There’s something about a good book and a nice cup of tea that just soothes the soul. No matter the genre of book or flavor of tea, it’s always a great way to relax and recharge. The experience can be even more special when you can do both in comfortable atmospheres away from home. In Michigan’s Oakland County, you can do just this by visiting Paper Trail Books in Royal Oak followed by The Purple Door Tea Room in Ferndale. Located under four miles from one another, the two make for a great day trip in Michigan for book lovers.
As the website of the store states, Paper Trail Books in downtown Royal Oak is a “place for the community of readers and the love of the written word.”
Paper Trail Books/Facebook The bookstore was opened in 2017 and is owned and operated by brothers (and avid book collectors!) Scott and Dave Brown. It specializes in used books, but also carries new titles by local authors.
Although it’s a small shop, the store carries a large selection: over 10,000 titles on any and all subjects, from fiction to sports to history, with the inventory updated on a regular basis. And for prices lower than where you’d find them anywhere else! So if you see something you like, grab it, because it might not be there the next time you visit!
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
Looking for a recommendation? Dave will most likely be on site and can provide you with just the right title for whatever genre you are looking for.
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
The store even takes used books from patrons, too. So if you’ve got some tomes gathering dust on your tables and shelves, check with the brothers to see if they can provide a new home for them!
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
And that’s not all. You’ll also find greeting music. Remember records, tapes, and CDs?
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
And don’t forget board games!
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
Once you’ve finished browsing and picked up a title (or two or three!), it’s tea time!
Paper Trail Books/Facebook Paper Trail Books, 414 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Step into the elegant surroundings of the old-fashioned tea room known as The Purple Door Tea Room in Ferndale.
Samara H/Trip Advisor Why yes, that is a purple door you see there!
You’ll drink from beautiful china and have fresh flowers at your table with soft music playing in the background.
The Purple Door Tea Room/Facebook
And it’s not just tea, here. There’s also dining. Choose from a variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads.
Samara H/Trip Advisor And don’t forget dessert!
Get ready to sip and relax in this beautifully decorated and furnished space!
Rurtrv/Trip Advisor
Choose from a variety of unique comfy chairs and seats.
Purple Door Tea Room/Facebook
It’s the perfect spot for afternoon tea and a treat, or even a larger get together with friends!
Samara H/Trip Advisor Purple Door Tearoom, 701 Livernois St, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA
Check out the website for Paper Trail Books and the Facebook page for The Purple Door Tea Room for the most up-to-date information on visiting both.
Paper Trail Books/Facebook
The bookstore was opened in 2017 and is owned and operated by brothers (and avid book collectors!) Scott and Dave Brown. It specializes in used books, but also carries new titles by local authors.
Paper Trail Books, 414 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Samara H/Trip Advisor
Why yes, that is a purple door you see there!
The Purple Door Tea Room/Facebook
And don’t forget dessert!
Rurtrv/Trip Advisor
Purple Door Tea Room/Facebook
Purple Door Tearoom, 701 Livernois St, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA
What’s your favorite bookstore or tea room in Michigan? Do you have any other Michigan day trip ideas for book lovers? Tell us in the comments!
If you find that a book goes better with coffee, try some of these Michigan coffee shops.
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