White Birch Books

North Conway, New Hampshire
44°3′6″N 71°7′22″W
Est. 1765
"Live Free, or Die"

New Hampshire has been a favorite vacation spot for us ever since one of our closest family friends got married at Cathedral Ledge, Conway (Attitash).  We escape the insanities of daily life there, multiple times a year.  The view of the mountains, bubbling of the creaks, thunder of the waterfalls (Diana's Baths is my sanity savior), and kindheartedness of the locals never cease bring us a kind of peace we are to busy for on the daily.  It's a needed reminder to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate everything you have. 

If you've not been to North Conway specifically, I suggest you go.  It's a small, scenic town, teeming with history.  From the five and dime store, to the North Conway Scenic Train, Story Land and Living Shores Aquarium… there is a never endling list of fun activities to do as a family.  Traveling on your own?  There are ski in and out resorts all over (I HIGHLY suggest the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash… clean, large rooms for great prices, heated pool and jacuzzies, restaurant, etc., or if you want a bit more luxury, the Mt. Washington Resort Hotel), shopping through the historic part of town, as well as the outlets (L.L.Bean outlet is my go to for flannels while there), and hiking trails just about every 20 feet (or so it seems) off all the roads.   

The book witch I am though, means a trip to White Birch Books is always required when visiting.  Situated on the main strip through downtown North Conway, but tucked back from the road, White Birch Books is in a beautiful, old building with an adorable octagonal shaped porch and purple "pergola" in the front.  Front doors grace the entryway foyer with stained glass windows featuring their namesake, white birch trees.  In this vestibule, you'll find free maps of North Conway for your travel needs, local newspapers and magazines, as well as advertisements for local activities, music, restaurants, etc.   Stepping through the stained glass door, you enter what seems like a small space, filled with bookish goods ranging from mugs, decorative paper, cards, totes, etc.  Right by this doorway is a set up of staff picks of favorite books, recommendations, and newly published works.  Walking farther in, you pass the register and this is where the store opens up into its full two floor glory.  Follow the red carpet road, and you'll be led to a first floor with floor to ceiling shelves filled with books, a cozy seating area, and more shelves tucked about.  Fun black signs with pointing hands direct you to fiction and non fiction, etc.  There's a great section of local NH history, some beautiful journals, and a well organized and alphabetized bookshop itself.  Once you finish perusing the first floor, head up the wide staircase to the second floor which houses the children's books, YA, and bargain books.

I have never left White Birch empty handed, in all the years I've gone there.  As they are small, they usually only have one or two copies of the newest titles; however, they have a large collection of modern books that will peak your interest.  This year was the first year my daughter, who has finally begun to show an interest in reading, was the one who asked when we could go to White Birch because she was looking for the first two books of a YA series she's been interested in trying.  Needless to say we found the entire collection there, though we only got the first two books of the series to start, and she is very much enjoying it.  Of course, I found two titles I was looking for as well, "The Age of Magical Overthinking" by Amanda Montell, and "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree.  (If you want to see my reviews of what I'm reading, head over to the app or website for Goodreads, and shoot us a friend request… we're under Rarities Books & Bindery).

The staff at White Birch are fantastic.  Quiet and kind.  They know their inventory, so don't hesitate to ask if you don't see what you're looking for.  Always smiling and welcoming every customer that walks in… and were highly amused by my daughters antics too (she's ten and quite outgoing so not hard to be a bit charmed by her freckled, Elvin face). 

White Birch Books is a sweet, little, and slightly hidden gem in the historic downtown section of North Conway, NH, that I suggest every bibliophile visit when in the area.  For more information on them, and to see their inventory, visit their website www.whitebirchbooks.com, and their social medias (both Facebook and Instagram) @WhiteBirchBooks.  

Be sure to also follow us at Rarities on our socials (@RaritiesOnline) or by signing up for our newsletter on via our website (raritiesonline.com) to keep updated on this blog! 

We've got more New Hampshire coming up for you in future posts, as well as past travels and visits to bookstores in London & Oxford, UK; Banglore, India; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and of course some of my favorites here at home in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Until next time…
Happy reading!

​-K