Murray may be a small town, but it’s home to many “hidden gem” businesses for University students to enjoy.
It’s hard to get off campus and explore when you don’t know where to start. Here is a list of ten Murray businesses recommended by University students and staff.
Angel’s Attic
Recommended by Isabella Shevetz, freshman PR major.
The Angel’s Attic Thrift Shop has good deals all year round, but the Christmas season is when this local business thrives. Donated apparel, jewelry, decor and more are available for low prices and community benefit. Since 2002, Angel’s Attic has used their profits to fund local organizations like Murray-Calloway County NeedLine, HOPE Calloway, Calloway County School Family Resource Youth Service Center and more. Students looking for affordable Christmas gifts and decor should take a trip to Angel’s Attic on 972 Chestnut Street, open Tuesday through Saturday.
Bolin Books
Recommended by Jesse Adams, junior occupational safety & health and business administration & management double major.
For those looking to fill their shelves, Bolin Books is a must-visit location. Bolin Books is a family owned and operated used bookstore found at 304 Main Street. Their large selection caters to readers of all ages and interests.
Junior Jesse Adams said, “[Bolin Books] is a bookstore with a really awesome owner. They’re really friendly people who can help you find anything you want.”
Book donations are also welcome when visiting Bolin Books. Stop by Friday through Sunday afternoons and see what catches your eye.
Enchanted Gaming Emporium
Recommended by Gray Hawkins, freshman journalism major
Fans of card games, tabletop RPGs and more will love Enchanted Gaming Emporium. Formerly known as Dragon’s Hoard Gaming, Enchanted Gaming Emporium is a hobby and game store on 808 Chestnut Street. They sell tabletop products like dice sets, Dungeons & Dragons minifigures and cards from games like Pokémon, Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh. They post event and competition schedules for every day of the week on their Facebook page. This is a great place to unwind from school stress and find a community of tabletop players.
GOFOR Pizza
Recommended by Jesse Adams
How about something to eat? GOFOR Pizza is an affordable option for pizza lovers in Murray. They offer a variety of options including vegan and gluten-free choices. Their pizzas are made from scratch and hand-tossed, ensuring fresh quality every day. GOFOR Pizza is open Wednesday through Sunday for dine-in or pickup at 317 Chestnut Street, as well as delivery to campus.
Mugsy’s Hideout
Recommended by Professor Chris Haynes
Another good local restaurant is Mugsy’s Hideout. It is a Chicago-inspired Italian bar and restaurant owned by a Murray family. Any craving for pizza, pasta or an Italian-style sandwich can be satiated here.
“When I want a nice place to eat out, Mugsy’s is my go-to,” Professor Chris Haynes said. “I’ve never had a bad thing from there.”
Mugsy’s Hideout is open Tuesday through Saturday on 410 Main Street.
Off the Hoof
Recommended by Jesse Adams
If a quality cut of meat is more your style, Off the Hoof Meats & Deli is the place to be. This locally owned and operated business sells just about any beef, pork, poultry or cheese meal you can imagine. These made-to-order burgers are not the cheapest thing you will find in town, but Adams said you pay for the quality you get. Off the Hoof can be found at 1211 N 12th Street in Murray, and they have two other locations in Mayfield and Draffenville. Murray’s Off the Hoof is open Monday through Saturday.
A Place To Be- Farm Sanctuary
Recommended by Gray Hawkins
When your workload gets heavy and you need a break from staring at your computer screen, A Place To Be is the perfect spot to recharge mentally and emotionally. A Place To Be is a small farm sanctuary that houses displaced and neglected animals. This local nonprofit provides a safe space for animals and people through community events and volunteer work. From pigs and goats to chickens and turkeys, these sweet animals are acclimated to human contact and ready to provide emotional support to those who visit them. To visit or volunteer, reach out on their Facebook page or email owner Beth Wilhelm-Atkins @[email protected].
Red Bug Yarn & Gifts
Recommended by Jesse Adams
Crafty students will love Red Bug Yarn & Gifts. This locally owned shop sells a wide variety of yarns, needles and accessories for knitting and crocheting, as well as gifts like coffee grounds, soaps and more. Red Bug is a great stop for anyone who loves to buy or make their own knit or crocheted goods. Red Bug Yarn & Gifts is open Tuesday through Saturday at 119 S 4th Street.
Terrapin Station
Recommended by Jesse Adams
Music lovers and indie fans will want to check out Terrapin Station, a local vintage record shop. They sell records, CDs, jewelry, incense, oils and more. Founded in 1985, Terrapin Station aims to bring an artistic and balanced lifestyle to Murray with music and other quality products. Stop by 920 S 12th Street Monday through Saturday and take a look at their vintage collection.
The Wizard of Sportscards
Recommended by Professor Chris Haynes
The Wizard of Sportscards is a great spot for niche collectors and sports fans. This family-owned shop sells sports trading cards and memorabilia, collectibles and other miscellaneous cards. They pride themselves on being “the only old-school card shop within 50 miles of Murray.” Haynes said he suggested it because one of his past students is the owner’s grandson, and he remembered talking with the student about the shop. The Wizard of Sportscards is open Monday through Saturday on 401 Maple Street.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of what Murray has to offer, but it’s a great place to start. The local businesses in town cater to a variety of communities and interests. From food lovers to card collectors, there’s a place for everyone in Murray.
