If there’s one thing I love about being on Lake Superior with my Husband and family, it’s having a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other. And luckily, when you’re adventuring through the grandness of upper Wisconsin and you’re searching for things to do on Lake Superior, there’s a quaint bookstore eagerly waiting to assist you and lead you to your next favorite book. Because after you’re done with your epic hiking journey or you’ve just eaten a fabulous meal, there’s nothing like sitting down with a good book and getting cozy.
There are plenty of books to go around in Bayfield, as it’s home to two beautiful and unique in their own way Wisconsin Bookstores, Honest Dog Books and Apostle Islands Booksellers. Who doesn’t want more books when they’re On Lake Superior? The view doesn’t get more inspirational than that gorgeous great lake; especially when there are so many fantastic local establishments to check out along the way!
When my Husband Matt and I were exploring (dawdling, as we like to call it) on our last trip while staying at The Pilot House B & B, and we were on the lookout for new things to do in Bayfield, we were thrilled to walk through the doors of Honest Dog Books. So much so that we came back the next day! As we get further along in this article and hear from the incredibly kind and inspiring bookstore owner herself, Julie Buckles, your wanderlust mind will be spinning with plans for your next Bayfield adventure to incorporate Honest Dog Books and the other lovely experiences that Bayfield has to offer.
“Lake Superior draws people here and many times keeps them coming back until they decide to live here. It’s the best place to have a bookstore.”
– Julie Buckles, one of the proud owners of Honest Dog Books
Where Is Honest Dog Books?
You can find Honest Dog Books on Lake Superior, nestled near the heart of downtown Bayfield, only a few steps away from the delicious Mannypenny Bistro! When you walk up to Honest Dog Books, you can expect to see a twinkling lake view and a welcoming door into an inspiring, bookish space that’s open to anyone and created for everyone.
Taking a trip to Honest Dog Books is one among many inspiring and lovely things to do in Bayfield, and with this awesome staff’s assistance, you’re sure to find your next favorite book or a genre you never thought of exploring!
And if a fun and intriguing name like Honest Dog Books (Arguably, one of the cutest names among Wisconsin Bookstores) isn’t reason enough to swing by one of the neatest Independent Bookstores in Wisconsin, I’m sure the rest of this article will get your tail wagging for some Honest Dog Books adventure.
Honest Dog Books Address
38 S 2nd St, Bayfield, WI 54814
Why You Should Visit Honest Dog Books Indie Bookstore
Supporting and exploring Independent Bookstores in Wisconsin, and any Indie Bookstore we come across in our out-of-town adventures is a passion and delight that my Husband and I partake in when we go out dawdling. And we were swept off our little bookworm feet by our pleasant experience at Honest Dog Books.
From the layout of the shop, with its prideful inclusion of all stories and people and the dog-friendly atmosphere, to the remarkably kind booksellers and intentionally curated collections of books lining the shelves, we were hooked. If someone asks us what things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin, a pop-in at Honest Dog Books will be in the makeshift itinerary. We can’t wait to go back ourselves!
There’s a special kind of bookish magic when you walk into an indie bookstore. Its walls are imprinted with dreams, dedication, vision, and hard work to get the bookstore to where it is the day you walk in. The aisles are collectors of secret wholesome moments and tiny anticipation-filled whispers of discovering a new author or being enchanted by a book’s synopsis; you simply have to take it home. And what would an indie bookstore be without its trusty booksellers and endless stories? When you go to an Independent Bookstores in Wisconsin, you’re bound to have a memorable experience that will leave you dazzled and inspired to get to the nearest cozy reading spot, plop down, and dive your nose into a book.
“Wonderful, local bookstore! So wonderful I went twice during the weekend we were in Bayfield! Very friendly staff and great vibe in the store. Love that it’s dog friendly. The owner has a great presence on social media and does a great job of promoting this local gem!”
– Lisa B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Q & A With Honest Dog Books
I had the wonderful and fun opportunity to ask one of the enthusiastic and kind owners of Honest Dog Books, Julie Buckles, a few questions about their admirable indie bookstore. Throughout these questions, you’ll feel a deep connection to the heart of the bookstore, the journey its been on, and the excitement that lays before Honest Dog Books future. As well as some lovely book recommendations– score!
I’ll let you in on a itsy bitsy secret: I even teared up during one of the answers. It was so touching! Just for you, I’ll put a little * next to the question that got me all misty-eyed. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good story.
Without further delay, I hope you enjoy reading through Julie’s answers as much as I did; let’s get into it!
I can see from your About Section on your website that the term ‘Honest Dog’ comes from your experience as a musher, which is extraordinary! Are there any lessons or things you’ve learned about yourself from mushing that have translated to being independent bookstore owners?
