The best book, hobby & craft shops in Portsmouth

10 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Portsmouth Book Nook

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Portsmouth Book Nook is the downtown indie where the staff actually reads, steering you to bestsellers, hidden gems, and thoughtful picks…

32 Daniel St

“Portsmouth Book Nook is the downtown indie where the staff actually reads, steering you to bestsellers, hidden gems, and thoughtful picks for kids too. Pop in for author events and book clubs, special orders with gift wrapping, plus puzzles, games, and bookish gifts... org.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Literally Kittery

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Literally Kittery is a new local bookstore opening soon, and if your TBR pile could use a little fresh trouble, get on their newsletter to…

3 Walker St (Kittery)

“Literally Kittery is a new local bookstore opening soon, and if your TBR pile could use a little fresh trouble, get on their newsletter to hear when shelves open and what’s coming first. A homegrown spot to browse real spines, chat books, and keep it Kittery.”

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Gary's Guitars

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Since 1989, Gary's Guitars has been the Seacoast's independent go-to for new and used electrics, acoustics, basses, amps, pedals and the…

800 Islington St

“Since 1989, Gary's Guitars has been the Seacoast's independent go-to for new and used electrics, acoustics, basses, amps, pedals and the strings you forgot again. Drop in for honest repairs and real-deal lessons, then poke through ever-changing gear that might finally kick your practice slump this week.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Seacoast Sewing And Quilting

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Whether you're piecing your first quilt or finally tackling that UFO, Seacoast Sewing And Quilting is the go-to for quality fabric, classes…

755 Banfield Rd

“Whether you're piecing your first quilt or finally tackling that UFO, Seacoast Sewing And Quilting is the go-to for quality fabric, classes that actually help, and friendly machine expertise.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Bull Moose

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Retail chain carrying music, movies & video games in a variety of formats, plus books & gifts.

1981 Woodbury Ave #15

“Retail chain carrying music, movies & video games in a variety of formats, plus books & gifts.”

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

The Crossing at, 45 Gosling Rd, Fox Run Rd (Newington)

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

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Merri Stitches

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

If your fabric stash is begging for fresh inspiration, Merri Stitches has the good stuff: quality yardage and precuts, threads from Aurifil…

72 Mirona Rd #15

“If your fabric stash is begging for fresh inspiration, Merri Stitches has the good stuff: quality yardage and precuts, threads from Aurifil to Glide, scissor sharpening, machine repairs, plus classes on longarm quilting, embroidery, and MySewNet. Swing by this week and get your next project humming.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 13, 2026

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Guitar Center

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Chain carrying electric and acoustic instruments from top brands, along with lessons.

1600 Woodbury Ave

“Chain carrying electric and acoustic instruments from top brands, along with lessons.”

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Barnes & Noble

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Fox Run Crossings The Crossings at Fo, 45 Gosling Rd (Newington)

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

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Portsmouth Fabric Co

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Portsmouth Fabric Co is the spot locals go when 'just a yard' turns into a plan, with high-end quilting and garment fabrics, specialty…

112 Penhallow St

“Portsmouth Fabric Co is the spot locals go when 'just a yard' turns into a plan, with high-end quilting and garment fabrics, specialty threads, and a deep bench of beloved designers like Kaffe Fassett, Rifle Paper Co, and Tula Pink. Bonus points for BERNINA machines and hands-on classes that actually level you up.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 20, 2026

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