Stacy Moore, Tourism Director, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, told me about three of her Iowa friends and the tour they took.
They participated in the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour!
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Three Iowa Friends out on a magnificent road trip!
Becky, Kayla, and Tammie visited all 45 shops.
Becky said, “(We) completed the 45 stops on the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour!! Turning in our passports at Hedgie’s Books, Toys & More!! We had so much fun exploring the state of Iowa and supporting independent bookstores! We have met so many fun people!”
The Facebook page was fun to follow as well. Lots of cool graphics about the Tour, the shops and the people on them. Some of the shops had author nights with readings, links to live podcasts, book signings, and other promotions. The tour continues through the end of September.
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You’ll find a graphic map on the website, the passport, merch, routes you can drive, and information about the UNESCO City of Literature.
Takeaway: Why it works
- Each bookshop is responsible for its event planning, hours, specials, etc. The more there is to do in your bookshop, the more promotion you receive.
- Whenever more than one kind of business can partner up, magic often happens. This tour has prompted people to drive to small towns, not only for book shopping, but also to refuel at the gas stations, grab a meal, explore other shopping destinations, and engage in recreational activities. Economic Development at its best!
- Travelers are looking for experiences, not just places to shop. This gives them that, and more.
Why not have two tour-like activities running simultaneously?
The Iowa Paper Trail runs concurrently, along part of the route.
Books and paper make a great pair and are a fun way to take a road trip!
Nine independent stationery shops are encouraging notebook, pen, greeting card, and sticker lovers to take a trip across the state of Iowa this summer. The Iowa Paper Trail runs until September 30.
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The listing of the shops on the Paper Trail, along with their Instagram pages. There isn’t a website but you can find the stores on Facebook and Instagram.
Takeaway: The More The Merrier
- Instead of competing, nine independent paper stores across the state are collaborating to support one another.
- The 4th annual Stationery Store Day falls on August 2 this year, so you could even organize your trip around visiting stationery shops!
- Pair up and create a moving experience (road trip at its best) between books and paper.
What are some other kinds of tours you can take? (Besides the Tour of Empty Buildings)
NC Main to Main Trail (North Carolina): This trail leads travelers through official Main Street communities, where locally owned shops, restaurants, and unique attractions represent the best of small-town commerce and culture.
Best Kept Secrets Tour (PA, MD, DE): This self-guided tour features an ever-changing group of off-the-beaten-track shops—ranging from farm markets and cafes to galleries and craft stores—with exclusive coupons, free goodies, and fun surprises.
Farm-to-Table and Food Producer Tours: In some regions, you’ll find tours of local food producers, coffee roasters, wineries, and craft breweries—all small businesses—where shopping for goods is a centerpiece.
How about a tour for my book?
I was in Malden, Washington, for a presentation about my book and some of the stories in it. One of the sponsors gave everyone a copy of the book. I also had the opportunity to visit some of the small towns in the region. It was a small book tour, wasn’t it? Bring me to your town for your own book tour! Email deb@saveyour.town
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