Combine Vintage Music And Road Trips For This Viral Travel Trend

No matter the destination or the distance, there's truly nothing better than hitting the road, windows down, with a good tune to keep you company on the long and winding drives. After all, there's a reason the two have been linked for so long, right? From a music lover's dream road trip into the heart of the Appalachian Mountain range to iconic road trip routes worthy of any bucket list, music has always found a way to make even the most mundane journey more memorable. 

Recently, however, TikTok has stepped in to put its own twist on the classic music-meets-travel mashup: transforming unassuming mom-and-pop record stores into must-visit destinations across the country. From Dover, New Jersey, to Macon, Georgia, music enthusiasts are putting pedal to the metal in order to check out their favorite shops on the platform ... in person. Drawn, in part, by the viral videos that have made household names out of seemingly ordinary places — as well as their hunger for new (and not-so-new) vinyl treasures, of course.

Beyond nostalgia, the rise of "record store tourism" also taps into a deeper desire for more tangible travel experiences. "We try to make it more of an experience so that you're not just coming in for records," explains Shayne Davies, of Factory Records, in conversation with Thrillist. Sharing videos that have amassed millions of views on TikTok, Davies — aka @shaynefromfactoryrecords — has made an entire aesthetic out of working at the New Jersey record store. From clips of himself sweeping up to dancing, and sorting vinyl after closing time, his content has attracted visitors from as far as Canada who have turned his workplace into their latest travel destination.

But Factory Records isn't the only record shop catching people's attention online and drawing in curious melomaniacs from beyond state lines. Take places like Spin Me Round Records, for example. Tucked away in Easton, Pennsylvania — which is, incidentally, home to one of the happiest places on Earth that isn't Disney, the Crayola Experience — the shop has gained traction on TikTok with videos mostly highlighting new arrivals — made all the more attention-grabbing because of the owner's larger than life personality.

Lastly, over in Georgia, Vertigo Vinyl has also found a niche for itself thanks to the vinyl community on TikTok. Sitting pretty with over 400,000 followers, the independent store's order packing and unboxing videos — which combine the best of behind-the-scenes curiosity and entertainment — are a fan favorite that continue to add up views (and win over shoppers). And, best of all, unlike other travel trends that have gone viral in the past, you don't need reservations or connections to hit up these independent stores. A love of vinyl and a road map (if you're looking for a real throw back) are more than enough.