April 23rd is National Record Store Day, so I thought what better way to celebrate than to share with you some of my favorite record stores I’ve visited. These are based on my personal travels, so many of them are in my home state of Iowa, but there are also places on this list that I’d love to visit in the future, whether in the Midwest or beyond.
Vintage Vinyl – Ames, IA
This record store, located in the North Grand Mall in Ames, IA, has nearly any record you could think of. Whether it be a rare vintage or a new release, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at Vintage Vinyl. This small storefront holds a wide variety of music from many genres, time periods, and artists. There’s something for everyone at Vintage Vinyl. If you’re planning a trip, it’s in the mall so there’s plenty of other shopping options to fill your day with.
Wax Xtatic – Marshalltown, IA
This local record store is one of my favorites in central Iowa. Although I haven’t visited recently, Wax Xtatic has such a wide variety of vintage records. The store is well-organized and also doubles as a stereo shop and repair site for anyone interested in upgrading their set up. The storefront is located in downtown Marshalltown and is definitely worth the trip.
Vinyl Cafe – Ames, IA
On a daytrip to Ames last summer, my boyfriend and I stumbled across Vinyl Cafe––literally. Located in downtown Ames, the cafe is hidden from the street by a half flight of stairs. However, once downstairs, it reveals this hidden gem of a cafe mixed with record store. Stop in for coffee and browse the records while you wait. This is a great place to relax, get your caffeine kick, and look through an assortment of records.
Electric Underground – Waterloo, IA
Whether it be video games, vinyl, or movies, Electric Underground probably has what you’re looking for. This shop has a little bit of everything, including a good selection of new and used vinyl, both from the artists of today and former generations. Right in the heart of Waterloo, IA, this record shop is a great place to stop when you’re in the area.
The following record shops are places in the area that I’ve never been to, but hope to visit soon. Surprisingly, I haven’t really been on the search for any records since coming to Winona, but discovering amazing record shops in La Crosse and the surrounding area might change that.
Deaf Ear Records – La Crosse, WI
This record store in downtown La Crosse has been serving the area since 1978. They offer reasonable prices and will help you order something if they don’t have it in-store. Their merchandise is also guaranteed to work or you can bring it back for an exchange. All of these features sound great, and I can’t wait to visit soon!
Electric Fetus – Minneapolis, MN
This uniquely named shop opened it’s doors in 1968 as a place for counter-culturists to join and listen to music. That mission still holds today, and they carry a wide variety of music for anyone’s tastes. They also sell books, toys, clothing, jewlery, accessories, and a variety of other gifts and products. All of that makes Electric Fetus a unique one-stop-shop destination right in the heart of the Twin Cities.
Hymie’s Vintage Records – Minneapolis, MN
Hymie’s was opened in the late 1980s by Hymie, a passionate record collector. After his passing, two of the employees saved the store, and it has since been passed on to continue preserving his memory. The store not only has a heartfelt story, but is filled with a wide variety of records fit for any collector. I can’t wait to plan my visit and make a stop at Hymie’s.
Hidden World Vinyl Records – Rochester, MN
This shop was founded to share music rather than hoard it. Passionate music enthusiasts have brought in records from all over the world to share and sell in a small shop in Southern Minnesota. The story not only sells vinyl, but also tapes, CDs, and stereos; they also host live shows. Between it all, Hidden World has become a destination for all music lovers looking for shopping and a show.
The Dig Inn – Reinbeck, IA
I am a bit ashamed to say that I haven’t been to The Dig Inn, a record shop in Reinbeck, IA, where I went to high school. Although relatively new to town, The Dig Inn offers a great place to buy a few records, try a local brew, and play some pinball. All of these attractions make for a relaxing sliver of local nightlife that I can’t wait to try out sometime soon.
Whether you’re an avid record collector or just starting out, there’s something in each of these shops for you. Many of them blend the new and the old to make an experience uniquely their own.
Celebrate this National Record Store Day by visiting a local record shop of your own and reveling in a piece of music history.