Yes, absolutely. An honest dog runs with joy, doesn’t mess around, doesn’t make trouble. They are hard-working problem solvers, and innovators, leading by example. And that is my staff. I actively seek them out because I can recognize an honest dog from a dog mile away.
Mushing has taught me so much about life that spills over into the bookstore. How to stay strong, run hard, and never lose the fun. The reason I hung with huskies for two decades is because their curiosity and joie de vivre is infectious. It’s the same vibe I want to bring to books and authors.
In particular, I love the intersection of adventure and literature and you see that in our curation of books.
Have books and reading always been a part of your life?
Absolutely. I was the nerd kid in the corner downing a book during the Packer games. I’ve always loved reading, writing, and storytelling. My whole life has been writing–from journalism to writing a book–teaching writing, spending time in bookstores, etc. My favorite Sunday still is to sip tea and get lost in someone’s story.
When someone comes in and knows the genres they like but is having trouble finding a book, how do you assist them?
My favorite subject! We (I speak for the staff here) love finding books for people. One of my personal projects is to get people reading again. And we hear that often: I used to read but…
I have a handful of books to get people on track.
Nonfiction
Winterdance by Gary Paulsen — (everyone loves this one, funny and filled with adventure) Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (story about a rescue donkey and how he gets his mojo back)Fiction
Writers & Lovers by Lily King (delightful romance with depth)
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (so wild and so fun with a lot of heart)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (you will be cheering for Eleanor)
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (smart, feminist, funny)The store specializes in finding books for people based on their preferences. When the pandemic shut down Wisconsin businesses, the store was not online and we had not yet done inventory (I bought it in Sept 2019) — so I put a Twitter call out to people. Send us three clues and $12 and we’ll send you a book. We called it SupriseMe! and it’s now our thing. We have an entire subscription service based on this concept. Every month we select books from our used book inventory and send out beautifully packaged book with treats.
We’ve since added a Pick of the Month club — new paperbacks of books that we love and hand to people in the store but maybe are flying a bit below the radar.
More about it here –> https://honestdogbooks.com/subscriptions
What are some of your favorite things about being a local bookstore near Lake Superior?
I am lucky to live in a place with fresh water, snow, and ice. To live in a community of interested, active citizens who support a bookstore. Lake Superior draws people here and many times keeps them coming back until they decide to live here. It’s the best place to have a bookstore.
*Can you recall any moments during your time with Honest Dog Books that really touched you?
So many moments. I had a woman come in the other day who said she didn’t think she liked to read. She had had some negative experiences as a kid that led her to believe this. We started recommending books and what do you know, she loves to read! She started with Swimming to Antarctica by Lynn Cox and then moved to Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. She asked if I’d be her “reading coach,” a position I accept gladly.
What’s something unique about Honest Dog Books that you’re especially proud of?
Our staff. They read a lot, they live in this region, and they love sharing this place with visitors. Claire, my assistant store manager, was the editor of the local newspaper for twenty-five years. Plus, she grew up here, studied literature in college, and sits on at least six boards. Without exaggerating, she might be one of the most knowledgeable people about the region.
I also love our curated sections. They are a direction reflection of me and the staff: Indigenous Reads, Badass Women, Dogs, Adventure, Nature, Science — and a growing children’s section.
April, who I call my Queen of Aesthetics, has painted beautiful murals and makes our children’s section really special.
What’s in the future for Honest Dog Books?
Funny you should ask. We now (as of Feb 1) have an additional space behind the store which will allow us to do what we’re aleady doing but bigger and better. We’ll have additional used books, space for events, a children’s section, tables and chairs for people to set and ponder life and hopefully read books.
Last year, we added The Dog House (featuring rare books and vinyl) which is a half block away. The new space will connect the store and the Dog House so people will be able to have this experience of endless browsing.
If Honest Dog Books had a theme song or a Motto, what would it be and why?
Hmmmm. To keep our eyes open, our ears perked, and our feet moving. To always be looking for the next book, the next opportunity, the next author that will ignite a spark in someone and possibly change a life forever.
I think we can all agree after reading those super sweet and informational answers from Julie that we want to transport to Honest Dog Books right now and receive an intentionally crafted and brilliant book recommendation, enjoy being on Lake Superior, and read like there’s no tomorrow. And let’s send all the good vibes and thank yous their way for taking the time to tell us more about the heart and soul of Honest Dog Books. What a treat!
No matter if you’re staying at The Pilot House B & B for the weekend or you’re bumming around for the day looking for things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin, or things to do on Lake Superior, I hope after reading this article, you’ll have Honest Dog Books on your dawdling bucket list.
Be sure to follow Honest Dog Books on Facebook, as well as On Lake Superior on Facebook, to stay up to date about all of the fun and adventure to be had on Lake Superior!
Whenever you get the chance, support and explore locally; you’ll find gems you didn’t know were there and gain a memory you won’t soon forget.
