Whether it's the start of a new year or the end of an old one, it's never a bad time to pick up that hobby you've been thinking about all this time. Check out our list of new skills you can master while lending a hand to our favorite local hobby spots, because, after all, every day is a good day to shop small!
Last updated December 8, 2022
Learn a New Instrument - or Fix an Old One
(2311 Irving St // Sunset District)
Since 1948, Sunset Music has been dishing out quality instruments and coveted sheet music for novices and experts alike. More of a listener? The store also sells those pesky record player needles you always say you’re going to “replace later."
(2474 Shattuck Ave // Berkeley)
Doesn’t the name just make you want to buy out the whole store? With locations in Berkeley, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara, this buy-sell-rent haven is every musician’s paradise. And if you spend $40 or more on a purchase, shipping is free! There's really no excuse at this point.
(4444 Piedmont Ave // Oakland)
Need an instrument repair? Mountain Music is the place to go around Oakland. Not only do they sell prime vintage instruments for the hippies at heart, but they also offer music lessons if you're looking to pick up a new skill.
(1654 2nd St // San Rafael)
Drums, keyboards, guitars — time to get back at that noisy apartment next door. If you’re all about that bass, sign up for their virtual bass clinic and other songwriting and playing workshops! If you’re strapped for cash, check out their flexible financing programs.
Also, check out:
SF Guitarworks (323 Potrero Ave // Mission District)
Exploring Music (814 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Union Music Company (1710 Market St // Hayes Valley)
Guitar Solo (230 Townsend St // South Park)
Berkeley Musical Instrument Exchange (2923 Adeline St // Berkeley)
Lamorinda Music (81 Lafayette Cir // Lafayette)
Music Village (2971 Union Ave // San Jose)
Park Avenue Music Center (1717 Park Ave // San Jose)
Kamimoto String Instruments (609 N 4th St // San Jose)
Cupertino Music (10564 S De Anza Blvd // Cupertino)
Live Music Center (874 Alamo Dr // Vacaville)
Consumer Music (1017 Tennessee St // Vallejo)
Napa Music Supply (2026 Redwood Rd // Napa)
Grow Your Crystal + Healing Collection
(1193 Valencia St // Mission District)
This treasure, a “one-stop shop for any witch who is looking to clear negative energy,” is right off of the 24th/Mission BART stop. Specializing in herbal remedies and sustainable health products, the apothecary also caters to those looking for tarot readings and sound healing.
(1391 Haight St // Haight-Ashbury)
Sleep problems, stress, low energy — nothing Twisted Thistle can’t handle. There’s an herb for everything, and the store also stocks tarot cards, incense, crystals, and books for all of your spiritual needs. Or, try their aphrodisiacs. Nothing is off the table!
(536 Grand St // Oakland)
Shop online or limited in-store for all of your necessary crystal or otherwise cleansing needs. Unlock your intuition with lessons in divination courtesy of tarot cards, gems, and candles that are believed to purify and help find those floating answers.
(123 N Main St // Sebastopol)
Ever wanted to take Intro to Witchcraft 101? The class at Milk & Honey may be full for now, but while you’re sitting on that waiting list, check out their body care, ritual supplies, crystals, and more that would make even Sabrina Spellman double check her bank account.
Also, check out:
The Love of Ganesha (1573 Haight St // Haight-Ashbury)
Crystal Way (2335 Market St // Castro)
Stone Room (1564 Solano Ave // Albany)
Stone Room 2 (2018 University Ave // Berkeley)
Sagrada Sacred Arts (4926 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
Aquarian Era (2803 Main Ave // Concord)
The Universal Connection Store (1261 Lincoln Ave // San Jose)
Enchantations (2160 Winchester Blvd // Campbell)
Spellcraft (325 E Campbell Ave // Campbell)
Moonstone Metaphysical (130 N Santa Cruz Ave // Los Gatos)
Dynamic Energy Crystals (21 Princess St // Sausalito)
The Eleventh House (7 Bolinas Rd // Fairfax)
Angel Heart 4 You (501 1st St // Benicia)
Flex Those Creative Muscles
(10 Carolina St // Design District)
If you love shopping local, ARCH is a top-tier place to start. We’ve all been inspired by the TikTok how-tos on Posca Paint Markers and cottagecore crafting, so now’s your chance to get DIY and dirty. Plus, they have plenty of tie-dye kits and kid-friendly fun projects!
(2424 Telegraph Ave // Berkeley)
Ink Stone has been serving the Berkeley art community for over 30 years. If you’re looking for more hefty craft and design materials, this is for sure your place to go. Carrying everything from modeling materials to charcoal to painting supplies, Ink Stone is the real deal in design.
(1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way // Oakland)
Centered in both Oakland and San Francisco, FLAX is here for all of your spray paint, book binding, origami, calligraphy, and other niche quarantine hobby needs. Of course they carry the basics too, but if you’re looking for a creative challenge, here’s the place to go.
Also, check out:
Mendels (1556 Haight St // Haight-Ashbury)
Growing Up Art & Crafts (240 W Portal Ave // West Portal)
14th Street Supply (4442 International Blvd // Oakland)
Tinsel Trading Co. (1659 San Pablo Ave // Berkeley)
Pinot’s Palette (410 Sycamore Valley Rd // Danville)
California Art Supply (3600 S El Camino Real // San Mateo)
Creative Escape (14090 Blossom Hill Rd // Los Gatos)
University Art (2550 El Camino Real // Redwood City)
Rileystreet Art Supply (1138 4th St // San Rafael)
Once Around (129 Miller Ave // Mill Valley Lumber Yard)
Perry's Art Supplies & Framing (128 Greenfield Ave // San Anselmo)
Upgrade Your Cocktails & Cuisine
At one point or another, almost everyone has had an “I want to be a bartender” phase. With The Cocktail Camp, you can become a master mixologist with either in-person or virtual class offerings. Getting serious about those bartender dreams? They also offer self-paced Bartender Certification Classes, so now’s your chance!
Now, it’s serious — mostly. The CIA is home to some of the world’s best chefs and winemakers, and now you can learn from them! If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that’s sure to challenge your skills, check out their class and workshop availability.
Written by Skylar De Paul
Want more inspiration? Check out the Bay's Best Bookstores and Plant Nurseries to keep you occupied.
