With school winding down and the impending relief of slackening schedules upon us, many locals will be heading up north to take in their bright summer days on Michigan’s beautiful shores. Whether it’s a few days, a few weeks or the break in its entirety, tight routines will quickly unravel letting loose wanton hours for pleasure reading. 

While big chain book retailers continue to shimmy, Michigan boasts a solid slew of fabulous independent bookstores throughout the state. An indie worth its salt is staffed with a knowledgable crew that not only loves to shoot the breeze about books, but can often provide you with the perfect pick regardless of your literary appetite. 

If you’re headed Up North and are looking for a good read, an independent bookseller is a great way to go. Not only will you be falling into unique establishments that house both fringe and mainstream literary works, but you'll also be adding much needed fuel to Michigan’s economy and the book industry at large. 

While I can’t possibly cover all the indies in northern Michigan, here are a few of my personal favorites. Keep in mind that author events, book signings, and related discussions often go hand in hand with individual bookstores. Also, most progressive booksellers roll with the techno tide and provide related links on their homepage and can likewise be followed on facebook and Twitter. 

Independent Booksellers due North

• If you’re headed to Petoskey, stop in at McLean and Eakin.
• If you’re headed to Gaylord, stop in at Saturn Booksellers.
• If you’re headed to Traverse City, stop in at Horizon Books. 
• If you’re headed to Glen Arbor, stop in at Cottage Books.
• If you’re headed to Northport, stop in at Dog Ears Books.
• If you’re headed to Suttons Bay, stop in at Brilliant  Books.

*Know of other great bookstores? Please feel free to add them in Comments!