The most charming general store in every US state
Country cuties and rural rarities: we adore general stores

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. However, despite their decline, a selection continue to exist, usually around rural parts of the country. Inside you’ll find bespoke local products, antiques and odd knickknacks. We take a look at the most charming general stores across the USA, observing what exactly about them makes them so special to communities and far-away visitors alike.
Alabama: Chelsea General Store, Chelsea

Less than 30 minutes outside of Birmingham, the most populous city in Alabama, the Chelsea General Store is known for stocking ‘a little bit of everything’. Bee infestation in your garden? They’ve got traps. Forgot to pick up a gift for your mother? They have a range of sterling silver jewellery. And what about a broken chair leg? They provide minor furniture restoration, too. A highlight is their range of jellies, jams, sauces and preserves, titillating the tastebuds with hot cinnamon apple preserve, peach chipotle BBQ sauce and ‘sassy’ pineapple jam. We’re not sure what exactly makes it ‘sassy,’ but we can’t wait to find out.
Alaska: Nagley's General Store, Talkeetna

Armed with the slogan ‘Established Before Most of You Were Born’, Nagley’s General Store in Talkeetna has a colourful past. Nagley’s was originally a log building further towards the river in the 1910s, and it became the store as the town knows it in 1921. It has since been a focal point of the community who helped rebuild it after the site was destroyed by fire on New Year’s Day 1997. Since the 1970s Nagley’s has had a feline lineage prowling the store. The current cats on duty are numbers six and seven – Aurora and Denali – a brother and sister duo. Today, Nagley’s is still a firm favourite with the people of Talkeetna for its piping Kaladi Brothers coffees and hand-scooped ice cream cones.
Arizona: Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado

At Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona, like most stores in the area, you’ll find an array of Navajo arts and crafts for sale. Rich in indigenous history, the store has been selling these Native American souvenirs since the beginning of trade in 1876, when the store’s founder sought to revitalise the Navajo economy. In the present day, 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 in among the saddles and bags of grain.
Arkansas: Oark General Store, Oark

Located deep within the lush Ozark National Forest – encompassing over 1 million acres of Arkansas territory – the Oark General Store is the oldest continually-operated general store in the state, attracting fleets of classic cars and weary hikers. Previously only supplying staple buys for both the rural community and nomadic travellers passing through, the past 20 years has seen the store grow into a full-service restaurant. Lucky journeyers can refuel on traditional diner food with a mouth-watering focus on jalapeños, pepperjack cheese and chipotle mayo.
California: Shelter Cove General Store, Shelter Cove

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in sleepy Northern California, the Shelter Cove General Store prides itself on stocking the best in locally sourced products. Stock up on Napa Valley grapes, buffalo meat and, in true Californian style, gluten-free bakery edible goods which are unique and plentiful. Because of Shelter Cove’s proximity to the big blue sea, outdoorsy types will also be able to purchase fishing licenses as well as a range of fishing supplies at the general store, a secluded 225 miles north of San Francisco.
Colorado: Gold Hill Store & Pub, Gold Hill

Hailed as a ‘true Colorado experience’, Gold Hill Store & Pub combines knick-knack sales and typical general store cuisine with an unconventional gourmet twist. About an hour out of the state capital Denver, the Rocky Mountains of Gold Hill pulls you back to the glorious gold rush. They serve delectable homemade desserts and craft beer alongside sprightly live music on most Saturday nights. The haunt is also eco-friendly, emphasising conscious water use as well as the reduction and recycling of waste.
Connecticut: Riverton General Store, Riverton

In the heart of a quaint Connecticut village, the Riverton General Store and its marvellous Colonial Revival architecture are the pictures of American pleasantry. With smiling staff, an alfresco seating area and great value for money, there’s no better place to pick up your daily bits and bobs. On a trip to the deli counter, someone will prepare you a made-to-order sandwich from the freshest meats, cheeses and vegetables as a perfect pit-stop pick-me-up. Go on, treat yourself to a scoop or four from their super-sweet selection of 19 ice cream flavours, including rainbow sherbert and black cherry vanilla.
Delaware: Wilson's General Store, Georgetown

Outside Georgetown, Delaware, you’ll find a haven for greasy goodness at Wilson’s General Store: Jim Wilson is famous for his scrapple, egg and cheese sandwich, considered to be among the best breakfasts in the state. He’s owned this cute converted schoolhouse for 48 years after purchasing it from his father who opened it as a general store in 1944. Among the renowned food and familiar refreshments, you’ll also find a working fireplace that keeps the place toasty.
Florida: Smallwood Store, Chokoloskee Island

