Two Cool Hot Spots To Enjoy The Experience of Vinyl Records

Happy Trails Records, at 100 SW 3rd Street (but enter on Monroe Avenue), has been open since 1974. The current owner, Doug DiCarolis, bought the store in 1985 with the goal of keeping the groovy 70s vibe of the record stores he’d visit in the days before digital. Walk through the doors and you’ll see not only their new and used LPs, CDs, and DVDs but also Doug’s oddball collector items.

Whether you meet Doug, or Tom, who has worked there for around 25 years, you’ll feel you’re in a comfortable space and can talk about anything. Take advantage of their "longer-lived knowledge of the industry" to explore other musicians similar to bands you already enjoy. For example, if you like Stevie Wonder, you could try Jamiroquai or Bruno Mars. Or, possibly, if you are into Led Zeppelin, you may like Dirty Honey. They are even happy to tell you about local musicians' music they carry.

PreAtomic Records, at 211 SW Second Street, is proud of its new location, which opened in June 2022. Josh Lucas, the owner, opened his first location in 2019 and is happy with this more visible spot that feels bright, airy, and fresh. An avid music lover, Josh started collecting vinyl records about ten years ago. He realized he had too many and started a business selling albums, tapes, and CDs online and at farmer’s markets. He still loves going out and finding records, especially the hard-to-find collectibles to offer in the shop.

Josh says every record store is different because each one curates inventory in its own style. He likes jazz and folk, but with the fluctuating stock he carries, you’ll find a wide range to suit your taste. PreAtomic Records offers personal listening stations and a record cleaner. You may even be around for one of the live music events - ask, and he’ll let you know when the next one comes up. On summer Fridays, head to Beer Place, where Josh offers trivia games and spins his favorite tunes.