Exceeds my expectations of a bookstore. I came from out of town for a book event and Jack Harlow…read morewas paying for everyone's book. I was in line about 3 hours early for the event not expecting anything special, but Carmichaels booksellers SPOILED the line. They brought out umbrellas to block to hot sun for us sweating, had cold water bottles for everyone, and even brought a tray on chips and two options of queso/dip for us. This was all before I even got to experience the inside of the store. The team treated me life family-even better. The books selection is beautiful and they even have stickers, and more than you can imagine adding to your shopping bag such as custom match boxes and custom candles plus more! I could browse all day. The team helped my find books, gave personalized recommendations, and even helped me pick a souvenir, and were so comforting and welcoming while they helped. During the event they were also taking pictures so I could have memories to look back on forever, I didn't need to pull out my phone once. They have it all, the team shines. Beautiful humans with beautiful souls. Huge shoutout to Beth and Tajah for getting wonderful pictures of me that I will cherish forever. Sending hug! Love you Carmichaels! Shoutout Jack Harlow for putting me on. Much love, MB

Carmichael's is a local favorite and I continue to be impressed they've thrived in Louisville,…read morehaving 3 stores. The Highlands location is well known and for years I shopped there every time we waited to be seated at Ramsi's or wanted coffee from Heine Bros. The store offers a variety of books and every inch is packed with their picks; however, I enjoy following their social media pages to stay aware of their events. The website is also full of information, including new books and pre-sales. Carmichael's is an intimate setting of taking turns to see a shelf or corner of the store. That's part of its character. The staff are nearby and ready to help. Street parking. Shop local - buy gift cards.

The joy of the hunt! Is that vintage?…read moreThat's so rare! Did you see what I found! Are the best of things that come from finding a new thrift store and shop. We are in a new city and the finds are very great. We happened upon this unique vintage store. They sell local items and craft creations for sale. It's an all in one type of shop. The staff are very helpful. The store is a small space and parking is on the street . What a cool name too! Come and get your vintage on . They have a great collection of "Louisvilles own unique art of post cards. Love it. Now it's your turn to stop in and see.

Another visit, another t-shirt for my teen - this time a Stone Temple Pilot album cover. This Gen X…read moremom approves. The store has a wall of books and tucked into a corner is also a clearance area. I snagged two books for a total of $1.50! During any visit there's always a lot of visitors and the team greets you at the entrance. Fat Rabbit is a classic store and always fun to browse for clothing, home decor, records, books and more. Street parking.

Small and mighty! I…read moreaccidentally joined a horror book club and now find myself reading a lot more in that genre. Also my fella snagged me a book by local author when Butcher Cabin Books did a pop up at Gore Club one night when I wasn't able to go (he knows the way to my heart is books and cocktails...). So a visit to BCB was high on my to-do-sometime-soon list. One weekend afternoon, after a drop in at Unorthodox up the street, I decided it was time. It is very small inside, but they make very good use of that space. There were quite a few people in there the whole time I was there. They have nice categorization and organization. And having learned from my book club that there are a lot of different kinds of horror books, I quickly had to rein myself in. I allowed myself to get 2 books, so of course I left with buying 3. Book math. But it was just that...they had the editions of the books that I really REALLY wanted and hadn't seen yet at other spots. And a really lovely anniversary cover version of another book. AND a book about our parents dying from another local author. SO LOCAL in fact, that she was actually working the register that day and offered to personalize and sign my book for me! How cool! I also love that this is a family and female owned small business! Ladies supporting local ladies! I will absolutely be back.

If you're a horror fan, you have to check out Butcher Cabin Books! It's a small, super cute…read morehorror-themed bookstore, and even the outside of the building is painted with a horror theme. The whole place has such a fun, spooky vibe. They have a section dedicated to Kentucky authors, which I thought was really cool. The owner has also written a couple of books herself and has a section dedicated to her work where you may even be able to pick up a signed copy. I went in without anything specific in mind and ended up taking the associate's recommendation--and I walked out with a new book! I love when someone can point you toward something you probably wouldn't have picked out yourself. Parking is on the street and was relatively easy to find, and there are a bunch of other little shops along the same area, so it would be easy to make an afternoon out of exploring. Definitely worth stopping in if you love horror, books, or both!

VERY interesting place! Yes, it is run out of the owners house, but you would swear he sleeps on…read morebooks! They are wall to wall, first editions, etc. It's not your typical bookstore with a rack for popular sci-fI, or fantasy, he has complete rooms dedicated to history, arts, self-help, etc. but they are mostly old. The smell of old books permeates the entire house. It's a beautiful thing. Go spend an hour looking at historic Louisville books, (I found a courier journal cookbook from the mid eighties here!) or go upstairs to peruse a wall of art! It's a fantastic place!

