“We stopped in Grayling for lunch on our way north to Sault Ste. Marie for our vacation. I tried to find as many locally-owned businesses to visit along the way that catered to our interests. Hidden Nook Booksellers in downtown Grayling was one of the places on my list, and I'm so glad we were able to stop there. If you are into D&D, Magic: The Gathering, or tabletop RPGs, they have a great selection of books, cards, board games, and accessories. What really set this place apart was the customer service. After browsing a bit, my son struck up a conversation with a staff member about Magic: The Gathering. Even though my son hadn't picked out an item yet, the employee generously gave him two welcome decks (green and black Marvel decks) for free. That level of community-focused engagement is rare, and it definitely made a lasting impression. We walked out with an MTG booster pack, a couple of books for my wife, and a deep appreciation for the store's standout charm (they also carry great shirts, stickers, and gifts). Whether you're passing through town on vacation or live nearby, make the effort to check out the Hidden Nook—it's a truly unique independent bookstore worth supporting.”
Barnes & Noble is proving that physical bookstores aren't going anywhere. The retailer just opened three new locations across Texas and South Carolina, marking another step in its comeback story. Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in 2024 alone - more than it had opened in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. The company isn't slowing down either, with plans to open more than 60 new stores in 2025 and a goal of reaching over 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years.
