Alien Ink Bookshop

Alien Ink Bookshop embraces Roswell's extraterrestrial reputation with a sense of humor and a seriously impressive science fiction collection that would hold its own in any major city. The store's alien-green facade and flying saucer light fixtures make it an irresistible stop for the tourists who flock to Roswell for its UFO lore, but owner and lifelong sci-fi fan Marcus Chen has built an inventory that goes far deeper than kitsch. The science fiction section spans from golden age pulps to contemporary hard sci-fi, with a special strength in New Mexico-connected authors and stories set in the desert Southwest. The astronomy section reflects the state's dark skies and long tradition of astronomical observation, from the Very Large Array to amateur stargazers. The paranormal and UFO section treats its subject matter with a mix of earnestness and healthy skepticism that delights both true believers and curious skeptics. The cafe serves drinks with names like The Roswell Incident and Area 51 Espresso, and the annual UFO Festival reading marathon has become one of the town's most popular events.