Get lost in the shelves of Elliott Bay Book Company — Photo courtesy of Elliott Bay Book Company

As we morph into the chillier, darker months, local book store Elliott Bay Book Company provides the perfect indoor setting in which to pass the time. Seattle doesn't quite have the City Lights Books of San Francisco or Powell's of Portland, but the equivalent in funky neighborhood Capitol Hill is venerable specialty bookseller Elliot Bay Book Company. 

With more than a generation in business, Elliott Bay is a full-service bookstore boasting more than 150,000 titles, all aligned on cedar shelves in a multi-level, loft-type space with exposed beams and wood floors. This trademark setting was reinvented from the original store; the bookstore relocated a couple of years ago from its original building - near Elliot Bay, of course. The store's new digs are now located in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill, once again in a re-purposed, historic brick building.

Elliot Bay still offers a full schedule of author readings and events throughout the year. As ever, eating, drinking and talking books are encouraged here, and the café downstairs is more than convenient.

Shopping perks of this venue range from "staff picks" to a section up front that prominently promotes works by local talents. Keep tabs on the most current events happening at the store on the Elliott Bay websiteNot only might you get to listen to some well-known personalities whose works have long been revered far and wide, but you may also chance upon some newer talents to the scene (who might just evolve into your new favorite author . . . You never know!).

Shoppers use the "staff favorites" sections for helpful hints — Photo courtesy of Elliott Bay Book Company