10 of the Best Canoe Spots in America!

Back in the day, the canoe was the preferred method of getting around the waterways. Sleek, simple - it got you where you needed to go, from a prime fishing spot to a sweet parcel of land to claim as your own.

The world's oldest canoe, known as the "Pesse," (discovered in 1955) is believed to be about 10,000 years old; that's how far back these things go. During the 1860s, Scotsman John MacGregor was so in love with these boats that he travelled the world, paddling through Europe, the Middle East and the Baltics.

Canoes have evolved since the early days, even to some pretty high-tech standards: since 1936, canoeing has been featured as a competitive sport at the Summer Olympics. But if you're not into snagging a fish, travelling the world or rowing for the gold, here are ten spots on American waters that are perfect for some recreational paddling.

1. DELAWARE RIVER, Delaware

This shop has a huge variety of decades-old vinyl. People who truly love collecting music have to see this store whenever they visit the city. From old school hip hop to new, experimental electronic work, this store can satisfy just about anyone's taste. The store also has a full catalog of lo-fi techno released through their own store label called L.I.E.S. There is a new bunch of merchandise that comes in daily, so whenever you go into the store, expect to see something different. And it's not a large store, by any means, but the area is more accessible and less overwhelming than more spacious shops.

2. OUTER BANKS, North Carolina

It isn't much of a surprise that L.A. is home to a world-renowned record store. The store actually has three locations throughout California, but the shop in Los Angeles is definitely the most talked-about. You could spend hours inside of this store and discover new gem after new gem. With 24,000 square-feet of space and 50-foot walls, the volume of this store's collection is beyond impressive. There are over 100,000 CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs and more. Paste Magazine actually called it the best record store in the world. On top of that, the staff is highly knowledgeable, so if you have any music-related questions they can surely help you out with it.

3. BLACKWATER RIVER, Florida

This record store is iconic on its name alone, never mind the fact that its selection of music is unparalleled. Electric Fetus, with two more locations in Duluth and St. Cloud, has received numerous accolades from Pitchfork and Paste Magazine. Step inside, smell the incense, and absorb the astonishing collection of just about every genre of music you could possibly need. The racks are filled with rare finds and are rich in history. The shop, which has been around for 40 years, also hosts in-store performances and listening parties for music lovers to gather and celebrate what they cherish most.

4. AUSABLE RIVER, Michigan

This place is enormous. With a selection of over 250,000 and 11,000 square-feet of space, you could quite literally get lost in this place because of its size. Either way, you'll be losing yourself in the music which features an array of historic works. This gem is hidden away among strip malls and storage lots, but walking inside is like stepping onto another planet. The front entrance is hard to miss, adorned with a giant jukebox. Reminisce on the glorious days of music's past inside this Grand Prairie treasure.

5. BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA, Minnesota

The best record store in Music City is loved deeply by locals, and is recognized all over the country. The legendary spot has hosted performances from artists like the Black Keys. In 2008, Metallica recorded a live album at The Basement, a venue located right beneath the store. Stop by the store on a Monday when they offer a 10 percent discount on all preloved merchandise. Their website is also incredibly up to date with weekly new releases and vinyl, informing their customers about what will be hitting the racks soon.

6. NIOBRARA RIVER, Nebraska

Being one of the coolest record stores in Portland is no easy feat, but Jackpot Records is in the running for one of the best in the country. Opened in 1997, Jackpot offers a variety of old and used vinyl, all while operating an independent record label. When a record store operates its own record label, it clearly displays a strong support for the local music scene and all of the artists involved. Jackpot also allows customers to sell the store their old records, offering assistance with the load-in if you need any help.

7. CURRENT RIVER, Missouri

This shop has entire rooms dedicated to genres, reasonable prices and merchandise in pristine condition. The store made Rolling Stone's list of Best Record Stores in the U.S. and its websites declares itself as having the "World's Finest Vinyl." With over 30 years of business, Jerry's is home to over one million albums in a variety of formats. Not only does the selection span musical genres like metal, R&B, and jazz but they also have an assortment of spoken word, children's music and opera.

8. CLEARWATER CANOE TRAIL, Montana

This New Orleans hot spot withstood the forces of Hurricane Katrina and was one of the first record stores to reopen in the city. The space was recently relocated to a different neighborhood but still garners the same attention. One exciting feature is in-store brass band performances, something you aren't going to see in just any record store. Louisiana Music Factory stocks strictly less-common and older collections of work. You aren't going to find radio pop albums in this place. Expect to discover blues classics, gospel, and the best soul around. Oh, and you might be greeted with free beer if you stop by on the weekend.

9. GREEN RIVER, Utah

Portland is home to the hippest of the hip. This place isn't huge but that doesn't mean it isn't any less special. The assortment of music is fascinatingly original with obscure music from all over the globe. In fact, the store started with a specialty in selling music from Thailand and West Africa but has since broadened its selection. Everything, particularly vinyl, is reasonably priced, as well. Its coziness brings a small-town feel to the atmosphere of the store. That feeling is only furthered by the opportunity given to customers to leave their mixtapes for people to listen to, which you can swap out with other people's mixtapes. This promotion of sharing local, lesser-known music is what every record store needs.

10. VERDE RIVER, Arizona

Rarities galore! Princeton Record Exchange began in 1980, except it was actually just a man named Barry Weisfield selling used records out of his van to flea markets and on the local college campus. The store is now in a larger space and has been sine 1985, offering more than 140,000 new and used works in an over 4,000 square-foot space. The best part is that a lot of these are very reasonably priced. Due to the increasing rarity of old vinyl, reasonable prices are quite the treat.