Few things are more relaxing than sitting back with a good book, and the literary world is only getting more diverse. There's something for everyone and a bookstore to sell it. As a fan of great books, I find New Jersey might just be the best state around for diverse reading, and that's why I put together this New Jersey literary road trip through the north and central parts of the state. Seven incredible bookstores and libraries can be found in major cities, small towns, and even along the Jersey Shore. This trip will take a little over three hours of driving with seven stops along the way, but you'll want to budget plenty of extra time for browsing those stacks.

Your road trip will kick off in Northern New Jersey, not too far from New York. This whole trip can be done in a day, but that will depend on how much time you want to spend browsing the massive bookstores along the way - and they don't get bigger than the first.

1. Montclair Book Center (Montclair)

The largest independent bookstore in New Jersey, Montclair Book Center is known throughout the state as the best place for rare-book hunters looking for hidden gems. This sprawling institution has been open since 1984 and has more than 100,000 books on its shelves. The three levels have everything you could want, including a movie section.

2. The Nature of Reading (Madison)

One of the newer independent bookstores, The Nature of Reading is a tiny space dedicated to the love of nature. Located on Madison's Main Street, it features a carefully curated selection of books as well as a great space filled with plants and little enclaves for reading.

3. Rutgers Art Library (New Brunswick)

This one is pretty close to me, as it's on the grounds of Rutgers University, where I studied for several years. The Rutgers Art Library is a world apart from the massive main library of the campus, a unique and specialized institution with rare art books, and the acclaimed Zimmerli Art Museum right next door with free admission. This is a must-visit for any art lover.

4. Guggenheim Memorial Library (West Long Branch)

Associated with Monmouth University, this library has a fantastic selection of historic and academic books, but the primary reason to visit is its stunning architecture. The Guggenheim Memorial Library was designed by the same team behind the world-famous New York Public Library in Manhattan, and just exploring its storied halls is an adventure.

5. Paranormal Books & Curiosities (Asbury Park)

This unique paranormal bookstore is filled with some of the eeriest books in the Garden State. You can find some classic NJ ghost stories, or take a deep dive into some of our native cryptids like the Jersey Devil. This is also a popular tourist destination with a paranormal museum upstairs, so check ahead about tours.

6. Princeton Public Library (Princeton)

A sprawling public library that was completely renovated about 15 years ago, the Princeton Public Library is my personal favorite library in New Jersey. Not only is the massive building the perfect place for a day of exploring, but there's an on-site cafe as well as a huge book sale section where you can find some amazing bargains.

7. The Bear and the Books (Hopewell)

This trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at a children's bookstore, and The Bear and the Books is a charming little haven that feels right out of a storybook itself. Pop in, browse for gifts, and the bookstore will also order books for adults on request. The most unique part of this bookstore is Bear Mail, which allows people to set up books by mail for a child they know.

Which stops have you visited on this New Jersey literary road trip? What's your favorite bookstore in the Garden State? Let us know in the comments section! Princeton is pretty close to your end spot, so consider making a day trip of it and working in a gourmet dinner at Elements and a night at the luxurious and historic Nassau Inn after a day of driving and reading.