical footprint. Barnes & Noble opened a new, nearly 24,000-square-foot store in Oak Park on July 1, 2026, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is the third new location in the Chicago area, with a fourth planned for August 19 on State Street. This expansion, alongside Kinokuniya Books opening its second Houston-area location in Rice Village specializing in Japanese literature, according to Community Impact, confirms continued investment across diverse retail models.
| Destination/Bookstore | Type | Key Features | Noteworthy Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | Literary City | First UNESCO City of Literature in America; home to first US creative writing degree program | 18th Iowa City Book Festival in Oct 2026 |
| Haworth’s Brontë Parsonage Museum | Literary Museum | Preserves the home of the Brontë sisters; historical literary site | 88,000 visitors in 2017 |
| Barnes & Noble, Oak Park | Chain Bookstore | Large, two-story format in historic building; part of major expansion | Nearly 24,000 square feet |
| Wellington's Willis Street | Literary Hub (Emerging) | Concentration of new independent bookstores; fosters collective community | Three independent stores planned or opened |
| Palomino Books & Music (Tulsa) | Independent Bookstore | Focus on Indigenous literature; offers language courses and music performances | Owned by Cherokee Nation citizen Agalisiga Mackey |
| XO Book Co (Wellington) | Niche Independent Bookstore | Specializes in romance genre; strong opening day turnout | Lines out the door on opening day |
| Aurelia Books (Wellington) | Independent Bookstore | Located in a historic bookshop site; complements other indie stores | Set to open in July on Willis Street |
| Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore (Springfield, IL) | Independent Bookstore | Cashless business model; plans for communal library and literary festival | Opened July 1, 2026 |
The continued investment from both independent entrepreneurs and major chains, coupled with a persistent demand for tangible literary experiences, suggests that physical bookstores and literary travel will likely remain vibrant cultural forces, adapting and thriving in an evolving landscape.
What are the top literary cities in Europe?
While the article focuses on US and Wellington locations, European cities like Edinburgh, Scotland, hold UNESCO City of Literature status, recognizing their deep literary heritage. Dublin, Ireland, also boasts a rich literary history, home to many celebrated authors and a vibrant contemporary scene.
Where do book lovers travel for unique experiences?
Travelers seek diverse literary experiences beyond traditional sites. For instance, the University of Iowa established the first creative writing degree in the United States in 1936, making Iowa City a destination for aspiring writers. Palomino Books & Music in Tulsa plans to offer Cherokee language courses and feature a listening room for music performances, creating a unique cultural draw.
What makes a new independent bookstore successful?
Success for new independent bookstores often stems from a combination of passion and specialization. Juliet Gengenbach, owner of Wellington's XO Book Co, realized a 15-year dream to open her romance bookstore, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive. Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore in Springfield, Illinois, plans to add a communal library and host a literary festival, fostering community engagement beyond book sales.
