With the rise of national and regional chains, it’s become harder and harder for the general store – once a mainstay of American community life – to survive. But there are still some real gems out there, where you can shop for bespoke local products, specialty food, antiques, knickknacks, and more. We've rounded up the most charming general stores across the USA, exploring what makes them so special to locals and travelers alike.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Opened in 1917 by a farmer, originally to serve other farmers, Athens' UG White Mercantile has grown over the years to cater to everyone from cotton mill workers to candy fanatics. 'There's something for everyone', says the store, which specializes in Alabama and Southern–made goods and continues to be a vital part of the town. You'll find clothing, gifts, homeware, food, tools, and gifts inside.
Operating since 1921, Nagley’s General Store in Talkeetna has certainly earned its slogan, ‘Established Before Most of You Were Born'. For over a century it's been a focal point of the community, who helped rebuild the site after it was destroyed by fire in 1997. Today, Nagley’s is still a firm favorite with the people of Talkeetna for its Kaladi Brothers coffee and ice cream cones. It's also famous for its long lineage of store cats, with Aurora currently prowling the place.
Rich in indigenous history, the Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado first opened its doors in 1876 and is now a site of historial importance, owned by the National Parks System. These days you won’t see horse-drawn carriages hitched up outside, but you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of authentic weavings being made among the saddles and bags of grain, and you’ll still find an array of Navajo arts and crafts for sale.
Located deep within the lush Ozark National Forest – encompassing over a million acres of Arkansas territory – the Oark General Store is the oldest continuously operated general store in the state, attracting fleets of classic cars and weary hikers. Previously supplying staple buys for the rural community and travelers passing through, the store has grown into a full-service restaurant. Lucky customers can refuel on traditional diner food including great breakfasts, burgers, and pies.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Northern California, Shelter Cove General Store prides itself on sourcing the best locally sourced products. Stock up on Napa Valley grapes, Buffalo meat, and, in true Californian style, gluten-free baked goods. Because of Shelter Cove’s proximity to the big blue sea, outdoorsy types will also be able to purchase fishing licenses and tackle at the store, which sits 225 miles north of San Francisco.
Hailed as a ‘true Colorado experience’, Gold Hill Store & Pub is a general store, craft shop, bar, and café, all rolled into one. The rustic building is about an hour's drive out of the state capital Denver, in the charming old mining town of Gold Hill. Visitors can enjoy fresh coffee, homemade desserts, and craft beer, and there's usually live music on weekends. The haunt is also eco-friendly, emphasising conscious water use as well as the reduction and recycling of waste.
In the heart of a quaint Connecticut village, the Riverton General Store and its Colonial Revival architecture is a picture of American pleasantry, complete with friendly staff and outdoor seating. At the deli counter, you can pick up a made-to-order sandwich filled with fresh meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Or treat yourself to a scoop or four from their super-sweet selection of ice cream flavors, including rainbow sherbert and black cherry vanilla.
Located just outside Georgetown, Delaware, Wilson’s General Store has been a local institution since the 1940s. After 80 years in the Wilson family, it's now under new ownership and recently refurbished, but still channeling the same old-school charm. Much to the relief of locals it's also still serving up the famous scrapple, egg, and cheese sandwich – considered among the best breakfasts in the state.
Covering just 0.2 sq miles, Chokoloskee Island is located on the western edge of the Everglades. The most historic building on the island is Smallwood Store, originally established by Ted Smallwood in 1906 to provide goods to this far-flung corner of Florida. It ceased trading in 1982, but 90% of the goods remained in the store and, in 1990, Ted's granddaughter reopened it as a museum where the state’s pioneer history has been frozen in time. You might not be able to buy essential goods there anymore, but a gift shop sells authentic Seminole arts and crafts.
Its location near tourist hotspot Helen – a Bavarian alpine village in the Appalachian foothills – means the utterly charming Old Sautee Store sells a range of Scandinavian treats, such as imported cheese, fruity delights like lingonberry preserves, and a mulled wine called Glögg. On the creaky wooden shelves you’ll also find handcrafted soaps and lotions, while the deli serves up some of the best sandwiches for miles.
