The best book, hobby & craft shops in Frankfort

“Comic Book World has been Louisville’s comic and gaming superstore since 1981, with fresh issues dropping every week, plenty of tabletop games and collectibles, and staff who actually know their stuff. Swing by for events, discover a new favorite series, then pretend it was always on your list.”

From the Louisville newsletter, September 18, 2026

“A Novel Romance LLC is Kentucky’s first romance-only indie bookstore, right here in Jtown, with rooms organized by subgenre, colorful murals and even a bourbon barrel wall. Expect lively book clubs, frequent author events, and a staff of romance readers who’ll steer you to exactly the tropes you crave.”

From the Jeffersontown newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing the latest bestseller or something off the beaten shelf, Poor Richard's Books makes browsing feel like a conversation with a well-read neighbor. Expect fresh new releases, thoughtful book club suggestions, audiobooks, and a lively events calendar that keeps Frankfort’s readers connected.”

From the Frankfort newsletter, September 16, 2026

“A+ Comics & Collectibles III is that spot where you can score new reads, dig through The Stash for comics and oddball collectibles, or trade in something cool for your next obsession. They also keep an events calendar, so you always know what’s coming up.”

From the Frankfort newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Austin's Sewing Center is the local go-to for Baby Lock and Pfaff machines, the largest selection of quilting fabrics and threads in the Louisville area, and classes that actually demystify the fancy stuff. Bonus, their technicians run machine spa days and offer long-arm demos.”

From the Louisville newsletter, September 23, 2026

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

“Maddox & Rose Marketplace lets you craft custom candles, soaps, scrubs, and sprays, choosing and blending up to three scents, and you can sip a cocktail while it sets. Ideal for this week’s friend date, team hang, or a solo reset that makes home smell ridiculously good.”

From the Louisville newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Butcher Cabin Books is a charming, cozy spot with a well-curated range of horror, from new releases to classics and cult favorites, plus a thoughtful selection by local writers. Swing by when your TBR needs fresh nightmares, and leave with something deliciously unsettling.”

From the Louisville newsletter, September 2, 2026

“One of North America’s largest theological book troves, The Bookstore at Southern is where your reading list goes from manageable to mildly ambitious. Browse serious scholarship, pick up titles by SBTS faculty, then refuel with a latte at Scholars’ Coffee while you pretend you’re only buying one more.”

From the Louisville newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Carmichael's Bookstore keeps shelves full of smart staff picks, signed editions, and the kind of gifts that turn errands into browsing sprees, from puzzles to Louisville love. Hop across the river for lively author events, book clubs, audiobooks and ebooks, then leave with something you can’t wait to start.”

From the Jeffersonville newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Games, music and movies from various eras are sold alongside books.”

“Selection of children's books and toys at a local store.”

“Carmichael's Bookstore puts local voices front and center with new releases from area authors, and a friendly team that’s happy to talk books until you find the one. It’s the kind of indie spot where browsing turns into discovery, just across the river.”

From the New Albany newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Ultra Pop mixes designer toys, art and design books, and local art, with U/P! exclusives and the kind of blind-box surprises that make restraint impossible. Perfect for a quick inspiration hit or a small splurge, especially when your shelves need more personality than another beige candle.”

From the Louisville newsletter, September 11, 2026

“From brass and woodwinds to strings and percussion, Don Wilson Music Company has you covered with instrument sales, rentals, private lessons, and professional in-house repairs.”

From the Lexington newsletter, August 3, 2026

“A Louisville hippie staple since 1978, Electric Ladyland delivers crate-digging bliss, walls drenched in local art, and the kind of oddities that make your house guests ask questions… plus a legit vinyl selection curated by people who actually listen. Perfect fix when your playlist feels stale.”

From the Louisville newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Whether your Strat's fretting out, your acoustic feels stiff, or your tone just isn't singing, Goldenrod Guitars dials in pro setups, precision fretwork and refrets, and solid repairs that make your instrument play like it should. They even do custom builds if you're dreaming up a 'Frakenaxe'.”

From the Lexington newsletter, September 11, 2026

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

“Willis Music is the Lexington go-to for new and used guitars, keyboards, drums and band gear, plus print music on demand, rentals, repairs and lessons, so whether your sax needs a fix, your kid needs a clarinet, or you finally want to learn that riff, make it happen this week.”

From the Nicholasville newsletter, September 12, 2026

“If your junk drawer looks like a Pinterest mood board in hiding, Lex Center for Creative ReUse turns donated art supplies into affordable finds with sliding-scale pricing, hands-on classes, and a gallery for upcycled work.”

From the Lexington newsletter, September 9, 2026

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

“The place to buy musical equipment (from amps to guitars), with lessons and repairs.”

“Massive retailer stocking guitars, amps, keyboards, drums, mics, pedals and more.”

“Guestroom Records - Highlands keeps the bins fresh with new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, plus weekly new release drops you can actually snag. Stop in this week to sell a few spares, lock a pre-order, flip their new arrivals, and maybe catch a midnight release hang if they announce one.”

From the Louisville newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Independently-owned shop carrying new and used vinyl, new and used CDs and cassettes.”

“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).”

“M's Canvashouse is the go-to for canvases, threads, fibers and supplies you swear you already own, plus owner-taught classes that make tricky stitches finally click. They also handle finishing and host trunk shows, so your projects can graduate from the WIP pile to something you actually show off at home.”

From the Lexington newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Looking to finally start that project or tighten up your set, Mom's Music - Louisville's Music Store has guitars, drums, keyboards, pro audio gear, plus private lessons and Rock School to level up. They also handle repairs, installations, band rentals and even offer rehearsal space, so no excuses this week.”

From the Louisville newsletter, August 12, 2026

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

“Hurst Music has you covered with school band and orchestra rentals, quality repairs, and private lessons, plus a solid lineup of woodwind, brass, orchestra, percussion, folk and used gear. If your kid needs a violin or you just want to dust off that trumpet, these folks make it easy to get set up this week.”

From the Lexington newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Crafts store stocking beads, yarn and party supplies, plus custom framing.”

“Local shop renting and selling instruments and sound-related fixtures, such as guitars and PA systems.”

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

“From backyard shows to wedding dance floors, Doo Wop Shop rents pro sound, stage lighting, projectors, and instruments, then shows you how to run it with confidence. Since 1971 they’ve also handled repairs, lessons, and even stage pieces, so your next Lexington shindig actually looks and sounds intentional.”

From the Lexington newsletter, September 23, 2026

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

“Steilberg String Instruments, LLC has the goods if you’re craving real tone... acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, even pedals. Their super-knowledgeable crew teaches lessons that actually stick, so you can upgrade from couch strummer to confident picker by next family gathering.”

From the Elizabethtown newsletter, August 21, 2026