Schimmel’s Bookery
$ · 870 Fairview Ave., Suite 3, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Schimmel’s Bookery is an independent, family-owned bookstore. It sells new books in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, horror, and other genres.
Best for: new books
Bowling Green, Kentucky · Published by Emberlight Studios
Updated October 2026 · 10 places · Bowling Green
Quick answer
Our top picks are Schimmel’s Bookery, Capitol Books by Friends of the Library and Storybook Cafe.
Here are 10 locally owned or locally operated shops physically located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Addresses and descriptions are based on each shop’s own website or an official local tourism page; current operating status is supported by those active pages and recent listings.

$ · 870 Fairview Ave., Suite 3, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Schimmel’s Bookery is an independent, family-owned bookstore. It sells new books in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, horror, and other genres.
Best for: new books
$ · 416 E. Main Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Capitol Books by Friends of the Library is a used bookstore. It sells donated books and retired library books.
Best for: used books
$ · 939 Adams Street, Suite B, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Storybook Cafe is a bookstore and coffee shop in downtown Bowling Green. It offers used books alongside coffee and baked goods.
Best for: books and coffee
$ · 444 E. Main Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Barbara Stewart Interiors is a family-owned home décor and gift shop that also provides interior design services. Its offerings include gifts, furnishings, bridal registry, and custom picture framing.
Best for: gifts and home décor
$ · 415 Park Row, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Candle Makers on the Square sells hand-poured candles in more than 140 fragrances. Its shop also carries locally made products, including soaps, art, and pantry items.
Best for: candles and local gifts
$ · 433 Park Row, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Back Down South is a downtown boutique selling sorority gear, everyday apparel, and accessories. The business says it opened on Fountain Square about 10 years ago.
Best for: apparel and accessories
$ · 870 Fairview Avenue, Suite 4, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Mary Jane’s Chocolates is a Bowling Green chocolate shop with local roots. It makes and sells chocolates, and its site lists in-person pickup at its Fairview Avenue address.
Best for: chocolates
$ · 2818 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Lost River Cave has a gift shop at its Bowling Green site. The shop is part of the local cave attraction and is listed with the attraction’s address and operating information.
Best for: souvenirs and cave-themed gifts
$ · 401 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, KY 42101
The Historic Railpark gift shop sells railroad-history books, apparel, toys, locally inspired gifts, ornaments, home décor, and collectibles. It is located at the Railpark in Bowling Green.
Best for: railroad-themed gifts
$ · 225 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Sunnyside Bargain Boutique is a retail shop in Bowling Green. Its website lists the Chestnut Street address and regular Tuesday-through-Saturday business hours.
Best for: bargain boutique shopping