The best book, hobby & craft shops in Dutchess County

Bard College Bookstore isn’t just for syllabi; it’s the official spot for course materials, Bard apparel, and surprisingly solid book and vinyl picks, plus Apple gear, dorm essentials, and study supplies. When you need a last-minute notebook or a spirited hoodie, this place has your back.

From the Saugerties newsletter, October 20, 2026

Montgomery Pottery runs all-level weekly classes that fit your pace, covering wheel and hand-building, decorating, and glazing with toasty brown or white stoneware, then firing cone 10 reduction. Make something functional or totally decorative and call it art. Check them out this week.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, August 6, 2026

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

Darkside Records is the kind of cool, welcoming spot locals actually hang at, with new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and movies plus turntables, needles, and nerdy collectibles. If you love a good treasure hunt, their genre bins and local music sections make browsing dangerously addictive.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, October 8, 2026

Axe Shop is the kind of no-nonsense, all-vibes music store locals whisper about. Dig into the Vintage Vault for rare guitars, amps, and pedals, wander the Lotz of Guitars Showroom for brand new and restored finds or to trade your used gear, snag DR Strings, and book lessons or a vintage appraisal.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, August 13, 2026

Hunting for a like-new classic or ready to trade that pedal pile, Lotz of Guitars packs the Hudson Valley’s largest selection of quality used guitars, basses, amps, and effects, all revived by Eddie Lotz’s crew. Setups, fretwork, custom mods, even major fixes, with a quick turnaround.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, August 20, 2026

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

Since 1946, Vincitore's Hudson Valley Piano Center has helped locals find their sound with Yamaha grands and uprights, hybrid and digital pianos, plus tuning, moving, restoration, and rent-to-own. Swing by this week for lessons and workshops, then go from Chopsticks to concert-ready.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, October 15, 2026

If your living room needs a little personality, Homemade Haven LLC turns out handmade wood pieces, soft crochet goodies, and natural soaps crafted in Poughkeepsie. Thoughtful gifts, weekend vibe upgrades, and you can shop online then pick up like the local legend you are.

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, October 22, 2026