The best book, hobby & craft shops in Rochester

Distant Lands leans hard into fantasy, sci fi, and horror, mixing fresh releases with affordable used finds plus gifts, paper goods, and local art. It’s the kind of neighborhood shop where you pop in for one paperback, then leave debating which dragon saga to binge next.

From the Brighton newsletter, September 6, 2026

" Pop in to sip something warm, peek at the owner's pick and occasional events, or order online and pick up in store.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 22, 2026

All Heroes Comics has anchored Rochester’s comic scene for 30+ years, with deep back issues, weekly new arrivals, and shelves of graphic novels, figures, and statues. It’s the spot to hunt rare finds or sell a collection, then leave with something you swore you weren’t collecting.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 16, 2026

Brownley Buys Books and Magazines buys an eclectic mix of magazines, older books and paperbacks, catalogs, brochures, comics, records, and old photos. Have a collection tucked away?

From the Rochester newsletter, November 4, 2026

Papergoy deals in the good stuff... vintage newspapers, magazines, playbills and oddball ephemera, buying and selling anything made of paper except stamps. In the second-hand game since 1982, they’re a reliable local go-to when you want history you can actually hold.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 30, 2026

Whether your pull list is stacked or you're just chasing that one weird 90s variant, Comic Book Heaven is loaded with vintage back issues, rare finds, graphic novels, action figures, and limited editions.

From the Irondequoit newsletter, November 4, 2026

Comics Etc. is the kind of relaxed, meticulously organized shop where you can actually find what you came for, from fresh Wednesday releases to deep back-issue dives. Set up a pull list, browse the full catalog, then get distracted by those collectible figurines you absolutely need.

From the Brighton newsletter, August 31, 2026

Ox Cart Books is a rare-book haven in Rochester, curating scarce titles and collectible reads with the kind of care that makes browsing feel like a treasure hunt. It’s a quick hop for Irondequoit bookworms who want something distinctive on the shelf and a good story behind it.

From the Rochester newsletter, October 13, 2026

Need a birthday hero move or a midweek creativity hit, swing by Little Button Craft this week for locally made art, Rochester themed goodies, and small craft classes that actually teach. They also whip up custom pieces like embroidery, pint glasses, even DnD dice trays, so your gift feels unmistakably Rochester.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 1, 2026

Vintage banjos, mandolins, guitars, and ukes live here alongside fresh arrivals, plus a calendar of friendly bluegrass, old-time, and ukulele jams that make practice feel like play. Bernunzio Uptown Music is the Rochester standby with 50 years of know-how when your hands need a better instrument.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 8, 2026

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

Dan's Crafts & Things is the Rochester go-to when your project needs real parts, from balsa and basswood to acrylic sheets, inks and clay, beads and jewelry findings, even dollhouse minis and coin folders. Wander the aisles, spark an idea, then grab that 3D printer filament you kept forgetting.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 14, 2026

Chain store that carries a wide array of stringed instruments, keyboards and drums.

Thomas Music is where locals take saxophones, trombones, clarinets and more to be pampered by Jen Nicoletti and Byron Ford, Straubinger and Muramatsu certified pros active with NAPBIRT, and the same folks Eastman and RPO players trust. They also stock reeds, swabs, oils and cases when you just need the basics.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 9, 2026

House of Guitars is a legendary local playground for players and fans, stocking vintage classics, the latest models, and rare finds plus amps, drums, and microphones to start your band. Flip through CDs and vinyl from shoegaze to old-school jazz, catch impromptu shows or talks, and make it a weekly ritual.

From the Monroe County newsletter, November 2, 2026

From quick maintenance to deeper mods and repairs, K·Robin Guitars keeps your acoustic or electric in fighting shape and even gets your amps humming happily again. If your folk or rock rig has been sulking in its case, give it a Rochester-ready reset this week.

From the Monroe County newsletter, October 28, 2026

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

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

Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.

Rochester Art Supply Inc. is the place locals sneak off to when a sketch turns into a full-on project, with aisles of legit gear from Daniel Smith, Golden, and Holbein to Hahnemuhle and Arches papers, plus RIT class kits and instructor lists to keep your studio dialed.

From the Monroe County newsletter, October 22, 2026

From bass and electric guitars to drums, keys, amps, and the pedals that make your neighbors curious, Sound Source has the tools to spark new riffs this week. They even handle live sound and studio needs, plus rentals, so you can test ideas before committing.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 13, 2026

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

Good Vibes Music Shop keeps it local with new and used guitars and other strings, amps and mics, brass and woodwinds, plus shelves of vinyl, CDs and cassettes, and they back it up with stringed-instrument repairs and easygoing 1-on-1 lessons to get you playing again.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 6, 2026

Since 1975, Record Archive has been the local HQ for vintage and new vinyl, CDs, unique gifts, vintage clothing and furniture, plus audio gear in a 13,000-square-foot playground where you can sip beer or wine while you browse. Co-founders of Record Store Day with free live music in the Backroom Lounge.

From the Brighton newsletter, September 7, 2026