No, you didn’t read that wrong … this is a Spotlight on Bookstores post about a restaurant. But it’s not just any restaurant …
For years, when J and I made the trip between our home near Boston and his family in New Jersey, we passed a huge sign on Route 84 in Connecticut, near the Massachusetts border. The sign reads “FOOD … BOOKS” two of the essential elements to life, in my judgment!
And for years, we never stopped. We saved our meal breaks for Rein’s Deli in Vernon (highly recommended for the food; alas, they have no books!). And so it went, year after year (18 since we started dating!), driving Route 84 past that enticing sign.
That changed this summer, due to strategic planning on my part. We were driving back from visiting a friend in Connecticut; this is only about a 2 1/2 hour drive, but I had timed it so that the kids’ “belly alarms” would be going off – they’re vocal when they’re hungry. And they knew there were books in it for them. And, the final piece of the puzzle … I was in complete control behind the wheel, so J couldn’t drive past saying, “we’ll just eat when we get home.”
Yay, I won!
So, we pulled into the parking lot next to this nondescript building (and that wonderful sign! I swear, it was glowing in the midday sun!)
We stepped inside and were greeted by a bookcase. No, not a walking/talking bookcase, but this stack labeled “children’s books.” After we dragged the younger kids away from their quest of scanning the titles and pictures, we were shown to a table for six.
The menu is what you might expect – lots of fried food, club sandwiches, and deli food. After being assured it was freshly made that morning, I enjoyed a yummy (non #gameondiet) tuna melt with fries. J had his usual turkey club and gave it a thumbs up.
So, what makes this a bookstore? What makes this worth a stop instead of letting that sign pass by in a blur once again? The books!
With every meal, we were allowed to choose THREE books from the stacks on the first floor. J and I passed (have you seen my TBR?!?), but the kids loved browsing the shelves and selecting their books.
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.
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The basement level is a full-fledged second-hand bookstore, with books for sale. The titles were less-than-fresh on the day we visited, but I understand that the inventory is constantly changing.
Is The Traveler Restaurant worth a look? Well, it won’t become a regular stop on in our travels, but I’m glad I finally go to see what it was all about. If, like me, you’ve passed by it too many times to count … do take the exit on your next trip, and satisfy your curiosity.
What a cool place and great idea. Fun! And when I’m on the road, I’m usually not worrying about gameon!
What a neat idea. And a great break for you and J while you are on the road. At the bookstore the kids can meander and get some energy out walking through and looking at books. And then sit back down in the car or at the table to eat. .
The miracle is that after 18 years this place is still there! What fun! (and oh, if only I restricted my apostasies just to tuna melts!!!)
I’ve been there on my way from Boston to East Granby! I like the tuna melt and the turkey club, but the books and wandering around are the big draw for me!
I hopst a group called New England Bloggers on my blog, if you’d like to check it out. Leave a comment if you’re interested.
Looks like an awesome place. Next time I visit my sister, we’ll have to go there.
What fun! I would have especially loved that place as a child–I refused to eat unless I had a book in my hand at the same time!
food and books…how lovely. I will have to make note of this for my next trip north.
I really need to plan a whole New England Book Related Sites Tour….
You had me at three-free, books that is. I make that drive a couple of times a year on business, and I know where we’ll be stopping for a break. Is it open for dinner–looks like a lunch place.
It looks like those books made your kids happy!
What a cool place. If I’m ever driving through that part of the country, I’ll be sure to stop!
Books and food? Food and books? Sounds like a winner to me!
I think the fact that you got to choose 3 books with each meal is really very unique and cool! I am glad that you got a chance to visit such a neat book store.
What a cool idea! You know, I could totally plan a road trip based on all the Spotlight posts. It would probably be the best vacation ever.
since you live sort of near Connecticut, you might be interested in this festival with the fam.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1550048955.html
How cool! I’ve never seen a combination restaurant/bookstore… and the fact that you can take copies home with you is super nice and awesome!
Wonderful idea to combine food and books. Works for me every time.
that is so awesome!!
Awh.. this is great. I love to read and eat, but don’t do it since no one in my family does (read that is)… so I have to have manners.. DANG..But if they are watching tv, I should feel like it is okay…. I think…..
Dawn — we are planning an “east” trip next spring — this goes on my list of we must visit. I love finding other people who would make a bookstore/restaurant a must stop too! Thanks so much for sharing.
Sallie
What a wonderful idea!
What a cool concept!
I’d driven past that place dozens times, probably, before I finally decided to stop. I’ve long since moved away from Boston, so its cool to see that its still around.
OMG!
This is a *huge* blast from my past, haha. I went to college in Hartford so I’ve driven by this place hundreds of times. I’d never gone in but always wondered how it could keep a float since it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere with not a whole lot around it. I love that you’re showcasing it here so I can finally get a peek inside.
I have made this a required stop on my way to Boston ( kids in college) for more 20 years or so. the three free books are an occassional special, but they always give one free books. Great selection too. I have found wonderful treasures there both upstairs and downstairs. Plus lots of reasonably priced small gifts, cards etc. ( think stocking stuffers)
Recently the place has had a facelift and the food was great last weekend. Across the parking lot is a country store and a small antique center.