I had heard a lot about Backwater Books in Old Ellicott City, and honestly—it exceeded the hype. The ambiance is fantastic, with a limited but beautifully curated collection of books. The space itself is inviting, filled with lounges, chairs, sofas, and tables spread across both the first and second floors. The second floor even has Harry Potter-style floating candles near the patio door (though they were turned off when I visited, it still looked magical). They also host live music every Saturday night at 8 pm during the summer, which adds to the charm. Their hours are: Tuesday–Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm Friday: 11 am – 10 pm Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm (Closed on Mondays) Another unique touch: there’s a draft bar on the second floor where you can sip a beer while reading or enjoy the live music on Saturday nights. Overall, it’s more than just a bookstore—it’s an experience. Highly recommend!

- 5r1zan G Verified