A bookstore up north sells its very own candle called Pages. Yes, somebody bottled the smell of a bookshop, and I fully support that decision.
The shop stretches across two floors and roughly 5,000 square feet. Knotty pine walls and a fireplace give it the feel of a cozy cottage that simply ran out of room for anything but books.
The building dates to 1907, and it sits right into a hillside. That quirk gives the lower level its own street entrance out back, one full story below the front door.
I like that this northern Michigan shop has stayed in one family since 1992. Some browsers fill their arms upstairs and never notice the whole floor waiting below, which tells you plenty about how fast an afternoon can vanish in there.
A Family Bookshop On Petoskey’s Prettiest Street
Some downtown shops get a quick peek. McLean & Eakin Booksellers tends to get the whole afternoon, plus whatever errands you meant to run afterward.
The store sits on East Lake Street in Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District. That stretch of downtown is known for its classic storefronts, and this one fits right in.
It’s an independent bookstore, which means no corporate playbook decides what lands on the shelves. Instead, a family and its booksellers make those calls, and the curation shows.
Inside, the shelves cover two full floors. Fiction, history, kids’ books, puzzles, records and greeting cards all share the space without feeling crammed together.
Google ratings hover around an impressive 4.9 stars across hundreds of reviews. Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere come up again and again in those comments.
The shop is easy to fold into a day in Petoskey. You can stroll the district, grab a bite, and still have plenty of time to lose yourself between the stacks.
For Michigan book lovers, it’s the kind of place that turns a casual stop into a yearly tradition. Fair warning, though.
One quick look rarely stays quick for long.
Three Decades Of One Family Running The Shelves
Back in 1992, Julie Norcross opened McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey. More than thirty years later, the store still belongs to her family.
Her son, Matt Norcross, started working there in 2003. His wife, Jessilynn, began that same year, so both learned the business from the ground floor up.
In 2009, Matt and Jessilynn took over ownership. That kind of handoff is rare in retail, and it’s even rarer among independent bookstores.
Continuity matters in a shop like this. The people choosing the books have deep roots in the store and the community it serves.
I believe that explains a lot of the warmth people describe. A family business usually feels different from a chain, and this one clearly carries decades of care.
The name itself sounds like it belongs on a classic publishing house. It fits a place that treats books as something worth taking seriously, but never too seriously.
Plenty of Michigan towns have lost their bookstores over the years. Petoskey kept this one, and the Norcross family keeps proving why that was a very good outcome.
A 1907 Building With A Colorful Past
Before it held novels, the G & A Building housed a Persian Bazaar. Later, a business college moved in, so the place has long been a spot for learning and browsing.
The building went up in 1907. Today it’s home to McLean & Eakin Booksellers at 307 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770.
Here’s the fun architectural twist. The structure sits built into a hill, which creates a second street-level entrance around back.
That rear door opens one story lower than the main Lake Street entrance. So depending on where you park, you could start your visit on either floor.
Not many shops can claim two ground floors. It’s a neat bit of hillside engineering that suits a town with plenty of slopes heading toward Little Traverse Bay.
I love when an old building finds the right second act. A former bazaar becoming a bookstore feels almost too fitting to be real.
Next time you’re in Petoskey, glance up at the building before heading inside. More than a century of history stands behind those shelves.
Knotty Pine, A Fireplace And Cottage Vibes
Knotty pine paneling does a lot of heavy lifting in northern Michigan. Here, it turns a bookstore into something that feels like a favorite lake cottage.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers spreads across about 5,000 square feet on two stories. Even so, the wood walls and the fireplace keep the space feeling snug.
Cozy atmosphere is one of the most common themes in its Google comments. People also describe the layout as easy to browse and visually uncluttered.
That balance is harder than it looks. A big store can feel like a warehouse, while a small one can feel cramped.
This one somehow avoids both problems. The shelves feel full, yet the aisles still invite slow wandering instead of awkward shuffling.
Many guests mention the store seems much bigger than it looks from the street. Blame the hillside building and that sneaky lower level.