Covering a teeny tiny 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: open originally between 1906 until 1982, it was established by Ted Smallwood in order to provide goods to such a far-flung corner of Florida. When trading ceased, 90% of the goods remained in the store and, eight years later, Ted’s granddaughter reopened Smallwood Store as a museum where the state’s pioneer history has been frozen in time. (Yes, technically it's not longer an operating store but we love the history so much, that we had to include it!) Although on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s at risk from the threat of development and was considerably damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Georgia: Old Sautee Store, Sautee

If you’re looking for more plaid shirts than you’ll ever know what to do with, look no further than this lumberjack paradise. Near the tourist hotspot Helen – a Bavarian alpine village in the Appalachian foothills – the Old Sautee Store also has European influences: it sells a range of Scandinavian treats, such as cheese and fruity delights like lingonberry preserves and a mulled wine called Glögg. Lined along the creaky wooden shelves, you’ll also find handcrafted soaps and lotions made locally from luscious natural products, ideal for work-worn woodcutter hands!
Hawaii: Hasegawa General Store, Hana

On the Hawaiian island of Maui, the Hasegawa General Store was immortalised in eponymous song by legendary American composer Paul Weston; he was mesmerised by the ‘wonderful variety of merchandise...spread out there before your eyes’. Indeed, variety is the spice of life: living in proximity to 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).
Idaho: Hutton's General Store, Harrison

Perched on the water of Neachen Bay on Idaho’s Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hutton’s General Store is a bountiful wood-cabin-come-convenience-store. Bursting with rustic charm, Hatton’s is proud to retain an authentic piece of old-school American culture. For those with a sweet tooth, taste jam, ice cream and pie flavoured with juicy Huckleberries or take a dip into the soda fountain and candy counter. If you’ve got a penchant for something savoury, they also offer a range of specialty subs. The best bit? Enjoy your edible purchases on their patio and breathe in the wonders of the panoramic lakeside vistas.
Illinois: 1904 General Store, Alton

Unlike most of the general stores on the 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 existed as a general store since 2015. Stylishly and sleekly renovated from its previous lives as a photography studio and dance school, the store is now famous for fudge and it focuses on candy and confectionery on the ground floor. Upstairs, discover bespoke everyday products like furniture, gardening tools and seasonal decorations.
Indiana: Nashville General Store and Bakery, Nashville

The centrepiece of the lesser-known Nashville is its General Store. Tiptoe across the toytown bridge and step into a time-warped world of countryfied-cuteness. Stacked floor to ceiling with gorgeous goods, visitors are welcome to admire the range of antiques on display. The food is second-to-none and really gives guests something to shout about. The menu includes fresh, meaty specials straight from the butchers, supersized breakfasts and side orders of fluffy pumpkin bread – and that’s not even considering the to-die-for desserts baked on-site. Eat yourself into a coma with apple dumplings, pecan syrup and fried biscuits with buttercream.
Iowa: Greef General Store, Bentonsport

Greef General Store sits on the banks of the Des Moines River in the pint-sized village of Bentonsport, Iowa. It was once a busy general store which provided everyday essentials for the local townspeople but is now something of a jewel in the historic district’s crown. A museum as well as a treasure trove of antiques, expect to find unusual knick-knacks and valuable goods like grandfather clocks and railroad memorabilia behind its doors.
Kansas: New Lancaster General Store & Winery, Paola

Previously a post office, creamery, telephone office and meeting place for the Kansas Anti Horse Thief Association, the New Lancaster General Store & Winery in Paola now exists as an outlet of Middle Creek Winery. Among the local and handcrafted goods such as gifts and snacks, the store stocks artisan Kansas wines. Visitors should take an afternoon off and enjoy wine tastings with the sommeliers-come-shopkeepers.
Kentucky: Rabbit Hash General Store, Rabbit Hash

Serving the 315-strong population of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, the town’s resilient general store has survived fires and floods of Biblical proportions ever since its original construction. Today, the Rabbit Hash General Store sells sundries, tobacco, potions (medicines and pharmaceutical remedies) and notions (sewing kits). Among these you can also pick up hand-woven towels, cream pull candy and an extensive range of merchandise featuring Christmas tree ornaments and sock monkeys.
Louisiana: Bayou Country General Store, Slidell

