The best book, hobby & craft shops in Bristol

3 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Martel Music Store

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Martel Music Store is the go-to spot this week for Hartford players, with walls of guitars and basses, a selection of keys and drums, and…

1 Whiting St (Plainville)

“Martel Music Store is the go-to spot this week for Hartford players, with walls of guitars and basses, a selection of keys and drums, and pedals from Strymon and Walrus Audio to JHS and Universal Audio. They also handle rentals, lessons, repair, and solid pre-owned finds.”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 7, 2026

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WorthWhile Reads

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

With over 40,000 secondhand titles across 50+ genres and prices starting at $1, WorthWhile Reads turns book hunting into an affordable…

1 Richmond Pl

“With over 40,000 secondhand titles across 50+ genres and prices starting at $1, WorthWhile Reads turns book hunting into an affordable habit. Trade in your own for store credit, catch author signings and community pop-ups, and feel good knowing they've rescued over a million books since 2021.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Hobby Lobby

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.

1235 Farmington Ave

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

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