Skip to content
  • X

Subscribe

Magazine | Newsletters
  • Food & Drink
  • News
  • Culture
  • Style
  • Home
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Things to Do
  • Travel
  • Best of NoVA
  • Best Restaurants
  • Most Influential
  • Top High Schools
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Shopping
  • 7 New Bookstores Coming to Northern Virginia
exterior of The Littlest Bookshop
  • Shopping

7 New Bookstores Coming to Northern Virginia

New shops include a children’s bookstore, fantasy-themed shop, and a romance bookshop that doubles as a plant store.

By Michele Kettner March 27, 2026 at 2:03 pm

When it comes to a book lover, the more bookstores, the merrier. And, Northern Virginia is about to see a boom. From children’s bookstores to fantasy-inspired shops, here are seven bookstores opening soon in Northern Virginia.

new bards alley location in downtown vienna
Courtesy Bards Alley

Bards Alley

Yes, Bards Alley has been a destination for readers since 2017, but earlier this year the store announced it was moving locations. No exact date has been announced for when the new location will open, but the staff is planning to move this fall or winter, depending on reservations. The location at 110 Church St. NW is still open. 103 Church St. NE, Vienna

Barnes & Noble

After a year of renovations, the bookstore’s Clarendon location is officially reopening this spring. The renovated space is set to reopen on May 6, with DC-based author Sam Kean cutting the ribbon and hosting a book signing afterwards. The national chain is also expanding its reach in NoVA. Barnes & Noble is set to open its second Alexandria location later this year, according to ALXnow. The new location will take over the former Walgreens’ space in the Shoppes at Foxchase. 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 4515 Duke St., Alexandria

interior of cozy calico books
Courtesy Cozy Calico Books

Cozy Calico Books

Historic Occoquan is adding a bookstore to its lineup of independent stores. This author-owned store will have all of your favorite reads, along with story time sessions, author appearances, and release parties. Cozy Calico Books will host its grand opening on April 25. 199 Union St., Occoquan

Moon & Moss

If you love Friends to Lovers in Alexandria, then you’re going to want to venture to Winchester to check out this new romance bookstore. Not only will you be able to find your favorite “romantasy,” contemporary, and dark romance reads, but the store also doubles as a plant shop. Moon & Moss is hosting its grand opening on Saturday, April 11. 102 S. Loudoun St., Winchester

Sleepy Dragon Books

The owner of Honey and Ivy is opening up a new venture in Manassas – Sleepy Dragon Books. The fantasy-themed shop will be filled to the brim with all of your mystical needs, from picture books to adult fiction. Sleepy Dragon Books will host its ribbon cutting on April 24, and its grand opening on April 25. 9101 Center St., Manassas

The Dark, Unbound
Courtesy The Dark, Unbound

The Dark, Unbound

Last year, The Dark, Unbound announced it was coming to Falls Church, becoming the city’s only independent bookstore. The fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and metaphysical focused store will fill all of your mystical needs, with books, crystals, and tarot cards in stock. The store is still in the process of opening to the public, but you can check out its lineup at local pop-up markets or on its online store. Falls Church

reading nook and interior of the littlest bookshop
Courtesy The Littlest Bookshop

The Littlest Bookshop

This traveling bookshop is setting down roots in Leesburg. The Littlest Bookshop is the newest children’s bookstore full of picture books and adorable reading nooks that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The bookstore is set to host its grand opening on Wednesday, April 1. 26 N. King St., Leesburg

Feature image courtesy The Littlest Bookshop

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

  • Email

Trending in NoVA

7 Virginia Universities Ranked World Best in 2026-2027 List

These New Virginia Laws Go Into Effect July 1, 2026

Head to One of these Trendy Northern Virginia Listening Bars

14 Longtime Restaurants in Northern Virginia and DC That Closed in 2026

22 Fourth of July Fireworks Shows Set to Light Up the Night Sky in Northern Virginia

things to do newsletter

Our Top Stories In Your Inbox

Our newsletters delivered weekly.

Subscribe

Feeds

RSS Feed Follow in Feedly

You May Also Like

Boxes of stuffed animals, toys, and children's furniture and decor from Chantilly Ikea

Peek Inside the New Ikea at the Former Dulles Expo Center

King Arthur Baking Company storefront in Fairfax

King Arthur Baking Company Pop-Up Announces Closing Date

Street view of park, stores, and movie theater at the Mosaic District

Best of NoVA 2026: The Region’s Top Stores, Boutiques, and Shopping Centers

  • X

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Internships
  • Terms of Use

Magazine

  • Magazine
  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • Back Issues

Talk to Us

  • Contact Us
  • Submit an Event
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Shopping

  • Subscription
  • Back Issues
  • Plaques
  • Realtor Client Gift Subscriptions

On Newsstands Now

NoVA 250 - July 2026 cover image

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hey AI.