If you’re potty about the Pelican State, you’ll adore the Bayou Country General Store. Just 30 minutes outside New Orleans, it’s certainly one of the wackiest general stores in the USA. Just as kooky and colourful as its exterior, the array of products are displayed on trucks and often adhere to an alligator theme. My-oh-my, is it a foodie heaven, too. Their house special is homemade pralines, baked fresh every morning in six sultry flavours. Alternatively, their restaurant serves gumbo, the official state cuisine or you can cook your own in the comfort of your home with one of their gumbo bowls.
Maine: Way Way Store, Saco

Way, way out of the town of Saco, Maine, the Way Way Store's candy stripe concrete blocks (lovingly handmade by the first owner, Eugene Cousens) are difficult to miss. Invoking a 1920s-1950s nostalgia, it continues its operation as a gas station and general store. Not only is there a candy counter and an ice cream parlour, but you can also pick up all your everyday essentials at the Way Way Store such as homemade maple syrup, canoes and kayaks and antique wood stoves. Visit in the warm summer months and take your pickings from the produce at the farm stand. To add to the rose-tinted whimsy, the shopkeeper will ring up your purchases in the original cash register.
Maryland: Franklins Brewery, Hyattsville

Franklins General Store in Hyattsville, Maryland began life as a blacksmith and carriage shop before transforming into the Hyattsville Hardware Co., which remained until 1992. The popularity of the store catalysed its growth into Franklins General Store and Deli before the addition of a brewery transformed Franklins Brewery into the neighbourhood staple it is today. The seasonal menu changes every six weeks but expect a myriad of dishes like pizza, wild blue catfish sandwiches and Moroccan lamb sliders. The store is as eclectic as the food: covering more than 30,000 sq ft of shopping space, find toys, utensils, a hot sauce wall and over 1,000 types of beer and wine (if you’re not too wobbly after the brewery) on sale.
Massachusetts: Williamsburg General Store, Williamsburg

Although the Williamsburg General Store sells gifts and jewellery, the nucleus of the business is their food trade. Visitors describe being immersed in blissful smells upon entry which are aromatically discharged from the bakery. These scents could mean anything is being whipped up in the kitchen, such as pumpkin cream cheese pie, coffee cakes which come in a multitude of flavours or the store’s illustrious wrapples - similar to apple tarts, but unique to the historic town of Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Michigan: Dixboro General Store, Ann Arbor

Dixboro General Store is a hugely expansive retail destination born out of an old Colonial home in the student city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Though jams, dips and jellies can be bought by the bucket-load, the store is actually more well-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: Regular customers will never be short of clocks, bath products, collectable figures, cabinets or chandeliers.
Minnesota: Marine General Store, Marine on St Croix

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 adopted some very modern necessities, such as the solar panels on the roof which power the place. Their menu puts a twist on usual general store grub: beyond grilled cheese and chicken salad, try tacos or one of their generous racks of glossy BBQ ribs. For a lighter source of refreshment, pick up an ice cream cone and laze about on their leafy outdoor dining patio.
Mississippi: Ramsey Springs General Store, Perkinston

In the backwoods of the De Soto National Forest, the Ramsey Springs General Store has only been open for business since 2016 but has quickly become a firm community favourite. Where else can you get fireworks, gigantic tubs of ice cream, baby chicks and feed, bait and tackle under one roof? If stocking up on just about everything you need gets you a bit peckish, sit down and enjoy a succulent burger or a Louisiana po’boy: They’re cheap as chips!
Missouri: Old Village Mercantile, Caledonia

Caledonia, Missouri’s Old Village Mercantile – mercantile being an archaic word for store – is the primary landmark in the very small Historic District. Situated on Main Street, the store is split over two floors with a first-floor balcony that allows visitors to gaze at the action below. Check out the racks of Amish-made fudge and rainbow doughnuts before taking a silver spoon to root beer floats and ice cream ‘nachos’ and ‘tacos.’ If the sugar rush wasn’t enough of a buzz, there are 25 different varieties of coffee beans on offer. Outside recline in the idyllic garden: you’ll be surrounded by verdant bushes and colourful blossoms.
Montana: Polebridge Mercantile, Polebridge

The Polebridge Mercantile hasn’t been lifted from a Hollywood film set; It’s 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. Slaves to the modern age will have a meltdown here: There’s no phone service, no WiFi, a single payphone that doesn’t always work, one computer with temperamental Internet access and no central power. The mercantile is powered by a diesel generator and solar panels, and the owners are aiming to achieve 80% sustainable energy in the forthcoming years. However, remnants of the digital age will soon be forgotten in a place where you can pick up a loaf of bread and an axe in one trip. The fruit and vegetables on sale are harvested from the store’s personal garden meaning you won’t be shy of huckleberries here; It's used to flavour everything from white cocoa mix to BBQ sauce.
Nesbraska: R F Goke, Atkinson

