The best book, hobby & craft shops in Capitol Planning Region

“UConn Bookstore is where Mansfield folks stock up on textbooks, Husky gear, and all the study fuel, from notebooks and calculators to headphones, printers, and snacks. The Husky Book Bundle helps cut course-material costs so you’re set for the first day of class, plus there’s fiction, gifts, vinyl, and dorm essentials.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Whether you're grabbing course materials, refreshing notebooks, or hunting for Trinity gear, Trinity Book Store is a handy stop for Newington folks too. They stock study tech, calculators, dorm basics, gifts, snacks, even vinyl, so you can upgrade your desk setup and your weekend reading in one errand.”

From the Hartford newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Boom Tube Comics keeps Cheshire readers happily transported, with wall-to-wall new releases, a deep well of back issues, and shelves of figures, collectibles, and trading card games. Set up a subscription, grab supplies, or snag a gift certificate... then lose an hour treasure-hunting for that perfect issue.”

From the Cheshire newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Ewe & You Fiber Arts LLC is celebrating year eight with an Open Dye Studio Weekend in Enfield on Sep 12 and 13 featuring Joanna of Silver Key Stitches, where you can help create OOAK skeins. Then tackle the Kitchy Kitty colorwork class on Sep 19, perfect for leveling up those knit and purl chops.”

From the Enfield newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Game X Change lets you buy, sell, and trade retro and new-gen games, DVD and Blu-Ray movies, collectibles, and electronics. Stock flips fast, they pay top cash for your stuff, and even handle phone repair, so consider this your Enfield excuse to upgrade this week.”

From the Enfield newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Between the Course Materials Concierge that builds your class list, an apparel and spirit shop, and shelves of tech, calculators, dorm essentials, snacks, gifts, and even vinyl, Central Connecticut State University Book Store is the one-stop you wish existed everywhere.”

From the New Britain newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Most Excellent Comics & Gaming is the local go-to for Magic, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh singles and sealed products, plus in-store events to test those builds and a buylist when you’re cashing out. Comics, action figures, and Pops round it out for a one-stop nerd victory lap.”

From the Enfield newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Part metaphysical playground, part creative workshop, Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal packs shelves with crystals, spiritual reads, incense and candles, plus beading supplies and jewelry classes. Pop in for a Himalayan Salt Room session or a tarot reader event and leave feeling a little lighter, a little shinier.”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Tabletop Gaming Center is Hartford’s HQ for board and card nerds, with roomy tables, a full events schedule, and deep singles across Magic, Pokémon, Lorcana, Star Wars: Unlimited, and One Piece. Roll in this week, trade, play, discover a new favorite.”

From the New Britain newsletter, October 2, 2026

“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

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“If your clarinet's keywork feels sticky, your trumpet slide drags, or your sax took a tumble, The Music Lab, LLC brings pro-musician techs, ultrasonic cleaning and custom‑fabricated parts to get it singing again. They also handle rentals and accessories, plus full setups for guitars and strings.”

From the Bristol newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“If your fiddle needs love before the next rehearsal, Randell Reid Master Violins has been Hartford’s West End luthier since 1998, doing meticulous restorations, bow rehairs, and setup tweaks, plus handcrafted violins, violas, and cellos from aged European tonewood that play like butter.”

From the Hartford newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

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

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Vast musical gear store, including amps, drums, pianos, keyboards and more, with helpful staff.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Retailer selling an extensive selection of art supplies, from paints to paper to portfolios.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Retailer of guitars, keyboards, drums, and other musical instruments, as well as sound equipment.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“If your guitar has gone quiet or your kid wants to try sax, The Music Shop in Southington has you covered with in-person or online lessons for guitar, piano, voice, drums, strings, woodwinds, brass and more, solid repair work, rent-to-own options, and even Rock Band Camp. Been tuning up local talent since 1985.”

From the New Britain newsletter, August 21, 2026