Ithaca Shopping Tips by kooka3 Top 5 Page for this destination

Bookery I and Bookery II: Used, rare, travel, and other misc books

Both of these book stores, located in the Dewitt Mall, cover a range of books. Bookery I focuses more on the used and rare books. Bookery II has a bit more in the way of travel books, NY state travel books and NY authors, local interest, etc.

Both are open from about 9-9 Mon- Sat, Sun 12-6.

What to pay: At Bookery II, the prices are more in line with other, "mainstream", bookstores. Bookery I prices are higher because they are more rare.

Address: Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga Street

Phone: 607-273-5055

Theme: Books

Website: http://www.bookery.com

Autumn Leaves bookshop: books galore

This store just expanded into a great space on the Commons. It used to be a cozy corner bookstore, but it got cramped. Now it's in a bigger beautiful store with great lighting, comfy chairs, a great kids area, and a cafe in an upstairs balcony area overlooking the store. The cafe serves Vegetarian and organic food and drinks. It also serves as a meeting place for lots of groups that are open to the public. Check the sign board at the bottom of the stairs to see what's going on.

This is a used bookstore with a huge selection of all types of books, fiction and nonfiction. I found some amazing deals on books that I couldn't find anywhere else.

There's also an ATM in the store in case you're looking for one.

What to buy: Books and coffee!! They also stock some smaller things at the payment counters up front like bookmarks, postcards, and specialty chocolate bars that donate a portion of their proceeds to environnmental causes and saving endangered species. I highly recommend the wolf-bar which has cranberries and almonds :)

What to pay: Since these are used books, they're cheaper than new, but they aren't always dirt cheap. Generally, expect to pay about half of list price. They sometimes have great bargains: I've always seen a $1 rack in the front of the store, and make sure to check out their bargain table towards the front. I've gotten some great hardcovers for $5.

Address: 115 The Commons

Theme: Books

Ten Thousand Villages: amazing housewares

This is a great shop. It's an international artisan shop that pays the people what their crafts are actually worth. They get things in from all over the world - carvings from Burkina Faso, weavings from Central America, Fair Trade/Equal Opportunity coffee and teas. You get the idea. They have everything from ceramics to hammocks to handmade wrapping paper to mirrors. It's an amazing store. They also accept Ithaca Dollars (see my note under local customs). This store is worth supporting!

What to pay: The prices are actually reasonable for handmade goods. It also supports people around the world.

Address: On the Ithaca Commons

Theme: Local Craft