I love to read, so much so that I went off to UC Santa Cruz and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. That experience not only enriched me with a deeper understanding of the texts I read but thirst for decent coffee now and again. So it’s refreshing to come across a venue that offers the best of both worlds.

Located in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Mall on Via de la Valle, The Bookworks and Pannikin Café sit side-by-side offering a wonderful selection of coffee, teas, and pastries while, within the same breathe, providing an encouraging literary atmosphere. Though independent of one another in ownership, a sliding door divides these establishments, inviting consumers of either business to explore and broaden their shopping experience.

The mall itself is a two story outdoor shopping center along Interstate 5, with 52 specialty shops nestled amid verdant landscape and floral beauty. Adjacent to the shops is a fourplex cinema that often showcases recently released independent films.

True, there are more commercial alternatives to this marriage of coffee and books, but such clones lack the unique personality one would find at either Bookworks or the Pannikin. The Pannikin has long possessed a foothold in coffeehouse culture in San Diego County, offering unique gifts, professionally crafted beverages, and delectable pastries. Though small, the Flower Hill location exudes a coziness that is at once a refreshing break from a shopping experience or simply a comfortable rest bit from your day.

Bookworks is by no means a well-stocked bookstore, but the emphasis is quality, not quantity. Almost anything that you might find within this stores rustic wood casing is literature of worth. Both non-fiction and fiction selections are strong, vital, and interesting. What’s more, Bookworks sponsors reading and music events as well as hosting a number of writing workshops. For more information on these events stop in or call 858-755-3735.

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite stops. It is the beginning of a wonderful, though brief, east bound Sunday drive that passes balloon rides and horseback riding leading you through what is arguably San Diego’s most affluent neighborhood, Rancho Santa Fe. Bottom line: if you looking for a relaxing cup of coffee or tea, coupled with a fine reading selection, then the Bookworks/Pannikin Café is your desired destination.