Once a mainstay of American community life, general stores are becoming increasingly scarce these days. However, there are still a few gems out there, where you can shop for artisanal local produce, specialty foods, antiques, knick-knacks, and everything in between. Here, we take a look at the most charming general stores across America, from businesses that have been at the heart of towns for centuries to new establishments that are fast becoming favorites.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's most beloved general stores, state by state. 

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.

Athens' UG White Mercantile was set up in 1917 by a farmer – and back then, its main purpose was to serve other farmers. Over a century since it first opened its doors, it continues to be a vital part of the local community. As the team states, 'there's something for everyone,' at this store, which specializes in Alabama and Southern–made goods. 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 for members of the local community – in fact, locals rebuilt the store after it was destroyed by a fire in 1997. These days, Nagley's is especially loved for its Kaladi Brothers coffee and hand-scooped ice cream cones. It's also famous for its long lineage of store cats; a feline named Aurora currently prowls the place.

Rich in Indigenous history, the Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado first opened its doors in 1878 and is now a site of historical importance, owned by the National Park Service. These days, you won’t see horse-drawn wagons 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 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 products from the local area. Here, you can stock up on Napa Valley grapes, buffalo meat, and, in true Californian style, gluten-free baked goods. Unsurprisingly, given Shelter Cove’s proximity to the ocean, outdoorsy types are also able to purchase fishing licenses and tackle at the store.

Part of the mining town of Randsburg since the 1930s, Randsburg General Store is a local landmark. Complete with an old-school red front and vintage signage, the spot is home to aisle upon aisle of groceries, memorabilia, maps, and local history books. It also serves as a restaurant, serving up breakfast and lunch classics like biscuits and gravy, barbecue beef sandwiches, and house-made chili with slaw and potato salad. 

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 from state capital Denver, set in the charming old mining town of Gold Hill. Visitors can enjoy fresh coffee, house-made desserts, and craft beer, and there's usually live music on weekends. The store is also eco friendly, championing 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 are 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. Alternatively, treat yourself to a scoop (or four) from the store's super-sweet selection of ice cream flavors, including rainbow sherbet and black cherry vanilla.

Located just outside Georgetown, 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 was recently refurbished, but it still channels the same old-school charm. Much to the relief of locals, it's also still serving up its famous scrapple, egg, and cheese sandwich, which is considered among the best breakfasts in the state.

Chokoloskee Island, which covers just 0.2 square miles, is located on the western edge of the Everglades. The most historic building on the island is Smallwood Store, which was 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 the place 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.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this family-run store has been operating since 1927 – and it continues to be loved by locals. The small but mighty joint has earned itself a reputation for its country milled grits and its house-made sausages, which are made from a secret recipe that dates back to 1910. There’s a host of local produce, trinkets, and memorabilia lining the shelves, too.

Located near tourist hotspot Helen (a Bavarian village in the Appalachian foothills), the utterly charming Old Sautee Store sells a range of Scandinavian treats, such as imported cheese and lingonberry preserves. The spot is also famed for its savory foods; customers say that The Market at Old Sautee Stores sells the best sandwiches for miles. Favorites include the turkey and cheese sandwich (turkey, cheese, pickles, and mayo on a kaiser roll) and the chicken salad sandwich (chicken and house-made salad, served on a flaky croissant).

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 kooky general store, you’ll never be short of fresh local produce, sacks of coffee, CDs from Hawaiian musicians, and books on island culture and philosophy. You'll find Maui’s largest selection of pareaus (sarongs) here, too.

Swan Valley General Store has been a part of the local community for over a century, and it continues to supply the area with the best fresh produce. Expect to find an array of offerings, including artisanal products, baked goods, locally sourced meat, and a small but mighty hardware selection. There’s also an on-site deli serving up hot daily specials, made-to-order sandwiches, and salads.

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 been in the quirky city of Alton, Illinois since – you guessed it – 1904, but it's only operated as a general store since 2015. Stylishly renovated after previous lives as a photography studio and a dance school, the store is now famous for fudge, with its first floor dedicated to candy and confectionery. Upstairs, you'll find products like furniture, gardening tools, and seasonal decorations.

