The best book, hobby & craft shops in Dover

Whether you're prepping for Sunday service or a quiet devotional at home, Christian Mart stocks Bibles in popular translations, study guides, clergy shirts, anointing oil, communion supplies, kids' titles, and gifts for baptisms, graduations, and weddings. A reliable go-to for Smyrna's faith community.

From the Smyrna newsletter, October 13, 2026

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

Forgeon, Inc is a platform for reading and creating interactive gamebooks, with branching choices, RPG mechanics, art, music, and a pro editor that even lets you publish. If your week needs a little adventure, dive into Hound of Eldram or hop the eerie train in Ticket to Oblivion this week.

From the Dover newsletter, October 7, 2026

MICA College Store is Baltimore’s art pantry, loaded with brushes, gouache and acrylics, sketchbooks, printmaking supplies, stretcher bars, and raw materials from fabric and foam to wood, plus student-made goods, tech, and MICA 200 merch. Perfect excuse to restock this week and actually start that project.

From the Baltimore newsletter, October 1, 2026

Russo Music Philadelphia is where pedal curiosity meets real deal guidance, with walls of guitars, amps, drums, synths, and recording gear plus techs who’ll help you slot that new pedal into your signal flow. Stop in, try everything, and leave sounding suspiciously professional.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, October 7, 2026

Baltimore Music Company keeps it all in-house with stringed instrument repair and restoration, Plek services, paint and finish work, and pedalboard/rig building that tames cable sprawl and tone chaos. Give your guitar or bass some love this week, your future gigs will thank you.

From the Baltimore newsletter, September 24, 2026

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

Whether you're crate-digging for vinyl, tracking down CDs you loved in '03, or grabbing a used instrument or accessory you swear you'll practice with, Rustic Music keeps it real with a rotating secondhand stash, plus they buy and trade. A quick Philly run that pays off for Bethlehem collectors.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, October 21, 2026

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

DiPinto Guitars is the Philly go-to for distinctive electrics and basses, from Galaxie and Mach IV to the Safari and Custom Safari Line. They also stock new and used gear and handle repairs, so your next riff or resurrected favorite is basically one visit away.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 12, 2026

Dutch Label Shop helps Philly makers level up with custom woven, printed, or iron-on labels, plus patches, hang tags, and care labels. Orders ship from New Jersey with fast delivery, low minimums, expert-reviewed proofs, and a money back guarantee, so your gear looks retail-ready without the headache.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 16, 2026

Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room is the country’s oldest running queer and feminist bookstore, celebrating 50 years, with shelves packed with new and used reads and staff-curated finds like queer horror. Pop in this week, scoop a tote, and support those living with HIV/AIDS, or join the Philly Queer Book Club.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, October 14, 2026

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

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

Whether your trusty fiddle needs a tonal adjustment or you’re hunting for a violin, viola, cello, or a freshly rehaired bow, Perrin & Associates Fine Violins has the know-how to make you sound like you actually practiced. Rentals, repairs, and instrument care tips to get you playing happier this week. Check it out.

From the Baltimore newsletter, October 15, 2026

The Sound Garden-Baltimore is a sprawling indie record store Germantown collectors love, with over 100,000 hard-to-find new and used records, CDs, and DVDs, constant new arrivals, an artist-signed section, and the option to sell your vinyl, CDs, and movies when it's time to purge.

From the Baltimore newsletter, October 8, 2026

Bluebond Guitars is the neighborhood spot for vintage and used finds, pro repairs from an in-house luthier, and lessons on guitar, bass, drums, keys, and voice. Feeling brave? Their Adult Band Program rehearses you with a coach then puts you onstage at their own venue.

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 30, 2026