The 30 Best Hobby Stores in The U.S.
Click region to see its stores
There are few luxuries that are as rewarding and enjoyable as a good hobby. While many hobbies lend themselves to solitude, they can also bring families together and create opportunities to make new friends.
To get the most out of a hobby, however, you’ll need quality products and expert advice. The 30 hobby stores listed below definitely deliver on those two fronts.
Yet, to be the best, and earn a place on our list of the top 30 hobby stores in the United States, you need more than outstanding products and prices. You also need passion and plenty of it.
The hobby shops in our rundown are overflowing with passion. They’re not into hobbies because they want to be, they’re into hobbies because they have to be.
Hobbies are in their blood. Hobbies are a part of them. Hobbies are who they.
If you’re interested in remote control vehicles, model railroading, plastic modeling, or any other kind of hobby, you must visit one of the following establishments.
To help you find these hobby stores, we’ve listed them by geographical region (Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, South, Southwest, and West Coast).
Below their pertinent information, you’ll find their motto, tagline, or description. These are written in italics and taken directly from their website or social media page.
Midwest
Berwyn's Toys & Trains
Berwyn, IL
“…specializes in "O" gauge electric trains…”
Besides being the go-to for all your "O" gauge electric train needs, Berwyn's Toy & Trains also carries Lego, Breyer Horses, collectible figurines, science toys, plastic model kits, and slot cars. Their selection will make your jaw drop and their service will keep you coming back.
Chippewa RC Hobby
Chippewa Falls, WI
http://www.chippewarchobby.com
"Largest supplier of radio control products in the Chippewa Valley"
You know that you can buy RC products just about anywhere. But what you really need to know is if you want quality RC products, and top-notch assistance, you must visit Chippewa RC hobby. Both their inventory and their staff’s hobby experience are gargantuan. You’ll leave their store happy with your hobby purchase.
Everything Hobby
Austin, MN
http://www.everythinghobby.com
"Cuz Everyone Needs A Hobby."
Everything Hobby recently moved everything. Their location may have changed, but their commitment to providing hobbyists with the best products, and the wisest advice, has not. Their inventory is brimming with remote control vehicles, parts, and supplies. Basically, if you're a hobbyist then Everything Hobby has everything you need.
Flightline Hobby
Lake Orion, MI
http://www.flightlinehobby.com
“Just Plane Fun!”
As you can tell by their motto, Flightline Hobby is into RC aircrafts. They have the inventory, and the knowledge, to set you up with the perfect remote control flyer. Besides flying RCs, they also carry rockets, paints, and tools. Flightline opened its proverbial hangar doors in 2008.
Hub Hobby
Little Canada & Richfield, MN
"There really are no other stores like Hub Hobby."
Hub Hobby has two locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Regardless of which store you visit, expect attentive assistance and tons of quality hobby products. On their shelves you'll find merch related to model trains, RC, rockets, plastic models, board games, trading card games, and science projects. Hub Hobby has been taking great care of hobbyist since 1979.
Mark Twain Hobby Center
St. Charles, MO
"Get Your Hobby On"
Besides their enormous collection of RC brands, Mark Twain Hobby Center also carries products related to model trains, slot cars, die-cast collectibles, and plastic model kits. Looking through their bright and homey store, and browsing their wealth of hobby treasures, is always a "good walk." MTHC was founded in 1976.
Roger's Hobby Center
Saginaw, MI
"Roger started working in the hobby industry at the age of 15..."
The aforementioned "Roger" is Roger Schneider. He owns the store with his wife, Darlene. In 1983, after working in the hobby biz for several years, he opened his own store. Since that time, Roger’s Hobby Center has helped thousands get the most out of their hobbies. Their staff is nonpareil and always willing to do whatever it takes to help their customers.
The Hobby Shop
Dayton, OH
"Dayton Ohio's best hobby shop!"
Shop at The Hobby Shop if you're looking for remote control cars, trucks, quadcopters, drones, and/or airplanes. They also carry products related to slot cars, model trains, wargames, and rockets. If you don't know exactly what you're looking for, or if you need something special, The Hobby Shop's virtuoso cadre will gladly assist you.
