15 College Town Avenues with Record Shops and Saturday Markets
For many, college towns offer the perfect blend of culture, music, and local flavor. One of the most charming aspects of these towns is the combination of record shops and Saturday markets that bring the community together. The record stores provide a nostalgic escape, where music lovers can spend hours digging through vinyl collections, discovering new and old tunes alike. Meanwhile, the Saturday markets create a lively atmosphere, with fresh produce, homemade goods, and local art filling the streets. These avenues become the heart of the town, where locals and visitors alike can spend their weekends shopping, browsing, and enjoying the laid-back vibe.
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College Avenue – Berkeley, California

Berkeley’s College Avenue is a lively hub for both record enthusiasts and market lovers. This street is home to several independent record stores, such as Rasputin Music, where you can find an impressive collection of vinyl, CDs, and cassettes across many genres. Each Saturday, the street comes alive with a bustling farmers market, drawing locals and visitors alike. The market offers fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for shopping and browsing.
College Avenue has a unique blend of intellectual energy and creativity, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate both music and culture. Whether you are hunting for rare vinyl or sampling locally grown produce, College Avenue has something for everyone. The record stores on this avenue have been an integral part of the local community for decades, keeping the spirit of music alive and well. It is a place where you can lose track of time, getting lost in the music and the market offerings.
High Street – Oxford, Ohio

In Oxford, Ohio, High Street is the place to be for those who enjoy vinyl records and Saturday markets. This historic street is home to The Record Shop, a charming store offering a curated selection of vintage vinyl records and music memorabilia. Every Saturday, High Street hosts a lively farmers market, where local vendors showcase their best produce, flowers, and homemade treats. The market also features local crafts, which brings an extra layer of uniqueness to the shopping experience.
The combination of old-school record shops and the bustling market makes High Street a favorite for locals and students alike. The street has a laid-back yet vibrant vibe, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the energy of the market. High Street is perfect for those who want to experience a mix of tradition and contemporary culture, whether through music or the fresh, seasonal offerings at the market. This avenue feels like the heart of the town, where music lovers and foodies come together.
State Street – Madison, Wisconsin

State Street in Madison is a perfect blend of old and new. Known for its record stores, such as B-Side Records, which offers a wide range of vinyl, this street has become a favorite for music lovers in the city. Every Saturday, State Street hosts a lively market featuring local farmers, crafters, and musicians. The market is a celebration of all things local, and it brings a sense of community to the avenue every week.
Visitors can shop for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, handmade jewelry, and much more. The combination of live music performances and fresh food creates an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the market. The vibrant street also boasts cafes, bookstores, and boutiques, making it an ideal destination for spending a Saturday morning. State Street captures the spirit of Madison, offering a mix of culture, commerce, and music.
Main Street – Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City’s Main Street is a vibrant and charming avenue known for its record shops and Saturday markets. The Iowa City Farmers Market, held every Saturday, is one of the oldest in the state and offers a fantastic selection of fresh produce, local meats, and handmade goods. Just a short walk from the market, you will find a handful of local record stores, like The Record Collector, where you can dig through stacks of vinyl records, from classic rock to indie gems.
Main Street’s atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, and it is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning. The combination of fresh produce and rare vinyl creates a unique shopping experience that you cannot find in just any town. The market often features live music, adding to the festive vibe. Whether you are a college student, a local resident, or a visitor, Main Street offers a delightful mix of local culture and music. It is a spot where the music of yesterday meets the fresh produce of today.
Broadway Street – Boulder, Colorado

Broadway Street in Boulder is home to a variety of record stores and a bustling farmers market that draws crowds every Saturday. The street is home to Albums on the Hill, a record shop known for its extensive vinyl collection, especially in rock and indie genres. Every Saturday, the Boulder Farmers Market takes over Broadway Street, offering fresh produce, homemade goods, and a wide variety of food trucks.
The market is a perfect stop for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Boulder while picking up local products. Whether you are searching for vinyl records or fresh local food, Broadway Street offers an experience that blends culture, music, and community. The street also boasts a variety of cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal location for spending the entire day. Boulder’s vibrant college town atmosphere shines through every Saturday on Broadway Street, and it is easy to see why it has become a local favorite.
6th Street – Austin, Texas

