Speakeasy Bookmarket — Local services in Idyllwild-Pine Cove

If Wes Anderson whipped up a boutique, indie bookstore set in the mountains, it would look a lot like Speakeasy Books. It’s also off the beaten path and it’s a google map treasure hunt to find it…again, typical Wes.

From the welcoming chairs, to the pops of bold color, and merchandising symmetrical enough to satisfy a serious spatial OCD - this place is a gem in Idyllwild.

The owner said they were inspired by bookstores from the 90’s, when you could stay for hours and felt free to pour over books.

The books have been carefully curated to meet a diverse range of interests across fiction and non fiction. There’s a sweet children’s section along with young adult fiction, and even a gently used secondhand book section. Oh and don’t forget gifts and cards!

If there is a book not on the shelves that you want, Speakeasy can put a special order in direct from the publisher, which often gets there faster than Amazon.

Next time we are in Idyllwild, I plan on grabbing a coffee and spending some serious time in this lovely...

I traveled to Idyllwild recently for an art workshop, but first drove to check out this little oasis of a bookshop. What a dream. The owner happened to be there when I went in. She was super kind and enthusiastic. She acknowledged every person coming in and offered to help. The collection is expertly curated. Don't let the size of the shop fool you - there is plenty of great stuff here! Definitely a quality over quantity situation. It's also just super cute and you feel like you found a hidden gem when you drive or walk up. There are also a bunch of other great shops around it. I hope the bookstore is successful and thrives for as long as the owner desires. It adds so much to the local...

I was so excited about Speakeasy opening... I knew it would be cool, but I couldn't have imagined how important and meaningful this lil shop would be in my life and for our town. This is more than a bookstore. The owner has created a sweet, quirky, collaborative, cozy portal for virtually anyone to escape - whether you're looking for a newly released novel, highly niche genres, beautifully illustrated field atlases and nature books, adorably curated gifts, greeting cards and stickers, the coolest kid's and YA corner, full moon concerts, and endless other literary & creative community magic... you'll find it. If you're a local or just passing through, Speakeasy is seriously not...