While most general stores’ actual age gives them that vintage aura, R F Goke in Atkinson, Nebraska is purposefully retro. Having only been open for around 20 years, founder Randy Goke wanted his store to invoke feelings of nostalgia for the kinds of general stores that existed throughout his childhood. A huge attraction is their old-fashioned soda fountain and among their biggest sellers are toys and arts and crafts supplies; rows of colourful fabrics and balls of yarn cater to hobby horses in the area.
Nevada: Anacabe’s-Elko General Merchandise, Elko

Anacabe’s-Elko General Merchandise has been a centre 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, scary looking knives and Nevada souvenirs, it’s primarily a clothing outlet. Footwear fans will certainly be impressed by their haul: There are over 200 different types of shoes on display. They also sell high-visibility jackets, cowboy hats and everything Carhartt.
New Hampshire: The Brick Store, Bath

Here it is: Officially the oldest general store in the USA! The Brick Store in beautiful Bath, New Hampshire has been in business since the early 1790s and remains a piece of living history. However, its historical importance isn’t just a thing of the faraway past: Barack Obama visited in 2007 as part of his first election campaign. After a turbulent financial period, it came under new ownership in 2016 and important restorative measures have been implemented to ensure The Brick Store continues to survive as a national landmark. As you shop for souvenirs, take time to study the historical artefacts on display and grab a bite of their smokehouse specialities – the smoked cheese and smoked pepperoni are not to be missed!
New Jersey: Nixon’s General Store, Tabernacle

Wawa is a popular chain of stores across the East Coast and particularly in New Jersey, however, you’re much more likely to find hidden gems when shopping at locally-owned establishments. Nixon’s General Store is an example of this: Their deli food is considered among the best in Burlington County. Pop in and prepare to be enticed by their daily special and deals running 7 days a week across a tempting batch of comfort foods: hoagies, cheesesteaks and Greek gyros are among the delicious bites on offer.
New Mexico: Hillsboro General Store Cafe, Hillsboro

In the depths of the New Mexican desert, blink and you’ll miss the small town of Hillsboro. You won’t regret stopping here before continuing your journey through the Black Range on the way to El Paso from Albuquerque. Open for breakfast and lunch, the Hillsboro General Store Cafe is a relic of the Wild West. Memorabilia hang from the walls – try and spot the snake skins – and the haunt contains many unique furnishings. From spicy classics to all-American burgers, you couldn’t even dream of leaving with an empty stomach. As you pick up a bumper sticker to remember your trip by, don’t forget to add your name to their guest list – it’s been signed by visitors from every state as well as international travellers from over 60 countries.
New York: Hoss’s Country Corner, Long Lake

It’s easy to forget that New York is more than just the concrete jungle: The state itself is home to picturesque natural spaces, such as Long Lake in the Adirondacks. The best place to stock up on your camping supplies is Hoss’s Country Corner, where you’ll find maps, fuzzy socks and handmade baskets and blankets. You’ll need nourishment for the excursion: The store sells freshly frozen salmon, deli options like meats and cheeses and, for the particularly adventurous, wild game meats. As a homage to their surroundings, there’s even a shelf full of grizzly bear statuettes and figurines to take home with you.
North Carolina: Rockford General Store, Dobson

In Dobson, North Carolina the Rockford General Store is a compelling snapshot of pastoral life. Entering through its welcoming wooden doors is akin to stepping into a lovingly kept farmyard barn. The accents and shelving are coloured in a warm wood to make you feel right at home, and the translucent candy jars are a feast for the eyes. Stash your pick ‘n’ mix into a paper bag and these treats will be measured on a vintage weighing scale that has been with the store since its opening. Among the antique assets, nostalgic soda brands will give you a blast from the past. There are even peasantry-inspired get-ups but these are probably more useful for fancy dress than for everyday life.
North Dakota: Edinburg General Store, Edinburg

About 50 miles from the Canadian border, this general store in Edinburg, North Dakota could easily be mistaken for a franchise in the White Castle chain. As only 196 people live in this sequestered upstate town, the Edinburg General Store is the one-stop location for all local retail needs. Inside, the products span over two storeys and model trains speed through the building. There’s also a ‘bird room’ as the residents claim their town is the bird capital of North Dakota.
Ohio: End of the Commons General Store, Mesopotamia