6th Street in Austin, Texas, is known for its lively nightlife, but it is also home to several great record shops and a popular Saturday market. Waterloo Records, located just off 6th Street, is a local institution that offers a fantastic selection of vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia. Every Saturday, the street hosts the Austin Farmers Market, which features local produce, handmade crafts, and fresh baked goods.
The market has a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere that complements the energetic vibe of the street. Whether you are searching for rare vinyl or enjoying live music and fresh food, 6th Street is the perfect place to explore on a Saturday. The area is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and live music venues, making it a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike. 6th Street is where the Austin spirit truly comes to life, offering an unforgettable Saturday experience.
Elm Street – Dallas, Texas

Elm Street in Dallas is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and it has become a must-visit spot for both record lovers and marketgoers. With record shops like Good Records, Elm Street is a haven for vinyl collectors. The Saturday market along Elm Street features local food vendors, artists, and farmers, creating a lively atmosphere that draws crowds every weekend. Visitors can sample fresh produce, locally made sauces, and handmade jewelry, all while enjoying the diverse offerings of the street.
Elm Street has a unique mix of modern culture and traditional markets, offering something for everyone. Whether you are shopping for vinyl records or tasting local delicacies, Elm Street provides an enriching experience. The market is a place where locals come together to celebrate community and commerce, and the record shops only add to the charm of this bustling street.
Wall Street – Kingston, New York

Wall Street in Kingston, New York, offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. This avenue is home to The Record Hunter, one of the most popular record stores in the area, known for its extensive collection of both vintage and new vinyl records. Every Saturday, the Kingston Farmers Market fills the streets with fresh produce, local cheeses, and handmade goods. The market creates a lively environment where you can shop for organic vegetables, baked goods, and artisan products while listening to live music.
Wall Street’s mix of history and contemporary culture makes it a great place to explore on a Saturday morning. Whether you are searching for rare records or enjoying the local food scene, Wall Street is the perfect place to experience the local vibe. The area’s rich history is reflected in the old buildings, which house both modern businesses and local markets. Wall Street is a great destination for those looking to combine music with a taste of the local community.
Broadway Street – Saratoga Springs, New York

Broadway Street in Saratoga Springs is a charming avenue filled with history, music, and culture. The town is home to The Saratoga Soundtrack, a record shop offering a great selection of vinyl, from classic rock to indie favorites. Every Saturday, Broadway Street hosts a farmers’ market, bringing fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade items to the area. The market features a variety of vendors, all offering the best products from the surrounding farms.
Broadway Street is not only known for its shopping, but also its cultural attractions, such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which is just a short walk away. The combination of fresh food, vinyl records, and local culture makes Broadway Street an ideal spot for a Saturday outing. Whether you are exploring the record shop or enjoying the market, the street offers an experience that feels both relaxed and exciting.
College Avenue – Appleton, Wisconsin

College Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin, offers an inviting atmosphere for both music and market enthusiasts. The avenue is home to a couple of unique record stores, including The Vinyl Vault, where shoppers can browse through a wide selection of vinyl records, from classic hits to contemporary indie albums. Every Saturday, the Appleton Farmers Market takes place right on College Avenue, providing fresh produce, homemade pastries, and handmade arts and crafts.
The market draws locals from all over the city, eager to support regional farmers and artisans. College Avenue is a vibrant place to explore, with its combination of music, food, and local culture. The record shops offer a nostalgic feel, while the market brings a fresh and modern twist to the experience. Whether you are picking up records or sampling the best local produce, College Avenue is a destination that blends nostalgia with contemporary flavor.
Grant Street – Buffalo, New York

