The best book, hobby & craft shops in Rockingham County

Actuarial Bookstore is the no-fuss, one-stop place for SOA, CAS, CIA, EA and IFoA prep, plus VEE resources, calculators and pro development webinars, so you can study from Kittery without hunting all over the internet, then track shipments and dive into their eLearning tools when you're ready, and save brainpower for…

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 19, 2026

Great Bay Community College is the go-to for practical programs that fit a Portsmouth life, from short-term workforce training to degree paths with transfer-friendly routes to UNH. Support’s legit too, with advisors, tutors, and the Center for Academic Planning and Support keeping you on track.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 14, 2026

Stairway to Heaven Comics is a nearby neighborhood spot where shelves of comics meet a fun selection of games, perfect for a quick browse after work or a longer dig on a rainy Sunday. Prefer home base? Their eBay shop makes collecting pleasantly effortless.

From the Kittery newsletter, October 14, 2026

Reedmor Books & Brews pairs a well curated, adult-leaning selection with a cozy bar/cafe pouring coffee, beer, and wine.

From the Kittery newsletter, October 7, 2026

Sea Love turns a quick hop to Portsmouth into a hands-on candle pour, with Certified Scent Stylists helping you blend from 100+ fragrances and craft a soy candle in about an hour. It’s spot on for date nights or groups, and their coastal-minded boutique is great for thoughtful gifts.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 30, 2026

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

Chris's Cards & Comics is the kind of spot where new releases rub shoulders with older gems, plus sports and entertainment cards galore. They also stock Pokémon, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh, and they actively buy collections, so your closet stash might just fund your next pull.

From the Methuen newsletter, September 5, 2026

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

Once Upon Again Bookstore is an independent downtown Derry shop with cozy corners, new releases, pre-loved gems, special editions, and shelves spotlighting local and indie authors. Come for book clubs, hidden-shelf surprises, and the Second Chance Buy Books Program accepting fiction...

From the Derry newsletter, September 6, 2026

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

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

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

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).

Drum Center of Portsmouth is a drummer’s candy store, with the DCP Cymbal Vault, electronic kits, and a deep lineup of new and used gear from Zildjian, Meinl, Paiste, Istanbul Agop, Ludwig, Yamaha, and more. Perfect for dialing a new sound this week.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 20, 2026

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

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

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

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

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