Ah, vinyl. Despite the incredible technological advances in the way we listen to music, for many a fondness for records remains. We get it: we love the ritual of picking an album, placing it on the record player and dropping the needle.

Luckily, for local collectors, record stores abound in our area. Here's a list to help keep your collection stacked—or, if you're new to vinyl, introduce you to it for the first time.

Rocketstar Records 

2243 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (772) 985-6282

Rocketstar Records, which opened in 2017, is where record lovers can buy and sell vinyl and CDs from a wide range of genres. From rock 'n' roll spanning the '40s, '50s and '60s, to metal, punk, country, blues and gospel, this store stocsk it all. Just getting started with your collection? Shop owner Peter Anthony stocks new and used turntables. Record prices range from $5 to $20 each, depending on rarity, age and condition.

Salty Dog Records Sarasota 

6565 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, (608) 751-4814

Opened in 2018, independently owned Salty Dog Records has developed an extensive collection of new and pre-loved records, with new inventory hitting the shelves every Friday and fresh daily trade-ins. Choose from classic rock, metal, punk, jazz, box sets and more. Most of the new records start at $25 each; pre-owned records start at $5. 

Daddy O's Record Rack 

147 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, (941) 275-4678

After more than 50 years in the biz, this place has thousands of records and CDs of jazz, blues, rock, folk, hip hop and more. Owner Joe Ponticelle started the company with 60,000 records and now has three locations: one in Osprey, one in Bradenton and another in Venice. 

Sarasota Music Archives 

1331 First St., second floor, Sarasota, (941) 861-1168

What started out as a strip mall music storefront in 1980 has since merged with the Selby Public Library to form a music archive. The collection includes jazz, folk, opera, pop, classical, international music and even music video recordings. Since most of the inventory is donated, items range from free up to $500 for the really rare, mint-condition stuff. Want to learn more? Check out the Music Archives' musical flea market on Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Geldbart Auditorium inside Selby Public Library.