Explore top bookish must-do’s with Orlando influencer and book club host Paige Bryant.
Orlando has quickly become a beloved spot for book lovers of all kinds. Whether you are an avid reader or simply getting into reading, Orlando offers tons of ways to discover our bookish community and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy. From local bookstores to book-themed events, here are some of my favorite places to shop small, explore new worlds and make new friends in Orlando — all with a bookish twist.
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Local Bookstores
If you love to shop small, you’re in luck! There are plenty of locally owned bookstores throughout and near Orlando. Many of them even offer events, author panels, midnight release parties and so much more. I personally find something new and different at each of these stores, so definitely check them all out.
The New Romantics
3018 Corrine Drive, Orlando FL 32803
Our first stop is The New Romantics, located east of downtown in the Audubon Park Garden District. This is Orlando’s first romance-only bookstore, featuring books from a diverse range of authors and romance genres. They value community, inclusion, connection, empathy, love, passion, respect and gratitude. They constantly have a packed schedule full of author panels and events. You can also catch their book truck, Poppy, roaming around town or set up at local events for even more fun shopping!
Discover: Things to Do in Audubon Park
Authentic Books
1815 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Another local favorite is Authentic Books in the Ivanhoe Village Main Street district. This is a Black- and woman-owned store. It’s also Orlando’s first and only sensory bookstore where you can pair books with items that engage each of your five senses. They offer monthly book boxes, with 5% of all membership fees donated to causes supporting children's literacy and education. I love this store because you can find some great thriller books, as well as super fun bookish themed events like themed murder mystery parties, candle making classes and more.
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Writer’s Block Bookstore
316 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Writer’s Block is another great, locally beloved bookstore for you to add to your list. Located north of Orlando in Winter Park, this quaint little bookstore was among the top five finalists for Publisher Weekly’s 2024 Bookstore of the Year and Southern Living’s list of top bookstores to visit in Florida. They offer new releases, New York Times best-sellers and indie books, as well as unique gifts, games, journals, writing tools and more! I love finding signed copies from local authors here, and my kids love their children’s section of books as well.
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Writer’s Block also hosts virtual and in-store events with nationally recognized authors, as well as discounts for educators, book clubs and other groups.
The Story Room Collective
805 W Central Blvd Suite 3411, Orlando, FL 32805
The Story Room Collective is one of Orlando’s newest women- and Latina-owned bookstores that you need to check out. They’re located inside Van Goghblin Café in the Parramore District, so you can easily grab a coffee or even a local beer and explore their adorable shop. They specialize in fantasy, sci-fi, romance and indie reads, while also celebrating and supporting diverse and independent authors. You can also find bookish themed products from Vintage Ink Stationery here, as well as tons of events like book clubs, trivia, author panels and more!
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BookBurn Cafe & Social
2425 E South St, Orlando, FL 32803
Looking for a casual vibe where you can grab a coffee, local beer or glass of wine while you shop and read? Check out the first Filipino, LGBTQ+ owned bookstore in Orlando, BookBurn Cafe & Social. Like most bookstores in Orlando, BookBurn supports the LGBTQ+ community and offers a safe space to all, including your fur babies! Rooted in a deep love for community, culture and storytelling, you’ll find art and books featured from local authors and artists, as well as tons of events for the bookish community. You’ll love this spot in The Milk District because BookBurn is so much more than just a bookstore. It’s a safe space and sanctuary that celebrates and represents every story.
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Bookish Events In & Near Orlando
Orlando offers many events to truly immerse you in the bookish community, including options in our bookstores and beyond.
Casual Social Events
Casual social events like book clubs, camps, author panels and soirees are all great ways to not only spend time with your bookish besties but also meet new people who have the same passion for the book space as you.
À La Cart
À La Cart is a social dining experience offering local drinks and food trucks across three Orlando locations. They host a free Book Club every other month with themed games, conversation, special guests and more. I actually hosted a book club here, and we had the best time! Their events can be found at @alacartbookclub on Instagram.
Authentic Books
Authentic Books is another personal favorite of mine for local bookish events. Because they are a sensory bookstore, many of their events involve using your sense of smell to create your very own book-themed candle. I have done several of these events and am always so impressed with how they turn out. They also offer different events like Fae yoga, indie author signings, game nights, book club and more.