Run by Ken and Margaret Schaden and their 11 children, the End of the Commons General Store is a pitstop for those exploring Ohio Amish Country. There are wagons full of penny candy inside as well as beef jerky, rare kitchen gadgets and fly shooters. Some of the Schaden’s products are handwrought, such as their hot pepper mustard, and they seek to encourage their punters to make their own goods, too: You can buy a range of unusual flours to bake your own bread. As well as wheat gluten, they also sell rice, rye, semolina and potato flour. If you’re feeling inspired by the pre-electronic era toys, there are a series of non-fiction titles about Amish life available so you can discover more about this unique community.
Oklahoma: The General Store of Elmer, Elmer

Residing right on the border of Oklahoma and the Lone Star State, The General Store of Elmer is ready to refuel your car and yourself. Not only can you pick up familiar snacks like Pop Tarts and Doritos, you can eat more substantially with a home-cooked meal. Settle into their diner-style booths, which sit underneath colourful wall murals, and tuck into some American classics like BLTs and biscuits and gravy. Beware, these are truly gigantic portions for very hungry bellies only!
Oregon: Troutdale General Store, Portland

Only in Portland – possibly the quirkiest city in America – would there a general store that stocks seasonal decorations year-round. Want to decorate your Christmas tree in August? No problem, the Troutdale General Store has got you covered; They have enough holiday decor to last you till the next Christmas! Halloween and Valentine’s Day, too. Right on the path to the majestic Columbia River waterfalls, you’ll find one-of-a-kind rarities like vintage gasoline pumps among the kooky decor. For a quick fix, enjoy a selection of famous Northeastern coffee beans or, to make a meal out of it, word on the street is they do a sensational salmon chowder.
Pennsylvania: Country Junction, Lehighton

Country Junction claims to be the world’s largest general store and we can’t imagine anything grander existing. Originally opened in 1983 outside Lehighton, Pennsylvania but engulfed in fire in 2006, the beloved store was reopened in 2010. Follow the yellow brick pathway for an optimal guided tour around the store, passing aisles which are given street names to avoid lost customers. At Country Junction you’ll find everything and anything you’d expect to see at a general store, from gardening tools and candy counters to cleaning products and taxidermy. $1,499.99 for a statue of Barack Obama? Can’t get better than that...is what you’ll think until you see the petting zoo and Nerf gun battle zone. This is a general store on steroids.
Rhode Island: Summit General Store, Greene

Summit’s General Store slogan reads ‘Rhode Island’s only real general store’. In an America of increasingly wacky and supersized general stores, it’s easy to see why this store has adopted that attitude. In the village of Greene close to the Connecticut side of the state, Summit General Store is steeped in tradition: It has groceries, farm supplies, a deli and a post office, all without any frills or fancy twists. For an especially vintage throwback, they even have a rack of DVD rentals for your wild Friday night.
South Carolina: Lenoir Store, Horatio

Lenoir Store has been a family-operated business for over 200 years, pre-dating the Revolutionary War. Currently in its seventh generation of family ownership, it’s a general store brimming with daily essentials and has an important community standing as a post office. However, impending budget cuts from US Mail may mean they no longer operate in Horatio, South Carolina – a feat that residents say would be devastating. A cluster of citizens are illiterate, and so come to Lenoir Store to get assistance with paperwork, using the post office instead of a bank. Lenoir Store is more than a local landmark: It’s also a centre for socialising, networking and stocking up on supplies.
South Dakota: Ward’s Store and Bakery, De Smet

De Smet, South Dakota, has been named as one of the 20 best small towns to visit, largely due to its reputation as the eponymous town of 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 munch on daily lunch specials. Previously an opera house and a JC Penney’s, the store currently houses wall art, t-shirts and other gift-shop trinkets.
Tennessee: Old Delina Country Store, Cornersville

Emblazoned on the side of the Old Delina Country Store is the slogan ‘Somewhere in the middle of nowhere’. Indeed, the barn is buried deep in the Tennessee boonies and is so country that the ‘e’ is missing from their sign! It sells essential pantry-stockers and salty kernels from a popcorn machine as well as traditional menu items like high-stacked burger patties. For a taste of the deep south, non-squeamish diners may be inclined to try frog legs or alligator. And if you’re looking for a wild way to spend your Saturday night, Old Delina also host karaoke competitions on weekends – a great substitute for a trip to the Grand Ole Opry.
Texas: Castell General Store, Castell

