The best book, hobby & craft shops in Finger Lakes

Odyssey Bookstore keeps book lovers busy with staff-curated picks, flexible subscriptions, and a lively calendar of reading groups, author conversations, and occasional themed happenings.

From the Cortland newsletter, November 8, 2026

Autumn Leaves Books has been a locally loved spot since 1993 for those “I’ll just peek” visits that accidentally become an hour. They buy books, and with Angry Mom Records upstairs selling vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and comics, it’s an easy downtown Ithaca doubleheader for rainy afternoons or brain breaks.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 30, 2026

HWS College Store is the local one-stop when you need course materials, notebooks, printers, and all the tech, from Apple and Dell to headphones and calculators. Toss in dorm comforts, snacks, gifts, vinyl, and diploma frames, and you’ve basically got semester survival in a single checkout.

From the Geneva newsletter, November 6, 2026

Paperback Place has a big selection of new and used books, plus used DVDs, CDs, and puzzles, with new puzzles and fun extras like vintage-style board games, classic book earrings, coasters, and bookmarks. Their trade policy and punch card make clearing shelf space and finding your next read oddly satisfying.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, November 4, 2026

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

The Squatch Den Records is the kind of spot that feeds your vinyl habit with regular drops, indie exclusives, and preorders spanning rock, punk, hip-hop, jazz, and beyond. Plus CDs, band tees, and solid turntable care tips, so your collection grows and your setup stays happy.

From the Chemung County newsletter, November 5, 2026

Entertainment retail chain selling new & pre-owned music, movies & video games, plus T-shirts.

From emergency strings to NYSSMA solos, Hickey's Music Center is the local go-to for sheet music, rentals, expert repairs, and a seriously stocked wall of brass, guitars and more. Pop in, find that part you need, then actually practice it this time.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 6, 2026

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

Ithaca Guitar Works has a deep lineup of new and used acoustics, electrics, and basses from Fender, Martin, Taylor, Eastman, and more, plus amps, effects pedals, and folkie fun like banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. Swing through, find a tone for porch nights and basement jams.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 23, 2026

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

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

SewGreen is the rare spot where your next project and your conscience high five, with pre-owned fabric, local yarn, a bead bar, and all the notions... plus reclaimed Eileen Fisher finds. They also run approachable classes and youth apprenticeships, making reuse feel like the default, not a compromise.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 16, 2026

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