If you're like me, you take any opportunity to "visit" a guitar store. Except Guitar Center, that is.
Given the dominance of the Internet, local specialty stores are a disappearing act. So, I really get a warm feeling when I have the chance to look and feel in a real, brick-and-mortar shop. I was reminded of this last night as I had to get a string winder/cutter, and I knew from a previous visit that there was an awesome, independent guitar store in Petaluma, California. It goes by the unlikely name of Tall Toad Music. Not only did they have the tool, but their selection of new and used guitars, basses, ukuleles, mandolins, and what-have-you is astounding. Do check the link above, they have a "virtual walk" to give you some idea.
That reminds me of my own local-to-me store, Melodee Music. Some great guitar lovers there. They have a humidity-controlled room for their acoustics, and a lot of electrics on the wall, on the floor, and hanging from the ceiling. The last few times I've been in there, they have a guitar listed as "make an offer." I was tempted at one time...
A little more mainstream, but not as well known (to me, at least) as Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, American Musical Supply and Chicago Music Exchange (and I'm leaving out the high-end "specialty" sites like Wildwood and Norman's) is Elderly Instruments. Some professional musician friends of mine recommended them to me, and their collection is outstanding, and they still operate as a family business despite a large online site.
Do you have a local guitar shop that you like, and give them business? I'm all about supporting local businesses these days, when the Internet is putting so many of them out of business.