Fearrington Village’s McIntyre’s Books In Pittsboro, NC

by Chika Gujarathi

In what seems like a page out of a storybook, McIntyre’s Books in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is quite easily one of the most magical book stores one may ever encounter. Located in Fearrington Village, an English-inspired community on a former dairy farm, it is not unusual to pass a few grazing cows and goats, and hear the cluck-cluck of chickens running around before you ever make it to McIntyre’s front stoop.

Once inside, the atmosphere is equally cheerful with bright light, beautifully stocked and curated bookshelves, and a cozy layout that begs you to wander from room to room searching for your next perfect read. There is a room dedicated to children’s books and thoughtful toys and gifts too, in addition to a big gathering space that makes for fun weekly storytimes and author events.

An independent bookstore since 1989, McIntyre’s has been managed by Keebe Fitch for the last 28 years, and has two terrific buyers (Pete Mock for adults, and the amazing Sarah Carr for children’s) who keep the shelves supplied with an extensive selection of fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, DIY and cooking, and mystery.

So yeah, there is the idyllic setting, and thoughtful book selections, and the beautiful store layout, but I feel like what makes McIntyre’s such a fixture in the community is its events and knowledgeable and kind employees. With over 150 author events a year, in addition to weekly store times, this book store really delivers intimate experiences and connections that readers crave.

McIntyre’s also hosts one of the biggest children’s books spring-fest in the area called Whirlikids. An all day event, held at the big barn also in Fearrington Village, the event includes a full day of crafts, face painting, storytimes, panel discussions, book signings, bestselling children’s authors from all around the state and country, and so much more. As a children’s author of the Hello Namaste! books, I felt extra proud to have been a part of the event in 2019 and eagerly look forward to it again in March of 2020.

Some of the upcoming author events at McIntyre’s include local author Camille Andros and her latest release From a Small Seed: The Story of Eliza Hamilton, Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint Cookbook, North Carolina Poetry Society Event with Angell Caudil and Hermit Feathers Press Readers, Bernard L. Herman’s A South You Never Ate: Savoring Flavors and Stories from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. You can find their full list of events here.

McIntyre’s Books is located at 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC. Store hours are Sunday – Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to  6 pm. Learn more about them on their website, and then follow them on Facebook and Instagram.