Hickory Stick Book Shop
Book store · Litchfield County ·

Hickory Stick Book Shop

Book store · Litchfield County ·

Bookshop with superb selection, gifts, and dedicated kids' area

Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null
Hickory Stick Book Shop by null

Information

2 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794 Get directions

$$

Information

Static Map

2 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794 Get directions

+1 860 868 0525
hickorystickbookshop.com
@hickorystickbookshop
𝕏
@hickorystickbs

$$

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Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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The Connecticut Towns That Inspired 'Gilmore Girls,' 25 Years Later | Condé Nast Traveler

"The Hickory Stick Bookshop is a delightfully well‑stocked, homegrown bookstore — a sprawl of fiction, local birdwatching titles, and a rack of wooden walking sticks — and tucked into a corner I found a small windowsill display of hand‑made Gilmore Girls signs, memoirs by Kelly Bishop and Lauren Graham, and painted coffee mugs that nod to fans without overwhelming the shop’s local character." - Timothy Latterner

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-connecticut-towns-that-inspired-gilmore-girls-25-years-later
Hickory Stick Book Shop

Bryan T.

Google
Very nice book store that embraces Gilmore Girls. They have a section about the Girlmore Girls and they give you a list of books Rory read in the series. There is also a list of other places around that the show is based off of.

Sarah A.

Google
cute little bookshop with lots of genres and options and a fun kids area. Cozy atmosphere and kind staff. Highly recommend stopping by, even if it’s out of your way!

Grace E.

Google
Been visiting local and independent bookstores. Love the charm of this shop. They have nice little corner for kids. Their book selection is superb!

Tiffany C.

Google
A book lover's dream... Cozy, well-organized and an incredible selection of books and bookish gifts. Absolutely worth a stop (or two or three or more).

Vincent B.

Google
Wife had me in town for show she likes that won't be named. Cool book store though they're nice and we got a couple books for our kids at normal prices not overpriced "little book store" prices

Megan B.

Google
Charming bookshop with a great selection! Definitely worth the visit.

Tara R.

Google
Great bookshop with a wide range of titles and organised beautifully. They also have a gift shop in the back.

Megan C.

Google
Nice place that is worth stopping by even if you’re not much of a reader. They offer a much larger selection of books than I imagined. They also carry other items such as games and cards. I was even able to find a Washington, CT shirt to commemorate my trip.
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Lara F.

Yelp
This is such a cozy little place. My daughter and I were on a road trip and looking for Gilmore vibes. Loved this quick stop.
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Marina S.

Yelp
Very cute bookstore. A good variety and there's an entire section for kids. I would come back.
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Casey F.

Yelp
This bookshop is in a cute shopping center in a small town (known for inspiring the Gilmore Girls tv show!) When I walked in the door, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the book store, and how many books they actually had. They had a bunch of displays, as well as autographed books which was awesome to see. They also had a cute Gilmore Girls section with Gilmore Girls books, merchandise, magnets, etc. I purchased a non-Gilmore Girls themed book, a Gilmore Girls light up mini gazebo, and another non-Gilmore Girls themed book. The employee was talking with her Dad when I walked up to the counter (which was super sweet) and then she asked me if I scanned the QR code near the Gilmore Girls display. When I said no, she went and got me a list of Gilmore Girls locations in the town I could visit, as well as the list of all the books Rory has read in the show. Super cool!! She also recommended I check out Five Janes (the cute boutique shop across the way which I did!) This employee was awesome and so so helpful!!
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Tricia B.

Yelp
This is a great independent bookstore in Washington Depot. The building is curved, and somewhat iconic in the area. It used to be on a mural in New Milford Hospital. It's a great place to get local, new, and children's books. There's a fair amount of variety in book content, and also lots of cute gifts for the non-readers. Watch their Facebook page, because periodically authors come in for signings!

clarissa k.

Yelp
Of course we stopped in as part of our Gilmore Girls road trip! Super cute store, great atmosphere and top notch customer service. They were just as excited to see us as we were to see them!
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Sharika M.

Yelp
The bookshop is nestled in a small town. There is an entire section with books and material related to the Gilmore Girl's show. There are plenty of things other than books such as games, arts and crafts and chocolate that serve as great gifts.
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Megan K.

Yelp
Such an adorable bookshop. This was one of my first stops and they gave me a Gilmore Girls bucket list of places to go to which was so beyond appreciated. I ended up getting a pretty good book to read too and a cute Rory's Reads little sign to put up on my bookshelf with books that would be Rory Gilmore approved.
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Stephanie F.

Yelp
Spent a week in New Milford for a 'Gilmore Girls' trip and this bookshop was on the to do list since it reminded me of a bookshop from the show. Cute shop. Excellent customer service.

Brooklyn B.

Yelp
Darling book store with an array of genres. The sweet worker was very helpful and kind.

Emma S.

Yelp
The staff was so kind and helpful. The book store is very organised and well run. Support small businesses and shop here instead of Amazon!
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Angela A.

Yelp
Happened upon this little book shop when I was driving through Washington Depot and saw the farmers market across the street. There's a fun little shop that is deceiving from the outside. They have a lot of books and a great selection. Also have some paper gift items and journals as well as a few toys in the kids section. While I was in there overheard a group talking that this was the bookstore that was the inspiration for the one in Gilmore girls. Definitely worth of stuff if you're driving through town or visiting

Paul A.

Yelp
This is a wonderful bookstore with a very helpful staff. It is beautifully organized and one of our favorite places to visit. So many books so little time
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Amanda H.

