Where the Sidewalk Ends: Chatham's Favorite Bookstore

One of the best things about wandering around Chatham and the other towns on Cape Cod is that you're sure to come across multiple local gems along the way. There are plenty of family-owned and operated businesses up and down the Cape, most of which offer an experience you won't find anywhere else.

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a bookstore on Chatham's Main Street that provides a far different setting than chains like Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million. It's more of a destination than a traditional bookshop, and Cape residents appreciate everything it has to offer.

Once you buy a home in the Chatham area, there's a good chance Where the Sidewalk Ends will become part of your life, particularly if you love reading or have children.

Here's a look at what you can expect once you walk through this local business' doors.

The Bookshop

First and foremost, Where the Sidewalk Ends is a bookstore set in a historic two-story building in downtown Chatham. The shop has a unique, calming atmosphere, and you'll never feel rushed as you go through their selection of books and find one to purchase.

If you'd like to sit and look through a book before buying, Where the Sidewalk Ends has comfortable indoor and outdoor seating and a fireplace for you to enjoy, as well.

This shop doesn't have the same sterile environment as a larger bookstore and feels more like you're strolling through a friend's house and looking through their book collection.

Where the Sidewalk Ends is open later during the summer, making it the perfect place for an after-dinner walk, and sells souvenirs and toys if you're searching for a gift.

Children's Annex

In 2010, the shop sharing the property with Where the Sidewalk Ends went out of business. While you never want to see a small company fail, this closure opened up a new opportunity for Where the Sidewalk Ends, and they jumped at it by securing this additional space.

Today, that space is the Children's Annex, a secondary on-site bookstore dedicated to children's books and activities.

Much of the Children's Annex's focus is on educational books, but you'll find a little bit of everything there, making it the perfect place to visit with your kids.

Events and Signings

There are more than just books at Where the Sidewalk Ends, as the retailer hosts events throughout the year. 

First, there's the children's storytime, which typically occurs on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. At that time, you can grab a book to look through while your child joins other kids in listening to a story. 

Another event Where the Sidewalk Ends hosts in the summer is the Author Literary Luncheon Series. The gist is that the retailer brings in a writer multiple times per year to discuss specific books over a gourmet meal. You'll have to preregister for these events, and they're held off-site, but they provide an excellent way to spend a Cape Cod evening. 

In addition to the luncheon series, Where the Sidewalk Ends holds book signings a few times per year. Once again, these events allow you to meet an author, albeit in a slightly more informal setting. 

There's always something going on at Where the Sidewalk Ends, so check their website for information on upcoming events. 

Online Shopping

You might not expect this from such a small shop, but Where the Sidewalk Ends has an entire eCommerce store where you can order online and have your selections mailed to you. 

There are hundreds of books available through their online shop, and they ship everything directly from their warehouse, so the books generally arrive pretty quickly. 

It's possible to buy a digital gift card to give to a loved one, too, so you can encourage friends and family who live off the Cape to support this local gem.

Audiobooks and ebooks are available for direct purchase through Where the Sidewalk Ends, as well.

Support Local

After buying a home on Cape Cod, you might find yourself putting more emphasis on supporting local businesses than ever before, and retailers like Where the Sidewalk Ends are an excellent start. 

This shop is owned by a mother-daughter team looking to keep the Cape's residents reading while providing them with special events as often as possible.

The next time you're looking for a great book to read on the beach, take a minute to visit Where the Sidewalk Ends; you won't regret your decision.