Stories to enrich Your Stay Explore Archer's hand-picked bedside reading

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

There is a reason you’ll find “The Little Prince” at every Archer hotel. It’s story of wisdom and wonder that does a beautiful job of revealing life's true treasures.  Despite its classification as a children's story, The Little Prince brims with profound symbolism and it’s a book we love to revisit — often. Prepare to be captivated by this timeless classic that touches hearts of every age.

“It was up to him to pay back to the world in beauty and caring what Leslie had loaned him in vision and strength.” ― Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia

Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, we highly recommend you read this with a box of tissues within reach. Set in the fictional rural town of Lark Creek, Virginia, “Bridge to Terabithia” tells a riveting story of friendship, loss and the transformative power of grief. The book’s author, Katherine Paterson, spent much of her childhood and adult life in Virginia — making it the perfect selection for Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria.

“It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

A classic children’s novel, “Black Beauty” is the perfect fit for our Austin guests, where horses and cowboys play such an important role in Texas' history. Written in 1877, this adventurous tale is told from the perspective of a horse, Black Beauty. As the horse experiences various masters, he teaches of the importance of kindness and respect — for humans and animals alike.

“To live in fear, Mafalda, is not to live at all.” – Paola Peretti, The Distance Between Me and The Cherry Tree

With a nod to the cherry trees that can be found throughout Falls Church and the surrounding landscape, this novel tells the story of Mafalda — a nine-year-old girl facing imminent blindness. Through the support of her family and friends, she embarks on a journey to uncover what truly matters and learns lessons of resilience, grief, family and friendship along the way.

“The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

As a New Jersey native, Anne Morrow Lindbergh draws inspiration from seashells to explore a woman's journey through youth, marriage, and aging. She critiques modern distractions and advocates for moments of contemplation and creativity amidst life's busyness. You’ll love this timeless classic that provides profound reflections on life, love, and solitude, penned during a peaceful seaside retreat.

“The best way to absorb all of the information in this book is with friends…with as many different wines as you can assemble.” — Jancis Robinson, The 24-Hour Wine Expert

"The 24-Hour Wine Expert" by Jancis Robinson is an indispensable guide to wine —condensing essential information into 100 pages with clarity, wit, and authority. Robinson is renowned as one of the world's foremost wine critics and has honed her expertise over decades. Whether you're exploring vineyards or enjoying wine tastings, this book will help you savor and appreciate wine to the fullest during your Napa visit.

“Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness; natives give it solidity and continuity; but the settlers give it passion.” — E.B. White, Here is New York

E.B. White's exploration of Manhattan is perceptive, humorous, and steeped in nostalgia, making it a definitive homage to the city by a literary icon. Praised by The New York Times as one of the top ten books about the metropolis and hailed by The New Yorker as "the wittiest and most insightful essay ever written on the city," “Here is New York” captures the essence of New York like no other.

“We follow the rule that governs our dominion: beware of the trail wherever it takes you.” — David Guterson, Turn Around Time

Reflecting on life and landscape in elegant verse, David Guterson pens what we like to think is a love letter to the Pacific Northwest. Even non-poetry readers will appreciate the physicality of hiking depicted — from challenging switchbacks to the strains on one's feet and ankles. Plus — you’ll love the mythical illustrations from artist Justin Gibbens, adding depth to this poetic exploration of nature and self-discovery.

“The ponies were exhausted and their coats were heavy with water, but they were free, free, free!” — Marguerite Henry, Misty of Chincoteague

Based on a true story, “Misty of Chincoteague” is set in the island town of Chincoteague, Virginia. The story recounts the adventures of the Beebe family and their attempt to raise a Chincoteague Pony filly born to a wild horse. Marguerite Henry's evocative writing, flavored with Chincoteague dialect, draws readers into this heartwarming tale for animal lovers of all ages.