Drop the needle on Cornwall at Bud’s Records and Kool Things

Are you feeling groovy?

Tucked along Pitt Street in downtown Cornwall, Bud’s Records and Kool Things is the kind of place you don’t just walk into, you fall into. One minute you’re browsing, the next you’ve lost track of time flipping through crates, chasing that one record you didn’t know you needed.

In an era where music lives on phones and playlists are built by algorithms, Bud’s brings something physical back to the experience. It’s tactile. It’s nostalgic. And for a growing number of visitors, it’s reason enough to make the drive.

A common reaction when people first step inside is a sense of overload, in the best possible way.

“A lot of times they walk in and forget what they were looking for,” said Emily from Bud’s Records and Kool Things. “Some of the more serious collectors that come from other large cities are impressed with our selection and the way it is categorized.”

What started as a personal passion project has grown into one of Cornwall’s most unique retail experiences. Once the original owner, Bud O’Byrne, ran out of room in his living room for his collection, he moved into a retail space in 2019, initially planning to focus on online sales. The storefront, however, quickly took on a life of its own.

“There was the intention of selling mostly online, but the brick and mortar store ended up being successful,” Emily said.

There’s a reason people still seek out record stores, and it has nothing to do with convenience. At Bud’s, the experience is built around discovery. You don’t type in a search bar. You dig. You scan album art. You take a chance on something unfamiliar. And every so often, you strike gold.

It’s not just about buying music. It’s about finding it.

That sense of discovery is part of a broader culture that continues to draw people in, especially those travelling through the region.

“People who collect records will always look up local record stores when they are travelling. That is part of the culture,” Emily said. “So the majority of our sales is from out-of-towners.”

Visitors make the trip from across Eastern Ontario and beyond, including Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Kingston, often building a stop at Bud’s into a larger day trip.

Vinyl’s resurgence isn’t just a trend. It reflects how people want to connect with music in a more tangible way. Physical formats offer something streaming cannot replicate, from sound quality to collectability.

“Some of these vinyl records have limited availability or haven’t been reissued for many years, and you cannot find them online or through any streaming services,” Emily said, noting the appeal of limited edition pressings and coloured variants.

Bud’s Records and Kool Things has quietly become a destination, not just for collectors but for anyone looking to experience something different.

And once you’re there, it doesn’t stop at the shop.

“Come out,” Emily said. “We have amazing restaurants, a unique pizza experience, the beautiful St. Lawrence, lots of great local shops and of course Bud’s Records.”

Pair a visit to the store with a walk along the waterfront or a stop at a local café, and suddenly Cornwall starts to feel less like a pass-through and more like a place worth exploring.

The team at Bud’s has a few go-to stops to round out the day. Spicy Pearl is a favourite for Caribbean and Thai dishes, Fairy Sweets is the place to go for something sweet,  Liugi's Pizzaria serves up classic Cornwall pizza, Riley's Bakery is known for standout sandwiches, and Edward's Bisro offers a more elevated dining experience. 

Pair a visit to Bud’s with a walk along the waterfront or a stop at Craftman Cafe, and suddenly you’ve got the makings of an easy, low-key getaway.

Make it a vinyl day

If one record shop is never enough, Cornwall can be the starting point for a full day of crate digging across Eastern Ontario.

After a stop at Bud’s Records and Kool Things, vinyl lovers can map out a route that hits several unique shops across the region, each with its own personality and finds.

Make your way toward Merrickville for a stop at Vinyl Destination, a go-to spot for collectors with a deep mix of new and used vinyl.

From there, continue to Kingston and explore shops like Something Else Records and Brian’s Record Option, both known for their strong selections and loyal following.

Along the way, collectors can also check out The Odd Stop in Winchester, Dragon Records in Gananoque or Grizzly’s Records in Brockville, building a route that turns a simple shopping trip into a full-on vinyl adventure.

Each stop offers something a little different, from rare finds and vintage pressings to curated selections and unexpected discoveries you won’t find online.