The best book, hobby & craft shops in Tippecanoe County

Greater Lafayette’s go-to since 1971, McGuire Music & Sound packs guitars, basses, amps, folk instruments, drums and pro audio, plus private lessons for guitar, bass, drums, banjo, mandolin and ukulele. Need a setup or fix this week?

From the Frankfort newsletter, October 20, 2026

Need a quick creative win this week? Foxy Chalkin and Crafts turns Chalk Couture magic into custom wood signs, seasonal door hangers, and DIY kits that actually look good when you’re done, plus Foxy will craft a one-of-a-kind piece if you’d rather sip coffee and supervise.

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 26, 2026

Whether your kid’s starting band or you’re dusting off that trumpet, Quinlan & Fabish Music Company has easy rentals for band and orchestra, school-curated supply lists, and repairs with eco-friendly ultrasonic cleaning. Line up a rental or repair pickup from school this week and get back to making music.

From the Frankfort newsletter, October 9, 2026

The Strand is a crochet and knitting studio where you can grab yarn by the skein or even by the yard, then stick around for classes, curated patterns, and community crochet-alongs. DIY kits, finished goods, and maker tools from winders to a 3D printer keep projects fun and local.

From the West Lafayette newsletter, October 27, 2026

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).

Von's Records & Posters is the kind of eclectic West Lafayette standby where you flip from vinyl and CDs to used books, comics, and quirky gifts in the same lap around the shop. Go when you want real browsing, not algorithms, and you might leave with a new favorite album and a weirdly perfect present.

From the West Lafayette newsletter, October 20, 2026

All Fired Up! Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio! & All Wined Down wine bar/art studio is your low-stress creativity fix this week.

From the West Lafayette newsletter, October 17, 2026

Whether your living room needs a real-deal acoustic or a space-saving digital, Northside Music Co. has over 600 pianos and organs plus certified techs for tuning, moving, and full restorations. They even rent and install player piano systems, all inside their 1842 historic showrooms.

From the West Lafayette newsletter, October 10, 2026