Founded in 1910 on the Hawaiian island of Maui, the Hasegawa General Store was immortalized in song by legendary American composer Paul Weston, who was mesmerized by the ‘wonderful variety of merchandise...spread out there before your eyes’. Indeed, variety is the spice of life here. At this ultra-kooky general store, you’ll never be short of fresh local produce, gallons of mayonnaise, CDs from Hawaiian musicians, books on island culture and philosophy, or Maui’s largest selection of pareaus (sarongs).
Perched on the water of Neachen Bay on Idaho’s Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hutton’s General Store is a wood cabin come convenience store that's bursting with rustic charm. Those with a sweet tooth can find jellies, ice cream, and pies flavored with juicy huckleberries, or hit up the soda fountain and candy counter. If you're after something more savory, they also offer a range of specialty subs. Enjoy your purchases on their patio and take in the panoramic lakeside vistas.
Unlike most of the stores on this list, the 1904 General Store hasn’t been a town staple for very long. The castle-like structure has resided in the quirky city of Alton, Illinois since – you guessed it – 1904, but has only operated as a general store since 2015. Stylishly renovated from its previous lives as a photography studio and dance school, the store is now famous for fudge, and focuses on candy and confectionery on the ground floor. Upstairs, there's products like furniture, gardening tools, and seasonal decorations.
The centerpiece of the lesser-known Nashville is its General Store. Cross the toytown bridge and step into a time-warped world, stacked floor-to-ceiling with eclectic goods. It's the food that's the real draw here, though. Customers particularly love the fresh and fluffy pumpkin bread and the legendary fried biscuits, served with locally made apple butter.
Dating back to the 1840s, Greef General Store sits on the bank of the Des Moines River in the pint-sized village of Bentonsport. It was once a busy general store which provided everyday essentials for the local townspeople, but is now something of a historical landmark, operating as both a museum and an antiques store. There's also a fudge counter, where you can choose from 18 scrumptious flavors.
Dating back to 1925, the Old Riverton Store sits on Route 66 but has been around since before the road become the official cross-country highway from Chicago to Los Angeles. These days, it's still a hugely popular stop-off for both locals and those traveling along the iconic route. Inside you'll find essential groceries, fresh produce, flowers, a great deli, and – of course – plenty of Route 66 souvenirs.
Serving the 300-odd population of Rabbit Hash, the town’s resilient general store has survived fires and devastating floods over its lifetime. Today, the Rabbit Hash General Store sells everything from essential supplies and fresh produce to hand-woven towels, local pottery, and Christmas ornaments (all year round). If you want to hang around in Rabbit Hash for a while, the store also has a cozy apartment you can rent.
Louisiana's oldest general store was founded in the midst of the American Civil War by Jewish Prussian immigrants Adolph and Harris Kaffie. The goods on offer at Kaffie-Frederick may have changed, but much of the store remains the same, from the original freight elevator to the 1910 cash register that is still used to ring up every sale. Now run by a third generation of Fredericks, it stocks everything you might need, and promises the same friendly service that's been its hallmark since opening in 1863.
Situtated way, way out from the center of Saco – hence the name – The Way Way Store's candy stripe concrete blocks (lovingly handmade by the first owner, Eugene Cousens) are difficult to miss. First opened in 1916, it's now on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to operate as a general store. It's loved for its candy counter and an ice cream parlor, but you can also pick up everything from homemade maple syrup to canoes, kayaks, and antique wood stoves.
Franklins General Store in Hyattsville began life as a blacksmith and carriage shop before transforming into the Hyattsville Hardware Co., then became a general store in 1992. At the heart of the local community, it's continued to evolve, and now claims to be the world's only combined restaurant, microbrewery, and toy shop. With more than 30,000 sq ft of shopping space, you'll find toys, utensils, a hot sauce wall, and more than 1,000 types of beer and wine on sale. Next door, the restaurant serves up dishes like pizza, fried blue catfish, and Moroccan lamb sliders.
