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How to plan a record store crawl
A record store crawl is a route through several record shops in one area. Here is how to plan one, plus 484 ready-made routes you can use today.
Plan a crawl in five steps
- Pick an area. Choose a neighborhood or town with three to five shops close together.
- Check hours. Many record stores close one or two days a week, so confirm each shop's hours before you go.
- Order the stops. Start with the shop you most want to visit, then work in a loop to avoid backtracking.
- Build in breaks. Plan a lunch or coffee stop in the middle.
- Bring a want list. Save the records you are hunting in the app and ask shop staff for help.
Ready-made crawls to try
- The Founders Crawl
- The Record Loft Crawl: East Atlanta to Little Five Points
- Decatur and the Eastside Dig
- Chattanooga Vinyl Trail
- Athens: Wuxtry, Low Yo Yo Stuff and the Record Booth
See all of them in the crawl index, or find shops by place in the record store directory. New to the idea? Read the vinyl tourism guide.
Route types explained
Every crawl is labeled by how far apart its stops are, so you can pick one that fits how you want to travel. The distance is the total of the legs between stops, in order.
- Walkable (up to 3 miles)
- Every stop is close enough to walk. The whole route is about 3 miles or less, so you can leave the car behind.
- City Route (3 to 12 miles)
- The stops are spread across a city. Plan on a rideshare, bike, transit or a short drive between shops.
- Car Crawl (more than 12 miles)
- The stops are spread across a metro area or several towns. Plan on driving between shops.
Frequently asked questions
What is a record store crawl?
A record store crawl is a planned route through several record stores in one area, visited in order, usually in a single day. Think of a pub crawl, but for vinyl.
How many stores should a crawl have?
Three to five shops is a good day. Our crawls run from three to five stops, which leaves time to dig properly and eat between stops.
How do I find a record store crawl near me?
Browse the crawls by city, or open the app and use the near-me sort to see the closest routes first.
What should I bring?
A tote bag, cash for dollar bins, a want list, and a sleeve-friendly bag for the car. Check each shop's opening days first, since many close one or two days a week.