Written by Lucia Winkler. Edited by Naomi Jalloh.
On Sep. 2, 2024, Lakeland’s Inklings Book Shoppe (LLC) opened a second location in Downtown Bartow. Inklings Book Shoppe had been given the opportunity of expansion after another business, Unfiltered Coffee House, had reached out to them seeking a partnership. The two businesses have joined together to provide a community space where Bartow’s residents can interact with each other.
Located on the first floor, Unfiltered Coffee House is unlike any other coffee shop in Polk County. It appeals to modern interest with a quirky, Victorian vibe. Retro knick-knacks are scattered throughout the shop that vary from an elk head dressed in fashionable attire to an elegant carriage. There are several eclectic seating areas, and their individuality offers new scenery wherever you choose to sit.
Upstairs, Inklings is a cozy, used bookstore that has a heart for Bartow community. The owner, Sarina Michel, aims to turn Inklings Bartow into a creative hub for local artists. “We work hard to promote local authors,” she said, “and we want more of those authors to be from Bartow.” Michel has proved very successful in fulfilling her goal--you can find many products made by local businesses for sale in her store. Michel also strives to create a gathering place for Bartow residents. “Bartow needed a community space for people to connect, read, and discover worlds outside of their own,” she said.
The building as a whole is rustic and antique. The outside is defined by its weathered bricks, large windows, and a stained-glass door. While the two businesses are united by a shared structure, each maintains its own individual personality.
Downtown Bartow has a charming, small-town atmosphere. It is home to historical sites that Bartow prides itself on, like the Old Polk County Courthouse that serves as Polk County’s historical center. There is also a variety of shops that can satisfy many interests. For example, there are several boutiques, an old-fashioned ice cream shop, and a comic book store. To support Downtown Bartow’s efforts to foster community, stop by the area sometime and make sure to check out Inklings and Unfiltered!
