Something lovely opened in Occoquan this spring, and it's already become one of our favorite things about the town. Occoquan has a bookstore, and if you haven't made it in yet, consider this your nudge.

Cozy Calico Books opened this April at 199 Union Street, tucked into the corner of Union and Mill Streets in the heart of the historic district. The shop is owned by Tracy Blanton — better known by her pen name Tracy Banghart, a published author with Macmillan, Little Brown, and Candlewick — and her husband Andy, who retired from the U.S. Army after more than twenty years of service. It's a family operation in every sense.

Early visitors have raved about the layout — a children's section that flows naturally into young adult, sci-fi and romance along one wall, and a beautiful floral-wallpapered nonfiction nook with seating toward the back. The kind of bookstore you walk into and immediately slow down.

Beyond browsing, Cozy Calico hosts book clubs, creative writing classes, story times, and author events. This isn't just a place to buy books — it's shaping up to be a genuine gathering spot for the community.

Pair a visit with lunch along the river. You won't regret it.

📍 199 Union Street, Occoquan, VA 🌐 cozycalicobooks.com