Connecticut Charm |The Book Barn | Niantic, East Lyme, CT | Part 1

The Book Barn in Niantic, East Lyme, CT is one of my favorite places in the state. Last Tuesday for Election Day I was fortunate enough to have the day off of work so I took the drive down to the shoreline by myself with some books from my shelf to trade in. They have three locations in town, but this one in particular is my favorite because of all the adventures you can have touring the grounds. The Book Barn is open from 9 a.m. -9 p.m. year round.

Last winter Matthew and I were driving along the coast and I saw the Book Barn from the passenger side window and vowed I would return. I first made a visit this summer and have returned a couple times since then.

The village of Niantic, East Lyme borders the Connecticut shoreline. The village has the cutest shops, a theater, numerous places to eat, and a lovely beach and boardwalk. I will be sharing images of the village and the other two Book Barn locations in my second Niantic post. You can sell your used books here for cash or trade them in for store credit. There are two goats, seven cats, and numerous coy fish! This press is rumored to be a press used by Mark Twain. The Annex is my favorite book barn collection. This is where you will find poetry, fiction, and romance. I have a soft spot for old books of poetry. I first discovered James Whitcomb Riley here and since then I have found several more of his books on these shelves. The green books are from 1910 and they not only have sweet poems, but lovely illustrations as well. See that old little red out house in the photo below? Yes, it is filled with books too! (And no, it is not an operational outhouse these days.)The kids love this incredible play area. So many cars, wagons, a mini house, and even a pirate ship playground. Here you will find horror stories and mystery. You will find many hidden coves for reading your favorite finds. This is a book store meant for exploration and to linger in.
Because I took so many photographs I broke down my Niantic CT post into two blogs. I will show you the gorgeous little seaside village as well as the other two book barn locations in the second post. The Book Barn in Niantic has books both old and new for any topic imaginable. There is so much to discover and so many places to play. Rain, shine, or even snow, I will be coming back as frequently as I can!