This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

A Field Trip Fit For A Bookworm

See all the pics here

My young bookworm needed an adventure. Only two weeks into summer, she had tore through no less than 6 books.  A restocking was a priority. To do this, my beautiful bibliophile and I ventured towards the shoreline looking for more pages to fill her summer.

The journey would require somewhat of a field trip from Middlefield. Reaching Niantic, one feels like you have reached into the heart of the Cape Cod without the journey or expense to to get there. The area boasts everything a beach-goer would ever need. Rocky Neck State beach is just off of 95's exit 72. There are lots of places to grab some summer food and there's even a place to rent a bicycle to cover the town on two wheels. One of town's most beloved gems comes in The Book barn. Our destination looked like a  lush garden filled with books growing out of each nook and cranny. The place seems like a hippy haven for book lovers. 

My daughter bolted out of the car in a similar way a kid does when they enter an amusement park. "Mom, It's awesome!" were the first words uttered out of her mouth. She had found her nirvana and I relished in my newfound "best mom ever" status. The place would stir one's imagination. I half expected there to be a path laid in yellow covered books leading us on great literary adventures along the way. 

While we made our way to Oz (the young adult barn), we would meet many beloved characters along the way. A menagerie of cats spotted the place, each dwelling among their favorite literary genre. Appropriately, a black cat lay perched atop a wooden pirate ship overlooking the haunted barn.  We picked up the cat guide which helped us to understand who liked being pet and who was to be left alone.  All I kept thinking was that the smile on my daughter's face was priceless. She had found her two favorite things, books and cats all in one glorious location.  

Upon meandering through the pathways of The Book Barn, I came upon a comment in the store's guestbook. "Being here makes me happy, no Nooks, No Kindle, No tweets- Just real books- Ah the smell of books!" There is no doubt ,this is a special place.

The people who worked here clearly loved their vocations. Much like the Tinman and the Scarecrow, they knew their their golden literary paths and they gladly accompanied you on your journey. Covered book carts were found along the paths encouraging you to slowly progress along. Even the reluctant reader could be tempted into the chapters of  this visual experience. The atmosphere was inviting to all. 

We checked out with an armful of books. Even I chose one that I would read between all of my summer photo editing. The Bookbarn had two other stores just a mile down the road that were filled with truck loads of well organized books. Followed up with a stop at an Italian bakery and a Coolata for Kate, this chapter was complete. 
 
Consider this summer journey, you wont be disappointed by where it brings you. Your story is just a page-turner away. 

pics here

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?