Tucked away in the gardens of the Nottawa General store, is The Nottawa Cottage Bookstore. There is a magnetic draw to the store, a curiosity to discover what is inside. The gardens and building are so welcoming and the location so serene.
Walking into the store literally brought a smile to my face as it opened to a beautifully displayed mix of books, stationery and gifts. With floral arrangements throughout the store the ambiance is
nothing short of charming.
Caleigh and her husband opened the store in 2024 after years of working in high end retail in
Toronto. When they discovered that this special location just outside of Collingwood was available, the desire to be back in the Grey Bruce area and the passion to open a new bookstore sealed the deal.
I was in the store on a busy Friday afternoon as Caleigh was adeptly juggling between fulfilling
special orders and helping with special requests and recommendations. For those like me who
were busy browsing, there are “Staff Picks” in each section with short, handwritten summaries and
personal recommendations.
I love that special touch, and I am always drawn to the books that a bookseller is prepared to vouch for. Understanding why one book is a Staff Pick sheds light on what a bookseller values and appreciates and says a great deal about all the other books on the shelves.
The store is heavily focussed on new releases of all genres of fiction for adults and young adults –
romance and romantasy, science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and literary fiction. There is also a
very thoughtful selection of local books, a great selection of cookbooks, kids picture books and
some popular non-fiction.
Truly, Caleigh has thought of it all and has done an incredible job of decorating the store and merchandising it into one cohesive vision. Visiting the store in person is a must, but there are also some amazing bespoke services that enhance the traditional bookstore visit. There is an option to purchase an annual membership which gives members first dibs on special events and a discount on every purchase.
They also offer subscription boxes where you pick a theme, such as Canadian authors, and receive a book and a specially packaged box of coffee or tea made from local producers. What a great mystery and surprise to receive a new book but not one you chose yourself. Reminiscent of the old Book of the Month club, but with a modern sensibility.
There is a weekly newsletter featuring hot new releases and store events. There are regular in-store events with rotating themes such as showcasing a local artisan or a Silent Book Club which
combines the option to mingle with others afterwards.
Most curious and innovative is the Sunday Letter Club which is an anonymous letter writing club. With the bookstore as the intermediary, you handwrite letters and the bookstore will pair you up with another pen pal.
There is a lot going on at the Nottawa Cottage Bookstore and it all adds up to passionate
booksellers and a bookstore that is committed to nurturing a community of like-minded book
lovers. If you have yet to set foot in the store, my advice is to start with a in-person visit and the rest will unfold in a myriad of wonderful ways.
Written by Carey Low
Photos by Oscar Sheppard
