Muncie holds a host of independent, one-of a kind shops.
Dan’s Downtown Records
105 N. High St.
Hours:
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Dan’s Downtown Records has rows upon rows of CDs and crates of vinyl. Audiophiles can browse vintage oldies to new releases from contemporary artists.
Going on its 11th year in Muncie, owner Dan Walter has more than 10,000 items in the store. For more than 25 years, Walter has worked in the music business.
“I have records — that is my appeal,” Walter said. “[My shop is] the ‘vinyl experience’ [as] I like to call it.”
Dan’s Downtown Records offers a variety of vinyl, CDs, T-shirts, tapes, books, antiques and collectibles.
Jack’s Camera Shop
300 E. Main St.
Hours:
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
Jack’s Camera Shop, a family owned business, has four floors of photography gear, new and used.
In 1948, Jack Walters III opened the store that sells everything from darkroom to digital equipment and tools. It also offers classes in photo techniques and editing programs like Photoshop.
“[Jack’s Camera Shop employees] are wizards with photography,” Lenny Baierwalter, a store employee, said.
Kirk’s Bike Shop
124 S. Walnut St.
Hours:
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
For seasoned cyclists to those just learning the ropes, Kirk’s Bike Shop has the equipment to get a cyclist started and offers services to help with maintenance for worn-out bikes.
The current location of the store is on the same block where it was established in 1865. Kirk’s Bike Shop offers more than 300 bikes along with biking accessories and clothing.
“We’re a close enough location to walk to and have inexpensive bikes for budget oriented students,” Dave Roane, an employee, said.
Kirk’s Bike Shop also offers bicycle repair and services.
Wishbone Gifts
201 N. Walnut St.
Hours:
10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday
10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
1-5 p.m. Sunday
Tie-dye tapestries hang over walls and the smell of burning incense fills the store.
Whether looking for a new hobby or wanting to do a bohemian home makeover, Wishbone Gifts has an eclectic collection of merchandise.
“Everything in the store is geared toward college students,” Vanessa Dockrey, store manager, said.
The store has skateboards, drums, posters, tapestries, party accessories, disc-golf equipment, jewelry, stickers, tobacco accessories, hookahs, prayer flags, hemp, decorations and a large assortment of incense.
Toys Forever Models & Hobbies
300 S. Walnut St.
Hours:
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
Toys Forever Models & Hobbies offers something for those wanting to reconnect with their childhood, said owner Brandon Mundell.
Having owned the store for more than six years, Mundell said he thoroughly enjoys his job and is happy to assist finding a new toy, whether it be building model trains or flying a remote control helicopter.
“We’re just big kids,” he said. “We get stuff out of boxes and play with them. You can’t own a toy store and not touch it.”
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