The best book, hobby & craft shops in Poughkeepsie

“Recirculation, a project of Word Up keeps books and records moving through the neighborhood with pay-what-you-can finds, a kids’ corner mural by MC Maniphes, and a steady stream of community events like collage nights, clothing repair circles, readings, and jams, ideal for Mount Vernon folks craving low-key browsing.”

From the Mount Vernon newsletter, September 6, 2026

“The Fountain Bookshop has staff picks that actually read like a friend’s recs, shelves packed with local authors, and lively book clubs on August 26 and 27, plus StoryTime on August 28. Grab a buzzy new release or queue up an audiobook or ebook, then feel gloriously local.”

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Need a little inspiration between subway stops this week? Sister's Uptown Bookstore is Harlem’s longest continually operating Black-owned bookstore, with a curated selection, local author love, and community vibes from open mics to workshops... the kind of spot where your TBR grows and your spirit does too.”

From the Manhattan newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Volunteer-run and wonderfully bilingual, Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria stocks general-interest reads in many languages, then turns around and throws community events that actually feel like community, from Uptown Kid Lit to neighborhood programs like Recirculation and The People’s Fridge.”

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, September 9, 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, September 17, 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

“If your guitar needs love or your kid suddenly wants to play trumpet, Jacobs Music Center has you covered with instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs, plus a large selection with new items arriving daily, keeping Hudson Valley players going since 2000.”

From the Catskills newsletter, August 14, 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, August 18, 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, August 27, 2026