This Delightful General Store In Kentucky Will Have You Longing For The Past
By Andrea Limke|Published June 04, 2017
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
I’d say it’s a pretty common theme these days that people often long for the past, for a time when life was slower and more simple. When the food was homemade and your neighbors were always friendly and welcoming. This may sound impossibly ideal, but there’s a General Store in Alvaton, Kentucky that achieves this way of life. Boyce General Store continues the tradition of Southern hospitality and will have you longing for the past.
From the moment I heard about Boyce General Store, located 10 miles outside of Bowling Green in Alvaton, I knew it would be the type of place Kentucky would fall in love with. Actually, many residents of the Bluegrass State (and beyond) have already fallen head over heels for this small town restaurant, and for good reason.
Any good general store needs an interesting history and Boyce has exactly that. The store's roots go back to 1869 when Rev. Bill Lightfood built a small grocery store and post office on the outskirts of town. The shop supposedly got its name from a boy the Reverend passed on the road, on his way back from town. He asked the boy what the store should be called, and legend says his response of "Boyce" became the title of this now historic site. In 2012, the current owners Brad and Brie Golliher purchased the store "to preserve an important piece of Kentucky history and ultimately give Brie a place to live out her passion of baking." And, wow, have they achieved their goals.
Boyce used to be more of a traditional general store, but now is mostly a restaurant. Although, you can still purchase grocery necessities such as milk, bread, eggs and sandwich meat. But the star of the show here is the unbelievable menu and homemade recipes. Choosing a favorite from their offerings is like choosing the most beautiful part of Kentucky - you can't go wrong with any choice.
If you have to choose one day to visit Boyce, you may want to try Saturday for their homemade cinnamon rolls. Go early, though, they do run out! Other breakfast favorites include biscuits and gravy and the country ham biscuit.
Within Boyce General Store, you'll also find the home of the Pie Queen. And don't even try to dispute her royal status, because she's more than earned it. Her award-winning pies are heavenly and include popular Pecan and Chocolate Meringue, but specialties vary daily.
While you'll enjoying your mouthwatering meal in the classic, rustic store, try and allow your eyes to wander from your plate to the collection of interesting antiques and other decorations. The store also sells store-specific merchandise, so you may want to go home with a cookbook or coffee mug to remember your visit.
The inside of Boyce General Store is warm and inviting, as is their delightful patio. This area plays hosts to events and concerts throughout the summer and provides even more reason to fall in love with this timeless gem.
The age of the general store may be past, but the Golliher's have preserved a little bit of it in their slice of history. It's a place where, even if you've never been, you'll be welcomed like family and treated to a meal that you'll not soon forget. You may choose to go ahead and buy a loaf of bread while you're there, just to experience a simpler time when life revolved around community, comradery and old-fashioned Bluegrass fun.
Boyce General Store is worth a trip, no matter where you are in Kentucky. On their website, they invite you to “come sit a spell,” and you definitely should. Boyce General Store is located at 10551 Woodburn Allen Springs Road, Alvaton, KY 42122. For more info, check out their website here. Have you had the pleasure of visiting Boyce’s? Share your experience with us in the comments!
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