Although Williamsburg General Store sells gifts and jewelry, the real attraction here is the food. On arriving visitors are immediately hit by delicious smells wafting out from the bakery. These scents could mean any number of treats are being whipped up in the kitchen, including pumpkin cream cheese pie, coffee cakes, or the store’s famous wrapples – a little like apple tarts, they're unique to this historic Massachusetts town.
Dixboro General Store is a hugely expansive retail destination born out of an old Colonial home in the city of Ann Arbor. Though jams, dips and jellies can be bought by the basket-load, the store is actually better known for its homewares and is one of the busiest furniture outlets in the state. Whatever you need for your home, Dixboro will have it, from clocks and chandeliers to hand-crafted furniture and figurines.
The oldest general store in Minnesota, Marine General Store in Marine on St Croix may have retained its original wood panel flooring and mid-19th-century interior, but it's also adopted some modern touches, like the solar panels on the roof which power the place. You can pick up all your essentials and more here, and their deli offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and lunch specials like tacos or spaghetti and meatballs. Alternatively, just pick up an ice cream cone and kick back on the leafy outdoor patio.
Fans of HGTV's Home Town will instantly recognize Scotsman General Store and Woodshop and its owners Erin and Ben Napier from the show. Located in the small town of Laurel, it opened in 2018 but is inspired by the general stores of yesteryear. You can choose from hundreds of glass bottle sodas and retro snacks, pick out flannel shirts and jeans, and you even might catch the woodworking team at work.
Caledonia's Old Village Mercantile is the primary landmark in the town's historic district. Situated on Main Street, the store wants to transport you back to a simpler time. Check out the racks of Amish-made fudge and rainbow donuts before taking a silver spoon to root beer floats and ice cream ‘nachos’ and ‘tacos'. If all that sugar isn't enough of a buzz, there are 25 different varieties of coffee beans on offer. You can also shop for antiques, and there's an idyllic garden to relax in.
It might look like it's been lifted from a Hollywood film set, but the Polebridge Mercantile has actually been serving the outlying community of North Fork in Northwest Montana for over 100 years. Sheltered among the arresting landscapes of Glacier National Park, this general store is completely off the grid, with no cell service or WiFi. Inside you can pick up fresh produce, coffee, ice cream, books, toys, and household supplies. Best of all are the goodies from the bakery, including fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, and the signature huckleberry bear claws.
While many general stores have that vintage aura thanks to their age, Atkinson's R F Goeke is purposefully retro. It was opened in the mid-1990s by Randy Goeke, who wanted his store to evoke feelings of nostalgia for the kind of general stores that existed throughout his childhood. There's all sorts of treasures inside, and it's especially popular with crafters, thanks to rows of colorful fabrics and balls of yarn. But the main attraction is an amazing old-fashioned soda fountain.
Anacabe’s-Elko General Merchandise has been a center of Elko’s trade for around 80 years. Even Bing Crosby was a patron of the store. Although the store sells a wide range of products like flashlights, knives, and Nevada souvenirs, it’s primarily a clothing outlet. Footwear fans will certainly be impressed; there are more than 200 different types of shoes on display. They also sell high-visibility jackets, cowboy hats, and everything Carhartt.
Retro lovers will be in heaven at Zeb's General Store. The sprawling, colorful store is a nostalgic delight, featuring an old-fashioned candy counter that's worth a trip alone. There's also an array of sodas, apparel, New England specialty foods, old fashioned-games, quirky gifts, and an impressive selection of maple syrup. In short, it's the perfect place to get lost in for an afternoon.
Serving the people of Tabernacle for more than 100 years, Nixon’s General Store is an uassuming spot that happens to serve up some of the best deli food in Burlington County. Pop in and prepare to be enticed by their daily specials and tempting array of comfort foods: hoagies, cheesesteaks, Greek gyros, and more. It sells homemade jellies and relishes to take home, too.
