The best book, hobby & craft shops in Arlington

“Indie bookstore & cafe with a big all-day breakfast menu, veggie options & a relaxed vibe.”

“Campus bookstore chain offering new, used & digital textbooks, plus school-branded merchandise.”

“Cozy option for books - including children's titles - along with a cafe.”

“This week, when screen time fries your brain, Beacon Hill Books & Cafe delivers a lovingly curated browse, cozy literary vibes, legit afternoon tea, and lively pop-ups, with a seasonal menu of locally sourced fare that makes lingering with a new read feel absolutely earned.”

From the Lowell newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Bright independent bookshop featuring a cafe that serves tea and coffee. Staffed by friendly helpful people.”

“Enduring shop with 3 stories of used books & magazines, including rare 1st editions.”

“Popular bookshop featuring Italian books, as well as souvenir items.”

“Official bookstore of Tufts University, selling textbooks, supplies & school-logo apparel & gifts.”

“Charming store offering books for adults and kids (including classics), plus toys, cards, games, and stationery.”

“Virtuosity Musical Instruments is New England's premier wind and brass pro shop, with new and used saxes, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes, and more plus a legit repair shop. Stock up on reeds, mouthpieces, mutes, and cleaning supplies this week, then pretend your tone was always this dialed.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Ranked one of Boston’s top five art stores, SMFA Art Store is run by artists with 55 years of collective know-how and serious material-geek energy. Swing by for hard-to-find supplies stocked to instructors’ specs, plus technical workshops and one-on-one advice to nail your next project.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Music store offering a selection of guitars, keyboards, and other instruments, plus lessons and repairs.”