Speciality & Gift Shops

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Monday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Write a review

About

Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent bookstore. We are one of the largest bookstores in New England. Northshire Bookstore was voted Best Bookstore in the country by Publishers Weekly magazine and Best of New England by Yankee magazine. Come see why so many people rave about this full-service, old world but up-to-date store. Many gifts as well as books and a whole floor devoted to Children!

Suggest edits to improve what we show.

Improve this listing

Full view

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area

Address

Reach out directly

Best nearby

Restaurants

59 within 3 miles

Up For Breakfast

924

462 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Nipper's Cafe

417

0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Little Rooster Cafe

432

0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

YE OLDE TAVERN

1,548

0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood

Thai Basil

482

444 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Christos' Pizza & Pasta

280

425 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly

Gringo Jack's

667

0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly

Seasons Restaurant

449

0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

The Works Bakery Cafe

129

0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Ponce Bistro

211

0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Contemporary • Healthy

See all

Attractions

35 within 6 miles

The Vintage Soul at The Old Country Store Of Manchester

The Shires of Vermont

3

0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Manchester Farmer's Market

3

0.2 miFarmers Markets

Yves Delorme

371 ftDepartment Stores

Manchester Vermont Historical Society

1

0.4 miHistory Museums

North Meadow Farm

123

1.9 miFarms

Long Ago and Far Away

0.1 miArt Galleries

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

1,452

2.7 miHistoric Sites • History Museums

See all

See what travelers are saying

Dan M
Stonington, Connecticut22 contributions
A place to find that book you didn't know you had to have
I generally try and swing by the local bookstore in any town I visit (if there is one), and I have to say that Northshire Bookstore is one of the best out there. Don't let the building exterior deceive you. This a large store with room after room of shelves and an expansive variety of titles. Will you find everything? No. But they clearly curate their title selection with care. What they do have is thoughtful and smart and shows someone understands the subject matter. I found a recent book I wanted to buy, but my local bookstore doesn't carry; a book that I meant to buy, but forgot about; and a book I never knew existed, but was thrilled to discover. Forget the online algorithms, this place reminds you how much fun it is to poke around a store and be surprised.
Visited May 2024
Traveled as a couple
Written May 17, 2024
O4534SDjenniferb
Beverly, Massachusetts14 contributions
Amazing selection!
We love coming to this bookstore. I love the staff picks and always agree with the reviewers. There are cute toys and fun gifts if you are looking to bring back souvies. My kids love the book sections because there are entire bookcases of graphic novels. Everyone can find a great book here!
Visited May 2024
Traveled with family
Written May 26, 2024
Erin R
9 contributions
Terrific bookstore.
One of the best bookshops I’ve ever seen. Great selection, including gifts and souvenirs and rare books too! The whole third floor is dedicated to children. Don’t miss the arch of books!
Visited August 2024
Traveled with family
Written August 16, 2024

These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Contribute

Write a review Upload a photo

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0

331 reviews

Excellent

294

Very good

26

Average

4

Poor

5

Terrible

2

Rita B

5 contributions

A delightful well stocked bookstore

Feb 2020

We took our 2 year old to this bookstore on a cold blustery day while her parents skied. The 5th floor children's section has toys and so many books we did not know where to start. We found plenty to occupy us for a few hours. We made some purchases which both grandchildren loved. The staff was very helpful.There is a cafe also. Next time we will check out the adult floors.

Written February 22, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David J

2 contributions

New England's best bookstore!

Oct 2021

This quaint little New England bookstore is just perfect. It is always exciting to check it out when we are in the town of Manchester. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. They have little areas where you can sit down and read a bit. There is even a children's section upstairs. We always make a point to come here when we are passing through. There is a parking lot tucked away past Charlie's Coffee House, north on Bonnet street if you can't find roadside parking. You can even charge an EV up in that lot.

Written October 8, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nina R

2 contributions

Snooty much?

Jul 2020 • Solo

Firstly, I would like to say that this is a beautiful bookstore. It makes me sad that the staff aren't friendly because it has such potential. I felt this way in highschool and now as a mother, bringing my child in to explore books there. The level of snootiness is unprecedented at Northshire. As much as I want to I support local bookstores, I would much rather give my money to friendlier more welcoming establishments.

Written July 31, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DACAA

Philadelphia, PA11 contributions

Excellent selection across genres

Jul 2023 • Friends

Fantastic collection of both new and used books. The history, music, art , and biography sections were just as well curated as the fiction and general interest books. The children’s area is on the top floor, retaining the lower floor for adult browsing. Excellent suggestions as well!

Written July 13, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dan M

Stonington, CT22 contributions

A place to find that book you didn't know you had to have

May 2024 • Couples

I generally try and swing by the local bookstore in any town I visit (if there is one), and I have to say that Northshire Bookstore is one of the best out there. Don't let the building exterior deceive you. This a large store with room after room of shelves and an expansive variety of titles. Will you find everything? No. But they clearly curate their title selection with care. What they do have is thoughtful and smart and shows someone understands the subject matter. I found a recent book I wanted to buy, but my local bookstore doesn't carry; a book that I meant to buy, but forgot about; and a book I never knew existed, but was thrilled to discover. Forget the online algorithms, this place reminds you how much fun it is to poke around a store and be surprised.

Written May 17, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elaine H

1 contribution

I'm okay thank you

Jun 2022 • Solo

I was asked by 4 different employees if I needed any help with anything. One person asked me twice. I like to browse a bookstore and drink my coffee. I shouldn't feel rushed and feel like a stockboy is going to jump out of every corner.

Written July 13, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OntheFlyGuy

East Hampton, NY88 contributions

Perfect Bookstore

Feb 2022

I would say that one of the reasons we most look forward to visiting Manchester is to go to the Northshire Bookstore. It has something for everyone there and is well-organized with reading suggestions from employees. There are even VT gifts and crafts for those who are not bibliophiles.

Written February 28, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kathymcassola

Warwick, RI8 contributions

Quest for best bookstore is over

Jul 2023 • Couples

Have been searching for the perfect bookstore for years. No need to look any further. Not just that it is huge but that there are recommendations all over the shelves and people who write the recommendations all over the floor ready to help. Wonderful booksellers. Astounding selection. Almost enough places to sit.

Written August 5, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tamara

New York City, NY56 contributions

Amazing World

Apr 2022 • Friends

This might be the best bookstore, ever!! It's is such a magical adventurous experience for any avid reader!!
The book is large & filled with books, toys & gifts.
The bookstore attendant, Sam was the bestest of the best. She was kind, smart, attentive & eager to assist us with our book finds. In addition, she gave us the perfect recommendations for our stay in Manchester.

Written April 24, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin R

9 contributions

Terrific bookstore.

Aug 2024 • Family

One of the best bookshops I’ve ever seen. Great selection, including gifts and souvenirs and rare books too! The whole third floor is dedicated to children. Don’t miss the arch of books!

Written August 16, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2

…

Showing results 1-10 of 327