Blink and you’ll miss the small town of Hillsboro, nestled in the depths of the New Mexican desert – but you wouldn't want to do that, as it's home to the charming and historic Hillsboro General Store Cafe. In continuous operation for over 120 years, it's a relic of the town's Wild West days, filled with paintings, antiques, and memorabilia – look out for the snake skins on the walls. The café is open for breakfast and lunch, serving up comfort food classics and spicy favorites from burgers and dogs to enchiladas, burritos, and the store's signature chile con carne. Add your name to their guest book when you leave – it’s been signed by travelers from more than 60 countries.
New York State is home to some wonderfully picturesque camping spots, such as Long Lake in the Adirondacks. The best place to stock up on your supplies is Hoss’s Country Corner, where you’ll find maps, firewood, fuzzy socks, and handmade blankets. You’ll also need nourishment, and the store sells freshly frozen salmon, deli options like meats and cheeses and, for the more adventurous, wild game. As a homage to their surroundings, you can even buy grizzly bear figurines to take home with you.
Dobson's Rockford General Store is a compelling snapshot of bygone country life. Walk through its welcoming wooden doors and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. Choose from an array of colorful candy displayed in jars, with your treats measured on a vintage weighing scale that's been with the store since its opening. Nostalgic soda brands will give you a blast from the past, or grab a tasty snack from their grill and sit on the porch. Customers especially love the fried bologna sandwiches.
While many towns have seen their general stores close in recent years, Sawyer is – thankfully – bucking the trend. The Sawyer General Store only opened in the town in 2022, but it's already become a vital pit-stop for the 300-strong local community. Billing itself as a destination for 'daily coffee, chit-chat and convenience needs', it also serves up delicious breakfast treats like hot caramel rolls, and lunch options such as sandwiches and flatbread pizza.
Now run by Ken and Margaret Schaden and their 11 children, the End of the Commons General Store has been serving the local community for more than 170 years and is a must-stop for those exploring Ohio Amish Country. Inside you'll find goodies such as old-fashioned penny candy, beef jerky, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, rare kitchen gadgets, and more than 150 varieties of glass bottle soda. Some of the Schadens' products are homemade, like their hot pepper mustard, and there are books about Amish life available so you can discover more about this unique community.
Sitting right on the border of Oklahoma and the Lone Star State, The General Store of Elmer is ready to refuel both your car and you. Pick from the wide selection of snacks in the store, or settle into one of the diner-style booths – which sit underneath colorful murals – and tuck into some American classics like BLTs, fried catfish, and biscuits and gravy. Customers here love the big portions and friendly service.
Visit the McKenzie General Store and you might be forgiven for thinking you've accidentally stumbled into an alpine village. In reality, the tiny mountain town of McKenzie Bridge is on the edge of the Willamette National Forest and the McKenzie River. Inside you'll find essentials, specialty food items, local brews, meats, cheeses, and Oregon-related gifts. There's also a restaurant and beer garden, and an excellent live music program in the summer.
Originally opened in 1983, Country Junction claims to be the world’s largest general store. Follow the yellow brick pathway for a guided tour around the store, passing aisles which are given street names to avoid lost customers. You’ll find pretty much anything you might need here, from gardening tools and candy counters to cleaning products and taxidermy. There's even a petting zoo, making it a great destination for a family day out.
Wilbur's General Store dates all the way back to 1893 and is still a vital hub for the people of Little Compton today. Don't be fooled by the relatively modest exterior – inside you'll find eight different rooms with pretty much everything you might need. There's groceries, gifts, stationery, toys, homeware, and an impressive hoard of hardware.
Originally opened in 1893, and owned by the Hester family until the 1980s, Hester General Store is an inspiring example of new life being breathed into a historic building. The store sat empty for years until South Carolina native Katie Chaney purchased it 2021. She set about restoring it to its former glory, with a focus on serving the surrounding community and supporting local, women, LGBT+, and BIPOC owned businesses.
