A Good Book & a Great View
There’s something about a quiet morning on Arbutus Lake that begs for a book in hand. Maybe it’s the soft knock of rain on the windows, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or the way the trees hold still while you turn each page. It’s the kind of setting that makes slowing down feel easy, and reading feel essential.
For travelers who love the idea of pairing cozy lodge vibes with a stack of good reads, Traverse City is a hidden gem. This lakeside town has a thriving indie bookstore scene, where you can browse for your next story between coffee stops, wine tastings, or waterfront walks.
For book lovers, Traverse City offers just the right mix of discovery and downtime. From independent bookstores filled with local gems to peaceful corners at the Lodge perfect for curling up with a novel, it’s a destination that welcomes slow mornings and page-turning afternoons. Whether you're browsing bookstores in Traverse City or settling in for some rainy day lodge activities, this trip is made for readers.
Where to Bookshop in Traverse City
Whether you’re heading downtown for lunch or looking for the perfect rainy-day outing, Traverse City’s independent bookstores are all within a short drive of Lakemore Lodge—and well worth exploring. Each shop has its personality, and you could easily visit all three in a single afternoon.
Horizon Books
📍 243 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
🕒 Open daily (typically 9 AM–9 PM; check website for seasonal hours)
🚗 ~15-minute drive from Lakemore Lodge
A beloved downtown landmark since 1961, Horizon Books is a cozy, multi-level bookstore with something for everyone. You'll find new and used titles, a large kids’ section, regional history books, and even a tucked-away café. On gloomy afternoons, the upstairs window seats are ideal for diving into a new story while watching the rain drift over Front Street. It’s easy to spend an hour here and walk out with something unexpected.
Brilliant Books
📍 118 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
🕒 Open daily (generally 10 AM–6 PM)
🚗 ~15-minute drive from Lakemore Lodge
Modern, bright, and exceptionally well-curated, Brilliant Books is known for its selection of literary fiction, nonfiction, and thoughtful staff picks. The shop has a relaxed, gallery-like feel and is a favorite among serious readers. If you’re looking for something new—but not just a bestseller—this is the place to ask for a recommendation. They also offer gift subscriptions and special order services, so you can find just the right title for your mood (or mail one home).
The Bookie Joint
📍 204 N Division St, Traverse City, MI 49684
🕒 Hours vary; check Facebook page or call ahead
🚗 ~15-minute drive from Lakemore Lodge
The Bookie Joint is a used bookstore with rotating stock and plenty of personality. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a classic you haven’t thought about in years or a paperback you didn’t know you needed. The shelves are full, the prices are great, and the vibe is unapologetically old-school. If you love the scent of old pages and the thrill of a $3 discovery, don’t skip this one.
Local Authors & Lake-Inspired Reads
Some books just belong in Northern Michigan. Whether you're sitting by the water or watching the rain roll in from the porch, these regional authors offer a sense of place that pairs perfectly with the pace of a lodge-side escape.
Jerry Dennis is one of the region’s most celebrated nature writers. His books, including The Living Great Lakes and A Place on the Water, explore the outdoors with clarity, heart, and a deep respect for Michigan’s wild spaces.
Mardi Link brings a different lens to the region, writing true crime and personal memoirs rooted in rural Northern Michigan. Titles like Bootstrapped and When Evil Came to Good Hart add grit and depth to your beach bag.
For something a little more literary, Jim Harrison’s work, often set in Michigan’s remote landscapes, offers poetic storytelling, layered characters, and a profound connection to place. His novella, Legends of the Fall, and novel Dalva are both worthy companions for quiet afternoons.
If you're drawn to the kinds of landscapes these authors explore, quiet woods, lakeshore trails, changing northern skies, you’ll enjoy our post on Spring in Northern Michigan: Trails & Wildflowers. It’s a gentle guide to some of the local nature that makes reading (or writing) here feel so rooted in place.
Reading Nooks at the Lodge
At Lakemore Lodge, reading doesn’t have to be a side activity. With its peaceful setting, natural light, and quiet, spacious interiors, the Lodge is made for slow mornings, page-turning afternoons, and stories that stay with you long after vacation ends.
Some of my favorite reading spots include the window seat overlooking Arbutus Lake, where the soft morning light and the sound of birds set the scene. On cooler or rainy days, the covered porch offers shelter without losing the view—bring a blanket and a hot drink, and the afternoon is yours. Indoors, the great room or basement lounge offers space to spread out with a book, whether you’re reading solo or taking turns with a group favorite.
If you’re looking for rainy day lodge activities that feel restorative rather than rushed, cracking open a book in a quiet corner of the Lodge might be all you need.
Bookstore Finds Make Great Souvenirs
There’s something satisfying about returning home with a book you discovered while traveling. It becomes more than a story; it’s a reminder of where you were when you found it. Whether it’s a signed novel from Brilliant Books or a used classic from The Bookie Joint, a local book makes for a meaningful souvenir.
Guests often leave behind a gently used book for the next reader. It’s a quiet, thoughtful gesture, and a lovely way to keep stories moving. If you’re looking for a practical keepsake, a Michigan field guide or trail journal is both useful and memorable. It might even inspire your next trip.
Turn the Page on Your Next Getaway
You don’t need perfect weather to have a perfect day at Lakemore Lodge. A good book, a quiet view, and time to slow down, that’s what makes a stay here special. Whether you're sitting on the porch with the rain tapping softly around you, or curled up inside while the lake fades into dusk, there's always a spot to settle in and read.
Whether you’re planning a quiet-weather getaway or just dreaming of your next lakeside read, we’d love to have you here.
Browse more Lakemore Lodge stories or check availability to book a stay that’s perfect for readers, rain-lovers, and lake-watchers alike.
