Peterson Sorenson
The power of a story can be traced to the spaces where it was imagined. Across North America, key locations provide rare insights into the lives of literary giants. Each stop on this list reveals how surroundings shaped their art, leaving behind a lasting influence on readers everywhere.
The Mark Twain House And Museum, Hartford, Connecticut
What inspired the imagination of Mark Twain? His Hartford home, where he penned “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” might hold the answer. Explore the mansion’s billiard room-turned-writing space and join storytelling tours that detail his family life and creative world.
The Ernest Hemingway Home And Museum, Key West, Florida
Venture into Hemingway’s 1930s sanctuary. Here, Hemingway wrote, “To Have and Have Not.” The home brims with relics, including his writing desk, and houses famed six-toed cats descended from his pets. The vibrant Key West environment influenced much of his work.
The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
America’s treasure trove of knowledge awaits you. Housing over 170 million items, including Jefferson’s personal library, this iconic establishment boasts stunning architecture and rotating exhibits. Attend events like poetry readings or marvel at rare manuscripts in the nation’s grandest library.
Strand Bookstore, New York City, New York
Strand is a treasure chest of stories, unlocking literary worlds with its 18 miles of books. The bookstore has delighted book lovers with rare editions and author events since 1927. Located in Manhattan’s East Village, this place is a paradise for those who cherish the written word.
Powell’s City Of Books, Portland, Oregon
While digital reading grows, Powell’s City of Books proves the enduring magic of physical bookstores. Covering a city block in Portland, it’s home to a million books, rare editions, and a vibrant atmosphere of events that keep literature alive and thriving.
The Margaret Mitchell House, Atlanta, Georgia
Relive the creation of “Gone with the Wind.” Margaret Mitchell’s tiny apartment, known as “The Dump,” holds the legacy of this Pulitzer-winning novel. The museum highlights her writing process, personal artifacts, and the cultural impact of her timeless Southern tale.
The Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst, Massachusetts
A quiet haven, Emily Dickinson’s homestead captures the serenity that defined her life. Manuscripts line the rooms where she wrote, while the lush gardens offer a window into her creative process. It’s a perfect destination for poetry lovers seeking inspiration.
The F. Scott Fitzgerald House, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Did you know “This Side of Paradise” began in the quiet streets of Saint Paul? F. Scott Fitzgerald’s childhood home nurtured his imagination and ambition, setting the stage for his career as one of America’s greatest chroniclers of the Roaring Twenties.
The Stephen King House, Bangor, Maine
Stephen King’s Bangor mansion is a portal to his dark imagination. The Gothic gates, adorned with eerie symbols, stand like the threshold to his fictional universe. Fans are drawn to this home, where the atmosphere mirrors the haunting worlds in his books.
Munro’s Books, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Named after Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro, this stunning bookstore in a heritage building is a literary gem. With vaulted ceilings and an extensive collection, it’s a paradise for bookworms. The shop’s curated selection celebrates Canadian and international literature alike.
