Today, you can pick up all your essentials (and non-essentials) in one trip to a large grocery store – but seeking out an independent general store can lead you to all manner of treasures. These versatile shops have been on main streets and rural roadsides for centuries, and there's often no telling what you'll find inside. Here we've tracked down 30 of America's most historic general stores, offering everything from full meals to handmade sweet treats to artisan produce to take home.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to find America’s oldest general stores that are still going strong today.