Date Visited: March 28, 2016
Location: 440 Greenfield Rd, Montague, MA
Hours: Mon-Wed 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Thu-Sun 10 a.m. 8:00 p.m.
Parking: there is lots of parking on the side and back of the book store. There is also a lot across the street from the bookstore.
Do you like books? How about mills? Then I have just the place for you. But, this is no ordinary book store. A former gristmill now operating as a used book store, the Bookmill has gone through many changes throughout its history. But, it still keeps true to its beginnings. The structure is largely the very same one that operated as a mill so long ago and the brook that runs along the two floor book shop is the very same one they used to power the gristmill so long ago.
Upon arriving at the Bookmill, the first thing you notice is the brook fed by a waterfall adjacent to the shop.
A short easy to walk path takes you to the source of the stream of water.
The short waterfall and stream can be pretty fast in some spots. But, when I came to visit it slowed down after it plummeted down the waterfall.
After the short walk back up the trail, you can access the bookstore by a wooden walkway with some more views of the waterfall and stream.
Or, you can just walk straight across (the easier route, less scenic route).
The great thing about the Bookmill is that it has kept much of the original charm and design of the past. Narrow stairwells and cozy corners are the hallmark of the shop. Memorabilia, such as old style typewriters, are scattered throughout the store. The staff doesn’t rush you nor do you feel a sense that profit is their main driver. Service and a respect for books seems to be the most important thing t the staff. It’s a great place for any book lover and anyone who loves to lounge around historic places.
They even have newspaper clippings and memorabilia along the walls in the more private areas.
The Bookmill is not the only shop in the area. In the shopping area there is also a cafe, The Lady Killigrew Cafe, located next to the book store and The Alvah Stone, a restaurant. There are also two art studios and an entertainment/media store called Turn It Up. Turn It Up specializes in selling cd’s, dvd’s, vinyl and even cassette tapes. They also sell other memorabilia. It’s a unique store in a very unique shopping area.
The owner of Turn It Up let me photograph his 10 year old dog and part owner, Daisy.
Below is a video of the waterfall and stream next to the Bookmill.
Please stop by and connect with me on my Facebook page: New England Nomad
May 29th, 2016 at 10:10 pm
Hey. Looks Awesome. Great read as always. Thank you. Dan
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May 30th, 2016 at 2:50 am
Thank you Dan!
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May 29th, 2016 at 10:47 pm
Thanks for wandering to such a lovely place. I’d enjoy strolling along the shops and the bookstore, as well as the nature spots you’ve highlighted.
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May 30th, 2016 at 3:08 am
Thank you! It is such a fun and relaxing place. I would go there everyday if I lived closer to the place. In fact, as I was photographing the area I noticed a lot of people were greeting each other there by first name. So a lot of people seem to be regulars there.
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May 30th, 2016 at 2:50 am
This place looks amazing! Alas, so far from Alabama 😦 lol
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May 30th, 2016 at 3:17 am
Oh too bad! It is such a cool place. Maybe they will build a place like this near you! Roll Tide! 🙂
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May 30th, 2016 at 9:41 am
I like how you really dig into these out of the way places and make people want to remember to take a break and visit if they are driving by.
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May 30th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Thank you! I think it’s important for people to get out and experience these places on their own (even if they do seem far flung from where they are now), if they can and I also think it’s important to try to encourage people to go to these places so they can remain in business and remain a fixture in their communities.
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May 30th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Nothing beats a good book store! And one in a former mill looks especially interesting.
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May 30th, 2016 at 2:40 pm
It’s also such a relaxing atmosphere. You can buy a book and a coffee, beer, whatever and just lounge in the cafe or read outside at one of the tables. Thank you for stopping by!
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May 31st, 2016 at 1:22 pm
I’ve been there. Great spot to bring a date.
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June 3rd, 2016 at 2:13 am
[…] are Gill-Montague and the Turner Falls Roadway. But, since I was in Montague visiting the Montague Bookmill, I thought I would make a quick stop […]
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June 5th, 2016 at 1:55 am
All you have to say is books! I’m there 🙂 one day! This place is on my must see in person list. It looks beautiful. How nice to use the historic buildings rather than tear them down.
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June 6th, 2016 at 12:36 am
It’s definitely a must-see if you’re in the area
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June 6th, 2016 at 1:00 am
I have to make sure I am in the area!
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