On a gray Petoskey day, a fireplace and a stack of new books sounds like a pretty great plan. Honestly, it sounds like a great plan on sunny days too.
The Downstairs Level That Sneaks Up On You
One shopper admitted to missing the downstairs entirely on a first visit. The upstairs selection was simply too distracting.
That’s the secret of McLean & Eakin Booksellers. A large chunk of the store waits below the main floor, and it’s easy to overlook.
Downstairs, browsers find plenty of nonfiction. History and science fiction sections live there too, so bring a list if you have one.
Games also fill that level, including board games that pop up often in shopper comments. It’s a solid stop for anyone planning a cabin weekend or a family game night.
There’s a counter downstairs as well. Staff there can steer you toward a good read just like the team on the main floor.
A small used book section has also appeared downstairs in past years. Shelves can change, so it’s worth checking what’s there on your visit.
My advice is simple. Do a full lap upstairs, then head down before your arms get too full to carry anything else.
Booksellers Who Seem To Read Your Mind
Friendly staff earned around sixty mentions in the store’s Google reviews. That’s a remarkable number for any shop, let alone a bookstore.
The team at McLean & Eakin Booksellers is known for personal recommendations. Tell them what you love, and they’ll likely walk you right to the shelf.
One shopper described someone who hadn’t picked up a book in years getting suggestions based on his interests. He finished the first pick and planned to read the rest.
Another wanted books for a hard-to-please husband. A staffer walked her over to choose three, and he went on to seek out more by those authors.
Staff picks dot the shelves too. They’re a handy shortcut when you’re overwhelmed by two floors of options.
Good recommendations feel like a small gift. They also explain why so many people leave with more books than planned.
I can’t imagine a better sales pitch than a stranger handing you your next favorite novel. Here, that seems to happen on a regular basis.
Room To Roam For Young Readers
Kids get serious real estate at this shop. The children’s section is described as vast and nicely arranged, which parents will appreciate.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers has a long track record with young readers. In 2000, it won the Lucile Micheels Pannell Award for its children’s programming.
That award honors bookstores that do an outstanding job connecting kids with books. It’s a big deal in the bookselling world.
Teens aren’t left out either. The young adult section is extensive, so older kids can browse without feeling stuck in the picture-book aisle.
Grandparents seem to love it here as well. Activity books and puzzles make easy gifts for the grandkids back home.
A good kids’ section can shape a lifelong reader. This store clearly takes that job to heart.
Bring the family on a summer trip to Petoskey and let everyone pick something. Just be ready for a few tough negotiations at the checkout counter.
A Whole Wall For Literary Fiction Fans
Literary fiction gets its own wall here, and that says a lot about priorities. Serious readers will feel right at home.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers covers a wide range of genres beyond that wall. Shoppers describe the overall selection as thoughtful, diverse and carefully curated.
Special editions from the UK have caught the eye of some collectors. Those versions often have different covers, which makes them fun to hunt down.
Graphic novels show up on the shelves too. They’re a nice option for visual storytellers and anyone easing back into reading.
The author selection also earns frequent praise. It’s clear someone pays close attention to what lands on each shelf.
Curation is where independent shops shine. Instead of stacking whatever sells fastest, the booksellers choose titles that feel worth your time.
Plan for a slow browse if fiction is your thing. That wall alone could eat up a good chunk of your afternoon in Petoskey.
Records, Puzzles And A Card Collection Worth The Stop
One driver passing through town pulled over on a whim and walked out with about ten greeting cards. No books, just cards, and zero regrets.
The card selection at McLean & Eakin Booksellers is that impressive. Stationery and notebooks sit nearby for anyone who still loves writing by hand.
Vinyl records are on hand too. The store even sells record players, so you can leave with the music and the means to play it.
Puzzles come up often in shopper comments. They’re available for all ages, which makes them perfect for rainy cabin days up north.
Stickers and other small gifts round things out. They’re handy when you need a quick present that still feels personal.
I like that the extras feel chosen, not tossed in. Everything seems to fit the cozy, bookish spirit of the shop.
