I go to Border’s and occasionally Barnes & Noble like most people.  However, my favorite bookstore is Austin’s own BookPeople. BookPeople began in 1970 in the student district at the edge of the University of Texas, Austin as Grok Books.  Now at 40,000 SF it’s the largest independent bookstore in Texas.

The store is located on the corner of Sixth Street and Lamar close to other Austin mainstays such as Whole Foods, and Amy’s Ice Cream.  It’s filled with nooks and crannies where you can go hide and look through your favorite magazine or book–my favorite is the barber’s chair on the second floor.  The gift selection is “Austin Hippie” and includes an eclectic variety including incense, statues of Buddha,  Jesus and Sigmund Freud action figures, handcrafted jewelry….

BookPeople also has frequent events that showcase local and national authors.  Authors that have shown up at BookPeople include Amy Henry of Apprentice fame, Kinky Friedman, Deepak Chopra.  Check out the events schedule at their website and definitely check out the bookstore.

BookPeople, 603 North Lamar, (512) 472-5050.  http://www.bookpeople.com/