How to find non-official Lego hobby shops?

[BrickG]

Google doesn't exactly help me here much (maybe I'm not searching using the right words). I know of several examples of shops primarily or at least somewhat based on Lego that are unofficial in the US. One is about an hour away. But I usually just luck out on finding them.

What's the best way to find these often almost impossible to find stores? They exist! I've seen them! :P

[MathBuilder]

Maybe asking on the Bricklink forum for stores that have store fronts?

[RaincloudDustbin]

This might be a different type of answer to what you need but ModelZone gets new sets in swiftly...

[Legononymous]

I'm a little confused by the question but do you just mean other places that carry LEGO?

Barnes and nobles has them.

[BrickG]

No I'm talking about small probably not chains hobby stores.

[RaincloudDustbin]

Then it's going to be a short thread as I'm guessing you mean in your area...

[BrickG]

No. I mean is there a better way to FIND these stores, no matter your location?

Google just comes up with the regular stores like Walmart, Target, Kmart, whatever your chains are in your area. I'm interested in the smaller stores. The non-chains that often specialize in Lego to some extent. Hobby shops and stuff. I can find no way to reliably find these shops besides dumb luck. :P

[Hrw-Amen]

It would be handy to know if there are any stores that specialize in LEGO and may even have second hand sets / parts for sale. I assume that there are not going to be that many of them as most second hand stuff will be through e-bay / bricklink. But sometimes it is nice for a change of scene as long as they are not too far away to visit some of these places for a day out, but I would not want to go with the promise of something good to find out it is just another toy store.

For example my local toy store where I live has three shops in the town, one of which is primarily a LEGO store. At Christmas it sells all LEGO but then at Easter half is given over to other tacky toys and pick a mix sweets which goes all through the summer until it returns to all LEGO again in the run up to Christmas the following year. It is good and friendly but they only stock the regular normal sets. No extras or second hand etc.

[Grimmbeard]

I'd also suggest going to LEGO events/lug meetings, people there might know. Many vendors at events might also have stores specializing in LEGO.

Check goodwill/thrift shops as well.

[Luke_likes_Lego]

Hello,

Try the Yellow pages - toy and hobby shops - in your area.

Cheers,

LLL

[Drachmyre]

Or, we could start a new thread, and everyone post where they know Lego shops are. Someone ambitous could then edit the first post with a list by state, and then sticky it.