Northeast
Brownies Pro & Sport Hobbies
Staten Island, NY
https://www.brownieshobbies.com
“The Best Hobby Shop in Town”
Walking through the aisles of Brownies Hobbies, and browsing their awesome products, is like taking a trip back through time. And you know what? That's exactly how they want it. This is an old school, mom-and-pop, hobby shop that proudly embraces the DIY attitude. Brownies specializes in everything RC.
Dan's Crafts & Things
Rochester, NY
http://www.danscraftsandthings.com/
“…Very proud to be serving the children and grandchildren of customers who have been shopping with us for over 30 years.”
Dan's Crafts & Things has been serving hobbyist since 1974. They are a family business that excels at connecting with their customers and working with them to find exactly what they need. As for their inventory, it's easier to list what they don't sell than what they do sell. Even so, we’ll list five of the thousands of things in their stock: RC products, coin collecting supplies, cake toppers, model rockets, and art supplies.
Esther’s Hobby
Millvale, PA
"Relax... with a hobby."
You can be confident that Esther's will steer you in the right direction when it comes to hobbies. After all, Esther's opened in 1938! Today, Esther's is the alpha and omega of N-scale in the Tri-State Area. Of course, their inventory extends into all areas of model railroading, and their adroit customer service is always on the right track.
Hobby Bunker
Malden, MA
"Your One-Stop Toy Soldier and Hobby Shop"
Hobby Bunker is a blast for hobbyists. They specialize in toy soldiers but also carry products related to model building, wargames, role-playing, board games, and collectable card games. Their online presence is massive, but don't sleep on their brick and mortar store. It spans more than 6,000 square feet and contains more than 2,000 square feet of gaming tables.
Performance Hobbies
Webster, NY
http://www.performance-hobbies.com
"Our Experience Makes The Difference"
Performance Hobbies performs well with both veteran and novice hobbyists. They're appreciated by both ends of the spectrum because they're knowledgeable and experienced (more than two decades in the hobby business) and they offer complete support for all the products they sell. That includes assembly, repair, and setup.
Ray & Robin's Hobby Center
Falmouth, ME
"Home to a staggering array of radio controlled planes..."
Inside Ray & Robin's Hobby Center you'll find a bunch of radio controlled vehicles, plastic models, rockets, model trains, craft items, and doll houses. They also have race tracks for RC cars and trucks. Their staff is super approachable, extremely helpful, and fervent about hobbies.
Time Machine Hobby
Manchester, CT
"Where hobbies and imagination meet"
Time Machine Hobby is gigantic. Inside their massive structure—which is awe-inspiring—you'll discover quality products related to RC, rocketry, plastic models, and model trains. Speaking of locomotives, their model trains run every first and third Sunday of the month. Make sure you’re there. It’s amazing.
White Rose Hobbies
York, PA
https://www.whiterosehobbies.com
"Working to become Central Pennsylvania's premier hobby shop"
White Rose Hobbies' strength is HO and N scale model trains and model railroading accessories. They are also authorities in RC vehicles, toys, plastic model kits, board games, and card games. When you visit, take a gander at their model train layouts and RC race courses. You’ll have a great time.
Willis Hobbies
Mineola, NY
‘Offer low prices with friendly expert service and personable hands on help before and after the sale.”
Willis Hobbies encompasses 12,000 square feet and is operated by Steve and Ken Ford. Together, they have over 45 years in the hobby business. Their award-winning shop offers top-of-the-line products in the areas of model trains, RC vehicles, rockets, plastic models, die-cast collectables, kites, and much more.
Pacific Northwest
Galaxy Hobby
Lynwood, WA
"We Take Your Fun Seriously"
Galaxy Hobby is no stranger to accolades. A leading hobby magazine named them national "Hobby Store of the Year." The award is well deserved. Galaxy's staff are second to none and their remarkable wares includes RC vehicles, model trains, rockets, slot cars, Gundam, and a lot of other premium hobby-related merchandise.
Hillsboro Hobby Shop
Hillsboro, OR
http://www.hillsborohobbyshop.com
"...everyone deserves a hobby to escape from the rigors of the day-to-day world."
A vibrant member of the community for six decades, Hillsboro Hobby Shop has the inventory and information every hobbyist needs. If your hobby calls for a product that Hillsboro Hobby Shop doesn't carry in their friendly and fetching showroom, they'll gladly special order it for you.
