Local Writing Stores

[heyvince]

So in the month of August, I will be traveling all around the United States. (I'm Canadian, so this will be quite the adventure)

I'm trying to hit at least 1 or 2+ local writing stores in each state, perhaps collecting souvenirs of fountain pens from each state to remind me of my trip in the future.

What's a local writing store (preferably with a site of some sort so I can check it out) that you visit in your area?

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

Where I live...nothing. But, on the eastern end of North Dakota (your first stop, right?) you can try Zandbroz. (http://www.zandbroz.com/) Actually, while you're hitting the Dakotas, the lesser Dakota (South Dakota) has a Zandbroz in Sioux Falls.

[Dronak]

In the DC metro area, I know of Fahrney's Pens (http://www.fahrneyspens.com/), Bertram's Inkwell (https://www.bertramsinkwell.com/), and Pen Boutique (http://www.penboutique.com/). There's also a Levenger store (http://www.levenger.com/), but while they have pens and inks and such, I don't think that's their primary thing. If you're going to be farther away from DC, there are probably similar places in other areas of Maryland and Virginia, but I'm not familiar with things outside the DC metro area. I hope this helps.

[Neo]

https://vanness1938.com/

If you plan to visit Little Rock in Arkansas.

[carlos.q]

Check out this page:
http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/stores1b.html

Or this one:
http://www.penshops.info

These are not always up to date but they provide a good starting point.

[inklord]

http://www.andersonpens.com/Default.asp
http://blog.andersonpens.com/see-virtual-view-store/
The first link is the site of Anderson Pens in Appleton, WI; the second link gives you a virtual tour of the store and a link to Google Maps so you can find it... This is quite the store for our State/area - it's my birthday excursion destination! Enjoy!

[Lady Onogaro]

Houston = Dromgoole's.

[Dreck]

Well, here in central Indiana, we have a few options.

The first is Avalon Jewelers (http://www.avalonpens.com/ ), makers of Private Reserve ink. I've never been there. I do not enjoy driving, they're on the north-ish side of the city, I'm on the southeast side. Besides, PR ink feels gritty to me, so I don't use it.
The second place is Indy Pen Dance; also on the north-ish side, and another place I've never been (http://www.indy-pen-dance.com/).
The third and final is Hardwicke's Pipe & Tobacco. They have 2 locations: one in Broad Ripple and the other downtown at Monument Circle. Neither one has an actual website, but here is contact/location info for the downtown location (http://www.openingtimes.co/hardwickes-pipe-and-tobacco-indianapolis-in). Despite my aversion to going downtown, I've been to the Monument Circle location once. The ink boxes were covered in dust but YMMV. It is a nice little shop to relax in while enjoying a cigar.

Enjoy your travels!

[Laura N]

Chicago has Century Pens downtown, which is open on weekdays. They have a website for more information.

If you are going to beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico -- and you should -- be sure to check out Santa Fe Pens, which is great. They also have a website.

[hallzzy01]

If you have to go through Regina Sask at all, check out The Paper Umbrella. It's a neat little store with some fountain pens and accessories

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Lincoln, Rhode Island has the Cross factory store, which is open to the public. You can go to http://www.cross.com and just look up their contact address -- it's the same as for their factory store. The store itself doesn't have its own web site, but it does have a Facebook page. Note that they're also on summer hours now, which means they're only open from 9-6 or so on Monday through Friday.

[fqgouvea]

Maine is going to be a challenge. I'm not aware of any pen stores, though there are acouple of pen makers.


Fernando Gouvêa -- fqgouvea@roadrunner.com

[sharmon202]

Another Indianapolis source, Brenner's Luggage on the north side. Hopefully Ryan will be there. He is knowledgeable, nice, was a very enjoyable time visiting & buying pens there. Going back at Christmas.

[Laura N]

I've never been to these myself, but they do make my fountain pen bucket list: the Fountain Pen Shop in Monrovia, CA and Fountain Pen Hospital in NYC.

[rpsyed]

There is nothing really special in the area I live (Central California). However, Southern California has The Fountain Pen Shop. I believe Berkeley and San Fransisco also have some nice stores.

[Dreck]

Another Indianapolis source, Brenner's Luggage on the north side. Hopefully Ryan will be there. He is knowledgeable, nice, was a very enjoyable time visiting & buying pens there. Going back at Christmas.

Thanks, Sandy. I think you mentioned this store to me once before. If I ever find myself (despite my best intentions) that far from home, I will give them a go.