The best book, hobby & craft shops in Alexandria

“Craving a proper crate dig this weekend? Byrdland Records keeps the bins packed with 5000+ new and used titles, turntables and gear, plus Saturday Spins with vinyl DJs, and even a New Columbia Record Club, all from the team behind Songbyrd Music House.”

From the Washington newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

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

“Part of a music retail chain offering guitars, amps, drums, keyboards and more.”

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

“Whether you’re dusting off a trumpet, hunting a starter guitar for the kid, or finally booking those piano lessons, Music on the Hill has a legit neighborhood shop vibe with rentals, repairs, private and group lessons, plus summer camps to keep the momentum going.”

From the Washington newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Part of a chain, this store offers instruments, amps, and recording equipment.”

“Fibre Space is the kind of light filled, color happy shop where helpful pros match you with natural fiber yarns from indie makers, plus classes and designer workshops that actually level you up. Swing by the bright blue flat iron building for weekly Stitch in Space meetups and fresh project inspiration.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 17, 2026

“From first-day flute to Friday-night guitar, Alexandria Music Company keeps locals covered with rentals across strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, keyboards and even PA systems, plus lessons that actually click. Perfect if your kid needs a cello tomorrow or your band needs sound gear, like, yesterday.”

From the Waldorf newsletter, August 20, 2026

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

“Georgetown University Bookstore is your local fix for course materials, notebooks, calculators, and tech, plus fiction, nonfiction, vinyl, gifts, and sleek diploma frames. This week, grab snacks and study essentials, pick up some Hoya spirit gear, then pretend you only went for a pen.”

From the Arlington newsletter, August 21, 2026

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

“Looped Yarn Works in Dupont Circle has aisles of yarn, handy notions, and pattern-packed publications, plus knit and crochet nights, classes, and meetups. Drop in to stitch for a bit, get friendly help, then proudly tell your group chat you finally finished that sweater.”

From the Arlington newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Stitch Sew Shop is the go-to for garment sewists, with quality fabrics, thoughtful notions, and modern clothing patterns, plus classes, workshops, and one-on-one lessons when you want a nudge.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 5, 2026

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

“Som Records keeps the stacks deep with used, new, import and rare vinyl across rock, soul, funk, go-go, reggae, salsa, punk and more. Friendly, knowledgeable humans steer you to dollar-bin miracles and hard-to-find gems, plus it's Record Store Day approved, so this week's crate-therapy is basically guaranteed.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, August 27, 2026

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

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

“Crate-dig your way through punk, indie, and hard-to-find vinyl, CDs, and cassettes at Smash Records, then snag a vintage band tee that still smells like a basement show. A very DC institution, equal parts record trove and rock wardrobe, perfect for refueling your playlist and your closet this week.”

From the Washington newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Chain for decorative paper, crafting supplies & quirky gifts, plus custom stationery.”