From the owner: Buying and Selling Used and Rare Books--Specializing in History, Military, Kentucky, Art & Art…read moreHistory, Philosophy & Religion, Genealogy, Poetry, Fine Leatherbound, Antiquarian, Signed and Collectible, Documents, Posters and Ephemera

Stalwart Books is awesome! This retail shop where you'll find not only books, but also gifts and…read morecrafts, is located in Logan Street Market. All proceeds from the shop go to support a non-profit called OneWord, which provides literacy access and education for those in need in the Louisville area. Stalwart accepts donated books, so if you have any you're looking to clear out of your house, you should definitely consider donating here! Any and all books are accepted, everything from adult novels to children's books, so don't toss anything, just bring them here instead. The owner of the shop is a social worker who has worked in the non-profit world. She had a dream to own a bookstore that would support community literacy, a cause that is personally dear to her, and she's realized that dream with Stalwart! (I recommend reading the bio of the shop on the Logan Street Market website, there's more awesome information there.) I really can't speak highly enough of this shop. It's easily accessible within the market, offers tons of merchandise to shop for such a small space, takes donations, and all proceeds go to benefit an important cause. Plus, you'll receive great service! Stephanie is really friendly, and she's there to help if you're looking for something specific. If you're in the market for books or gifts, definitely make Stalwart one of your first stops!

The Rosewater is a used bookstore that is ran by volunteers and supports the south end community…read morewith their sales. We were greeted right away by a volunteer working to organize and check-in donated books. One side of the renovated house holds fiction and another holds non-fiction. Upstairs is a kids area, restroom, and closets full of paperbacks. A few tables and the closets offered 3 or 2 books for $1. Quite a deal when you are like me, not searching for a particular book, just looking for an interesting story. In the front room near the register you can find vintage and collectible books as well as new arrivals. I also appreciated that coffee and tea were made for those that wanted to sit and stay awhile. Tell your friends about the Rosewater - I'm sure it's a hidden store. I've been incredibly close to it (across from the Streatery) and had no idea! Because it is a used bookstore, you can't guarantee they have what you're looking for, but the thrill is in finding what you didn't know you needed. Street parking is fairly easy to find. Near food and coffee shops.

a wonderful and affordable bookstore! I came for Indie Bookstore Day and i appreciate the wide…read moreselection here. All books are under the flat price of $5 for paperbacks and $7 for hardcovers with some books that are in their sales closets for even cheaper. They also have a great kids selection. This place is also nonprofit and run by volunteers!

Eclectic store over Decca Restaurant on East Market Street in NuLu stocking boutique wine, curated…read morebourbon, unique books and unusual vinyl albums. Soon to offer wine tastings this shop is worth a stop when you're exploring all NuLu has to offer. Check it out!

They always have a book I pick up and LOVE! And staff is always so friendly, kind, and…read moreknowledgeable! Great experience!!

Very quaint enjoyable shop with new items and a decent children/young adult selection to keep the…read moreyoung minds reading. No discounts but love to support local shops. Service was a welcoming hello and and an appreciated check out.

Carmichael's is a must-visit every time I am in Louisville. The booksellers are some of the nicest…read morepeople I have ever met (to the bookseller who complimented my Dan and Phil shirt-- you rock!). Everyone I have met there has been an avid reader and offered great recommendations. The store is laid out in an inviting and cozy way. It's easy to browse and get lost in the rows of shelves. I specifically found myself lost in the religion and spirituality section for over an hour last time because they had such a great collection of books. I especially loved all the local and regional authors I was able to find! I don't ever expect indie booksellers to have sales, so seeing so many discounted options was a treat for me! Everything is reasonably priced without the sales, too. Do not miss Carmichael's if you're in Louisville; it's simply the best!

I love the greatest escape because it brings you back to a childhood. It's one of those old-school…read morevibe type of comic book places and sometimes they don't always have a comic book that I want, but they sure have the energy that I need.

Being as I am a total nerd and lover of comics, video games, movies and music, I am always up for…read morechecking out shops that feature any or all of this type of merchandise. I was told by a friend of mine about Great Escape as a store in Louisville that I should certainly check out and well, after taking a trip recently, I absolutely agree. Great Escape is a store that might be a bit of a sensory overload for you if you're the kind of nerd like I am that also has a fine appreciation for vinyl as well as comics and even classic video games. Vintage shops are some of my favorite places to check out and Great Escape is now my go-to place for such items. Upon entering, you will immediately take a trip to wherever your nerdy imagination desires whether it be heading towards their insanely impressive collection of Star Wars toys or the amazing display of vintage vinyl records and music on a variety of other platforms. Great Escape also has a great selection of video games from just about any era of gaming from Atari all the way to the current generation of gaming which as a video game collector certainly was pleasing. The assortment of comics will keep you here flipping through them for hours as Great Escape has a number of classic stories that should please any comic book fan and what's even more impressive is the prices are extremely reasonable from discounts on graphic novels to a $.99 section of comics which provides a wide assortment that any fan, young or old, can appreciate. If you are looking for the place to shop for vintage comics, movies, music and more, look no further than the Great Escape as it will captivate you with the sheer amount of treasures you will find and even some you didn't know you wanted.