The best book, hobby & craft shops in Tri Cities

“Mountain Empire Comics is the kind of local shop where new issues, graphic novels, and oddball indie gems happily collide, and the crew actually loves talking recommendations. When your reading stack needs color or you just want to nerd out with Bristol neighbors, this spot delivers the good stuff.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Ben Franklin Crafts is the family-owned wonderland locals have trusted since 1982, with designer fabrics including ETSU and UT prints, yarn from Bernat, Lion Brand, and Red Heart, wreath and floral supplies, ribbons, paints, and even candy-making goodies. When your weekend needs a spark of creativity, start here.”

From the Kingsport newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Musik Alley - The Musicians Choice! keeps Tri-Cities players dialed in with acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, prestige lines like PRS and Ormsby, plus lessons and real bench work from restringing and electronics repair to bone nut work, all handled by a savvy crew with studio and stage chops.”

From the Tri Cities newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Haven Booksellers keeps over 5,000 new and secondhand titles on hand, with shelves that spotlight local authors, a few antiques, and pretty much every genre you claim to read. It’s the kind of neighborhood shop where browsing counts as self care, and you’ll likely leave pleasantly overbooked.”

From the Tri Cities newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Whether you’re into sports or TCGs, The Daily Find is a local spot built for the hunt. Flip through trading cards, trade stories, and reconnect with the hobby that makes weekdays feel lighter, then check it out this week to see what turns up.”

From the Kingsport newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Billed as the Tri-Cities’ largest selection of toys, video games, comics, LEGO and collectibles, Time Travel Toys Video Games & Collectables is a constantly changing trove of vintage favorites and modern display pieces. They buy, sell and trade, so last year’s impulse buys could become today’s grail.”

From the Kingsport newsletter, September 8, 2026

“If your WIP basket is looking a little light, Cross Stitch & Crafts has the good stuff... fabrics, threads, tools, and patterns to kickstart your next Xs-and-Os session. Perfect for leveling up that porch-project or gifting a new obsession to a friend who keeps saying they'll try it.”

From the Johnson City newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Music store, part of a chain, specializing in guitars.”

“From new guitars and drum gear to the little lifesavers like strings, sticks, and cables, Campbell’s Morrell Music keeps your setup ready to play. When something’s off, their repair services can rescue your favorite instrument so you’re ready for the next porch jam or church set.”

From the Johnson City newsletter, September 10, 2026

“If your hands are itching to make something, Cindy's Crafts stocks beads, Swarovski, thread, needles, and books, plus classes and PDFs that make jumping in easy. Swing by for a quick stash refresh or finally start that bracelet you keep sketching during meetings.”

From the Johnson City newsletter, August 25, 2026

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

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

“Part shop, part community classroom, All Things Fibre in downtown Johnson City champions natural fibers, hand-spinning, and crochet taught the old-school way, patiently and with good vibes. If you’ve been craving a slower craft, pop in, swap yarn talk with locals, and start turning fluff into something real.”

From the Tri Cities newsletter, September 17, 2026