I am a lover of books, magazines, the written word. A few weeks ago on one of my marathon internet search days I stumbled across a charming bookstore that appeared to have been a house at one point, in one of my favorite areas of Tampa, Florida. South Tampa, the home of Bay Shore Boulevard, and million dollar homes lined along the bay is a place I have to actually plans to visit, as I live a several miles from this area.
When you reach the bookstore parking lot off, 216 S. Armenia, at the entrance to the shop you will see an inviting porch that is warmly decorated. The store is not large, but I was impressed by a wide selection of books, including books by African-American authors, children's books, books for adolescents, and of course a multiplicity of books for adults. The staff was friendly, and certainly not overbearing the store is owned by Stefani Beddingfield. I on the other hand, was a little anxious as my group included my father who has dementia and is given to unpredictable behavior, my 5 year old (need I say more), a teen and a tween. My group was volatile, and in the small bookstore I was ready to move with great haste if the situation demanded a hurried exit.
Fortunately my com padres were also enamored of the place, and from the youngest to the eldest all were appropriately behaved. Additionally, as luck would have it Inkwood books is located directly across the street from the Publix Greenwise store so we made a foray into this store and were pleasantly surprised there as well.
I must admit the Greenwise offered selections similar to Whole Foods so this was a great experience too.
If you are looking to experience a bookstore that is family owned and operated please support this South Tampa gem, Inkwood Books!