Yelp
So great to hear that this store is still going strong over two decades later! I grew up in Washington and have such fond memories of this book shop from my childhood and adolescence. I try to go back as often as possible now that I have moved away, and I love the transformation that it has undergone, such as a section for home decor and gifts. The children's area is just as cute and robust as ever, and now as an adult I love their contemporary fiction/novels, history and biography, and featured local authors. Such a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and a great mainstay of the small but vibrant village community of Washington Depot.
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Kelly C.

Yelp
My mother actually suggested visiting Hickory Stick in between our vineyard hopping this weekend and I am so glad she did! The book selection is wide without being overwhelming and they've got suggested reads at a few different spots in the front of the store. I loved the children's book section and made most of my purchases there. The prices are in line with what you'd be paying at any other brick-and-mortar bookstore, plus you get knowledgeable staff who can answer any question. The gentleman who cashed us out gave helpful suggestions for lunch and I met a true kindred spirit in the lovely woman working there - in our quick interaction we shared tattoo stories and discovered a shared love of a recently departed author. It's a long drive for me from Wallingford, but absolutely worth it. I will be back.
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Kathy D.

Yelp
We first visited this store as part of the independent Bookstore Day challenge in April 2018. We won gift certificates and went back to purchase books. Great selection of books, some games/toys and gift items. Nice staff. A gem in the small town.
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Bill S.

Yelp
A really nice independent bookshop in lovely little Washington Depot. They have what we consider a good selection of new books in a variety of genres, particularly good on history and nature and self-help. They do a fair number of author signings, which means they are supportive of the writers in their area (and beyond). That's always a very good sign. They have a large part of the store devoted to books and games for kids of all ages, and honestly it's fun for adult browsing as well. We've found the clerks to be very friendly and helpful; they ordered a book for us, got it in quickly and notified us right away. Good customer service. We're fans.

J L.

Yelp
I love independent bookshops and had to drop in while staying close by. They have a great selection of both books and gifts, and an extensive children's section! They had several back-to-school books out for children and I was inspired to get one for my own child to help with the transition. Such a little gem of a shop!

Miss R.

Yelp
This place is cute as a button but holy moly the liberal bias is painfully apparent in everything from the displays to what they have stocked and how much inventory they have. For context I do not affiliate with any political ideology, I'm simply making an observation

Rachel B.

Yelp
Cute shop! Friendly staff and wide selection of books to browse. They helped me find two books I was looking for, ended up purchasing one of them. I was in town for the weekend but would definitely go back if I lived closer.
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Stephen W.

Yelp
Growing up, I really loved this bookstore. It was a warm, ruminative, safe place with really cool books...especially the fantasy novels (think D & D) that captured my imagination as a kid. Now that I'm older, I dropped by and visited...I found that none of the books I wanted were here. They have a fair amount of literature and fiction, but almost no philosophy or quality non-fiction stuff. I guess I've been spoiled by college libraries. Sad. : (
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Julie G.

Yelp
The Hickory Stick Bookshop is a quaint independent bookstore meets sophisticated and educated taste. Their client-base runs the range from locals to New York City weekenders, and it shows in the diversity of selection - from gardening, to New York Times bestsellers - it's surprisingly well-stocked...and if they don't have what you're looking for - they'll order it for you. They have a range - I've picked up everything from "Hyperbole and a Half" (hysterical) to more serious reads there. You can get books for your child or yourself, and the staff are phenomenal - well read, informed, and will give you honest information about new books that might fit your taste or things about what your child might like given their unique tastes or interests. I saw that the newest edition of Yankee Magazine just rated it the best bookshop in the state in their "Best of New England" edition...there's a reason. I'm proud to have it in my town - a great resource.

John O.

Yelp
Great bookshop! Great selection. Lots of COVID precautions in place, which were appreciated. Really nice kids book section as well.
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Paige S.

Yelp
Great selection of books and gifts! I found what I was looking for and more. The staff was friendly and ready to help.

James R.

Yelp
Went to visit family in Washington, stopped here with family and children in tow. The rating is specifically for children's section and the way the employees acted. Children's section is large and diverse with many different offerings for all ages, abilities, and interests. As I spent time getting out books an employee said to leave out whatever we don't want and they'll gladly put them away. They also had some cute kids toys and puzzles, amongst other offerings. If in the area I'd certainly stop back. Prices are retail (as marked) just like the chain book store. The only way to get a book under retail is online anyways.

Ben T.

Yelp
In the world of dying bookshops, it is nice to know that a gem like this is still around. Would be five stars, but due to their size they do not always have what I want in stock. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff!
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Pamela M.

Yelp
Very nice independent bookstore. Much larger on the inside. Nice layout. Large childen section. They also sell toys and greeting cards.

Joe G.

Yelp
We love the Hickory Stick! Such a great little local non-corporate bookshop that has it all. The kids are always excited to go there and pick out gifts for their friends birthday parties.

Nan S.

Yelp
Wonderful book selection and warm and friendly staff. If they don't have the book they can order it,

Florence M.

Yelp
Great bookstore! Friendly staff, wonderful selection, and if the book you want isn't in stock they'll order it and you'll have it in a day or two. Every town needs a great bookstore, and Washington, CT is very fortunate to have this one!

Kristen D.

Yelp
This is the BEST bookstore for miles! Staff is great, friendly and knowledgable. Selection is good for a small town shop and prices are fair. They regularly have readings and signings that are awesome. If you agree that we need to support local, independent businesses, then this is a must visit. This shop is the intellectual and cultural center of Washington; two thumbs up!

Lisa R.

Yelp
Rather snooty sales people. Overpriced and not terribly wide selection.