The best book, hobby & craft shops in Union County

So Much More To The Story Bookery is a local spot in Downtown Monroe when your TBR pile needs fresh energy. Their online store is closed, but the shop is open, the shelves are calling, and changes are coming soon… a fine excuse to browse and stumble onto something unexpected.

From the Union County newsletter, October 23, 2026

When birthdays sneak up or cabin fever hits, Harper and Skyler's Toys and Sweets saves the day with Lego, sensory toys, puzzles, and a candy shop packed with pick-n-mix and freeze dried treats. Sports fans can snag NFL, NBA, and MLB mystery boxes or team sets, including Panthers and Hornets.

From the Mecklenburg County newsletter, October 22, 2026

InnerSleeve is the kind of music store that keeps your turntable busy, with Featured Vinyl spanning Gorillaz and Laurel Halo to Michael Jackson and Thalia, plus Featured Collections like Taylor Swift, Video Games, and SPIN Recommended. Consider this your nudge to find a Back in Stock gem this week.

From the Union County newsletter, October 18, 2026

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).

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).

Charlotte Yarn is the warm, chatty spot in the heart of Charlotte where creativity multiplies. Expect a curated wall of quality fibers, including locally dyed, tools and notions, classes, monthly Sip-N-Stitch hangouts at Town Brewing, plus the homegrown Last Knitter Standing game. Newbies and pros are equally welcome.

From the Mecklenburg County newsletter, October 16, 2026

Guitar shop with an extensive inventory of new and used instruments and accessories.

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

When your favorite six-string needs TLC or you’re itching to create something wild, L A Guitar Factory aka Tela Guitar has you covered with pro repairs, quality parts, string instruments, and even a luthier school for building, repair, and maintenance that turns tinkering into craft.

From the Charlotte newsletter, September 30, 2026

Charlotte players, Gold Tone Workshop in Plaza Midwood is the boutique spot for guitar and amp repair, from crisp setups and fretwork to amp tune-ups, pedal mods and speaker fixes. They also hunt down and sell guitars and vintage gear, all to keep working musicians sounding sharp.

From the Charlotte newsletter, October 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.

Midwood Guitar Studio is a NAMM-recognized hang for carefully curated electrics, acoustics, bass rigs, and boutique amps from Collings, Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom, PRS, Suhr, Two-Rock and more. They also handle pro guitar repairs, so your main axe stays gig ready.

From the Charlotte newsletter, October 14, 2026