The best book, hobby & craft shops in Hillsborough County

If your shelves lean toward fishing lore, upland birds, or natural history, Callahan & Co. Booksellers tracks down the out-of-print stuff locals actually want. They specialize in hunting, angling and natural history...

From the Jaffrey newsletter, October 14, 2026

Run by the Friends of the Library, Kyes Sage House hosts the Kyes-Sage Used Bookshop with quality used reads for all ages, from fiction and kids’ picks to biographies and history, plus the occasional collectible. Proceeds support the Peterborough Town Library, so your TBR pile does good, too.

From the Jaffrey newsletter, October 22, 2026

Locals know Balin Books for joyful wandering among new arrivals, smart Staff Picks, and a children’s section that somehow entertains kids long enough for you to actually browse. They host events, and you can grab audiobooks or e-books too.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 13, 2026

Bound Together is a female-owned, family-built indie bookstore that reminds you why paper still rules, with shelves of well-loved used books, lively book clubs, open mics, author readings and signings. Reserve the cozy space for your own small gathering, and yes, they welcome community book donations.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 10, 2026

Strings buzzing, amp cranky, or the sax a little sulky? The Music Techs is the full-service repair crew with 80+ years combined know-how, friendly vibes, and authorized warranty work for heavy hitters like Fender, Gibson, Yamaha and Taylor, plus parts and fun music-y gifts worth browsing this week.

From the Manchester newsletter, October 15, 2026

Darrell's Music Hall, Piano Gallery is a third‑generation, family‑run authorized Yamaha dealer with one of New England’s largest selections of new and pre‑owned grand, upright and digital pianos, including Clavinova and AvantGrand hybrids.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 17, 2026

Electric, acoustic and bass guitars, plus drums, amps and keyboards, along with lessons, sheet music and rentals.

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

This week, if your shelves need new wax or your turntable needs a real upgrade, The Infectious Groove has thousands of new and used vinyl, CDs, and legit stereo gear, plus straight-shooting advice on cartridges and what to avoid. They’ll even pay cash or trade for your collection.

From the Fitchburg newsletter, August 13, 2026

From Catan and Ticket to Ride to Magic, Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons and full-on Warhammer battles, The Relentless Dragon is the friendly local game store where Nashua folks browse, pick up singles, and actually play. Big community vibe, regular events, plus roomy tables and terrain that make game nights feel epic.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 11, 2026

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

Whether your trusty fiddle needs a bow rehair and setup or you're hunting for a character-rich instrument, Fiddledogs LLC revives older violins and pairs players of every style and level with something that sings. Expect a casual, no-pressure vibe, plus bows, cases, and the kind of repairs that actually improve tone.

From the Nashua newsletter, September 30, 2026

If you've ever wanted to level up your ceilidh energy or finally nail Scotland the Brave without scaring the cat, Gibson Bagpipes LLC builds Great Highland bagpipes, smallpipes, and highly recommended practice chanters, plus repairs and a confidence-boosting 10-year promise. Feels like the week to start.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 6, 2026

Music Connection keeps the crates stocked with new releases, indie exclusives, and recent restocks across rock, rap and hip-hop, jazz, country, and more, plus a deep used vinyl and CD selection. Bring a wishlist, maybe a few to sell, and leave happily overstocked.

From the Manchester newsletter, September 24, 2026

Falcetti Pianos Nashua is the go-to spot for new and used grand, upright, digital, and hybrid pianos, with world-class names like Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Schimmel, Estonia, plus pre-owned Steinways. Family-owned since 1957, their expert team also handles tuning, restoration, and moving, so your instrument keeps singing.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 9, 2026

Manchester Music Mill is the friendly neighborhood spot for new and used gear, from guitars and pedals to drums, pro audio, and band & orchestra, with legit repair techs and easy rentals. Whether you're chasing a vintage find, a lefty fit, or a quick setup before tonight's practice, they deliver without fuss.

From the Manchester newsletter, October 8, 2026

Whether you're stringing a fresh bracelet, fixing a favorite necklace, or just chasing that sparkly dopamine, Beadles Beads & Crystals has a huge selection of beads for jewelry and embellishment, plus crystals and gems to match your vibe. Go browse, touch, and let a new idea hijack your afternoon this week.

From the Nashua newsletter, October 21, 2026

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

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

Whether you're dusting off high school clarinet chops or finally booking those voice lessons, Ted Herbert Music School & Rentals makes it easy with in-person, virtual, and hybrid lessons, plus straightforward band and orchestra rentals through David French Music. Manchester-grown music mojo for over 60 years.

From the Manchester newsletter, October 22, 2026

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

Retail chain offering new and used guitars, amplifiers, keyboards and more.

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