A Book Lover's Loop Through Grey County's Independent Bookshops

Take a road-trip and tour independent bookshops across Grey County, from Owen Sound and Meaford to Thornbury, Creemore, Markdale, and Williamsford.

Jun 07, 2026

COMMENTARY

Originally published in The Owen Sounder magazine

A recent road trip introduced me to an unexpectedly charming sequence of new and new-to-me independent bookshops. And I thought you might like to meet them too. So check these addresses into your GPS and c’mon along!

Starting of course at The Ginger Press at 848 2nd Avenue East in downtown Owen Sound, where every book has a local connection, I travelled east on Highway 26 to Meaford where the Book Hive has set up shop. With floor to ceiling shelves full of used and mostly new books, the Book Hive offers a collection which is certainly browsable. Open Wednesday to Sunday at 84 Sykes Street North.

Further east, in Thornbury, I stopped in at Jessica’s Book Nook. I have shared authors with Jessica’s for many years; when they expanded into their present location (28 Bruce Street South) they also expanded their selection of new frontlist books. They’re open seven days a week from 10:00 until 4:00 or 5:00.

I kept heading east to Collingwood where Lit Wine & Books is located at 321 Hurontario Street. Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine while contemplating your next read? They describe themselves as a “cozy romantasy-obsessed independent bookstore and wine bar” and they won’t disappoint fans of this newest literary genre.

Just south of Collingwood in Creemore sits Curiosity House Books at 122 Mill Street. Settled comfortably into this charming village, the bookshop has been around for a while and recently changed hands.

Describing itself as “the little shop with big ideas,” I was delighted to discover a Mary Oliver poem made into an illustrated children’s book, and an adult colouring book featuring quotes from Maya Angelou.

Then, heading south on Simcoe County Road 124, I reached the Nottawa Bookshop tucked in behind the Nottawa General Store in, you guessed it, Nottawa. Another tiny shop stacked high with books, this independent features more of the romantasy genre as well as the newest cookbooks, children’s books and more.

I was introduced to John Terpstra’s new book A Carpentry of Words and Wood and am delighted to announce John will be one of the speakers at the Intersections Wood Symposium we’re holding in Owen Sound this October (deets at www.intersectionscollaborative.org).

If you continue south on 124, and follow it around to Grey Road 4 heading west, you’ll end up in Flesherton. Turn north on Highway 10 to Markdale where you’ll encounter Speaking Volumes Books at 42 Main Street West.

Open daily except Tuesday, this independent asks you to “reclaim your passion for reading.” On the shelves you’ll find first editions and rare and signed volumes, along with books featuring Canadiana, theatre, film, performing arts, and history.

Continue west on Grey Road 12 to Highway 10 where you’ll turn north. There’s actually two places to visit when you get to Williamsford, so slow down when you reach the village. On the left in the old mill you’ll find Great Books and Cafe with more than 80,000 books! Be prepared to just settle in and enjoy their huge selection of books on just about everything. They’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And then, before proceeding north back to Owen Sound, stop in at the Williamsford Pie Company on the right. You deserve a treat, and they’ve got it fresh-baked for you!

Thus endeth our Book Loop. I hope you’ve enjoyed the wonderful selection of independent bookshops Grey County has to offer.