Local Store – …on the B.L.

I love independent bookstores. I try to shop at and support them as much as I possibly can. When I travel to new places, I’m trying to visit as many local bookstores as I can. I think they’re a unique look into the towns they inhabit. Off the Beaten Path is Steamboat Springs’ local bookshop, which has been open since 1990. I have been stopping in every time I’m in town my whole life.

Walking into Off the Beaten Path is a fun experience. There are huge windows letting tons of natural light into the store, which would be very dark otherwise due to the wood. There is nature inspired art everywhere. Large multi-colored leaves hang from the ceiling. A New Release room is at the front of the store with other sections scattered throughout the store. An upstairs area has new and used books with extra seating for reading, working, or people watching. They have cute items too. I almost bought a fox shaped mug. I did buy a small bag with the words goal digger written on the front.

They have a beautiful selection of books ranging from best sellers, to indie, to children’s, and more. I always love seeing what local bookstores choose to include in their inventory, and Off the Beaten Path does not disappoint. I could have bought more than I did, but I have a huge stack waiting for me at home.

I have several books I absolutely adore. I love finding different editions. Off the Beaten Path had some hard to find versions of the classics. I caved and bought a leather bound edition of Edith Wharton’s Age of Innocence because it’s one of my favorites.

In the middle of the store, there is seating around a full cafe supplying baked goods and quirky drink options. They have great Seven Layer Bars. Their coffees are named after famous books and iconic characters. I tried several, and they were all yummy. The baristas were really lovely and competent. They do serve alcoholic beverages, but I’m sober.

I have a hard time working places outside my own home environment. I was so comfortable in Off the Beaten Path I was actually able to sit down and get work done not once but twice.

Off the Beaten Path
68 9th Street
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970.879.6830
Instagram – @steamboat_books
Facebook – @offthebeatenpathbookstore

Bathhouse Soapery

Last post from my trip to Arkansas last month. It’s also a really short one! Mostly fueled by my love for being sudsy and smelling nice.

Talking about one of my favorite… What goes better together than books and a bubble bath? Not much.

I found Bathhouse Soapery a couple years ago when I was wandering around downtown Hot Springs. The store is just the cutest! I am absolutely in love with their soaps and scrubs and bath bombs and everything in between. Every time I visit my grandparents, I stop and stock up. So many varieties. So many colors. So many opportunities for relaxation.

I really don’t know much about their store, but they have three locations: Hot Springs, Natchitoches, St. Charles, and you can shop online! I swear by them. The staff is always really nice and knowledgeable. Ready with suggestions if you want to combine scents, which you can do with their scrubs. One of my favorite things of theirs. They have everything you could possibly need and want. It’s not just for the ladies either; there are a lot of masculine scents too. Although, I’m more drawn to those than the flowers. My guy friends enjoy the soaps as much as my lady friends.

Bathhouse Soapery

366 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 525-7627
Instagram: @bathhousesoap

*I wish this post were sponsored, but it is not. I have spent tons of my own money at this store. I am a believer. I have also converted my friends.