De Smet, South Dakota, has been named as one of the 20 best small towns to visit, largely due to its reputation as the setting for the American classic Little House on the Prairie. Ward’s Store and Bakery is a notable monument; painted in a brilliant red, the store’s welcoming porch doubles up as a lovely outdoor dining spot to enjoy the daily lunch specials. Previously an opera house and then a JCPenney’s, the store currently houses wall art, T-shirts, and other gift-shop trinkets.
Emblazoned on the side of the Old Delina Country Store is the slogan: ‘Somewhere in the middle of nowhere’. Indeed the barn, which dates back to 1892, is buried deep in the Tennessee boonies and is rich with history. It sells essential pantry-stockers and antiques, as well deli sandwiches, salads, and fried pies. The homemade ice-cream is worth the trip alone.
Located along the Llano River in the dusty Texan outback, Castell General Store has been described as both ‘the coolest place in Castell’, as well as ‘the only place in Castell'. The spot has a laid-back vibe and reputation for quirkiness, and owner Randy Leifeste will greet you like family. The store offers activities like kayaking and trout fishing, but a big selling point is the regular live music and tremendous weekend BBQs.
Backed by the Pine Valley Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Judd’s General Store is an old-timey sweet shop that retains many period features, including its scale, safe, and counter, as well as an out-of-use gas pump out front. There's a huge selection of retro treats to choose from and the soda selection is equally as eclectic, with pop from Japan and even a Soviet-themed ‘Leninade’. If you’re not a fan of the sweet stuff, the specialty soups and giant breadstick twists are renowned city-wide. Firm favorites include cheesy potato, Canadian bacon cauliflower, and chicken and dumpling.
Hero’s Welcome is a charming waterfront establishment on North Hero Island in dazzling Lake Champlain. Inside you'll find everything from novelty bottle openers and locally made back scratchers to essential kitchen gadgets and specialty foods, as well as a great selection of books and maps. Or just sit back and enjoy the incredible views from the store’s picnic area while tucking into one of their herculean made-to-order sandwiches.
Millwood's Locke Store is a modern country store housed in a historic building that dates back to 1836. It's also a dream destination for foodies. With a focus on supporting local agriculture and community, the majority of their fodder is sustainable. Many products are made in-house, and the flavorful salads will make you want to eat healthily for the rest of your days. They recently opened a café in a cabin next door, too. It's not the cheapest, but stop by on weekends and you can make the most of your visit with complimentary wine tastings.
In one of the northernmost corners of the continental USA, the Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall started out as a roadside fruit stand. Now, it’s a huge shopping complex, whose most distinctive feature is the larger-than-life red lettering that can be seen a mile off. Inside, you’ll find a seasonal selection of fruit and veg, as well as racks of Pacific Northwest wine, goods from their own private label, locally made ice cream, and all sorts of pickles and sauces. As the name suggests, there are plenty of antiques to rifle through, too.
Shepherdstown's delightfully quaint O’Hurley’s General Store looks like it leapt straight out of Toytown. You'll find all sorts here, from puzzles and pottery to chocolate and cashmere scarves. Keep your eyes peeled for Murphy, the famous store cat, slinking around the handmade furniture and locally made crafts. Come Christmas, Jay, the owner (who is said to have been born upstairs), orders in hauls of holiday decorations, and O’Hurley’s becomes a hotspot for gifts and decor.
Ehlers Store – just a stone’s throw away from Lake Superior – is the beating heart of the tiny town of Cornucopia. Besides hardware, homeware, organic groceries, cheese, and local crafts, it has several quirky features, including a loveseat that sits by the hearth of a fireplace, ideal for frosty Wisconsin winters. The store hosts pizza nights and has an organic garden where, among other things, basil is grown to make pesto on-site.
Aladdin, Wyoming may only have a population of 15, but its general store is open to serve six days a week, with a variety of sundries. Not only can you find essential groceries and newspapers, but Aladdin General Store has its very own freight station, as well as a bar – the town’s only watering hole. Music lovers might find a gem among their crates of vinyl. Don’t miss the attic; the plastering curls off of the walls, but it’s a treasure trove of antique knickknacks.