Love getting lost in a bookstore full of treasures?
Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse in Kent, Ohio, is a literary wonderland where you can spend hours browsing!
Oh, the joys of stumbling upon a hidden gem in your own backyard! It’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket, except this discovery is worth way more than a Jackson.
Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse is nestled in the heart of Kent, a charming college town that’s as cozy as your favorite pair of sweatpants.
As you approach the storefront on East Main Street, you’ll notice the classic brick facade and large windows that offer a tantalizing glimpse of the literary treasures within.
The navy blue awning proudly announces “Last Exit Books,” like a beacon calling all bibliophiles to their literary home.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that’s part time machine, part treasure hunt, and all kinds of wonderful.
The interior is a delightful mishmash of old-world charm and quirky modern touches, like that eccentric aunt who wears vintage Chanel with Converse sneakers.
Bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling, creating a labyrinth of literary delights that would make even the Minotaur say, “I’m not even mad, I’m impressed.”
The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of old books and fresh coffee – a combination so perfect it should be bottled and sold as a perfume called “Eau de Bookworm.”
As you wander through the aisles, you’ll find yourself in a veritable Narnia of novels, a Hogwarts of hardcovers, a Wonderland of words.
The selection is as eclectic as a potluck dinner at a United Nations conference.
From classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, from obscure poetry collections to coffee table books so large they could double as coffee tables themselves – Last Exit Books has it all.
And let’s not forget about the vinyl records section, because nothing says “I’m cultured” quite like sipping artisanal coffee while flipping through vintage LPs.
Speaking of coffee, the in-house coffeehouse is a caffeine lover’s dream come true.
The baristas here are like the Michelangelos of the coffee world, turning each cup into a work of art that’s almost too pretty to drink. Almost.
As you sip your perfectly crafted latte, take a moment to appreciate the quirky decor.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of local art, vintage posters, and enough literary quotes to make even Shakespeare say, “Okay, that’s a bit much.”
One of the most eye-catching features is the large mural of a bespectacled gentleman sipping coffee, looking like he’s about to drop some serious wisdom or a killer pun.
The seating area is a cozy nook that feels like your living room, if your living room was curated by a hipster librarian with impeccable taste.
Mismatched chairs and tables create an atmosphere that’s as comfortable as it is Instagram-worthy.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, emerging hours later with an armful of books and a caffeine buzz that could power a small city.
But Last Exit Books isn’t just about the books and coffee – it’s about the experience.
It’s about the thrill of discovering a long-lost favorite tucked away on a bottom shelf.
It’s about striking up a conversation with a fellow book lover and realizing you’ve just made a new friend.
It’s about the staff who are so knowledgeable and passionate about literature, they make librarians look like casual readers.
These book wizards can recommend the perfect read faster than you can say “bestseller,” and they’re always up for a good literary debate.
Just don’t get them started on the Oxford comma unless you have a few hours to spare.
The store also hosts regular events that are as diverse as its book selection.
From author readings to open mic nights, from book clubs to poetry slams – there’s always something happening at Last Exit Books.
It’s like a literary circus, minus the elephants and with significantly more caffeine.
But perhaps the most magical thing about Last Exit Books is its ability to transport you to another world without ever leaving Kent, Ohio.
It’s a portal to countless universes, each one waiting to be explored between the pages of a book.
In a world of digital everything, Last Exit Books is a refreshing reminder of the joy of holding a physical book in your hands.
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It’s a place where you can disconnect from the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with the simple pleasure of losing yourself in a good story.
And let’s be honest, in a time when our attention spans are shorter than a goldfish’s memory, that’s no small feat.
As you browse the shelves, you might find yourself picking up books you never knew you needed.
Suddenly, that 800-page tome on the history of spoons seems like essential reading.
Who knows?
You might discover a hidden passion for cutlery chronology.
The children’s section is a whimsical wonderland that will make you wish you could shrink down to kid-size and spend the day there.
It’s filled with colorful picture books, engaging young adult novels, and enough imagination fuel to power a rocket ship to the moon.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering here, reliving your childhood one Dr. Seuss book at a time.
For the music lovers, the vinyl section is a treasure trove of auditory delights.
From classic rock to jazz, from indie darlings to one-hit wonders – it’s all here, waiting to be rediscovered.
Just try not to get caught doing your best air guitar impression in the middle of the store. Or do. No judgment here.
The rare books section is like the VIP room of the literary world.
Here, you’ll find first editions, signed copies, and books so old they make Methuselah look like a spring chicken.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to find a leather-bound copy of “Necronomicon” or a first draft of “The Great Gatsby” with Fitzgerald’s coffee stains.
But Last Exit Books isn’t just a store – it’s a community hub.
It’s where students come to study, where writers find inspiration, and where book clubs gather to dissect the latest literary sensation.
It’s a place where conversations flow as freely as the coffee, and where ideas are exchanged like currency.
The store’s commitment to supporting local authors is as heartwarming as a mug of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day.
They regularly feature works by Ohio writers, giving them a platform to share their stories with the world.
It’s like a literary version of “farm to table,” except instead of vegetables, you’re getting locally sourced metaphors and homegrown plot twists.
As you make your way to the checkout counter, arms laden with books and your brain buzzing with caffeine and literary excitement, you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
You’ve conquered the labyrinth of literature, emerged victorious with your literary spoils, and all without breaking the bank.
Because let’s face it, in a world where a cup of fancy coffee can cost more than some paperbacks, Last Exit Books offers prices that won’t make your wallet weep.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your plans, curl up in a cozy corner, and spend the day getting lost in the pages of a good book.
And really, is there any better way to spend a day?
So, whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile or someone who hasn’t picked up a book since high school, Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse is worth a visit.
It’s more than just a bookstore – it’s a haven for the curious, a playground for the imagination, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.
In a world of fleeting digital distractions, Last Exit Books offers something timeless – the joy of discovery, the comfort of a good story, and the warmth of a community brought together by a shared love of literature.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are found between the pages of a book, and the most meaningful connections are made over a shared love of words.
So next time you find yourself in Kent, Ohio, make a beeline for Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse.
Lose yourself in the stacks, indulge in a perfectly brewed cup of joe, and remember why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
Who knows?
You might just find your next favorite book, make a new friend, or at the very least, have a great story to tell.
And isn’t that what life’s all about?
For more information about events, new arrivals, and the latest literary gossip, be sure to check out Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse’s Instagram page.
And if you’re planning a visit, use this map to guide your literary pilgrimage.
Where: 124 E Main St #1, Kent, OH 44240
Happy reading, fellow book lovers!