Cream & Amber
Co-owners Kacey Hruby Wyttenhove and Katie Terhune opened the doors to Cream & Amber in Hopkins six years ago, welcoming the community into a place where you can have lunch, get coffee, sip on a beer, and, of course, read the latest new book release or shop for used books.
“The idea started as a selfish desire to have a place to go that had a cozy bookstore environment but also served beer,” says Katie. “The space itself is intimate, with limited seating, but we find folks come back again and again for the welcoming vibe and warm and friendly service.”
They also host countless events. Between board game night, book club, after-hour shopping events, used book buying, storytime, and author events, there's always something to spark your curiosity.
“Indie bookstores have always opened their doors for conversations about books, and I think that plays a large role in developing a love of reading,” reflects Katie. “One unexpected rewarding part of owning and working at Cream & Amber is when families come back year after year, and we get to watch their kids grow and get excited to pick out books. It’s so wonderful to be a part of people’s day-to-day lives and experience the joy of books with their kids.” https://creamandamber.com/
Chapter One
Opening a bookstore was always a dream for Angie Ross, and after 15 years as an elementary school teacher, she took the leap, opening Chapter One in Victoria.
“We wanted to build a community where everyone feels welcome,” shares Angie. “And because my heart will always be with teaching little ones, we have summer book clubs for elementary and middle schoolers, story times, and a fun Picturebook and Projects class for pre-schoolers. We wanted a place where kids come in excited to read.”
There's plenty of events for the adults, too. “We have a monthly adult book club that’s been amazing and keeps growing to around 40 people now. We also have great local author events,” says Angie. And local authors get the spotlight at Chapter One with a dedicated table for Minnesota authors, making it easy to pick up a fun new read while supporting the incredible voices in our own community.
“The connection to the community has been so rewarding. I love that people feel known and seen and that I can call them by their name,” shares Angie. "I’ve met so many amazing people.”
If you haven’t been to Chapter One, it's the perfect time to visit. February is “I Love to Read Month," where Angie hands out reading bingo cards for kids. If they complete the bingo, they can bring it back for prizes. For Valentine’s, Angie also hosts “Blind Date with a Book.” “People look forward to this one every year. We cover a bunch of books and leave only a few clues about them, making it a fun way to discover a new read.” https://chapteronemn.com/
The Thinking Spot
The Thinking Spot in Wayzata fills a unique niche in the community, putting science-based books front and center. “There wasn’t a bookstore quite like it in the area,” says owner Rima Parikh. As a former software engineer, science, technology, astronomy, nature, chemistry, math, and natural history were all the kinds of books Rima loves — and ones you’ll find on the shelves for both kids and adults.
“We do have the typical fiction and non-fiction, but I wanted to focus on science to give kids more exposure to those topics. It’s been the best,” says Rima. “One girl came in and picked up a book on an astronaut, and then a few weeks later, she returned and said she now wants to be an astronaut.”
The Thinking Spot wasn’t just to be a store. “I wanted to create a ‘third place’ for people to come hang out and feel part of a community,” says Rima. Rima has undoubtedly created a welcoming space with book clubs, monthly storytime, author events, workshops with robotics and AI, and Science Sundays, where kids read a book and then do a science experiment based on the story.
One not-to-miss event this month is Evening in a Bookstore. “It’s such a fun night. We play bookish games, have desserts and drinks, and everyone goes home with a book.” https://www.thethinkingspot.us/
Excelsior Bay Books
Excelsior Bay Books has nurtured the community’s love of reading since 1996. In 2020, Ann Woodbeck took the helm, deciding their bookmark was: Friendly. Local. Books. “That’s what we strive to be,” says Ann. “A welcoming place. The center of our store has a loveseat, some chairs, a coffee table, and coloring mats for kids. We want to be a place where people like to be.”
Ann and her team especially love connecting with young readers and introducing them to the magic of reading. “We want to inspire kids to read in a positive way, indulge what they’re interested in, and help them understand how to experience a story,” shares Ann.
Kids enjoy countless events at Excelsior Bay Books, including a bookmark contest in conjunction with the Art on the Lake event. Kids get a blank bookmark to create their own art on. Then, Ann prints a couple hundred copies of the bookmarks with the kids’ art and names to be sold in the bookstore. Who’s Hiding is another fun event in July where Ann picks a picture book and a finger puppet from the story and then hides the puppet in a dozen or so shops around town that the kids and parents get to find.
“We love the relationships we build with readers of all ages and helping to facilitate that connection with people and books,” says Ann.
And this February, you can enter a drawing for a first-row seat to watch the Klondike Dog Derby from Excelsior Bay Book’s front window! https://excelsiorbaybooks.net/
Your Romance Recommendations!
In honor of the month that's all about love, we asked the experts and some of our partners for their favorite romance reads. Who knows? You may just have a love affair with one of these love stories!
“One of my favorites is author Abby Jimenez. She’s a Minnesota author. Her books are super witty with depth to them, and they always have a happy ending.” — Angie Ross, owner of Chapter One
“Co-owner Kacey is an avid romance reader. Some of her favorites are Puck and Prejudice, Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet, The Pairing, and Done and Dusted.” — Katie Terhune, co-owner of Cream & Amber.
"The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. It's a time travel book, but it has romance, adventure, and mystery. It’s a funny and gorgeous book — everybody should read it!" — Rima Parikh, owner of The Thinking Spot.
"Authors Emily Henry, Jenny Colgan, and Tessa Bailey are all great reads." — Ann Woodbeck, owner of Excelsior Bay Books.
"My favorite romance novel is Gone With the Wind and has been since I was five years old! The complexity and personalities of the main characters are unrivaled. I think the story provides an objective view of love and relationships that we all can learn from — the simple act of being vulnerable and honest goes a long way and can fix (and avoid!) most problems." — Selina Martire, insurance agent at State Farm.
“The Notebook. It's beautiful and flawed and demonstrates true love. A love and connection beyond measure. More than an infatuation, real passion - not without obstacles, mistakes, heartache, and pain. Imagine how blessed to have that person who accepts our gifts and our imperfections and chooses to love us and build a life. A person who continues to see the beauty, even through obstacles, anger, sadness, and grief. That is a real love story.” — Sandy Mahoney, Project Development at Highmark Builders.
"Outlander. A timeless romance does not accurately describe these books because it is filled with time! A love that travels and is tested by time and distance with no lack of adventure and passion. I adore Jamie and Claire!" — Jillian Sievers, customer service representative at Westonka Animal Hospital.
"Chick Magnet. The male character in it is a veterinarian and the woman in it is a chicken keeper influencer. It's a fun story, especially with animals in it." — Liz, customer service representative at Westonka Animal Hospital.
Indie bookstores have always opened their doors for conversations about books, and I think that plays a large role in developing a love of reading. We get to watch their kids grow and get excited to pick out books.
We want to inspire kids to read in a positive way, indulge what they’re interested in, and help them understand how to experience a story.