The centerpiece of the lesser-known Nashville is its General Store. Cross the toy town–style 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 that provided everyday essentials for the local townspeople, but it's 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 over 15 scrumptious flavors.

Dating back to 1925, the Old Riverton Store sits on Route 66 but has been around since before the road became 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-strong population of Rabbit Hash, the town’s resilient general store has survived fires and devastating floods over the course of 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's still used to ring up every sale. Now run by a third generation of Fredericks, it stocks everything you might need, and it promises the same friendly service that's been its hallmark since it opened in 1863.

Situated 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 it continues to operate as a general store. It's loved for its candy counter and ice cream parlor, but you can also pick up everything from homemade maple syrup to canoes, kayaks, and antique wood stoves here.

Franklins in Hyattsville started out as a blacksmith and carriage shop before transforming into the Hyattsville Hardware Co. – and it eventually became a general store in 1992. It's continued to evolve since then, and it now claims to be the world's only combined restaurant, microbrewery, and toy shop. In the vast shopping space, you'll find toys, utensils, a hot sauce wall, and row upon row of beer and wine. 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 pies, 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 homeware, and it's 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 the deli offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and lunch specials like tacos and 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 it's inspired by the general stores of yesteryear. You can choose from hundreds of glass bottle sodas and retro snacks, and you can pick out flannel shirts and jeans from the clothing section. You might even catch the woodworking team at work.

Situated on Main Street, Caledonia's Old Village Mercantile is the primary landmark in the town's historic district – and it aims to transport shoppers to a simpler time. Check out the racks of Amish-made fudge and rainbow donuts before taking a silver spoon to the likes of root beer floats and ice cream. 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 a century. 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 treats from the bakery, including fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, and the shop's 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 are all sorts of treasures inside (including some delicious baked goods), and it's especially popular with crafters, thanks to its 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 around since 1936, and it's so popular that even Bing Crosby was a patron of the store. Although it sells a wide range of products like flashlights, knives, and Nevada souvenirs, it’s primarily a clothing outlet. Footwear fans will certainly be impressed too, as there's a wide selection of shoes on display. The store also sells high-visibility jackets, cowboy hats, and everything Carhartt, and chocolates and candy line the counters. 

Lovers of all things retro will be in heaven at Zeb's General Store. The sprawling, colorful shop 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, and quirky gifts, and an impressive selection of maple syrup. In short, it's the perfect place to get lost in for an afternoon.

Set in a building dating to 1850, Nixon’s General Store is an unassuming spot that happens to serve up some of the best deli food in Burlington County. Drop in and prepare to be enticed by the store's daily specials and tempting array of comfort foods, including hoagies, cheesesteaks, burgers, and more. It also sells local artisan goods, including innovative sodas, preserves, and soaps.

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 since the 1900s, it's a relic of the town's Wild West days, and it's 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 hot dogs to enchiladas, burritos, and chili con carne (a signature dish).

The state of New York 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. 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, and your treats will be measured on a vintage weighing scale that's been with the store since it opened. Alternatively, grab a tasty snack from the grill and take a seat on the porch. Customers especially love the fried bologna sandwiches.

Adored by residents, Wimbledon Community Grocery is a community owned non-profit organization. It’s the only grocery store in the local area, but thankfully you’ll find everything you need right inside. Expect to uncover shelf upon shelf of fresh produce, canned goods, locally sourced meats, and deli items, as well as health and beauty products. It also operates as a café, offering daily specials like creamy chicken soup, sandwiches, and burgers.

Now run by Ken and Margaret Schaden and their 11 children, the End of the Commons General Store has been serving the local community since 1840, and it's 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, fudge, rare kitchen gadgets, and more than 150 varieties of glass bottle soda. Some of the Schadens' products are homemade, like their fry pies – a local specialty of fried dough filled with fruits. 

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 yourself. Pick from a wide selection of snacks in the store, or settle into one of the diner-style tables and tuck into some American classics like BLTs, fried catfish, and biscuits and gravy. Customers love the big portion sizes and the 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.