Grant Street in Buffalo is an eclectic avenue known for its diversity in both its music stores and its Saturday market. The area hosts Record Theater, a long-standing record store that has been a cornerstone for vinyl collectors and music lovers in the region. On Saturdays, Grant Street comes alive with the Buffalo Public Market, offering a wide array of locally grown produce, flowers, and artisanal products. The market is a great place to explore the city’s local flavor, with many vendors offering unique items like handmade soaps and vintage clothing.
Grant Street combines the charm of record shops with the energy of a market that showcases Buffalo’s vibrant community. It is the perfect place to spend a Saturday, with plenty of options to shop for vinyl or fresh food. The area is also filled with a variety of coffee shops, making it easy to spend the entire day soaking in the local culture. Grant Street’s blend of old and new makes it an exciting destination for music lovers and marketgoers alike.
Broadway – Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville’s Broadway Street is a lively spot for those who love vinyl records and farmers markets. The street features a variety of record shops, such as CD & Vinyl, where shoppers can find rare records and vinyl reissues from all genres. Every Saturday, Broadway is home to the Louisville Downtown Farmers Market, one of the largest in the region, which offers fresh vegetables, homemade jams, and baked goods. The market is not just about food; it also features live entertainment, making it an enjoyable place to hang out for both locals and visitors.
Broadway is a mix of old-school charm and modern flair, making it an appealing spot for college students, families, and tourists alike. The record stores along Broadway are known for their helpful staff and wide selection, adding to the street’s musical legacy. Whether you are in the mood for fresh produce or rare vinyl, Broadway has you covered. It is a destination where you can easily spend hours exploring, shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Main Street – Santa Monica, California

Main Street in Santa Monica is known for its laid-back atmosphere and cultural vibe. This avenue is home to Amoeba Music, one of the most famous record stores in Los Angeles, where you can browse through an incredible selection of vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. Every Saturday, Main Street hosts a bustling farmers market, offering a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, gourmet food trucks, and artisanal products. The market has become a community hub, attracting locals who want to enjoy organic foods, local art, and live entertainment.
Main Street itself is full of unique boutiques, cafes, and eateries, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The street has a relaxed, beachy vibe, making it the perfect place to enjoy music and food while soaking in the Santa Monica sun. The combination of vinyl records, fresh produce, and beach culture creates a unique and enjoyable experience every weekend.
Broad Street – Athens, Georgia

Broad Street in Athens, Georgia, is a vibrant avenue known for its local record shops and bustling Saturday market. One of the standout stores is Wuxtry Records, a beloved spot in the heart of Athens for vinyl enthusiasts. Every Saturday, Broad Street comes alive with the Athens Farmers Market, which is filled with local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. The market offers a mix of both traditional and modern products, providing a taste of Georgia’s local flavors.
Broad Street is a blend of college-town charm and southern hospitality, offering visitors a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to shop for vinyl and fresh food. The record stores in this area often host events, making them a hub for local music lovers. Whether you are browsing for rare vinyl or enjoying a farm-to-table meal, Broad Street is the perfect place to explore on a Saturday. It is a spot where music and local culture come together in a way that makes Athens feel unique.
Washington Street – Middlebury, Vermont

Washington Street in Middlebury, Vermont, is a quaint and charming avenue that offers an eclectic mix of record shops and Saturday markets. The street is home to The Vinyl Closet, a record store known for its extensive collection of vinyl across a wide variety of genres. Every Saturday, Washington Street hosts the Middlebury Farmers Market, which is a gathering of local farmers, bakers, and artisans who bring the best of Vermont to the community.
The market offers a great selection of locally grown produce, homemade cheeses, and handcrafted goods, making it a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Washington Street’s charming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to explore on a weekend. The combination of local music and fresh food gives it a relaxed yet energetic vibe. Whether you are looking for a classic record or a loaf of fresh bread, Washington Street has something for everyone.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.