Even non-readers in your group will find something to explore. That might be the best way to keep everyone happy while you browse longer.
The Signature Scent Called Pages
Smelling like a bookstore is now a choice you can make. The shop sells its own signature scent, and it’s called Pages.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers offers Pages as a candle or as a mist. It’s a clever souvenir for anyone who loves that classic bookshop feeling.
Candles make easy gifts for fellow readers. This one comes with a built-in story about where it came from.
The mist works for people who prefer skipping the flame. A quick spray could make a reading nook at home feel a bit more special.
Plenty of stores sell candles, of course. Few sell one that captures the mood of their own shelves.
I believe that’s what makes it charming. It’s a small way to carry a favorite Michigan bookstore home with you.
Light it up during a winter reading binge, and you might just feel transported back to Petoskey. Not a bad trade for such a small jar.
Author Signings And Book Clubs On The Calendar
When a big-name author comes to Petoskey, this is often the place hosting. Well-known writers visit the store regularly for events.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers recently hosted a book signing with Matt Dinniman, author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Attendees described the large event as well organized and smoothly run.
Pulling off a crowd like that takes planning. Helpful staff and a clear setup made a strong impression on fans who traveled in.
Multiple book clubs also meet through the store. They’re a great way to connect with fellow readers in the area.
Events change throughout the year. Checking the store’s calendar before your trip can help you line up a visit with something special.
I love the idea of planning a getaway around an author talk. It turns a regular weekend into a story you’ll tell for years.
Even if no event is scheduled, the shelves still deliver. But catching one feels like getting a bonus chapter.
The Archives, A Used Bookstore Just Down The Block
In May 2025, the family opened a second shop. It’s called The Archives, and it focuses on gently used books.
You’ll find it nearby at 325 E. Lake St. That’s an easy stroll from the main McLean & Eakin Booksellers store.
The Archives carries used titles across a range of genres. It’s a fun stop for bargain hunters and anyone who loves a well-loved paperback.
Here’s a nice perk. The shop accepts used books in exchange for McLean & Eakin gift cards.
That means your finished reads can help fund your next haul. Clearing out your shelves at home suddenly sounds far more exciting.
Two bookstores on one street is a rare treat for any town. Petoskey readers now have twice the reason to linger downtown.
Bring a bag of books you’ve outgrown on your next trip. Swap them in, then wander back to the main store with fresh credit in hand.
National Honors And Deep Community Roots
Back in 2004, the store won the Haslam Award for Excellence in Bookselling. It’s one of the top honors an independent bookstore can earn.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers has also been named one of the Top Ten Bookstores in the Country by the Christian Science Monitor. That’s quite a nod for a shop in northern Michigan.
The recognition doesn’t stop at trophies. The store has a long history of giving back to Petoskey.
Between 2000 and 2020, it contributed more than 150,000 dollars to local schools and nonprofits. Programs like its 10% for Schools Program helped make that happen.
That kind of support adds up over two decades. Classrooms and community groups benefit every time a reader buys a book there.
I like knowing my purchase might help a local school. It makes adding one more book to the pile feel completely justified.
Michigan has plenty to be proud of. A small-town bookstore earning national praise while lifting its neighbors deserves a spot on that list.
Hours, Coffee Next Door And A Gentle Nudge To Go
Good news for flexible schedules. The store opens seven days a week.
McLean & Eakin Booksellers welcomes shoppers from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Sunday hours run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., though checking ahead may help around holidays.
Roast & Toast sits right next door. Grabbing a coffee or sandwich before browsing sounds like smart fuel for a long afternoon.
Remember that hillside layout too. You can enter from Lake Street or use the lower rear entrance, depending on where you start.
Plan more time than you think you need. Two floors, a used shop down the block, and helpful booksellers all slow you down in the best way.
For Michigan readers, this feels like a true day trip reward. It pairs perfectly with a stroll through the Gaslight District.
So go ahead and clear your afternoon. The shelves in Petoskey will happily take it from there.
