Tiny bookstore to open at Clifton Park general store

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A new tiny bookstore will be opening its doors at the Vischer Ferry General Store in Clifton Park. Fables at the Ferry will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday.

According to founders Indiana Nash and Caroline Murray, the idea for Fables at the Ferry began as a joke. Over nearly a decade of friendship, the two had talked about wanting to open a bookstore cafe or bar but considered it “wishful thinking.”

It was only this year that the duo decided to turn their dream into a reality. And, for Nash and Murray, there was no better place to do it than at the Vischer Ferry General Store.

“The Vischer Ferry General Store is a special place for both of us,” the two told NEWS10. “We both used to live down the street from the store and would frequent it often. Indiana’s wedding was there and she and her husband are in a book club there as well.”

The independent bookstore — reportedly one of the only in Clifton Park — will sit inside a previously empty gardening shed behind the general store. Murray and Nash began work on the space in late September, painting the walls and moving in cozy furniture and bookshelves.

“The biggest challenge has simply been learning the ropes as new business owners,” Murray and Nash said. “Each day we’ve worked in the shed, people have come by to ask questions and when we tell them we’re opening a bookstore, they’ve been excited. It’s been really encouraging.”

The owner of the Vischer Ferry General Store, Louise McManus, called Fables at the Ferry “a win for both businesses.” She told NEWS10 that Nash’s and Murray’s vision aligns well with the vibes of the store, which sells merchandise and gift item and serves baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, coffees and teas.

“There’s no more perfect fit than a bookstore and coffee shop, in my opinion!” McManus said. “Indi and Caroline are not just opening a bookstore; they’re creating another community within our larger VFGS family, of folks who love to read.”

Fables at the Ferry, which had its name inspired by Nash’s daughter, will sell a curated selection of new releases, classics and contemporary literature, as well as book-related gifts, such as reading journals and literature-themed candles. The shop also plans to host regular children story times, author talks, book clubs and other events.

“We’re excited to connect with fellow readers,” the duo said, adding that they will be offering hand-typed book recommendations, blind-dates with books and store merch. “We’re also excited to be able to help anyone who wants to get into reading and isn’t sure where to start or anyone in a reading slump that they can’t seem to get out of.”

Fables at the Ferry will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Vischer Ferry General Store is located at 357 Riverview Road and open Wednesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re so excited for this wonderful addition to our community, and can’t wait to see how their plans for story times and author events bring more people together at the VFGS,” McManus said.