In my opinion, there’s no better way to spend a weekend than on the beach in Jacksonville, Florida. For the long Labor Day weekend, I grabbed a beach towel, my sunglasses, and a good book, and headed for relaxation.

A good book is an essential fixture for a day at the beach. In between napping and playing in the surf, soaking up some literature along with the sun is the perfect way to lose yourself in another world. Whether you’re into crime thrillers, love stories, classic literature or nonfiction, a great read entertains and enlightens you as you’re surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea.

The Bookmark is the perfect spot to find the right read for your day at the beach. This Atlantic Beach original has been a fixture on Atlantic Boulevard for 18 years. Snuggled just steps away from the beach, The Bookmark has an incredible selection of children’s books, best sellers and hard-to-find novels that will tempt any literary taste.

When you walk into The Bookmark, the first thing you’ll notice is… well, books! This fun shop is chock full of them. The walls are lined with paperbacks and hardcovers, and displays of recent releases. There’s even a relaxing reading area for you to preview your selections before purchasing them.

The little ones will love the kid’s corner at The Bookmark. This area is specially-reserved for all things kids: mermaids, dinosaurs, Dr. Seuss and Dora The Explorer… books that will ignite imaginations and inspire ingenuity.

If you’re overwhelmed by the selection at The Bookmark, just ask Rona Brinlee for some insight. She and her husband Buford have owned The Bookmark for the past 13 years, and pairing people with publications is their passion. Rona and her husband stay on top of literary trends, and can recommend a book to you based on your taste in novels. If you loved Water for Elephants, Rona might suggest you try City of Thieves, a similar work of historical fiction with a "triumphantly happy ending." If you’re on the hunt for a specific book, Rona can help you find it. She’s helped customers find everything from the latest Grisham novel to a 19th century botany book, and she revels in the moment where the customer meets their perfect book.

The Brinlees are so well-known, in fact, that locals who are savvy about this Jacksonville-area gem will drive from 20 miles away just to get their suggestion on a great read. It’s not uncommon that customers will walk into The Bookmark and purchase a book with little more information than the Brinlee’s recommendation. Customers trust Rona and Buford’s taste in novels, and the couple takes that trust very seriously by soaking up new stories and sharing their insight with Jacksonville residents and visitors alike.

So the next time you’re heading to the beach, don’t pass up the chance to get in a good read! Stop by The Bookmark and discover why this independent Jacksonville bookstore keeps its customers coming back for more.

To see more photos of The Bookmark, check out the Visit Jacksonville Flickr Group.