Pages & Pines
My all-time favorite bookish event is for the outdoor lovers who want to live out their childhood camping dreams. Pages & Pines is an overnight bookish retreat that takes place at local camp sites near Orlando.
This Black- and women-owned business has gone viral on social media for creating an exciting and welcoming space for bookish lovers to spend time with other readers. You can make bookish crafts, meet local authors and explore a book fair, and you can’t forget all the fun camp activities like archery, roasting s’mores, kayaking and much more!
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I also love Pages & Pines because they partner with local non-profit organizations each camp session to give back to the community. Make sure to sign up for these camps quickly, as spots do tend to sell out.
The New Romantics
Even more bookish events can be found at The New Romantics. I love the author panels they organize. You get to listen to the writer speak and get a signed, deluxe copy of their book. They also offer other events like book clubs, in-store author signings, watch parties, new release parties, writers meet-ups, audiobook walking club and more.
Kossina Creative Photography
Wanting to do a little special something for you or even your partner? Participate in your very own book glam and boudoir session with Kossina Creative Photography in Avalon Park. Inspired by all books or even your favorite book, Amanda Kossina and her incredible team will set the scene for your bookish glam session where you can relax and embrace your beauty while celebrating one of your favorite hobbies: reading! I loved doing a bookish glam session here. They made me feel so comfortable and I am in love with the way my photos turned out!
Fantasy Ball & Formal Events
If you love putting on a ballgown or cosplay costume and dancing the night away with bookish friends, then you are definitely going to want to check out some of the awesome events held by Alluxia Events and Villains & Vixens.
Alluxia Events
Alluxia Events is where the world of fantasy is brought to life. We’re talking ballgowns, DJs, photo opportunities and even dragons. Yes, I said dragons! Their next event in Orlando is Enchanted: Live the Fantasy (July 24 – 26, 2026) at Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate.
I have been to several events held by Alluxia Events and have always had an incredible time. They really go all out and even bring in local performers for entertainment throughout the night. You can also participate in their enchanted workshops and other events leading up to the night of the ball, like an escape room, potion making class, cosplay styling classes, fantasy themed fitness classes, DND sessions, sword & shield training, and more.
Villains & Vixens
Villains & Vixens is another bookish convention and soiree. It is newer to the Orlando community, but is already getting book lovers excited. This is an 18+ event where all genres are welcome, because villains and vixens can be found in every story. They have a two-day event with author panel sessions from several attending authors and bookish vendors. End your getaway with their Ever After Affair, where you’ll put on your best ball gown or cosplay and party with other bookish lovers!
Places to Settle Down With a Book in Orlando
Orlando has many great spots to relax, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee, enjoy nature, and settle down with your current read. A few of my favorite spots to read are Qreate Coffee, BookBurn Cafe, and local parks like Central Park and Kraft Azalea Park. And if you’re up for a short drive, you can also take a quick trip to one of Florida’s beautiful beaches to relax, soak up the sun, and of course get lost in your favorite book.
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More Literary Hotspots Throughout Orlando
Editor’s Note: Orlando also has significant ties to famous Floridian authors such as Zora Neale Hurston and Jack Kerouac. Drink to your favorite writers at Epilogue, a library-themed speakeasy at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, then walk in their footsteps at the following locations.
Eatonville
Just north of Orlando, Eatonville is the primary setting of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. It’s also the author’s childhood hometown, one of the first all-Black municipalities in the U.S., and the oldest still in existence today. Explore Hurston’s legacy through the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, which is open year-round, and the annual ZORA! Festival, primarily hosted in January.
Discover: Things to Do in Eatonville
Jack Kerouc’s House
Jack Kerouc is best known for his classic novel On the Road, which was published while Kerouac lived here in Orlando’s College Park Main Street district. His creative legacy lives on today in the form of short-term writing residencies, allowing visiting authors to live and work in the home and draw inspiration from the surrounding area. The house is not open for tours or general visitation, but you can often find special readings, potlucks and workshops that are open to the public via @KeroucProject.
Discover: Things to Do in College Park
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
North of Orlando in Ocala is the former home of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, whose time in the Florida scrub inspired Pulitzer Prize-winning works South Moon Under and The Yearling. Experience the real world of Cross Creek as you stroll the grounds and step inside the home on a guided tour (offered on select dates).
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