Hood River Hobbies
Hood River, OR
http://www.hoodriverhobbies.com
“…hobbies are for sharing with friends and family.”
Hood River Hobbies joined their community in 1999, but current owners, Miko and Zed Ruhlen, didn't take the reins until 2011. HRH is the best place in the Columbia River Gorge to bolster your hobby—their products are supreme, and their staff is extremely courtesy and well-informed. Check out their website, or give them a call, as they frequently host hobby-related classes and events.
South
Anderson R/C
Thomasville, NC
“Unique Store for the Hobby Enthusiast”
If you’re looking to get into model airplanes, or remote control cars, then you need to see the good people at Anderson R/C. Their friendly staff disperses sagacious guidance in a manner that’s both professional and fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or a novice, Anderson R/C will answer all your questions.
Atlanta Hobby
Cumming, GA
"If you are new to [Atlanta Hobby] you are in store for a treat."
Cliff Whitney and his team at Atlanta Hobby pride themselves on their world class customer service and selling quality products at the lowest prices. Located in Cumming, north of Atlanta, this alluring hobby merchant specializes in RC vehicles. Their massive facility contains more than 60,000 hobby-related products.
Big Boy Toys and Hobbies
Lafayette, LA
“Full line hobby and specialty toy store”
For more than a dozen years, Big Boy Toys and Hobbies has been Acadiana's top destination for RC vehicles, science toys, and everything else that ignites the imagination and fuels one’s obsession. This is a family-owned business, who’s family friendly, and who treats all their customers like family.
Grayson Hobby
Loganville, GA
"Veteran Owned Small Business"
Among Grayson Hobby's many areas of expertise are radio controlled planes, quad racing drones, and all the necessary parts to keep them in the air. Their unbridled zest for hobbies is second to none. Their showroom is inviting, crisp, and well-organized. The Grayson staff is always ready to help hobbyists.
Hangar 18 Hobbies
Cary, NC
“Full service hobby store”
Hangar 18 Hobbies is far more than a retail hobby shop. They are a contributing member of their community. Beyond their inventory of incredible RC vehicles, plastic models, board games, and rockets, H18H offers special packages for schools and clubs. They also host RC races and teach classes on hobbies.
Radio Controlled Revolution
West Palm Beach, FL
"South Florida's Most Awesome Hobby Shop Experience"
Radio Controlled Revolution are West Palm Beach's experts in everything radio controlled. This store, owned and operated by the father and son team of Pete and Jason Rose, do more than share their expertise and eminent inventory. They work hard to make their customers hobby experts.
Southwest
King’s Hobby Shop
Austin, TX
"Modeling With You Since 1973"
How much do you enjoy your hobby? At King's Hobby Shop, they hope you enjoy your hobby as much as they enjoy helping hobbyists. The staff at King's is all about promoting hobbies of all kinds and supporting hobbyists at every level. Give them a visit. You'll find a captivating showroom that has a real positive vibe.
West Coast
Fundemonium
Rohnert Park, CA
http://www.fundemoniumtoys.com
"A World of Fun in Store."
If you have to describe Fundemonium in a single word it should be "fun." Owned by "Fundemoniacs" Steven and Jean Elliott, this store offers premium hobby products, games, crafts, and toys (educational and otherwise). They also host a plethora of events including indoor RC racing, Lego Play, and Friday Night Magic.
Marty's Hobbies
Thousand Oaks, CA
“…largest and oldest family owned and operated hobby shop in the Conejo Valley.”
Marty's Hobbies was established in 1976. Their store is huge and welcoming, but be careful, you might never want to leave. It’s that much fun. The staff at Marty's goes the extra mile and they does so with a smile. Their specialty is remote control vehicles. When visiting, bring your own RC craft. Marty's has racing tracks.
Pegasus Hobbies
Montclair, CA
http://www.pegasushobbies.net/catalog
"So. Cal.`s Biggest Hobby Store"
With 20,000 square feet all to their own, it’s easy to say Pegasus Hobbies is a "big" store. Yet, to truly grasp its size you must see it for yourself. While you’re there, make sure you ask tons of questions. Their cordial staff are dutiful hobby doyens. After hiking through their showroom, enjoy their impressive outdoor RC racetrack (call for further details).
All images courtesy of the hobby shop’s Facebook page.