This mom-and-pop NJ bookstore will bring you back to the old days.

While I love being able to order something on Amazon in 5 seconds just as much as the next person, I do crave that in-person, old-fashioned shopping experience from time to time.

If you feel the same, next time you’re about to order a book online or venture into the mega bookstore/cafe, consider heading over to a local bookstore instead. They’re few and far between but one in NJ is so amazing. And will remind you why you love bookstores and in-person shopping so much.

The Bookworm is located in Bernardsville and has remained open for over three decades now. While the store might be small, it’s filled from top to bottom with books, making sure you’ll never leave empty-handed.

The Bookworm via Google Maps
The Bookworm via Google Maps
loading...

If you are someone who needs a little guidance when looking for a book, the Bookworm is the best place to go. Not only are the staff incredibly friendly and helpful but practically a third of the books have small sticky notes in them with little comments from employees who have read them.

They can also order almost any book you want to read, which has encouraged me to try to shop small from now on when it comes to books. I feel a lot better supporting a local business, especially when looking for something to do as a leisure activity, like reading a book.

The Bookworm also has a hefty supply of readings assigned by the local school districts and even has books needed to study for standardized tests. Whether you remember the feeling of shopping at an independent book retailer or not, it’s such a different experience and the mega stores just can’t compare. The Bookworm one is definitely it if you’re looking to find a home and community in a store.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

You can now listen to Dennis & Judi — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite best friends anytime, anywhere and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

One of the Top 50 Candy stores in the US is right here in Jersey

Black River Candy Shoppe in Chester New Jersey was selected in Food Network Magazine's “America’s 50 Best Candy Stores” a couple of years back and the story went viral online earlier this year.

I decided to take a trip down there for myself to see what they had to offer. Right, when you walk in you feel like you are Charlie about to take over the chocolate factory. Black River Candy Shoppe is a cute little candy shop offering hundreds of different types of candy.

They have old-school childhood candy as well as an incredible selection of newer candy varieties. Candy is displayed in old whiskey barrels, and a lot of their candy is sold in bulk by the pound. It is located in downtown Chester right off of Main Street. Check out the photos from my recent visit:

POP QUIZ: Can you name all 10 interstate highways in New Jersey?

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM