Nothing quite beats the classics, especially when it comes to music. The Hudson Valley has long been an important destination for the art form (the seminal Woodstock Festival took place right here in the Catskills). A home to the late Pete Seeger and countless other influential musicians, the region continues to produce stellar artists who garner national recognition and produce new albums in the time-honored format, vinyl.
In a world ruled by Apple Music and Spotify playlists, record stores continue to occupy a special place in the Hudson Valley. After all, in a region known for curated thrift stores, vintage clothing shops, antique centers, and historic destinations, it only makes sense that retro music storefronts continue to thrive. Whether you’re on the hunt for hard-to-find vinyl or need a new disc to spin at your next dinner party, you’ll find a medley of old and new, along with instruments and musical merchandise, at these local outlets.
Big Jim’s Records
Buchanan
View this post on Instagram
This record store not only is bursting at the seams with vinyl and CDs, but also has a hefty collection of music memorabilia. With around 40 years of experience in the world of records and music, Big Jim’s boasts the largest collection of original concert posters on the east coast, dating back to the 1960s. The store offers worldwide shipping of its products, which are available for purchase on Discogs.
Bruised Apple Books
Peekskill
View this post on Instagram
While this Westchester shop’s main export is books, it also carries records, CDs, and movies. A walk through the doors transports any music fan back to the 1990s, when Bruised Apple first opened. Wooden racks, hand-painted signs, and other embellishments add rich character and personality for repeat record hunts. Give the shop a call for updated hours, and be sure to stop by Peekskill Brewing after a great session of browsing.
Clockwork Records
Hastings-on-Hudson
View this profile on Instagram
You’ve heard of A Clockwork Orange, but have you visited this themed record store? It is the ultimate emporium for collectable vinyl, both out of print and new releases. While the shop specializes in ‘60s vinyl, current underground rock, metal, rock, psychedelic, and more can be found in this funky Hastings-on-Hudson hotspot.
Darkside Records
Poughkeepsie
View this profile on Instagram
The largest record shop in the Valley, this ever-expanding record shop embodies a greater underground spirit that more and more Queen City businesses bring to the table (Poughkeepsie Grind, anyone?). Darkside Records carries exclusive Record Store Day releases, hard-to-find vintage vinyl, and a host of other counter-culture goodies. Find DVDs, CDs, cassettes, video games, and even laserdiscs of all genres while browsing the store’s collection. Follow this record store on social media for updates on the collection, sales, and promotional events. Record aficionados chasing particular releases can also check Darkside’s up-to-date online catalog of records.
Dope Jams
Oak Hill
Formerly the Dope Jams shop in Bed-Stuy, this record store relocated and rebranded to become Preserved Instincts in Oak Hill. Head here for an eclectic mix of music, with events on the lineup as well.
Everything Nice
Ellenville
This newly opened shop sells records, books, and coffee in Ellenville.
Hudson Valley Vinyl
Beacon
View this profile on Instagram
Whether you are looking to add to your collection or sell off releases, Hudson Valley Vinyl is one of the best places to do it. The Main Street record shop fits an expansive array of titles into a comfortable, cozy space. Those looking for jazz, soul, world, and classic rock will have a field day inside this Beacon mainstay. HVV’s staff caters to vintage record fans with original pressings and rare releases that go above and beyond standard music store fare. Its convenient location places it at the heart of a shopping day trip in Beacon.
John Doe Records
Hudson
View this post on Instagram
John Doe Records has been all over the Hudson Valley throughout its storied history. After stints in Pawling, Rosendale, Tivoli, and Livingston, the shop landed in Hudson in 2002 and has remained ever since. John Doe Records has carved out a niche in Columbia County as a resource for artists and art appreciators alike. From obscure to mainstream, this collector tries to stock something for everyone who walks through the door.
Last Vestige Music Shop
Albany
View this post on Instagram
One of the last vestiges of old-school-cool music stores, this Quail Street destination has served the Capital Region since 1984. Last Vestige was originally a vinyl phonograph mail-order business, and still has everything from Grado phono cartridges, LP poly bags, and paper inner sleeves to headphones, record cleaning kits, phono pre-amps, and used turntables in stock. Visit the Hudson Valley shop any day of the week to browse the collection of folk, gospel, soul, metal, and much more. On Super Tuesdays if you buy any used record, CD, or tape, you’ll get another half off.
Main Street Beat
Nyack
View this post on Instagram
Any weekend trip to Nyack would not be complete without a stop into Main Street Beat. This one-stop shop has clothing, books, and records galore. Fans of music new and old can nab some physical media to match their tastes at this store; Van Morrison and Cream albums stand next to new pressings from Harry Styles and Kendrick Lamar. Orders places online can be picked up in-store, shipped, or even delivered based on patron location.
Megabrain Comics and Arcade
Rhinebeck
Megabrain Comics is a supercenter for your inner child. With comics for kids, teens, and “Big Kids,” vinyl, and an arcade with over 20 games, there is something for everyone at this Rhinebeck hotspot. The vinyl section features soundtracks, box sets, and records from Green Day to Prince. If you’re not local, they can ship products from their website anywhere in North America.
