One of the many joys of traveling is visiting local bookstores and coffee shops wherever we happen to be.

During a recent trip to San Francisco, we stopped by City Lights in North Beach and were charmed as always.

Not only do they have a phenomenal selection of books that remind me just how many classics and poetry collections I’ve neglected to read over the years (tsk, tsk), but they’re a publisher as well.

I always love having the opportunity to stumble upon titles by authors I probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Adding to the ambiance at City Lights are the charming handwritten signs hung throughout. One of them read “Stash Your Sell-Phone and Be Here Now.” Deliberately misspelled of course. Did I snap a pic of this for posterity’s sake?

Yes I did. 😆 The irony is not lost on me, even if I really appreciate the sentiment. Maybe next time I’ll refrain.

What’s your favorite bookstore to have a seat + read a book?