Audiophiles: You need to check out these 3 exceptional local record stores

Are you a fellow vinyl connoisseur and music aficionado? Then you should check out some of Huntsville’s best local record stores!

As Christmas approaches, browsing record stores is also a great way to find presents for your favorite collectors or, for college students like myself, unwind while studying for finals.

These 3 record stores each have unique inventories and aesthetics that make them all worth checking out for any Huntsville vinyl-lover:

Black Rose Records

Black Rose Records begins our list by not only possessing what is, in my opinion, perhaps the best new arrivals section in Huntsville, but also showcasing some more niche offerings for the most specific tastes.

Black Rose’s new arrivals section is a great place to start browsing when you visit. I even see a few of my favorites here! (Black Rose Records / Facebook)

Additionally, the store itself has the hole-in-the-wall aesthetic that makes the act of shopping for vinyl itself the romanticized experience it’s meant to be.

Where: 7914 Memorial Pkwy SW Suite E-9B, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hours: every day, 11am-6PM
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Maxwell’s Music

Maxwell’s Music recently moved in next door to Black Rose, meaning you can check out both selections in one trip. (Maxwell’s Music / Facebook)

Maxwell’s Music is right next door to Black Rose but offers a vastly different inventory and aesthetic.

Whenever I’ve visited Maxwell’s, I’ve always felt it was a more classic record-browsing experience. The vintage inventory and old-school decorations have always made my day when searching for older records.

Some of my best finds at Maxwell’s include a first edition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, the Steve Miller Band’s Book of Dreams, and Styx’s Pieces of Eight. I highly recommend Maxwell’s to any classic rock fans in Huntsville.

Where: 7914 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-6PM
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Vertical House Records

Vertical House Records has been a staple of Lowe Mill since 2007 and has provided our team with several unique finds.

Vertical House is also the spot to check out during Record Store Days. Additionally, this record store occasionally hosts market events and live performances from local talent.

Where: 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 12-6PM; Saturday, 12-5PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

More vinyl destinations

Parkway Place — While FYE doesn’t necessarily specialize in vinyl, I’ve always found their selection to be top-notch. (Cooper Smitherman / Hville Blast)

If you visit these locations and still haven’t found the record you’re looking for, here are some other non-vinyl stores in Huntsville I recommend browsing:

2nd and Charles
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
FYE
Vintage Stock

Each store only features vinyl as a secondary item, but I’ve found numerous new and used records from these spots. I would be amiss not to recommend them to my fellow Huntsville audiophiles.

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