This converted blacksmiths in the dusty Texan outback has been described as both ‘the coolest place in Castell’ as well as ‘the only place in Castell’. Castell General Store has a reputation for quirkiness: The owner, Randy Leifeste, will greet you like family and it won’t be unusual to catch him skinny dipping in the Llano River. There are a variety of more wholesome activities to undertake on the waterways, though: The store offers kayaking, trout fishing and floating. Other selling points include live music, a tremendous BBQ served on weekends and roaming poultry along with their taxidermied counterparts. Don’t miss the Testicle Festival either for a town-wide celebration which includes a ceremonial serving of a cow’s more unsavoury parts.
Utah: Judd’s General Store, St George

Backdropped by the Pine Valley Mountains of the Mojave Desert, St George, Utah is home to an important local feature: Judd’s General Store. This old-timey sweet shop retains many of its period features such as its scale, safe and counter as well as an out-of-use gas pump at its storefront. There’s an impressive array of products on display including imported candy bars, jawbreakers the size of golf balls, all-American classics and Bertie Bott’s Beans – a fictional treat from the Harry Potter franchise. The soda selection is eclectic with jet-setting fizz pops from as far away as Japan and even a Soviet-themed ‘Leninade’. If you’re not a fan of the sweet stuff, their speciality soups and giant breadstick twists are renowned city-wide. Firm favourites include cheesy potato, Canadian bacon cauliflower and chicken and dumpling.
Vermont: Hero’s Welcome, North Hero

Hero’s Welcome is a serene waterfront establishment on North Hero Island in dazzling Lake Champlain. These ravishing natural visions are best savoured in the store’s picnic area while tucking into one of their herculean sandwiches, such as the Sod Buster or the Vegetarian Princess. Their featured products reveal enough about the multifarious nature of the store: Vermont-themed cork coasters, sets of kitchen tools, an espresso dispenser, a harness hook and glass measuring cups. It’s also a haven for bookworms and cartophiles alike, and there’s space to browse your buys on the benches out front but be prepared to pick a side: One is red for Republicans, the other blue for Democrats.
Virginia: Locke Store, Millwood

Millwood, Virginia’s Locke Store is a lesson in gourmet gastronomy. Insisting on embracing a streak of modern country living in everything they carry, the majority of their fodder is sustainable and supports local and regional businesses. Many products are made in-house and their flavourful salads will make you want to eat healthily for the rest of your days. The downside is most of the produce is on the pricey side, but stopping by on weekends will really make the most of your trip: Complimentary wine tastings take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Washington: Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall, Thorp

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; its most distinctive feature being the larger-than-life red lettering that can be seen for miles around. Inside you’ll find their seasonal selection of fruit as well as racks and racks of Pacific Northwest wine, goods from their own private label and bottled ketchup in flavours beyond just plain old tomato. As the name suggests, the store doesn’t just stock up on edibles, but on antiques, too. Discover rarified pieces like beautiful cabinets and old-fashioned suitcases.
West Virginia: O’Hurley’s General Store, Shepherdstown

O’Hurley’s General Store in Shepherdstown, West Virginia looks like it leapt out of toytown. This quaint store has an air of country rustic charm - keep your eyes peeled for Murphy, the store cat, slinking around the store and climbing across the handmade furniture and assorted carpentry. 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. You can also pick up recently roasted coffee and unusual tea to brew, such as grapefruit peach and young hyson, to slurped up in one of the store’s branded mugs.
Wisconsin: Ehlers Store, Cornucopia

Ehlers Store – just a stone’s throw away from Lake Superior – is truly the beating heart of the tiny town of Cornucopia, Wisconsin. It has many a quirky feature, including a communal puzzle and a loveseat which sits by the hearth of a fireplace, ideal for frosty Wisconsin winters. The store hosts pizza nights and has its own organic garden where, among other things, basil is grown to make tubs and tubs of pesto on-site. A recent restoration project at Ehlers Store even uncovered original tin tiles from its early 20th-century days.
Wyoming: Aladdin General Store, Aladdin

Aladdin, Wyoming may only have a population of 15, but its general store is open to serve seven days a week with a variety of sundries. Not only can you find typical groceries and newspapers, but Aladdin General Store has its very own freight station as well as a bar – the town’s only watering hole. It’s not uncommon for music fans to find a gem among their crates of vinyl, just don’t get too spooked out by the attic; although the plastering curls off of the walls, it’s full of unusual knickknack.
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