Established 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 with street names (to avoid lost customers). You’ll find pretty much everything 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 it's 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 filled with a wide range of offerings, including groceries, gifts, stationery, toys, homeware, and an impressive hoard of hardware. 

Set in a building dating to 1883, Mast General Store in Columbia opened its doors in 2011, and it's has gone on to become one of the area’s most-loved spots. Complete with a giant retro-style sign hanging above the store, it draws in both locals and visitors alike. You’ll find everything you could ever need here, from accessories and clothing to pantry favorites like honey, preserves, and coffee beans. You’ll find other Mast General Store outposts across North and South Carolina.

South Dakota's De Smet has previously been named one of the best small towns in America to visit, and it's 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, too. 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.

Part of the Wears Valley community since 2010, Mountain Brothers General Store is a treasure trove of trinkets, candy, and locally made items. While it hasn’t been open for decades like most on this list, it certainly feels like it has. The team has carefully crafted a space that offers a glimpse into the era of family-centered general stores, and it’s proven a hit with locals and visitors alike. Make sure to try one of the house-made fried pies or the hand-scooped ice cream before you leave.

Located along the Llano River in the dusty Texan outback, Castell General Store has been described as not only ‘the coolest place in Castell,’ but also ‘the only place in Castell.' The spot has a laid-back vibe and a reputation for quirkiness. 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 weekend barbecues. 

Built in the 1860s, Jefferson General Store served as the town’s first hardware store before eventually transforming into the charming spot it is today. It's a retro paradise, complete with an old-school juke box that visitors can use to blast out some music while perusing the aisles. The store is brimming with toys, clothing, candles, books, antiques, and plenty of candy and root beer floats.  

Backed by the Pine Valley Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Judd’s General Store is an old-timey candy 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 drinks from all over the world on offer. If you’re not a fan of the sweet stuff, the specialty soups and giant breadstick twists are renowned across the city.

Hero’s Welcome is a charming waterfront establishment on North Hero Island in dazzling Lake Champlain. You'll find everything from novelty bottle openers and locally made back scratchers to essential kitchen gadgets and specialty foods here, as well as a great selection of books and maps. Once you've done browsing, sit back and enjoy the incredible views from the store’s picnic area while tucking into one of the shop's giant made-to-order sandwiches.

Millwood's Locke Store is a modern country store housed in a historic building that dates back to 1836. It also happens to be a dream destination for foodies. With a focus on supporting local agriculture and community, the majority of its fodder is sustainable. Many products are made in-house, and there are plenty of salads and snacks to keep you going. There's a café in a cabin next door, too, which dishes up hearty sandwiches, warming soups, and baked goods daily. 

Located in one of the northernmost corners of the continental US, Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall started out as a roadside fruit stand. Now, it’s a huge shopping complex, whose most distinctive feature is its larger-than-life red lettering that can be seen a mile off. Inside, you’ll find a seasonal selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as racks of Pacific Northwest wine, goods from the shop's 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 jumped straight out of a toy town. You'll find all kinds of things here, from candles and crockery to fruit preserves and furniture, and most things are made locally. Keep your eyes peeled for Murphy, the famous store cat, slinking around the handmade furniture and locally made crafts. At Christmas, Jay, the owner (who is said to have been born upstairs), orders in hauls of holiday decorations, and O’Hurley’s becomes a hot spot for gifts and decorations. 

Ehlers Store – just a stone’s throw away from Lake Superior – is the beating heart of the tiny town of Cornucopia. Besides selling hardware, homeware, organic groceries, cheese, and local crafts, it has several quirky features, including a loveseat that sits by the fireplace, ideal for frosty Wisconsin winters. There's an organic garden on site, too, and the ingredients grown there are used to make all kinds of tempting treats.

Aladdin, Wyoming may only have a population of 15, but its general store is open six days a week, selling a variety of sundries. Not only can you find essential groceries and newspapers here, but Aladdin General Store also has its very own freight station, as well as a bar – the town’s only watering hole. Music lovers might find a gem among the store's crates of vinyl. Don’t miss the attic; the plastering curls off of the walls, but it’s a treasure trove of antiques.

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