Newburgh Vintage Emporium (Sound Shack)
Newburgh
View this post on Instagram
Now with locations off Route 9W and NY-17K, Newburgh Vintage Emporium is a treat for vinyl enthusiasts across Orange County. One of the long-term vendors at this antique storefront and marketplace is the Sound Shack. This shop, which joined Newburgh Vintage Emporium in 2015, boasts an extensive collection of records from a variety of artists (think a range from My Chemical Romance to Dolly Parton to Bill Haley & His Comets). It also offers reconditioned stereo equipment which at any time can include turntables, amps, speakers, and more.
Rhinebeck Vinyl Vault
Rhinebeck
Relatively new to the Hudson Valley, Rhinebeck Vinyl Vault opened in the fall of 2021. The shop offers merch, Funko Pops, clothing, incense, and, of course, rows upon rows of vinyl. From Beastie Boys to Billie Eilish and everything in between, this new addition to the village of Rhinebeck has something for every vinyl lover in the Hudson Valley.
Rhino Records
Kingston and New Paltz
View this profile on Instagram
Rhino Records has a famous reputation that dates back to 1970s Los Angeles. The brand came to the Hudson Valley in the 1990s and has a quaint setup in New Paltz and a large, comfortable space in Kingston. The Kingston location also sells an eclectic collection of movies and books. A dense atmosphere and vast collection to browse make Rhino Records a destination to remember. Stop in before a hike in the Shawangunks or during a day trip to New York’s first capital.
River Street Beat Shop
Troy
View this post on Instagram
Troy’s eclectic River Street continues to grow and expand. One element of the Hudson River-facing block that has remained a mainstay is the atmospheric record store. Neil Young and Crazy Horse posters, Led Zeppelin paintings, and other music memorabilia decorate this cozy shopping experience. When shopping, also browse through the collection of deep cut CDs and movies on DVD. Plus, the Capital Region’s Troy Night Out on the last Friday of every month usually includes a pop into River Street Beat Shop.
Rock Fantasy
Middletown
Like most Hudson Valley record stores, Rock Fantasy has a large collection of vinyl. However, this Middletown jaunt absolutely skews toward classic rock, heavy metal, and punk — headbangers rejoice! Rock Fantasy opened in 1985 and, despite countless trends that have come and gone, has always come back to selling vinyl. Who misses pinball machines? Bring your quarters to play on nostalgic setups with themes ranging from Elvira to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and even compete in tournaments. Check the social media accounts for more information on how to sign up.
Rocket Number Nine
Kingston
View this post on Instagram
As part of Kingston’s thriving music scene, Rocket Number Nine provides a mixture of vintage cuts and newer releases. Its convenient location on Front Street can add a record hunt to any excursion in the Ulster County city. In one place, find limited edition green- or pink-colored rock records, old-school funk albums, and contemporary artists making their forays into vinyl releases. For even more chances to buy, check out the shop’s page on Discogs to nab music from the comfort of the couch.
Spike’s Record Rack
Catskill
View this profile on Instagram
For retro vibes galore, take a detour to Spike’s Record Rack in Catskill. The cozy record store in the mountains has a constant stream of records coming in and out of the store, making repeat album digging mandatory. A flip through the new arrival section can yield releases from The Clash, David Bowie, Genesis, and other classic artists. An annex location inside the West Coxsackie Antiques Center yields more bargain finds, with many of the LPs priced as low as $3 apiece.
Stooz Records
West Kill
View this profile on Instagram
Stooz Records opened in 1992, but has been part of the Newton Farm Collective for the last three years. Originally a brick-and-mortar store, Stooz Records is now primarily online, with the full inventory on Discogs. This year, records will be available at the Newton Farm Store as well, allowing vinyl enthusiasts to flip through boxes of rock, folk, jazz, world music, and much more.
Team Love
New Paltz
View this post on Instagram
Named after the record label of the same name, Team Love Records in New Paltz supports up-and-coming artists in wholly unique ways. The online store and brick-and-mortar shop both stock CDs and vinyl records of the bands and songwriters under its label. Shop the entire collection online, visit most Fridays and Saturdays after noon, or make an appointment to visit the store in person and discover brand-new music.
Underground Vinyl
Larchmont
Underground Vinyl stocks a mix of new and used vinyl, along with turntables and more musical equipment in Larchmont.
Woodstock Music Shop
Woodstock
View this post on Instagram
Located just off Rock City Road, Woodstock Music Shop does vinyl and so much more. Passersby can ogle over guitars, tambourines, and mandolins, then score essentials like tuners and cables. Stopping into this Ulster County spot is well worth it for a chance to score first pressings of renowned albums from the former bank’s vinyl vault. After all, no trip to the artsy community of Woodstock is complete without buying some music, is it?
Zip’s Ziggurat
Saugerties
Though it only comes thrice a year, Zip’s Ziggurat is the ultimate Hudson Valley record fair. Under a small village of tents in Saugerties, attendees can browse thousands of albums at low prices, rain or shine. Free refreshments and tons of recommendations are available courtesy of music aficionado and record collector Mark Zip. In addition to the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend sales, Zip Ziggurat has items for sale all year round on Amazon. July 2-4 Zip’s is hosting a huge music yard sale: thousands of LPs and 45s will be sold for as low as 50 cents on Osnas Lane in West Saugerties.
Related: Find One-of-a-Kind Fashions at Hudson Valley Consignment Shops
