Is there anything more charming than an old-fashioned general store? There’s just something so utterly delightful about perusing the aisles of an authentic general store, admiring homemade housewares and penny candy. (Or, if you’re lucky, opening the cooler for an ice-cold, glass-bottled soda!) And luckily, you can experience all the nostalgia with these twelve general stores in North Carolina.

1. Mast General Store, Valle Crucis
vallecrucis.com
While Mast General Store has expanded to several locations through North Carolina, you can find the original in Valle Crucis. Open since 1883, this is a beloved general store of both North Carolinians and visitors.
2. Rockford General Store, Dobson
Martin Brossman/Google Local
Open since 1890, you get everything you'd expect at Rockford General Store: creaky wooden floors, a worn-and-cozy interior, and vintage antiquities galore. This country general store is a must stop -- and come hungry, because their fried apple pies are legendary.
3. Priddy's General Store, Danbury
Visit NC website
Priddy's General Store was built in 1888, is a cornerstone of the community. In addition to stocking a healthy supply of housewares, essentials, and penny candy, Priddy’s has live bluegrass Memorial Day Weekend, every Saturday in October and every Friday night in February, and Santa shows up for Christmas in December. It's the place to be in Danbury, North Carolina!
4. Washburn's General Store, Bostic
Washburn's General Store website
In the foothills you'll find Washburn's General Store. Established in 1831, the store is recognized as the longest, continually-run family business in North Carolina. Washburn's prides itself on selling high-quality, American-made products -- and more often than not, has something delicious cooking for customers.
5. Trust General Store and Cafe, Hot Springs
Trust General Store and Cafe website
Just 25 miles from Asheville you'll find mountainside simplicity at Trust General Store and Cafe. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch after browsing the store, or a cold glass of sweet tea with a creekside view.
6. Saxapahaw General Store
Saxapahaw General Store/Facebook
Saxapahaw General Store calls itself "a five-star gas station" -- but that's totally selling this local gem short. Here, you can find the healthiest local food straight from the North Carolina farms, either in the grocery area, or on the dine-in menu (we're told Grandma Barney's Meatloaf Sandwich is worth the drive along!) This general store is a must-stop for any foodie.

Related Stories

Visit The Old-Timey Hardware Store And Gift Shop, Mitchell Hardware, For Delightful Shopping In North Carolina

Visit The Old-Timey Hardware Store And Gift Shop, Mitchell Hardware, For Delightful Shopping In North Carolina

 You Can Shop For Hidden Treasures At The Tar River Flea Market In North Carolina

You Can Shop For Hidden Treasures At The Tar River Flea Market In North Carolina

 Visit These 7 Cheese Shops In North Carolina For The Best Selections Ever

Visit These 7 Cheese Shops In North Carolina For The Best Selections Ever
7. Switzerland Cafe, Little Switzerland
Switzerland Cafe website
Next time you're taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop at milepost 334 where you'll find Switzerland Cafe -- not just a general store, but a regionally acclaimed restaurant. Switzerland Cafe is on the North Carolina BBQ Trail, so needless to say -- try the BBQ! Please note Switzerland Cafe is only open seasonally, so be sure to check the website before you go!
8. Shiloh General Store, Hamptonville
Shiloh General Store/Facebook
Shiloh General Store is an Amish food store that's a popular destination for both North Carolinians and travelers. Here, you'll find a wide array of cheeses, spices, baked goods, herbs, meats, children's toys, and Amish wooden furniture. It's a veritable treasure trove!
9. Fred's General Mercantile
Fred's General Mercantile website
From groceries to ski rentals, you can find a lot at Fred's. Open since 1979, Fred's has been a must-stop for winter sports enthusiast visiting North Carolina, as well as those who love a good country store regardless of season. No trip to Beech Mountain is complete without a stop by Fred's!
10. Town Hardware & General Store, Black Mountain
Town Hardware & General Store/Facebook
A visit to Town Hardware & General Store is a trip back in time; you'll find woodworking tools, classic toys, gardening supplies, and high-quality housewares. A gem in Black Mountain, stop by Fred's for a unique gift or household item.
11. Davis General Store, Charlotte
Davis General Store/Facebook
It's hard to believe Davis General Store is located just a few miles from the largest city in North Carolina. Entering this old-fashioned store is like entering into a parallel universe. Built in 1908 by two brothers, the legacy of its history remains today. You can choose from a wide variety of farm supplies, Carhartt gear, cookware, and locally made food.
12. M.A Pace General Store, Saluda
M.A Pace General Store/Facebook
Nestled high in the mountains, next to the railroad tracks, you'll find this quaint country store brimming with surprises. Established in 1899, browse unique cider flavors, pick up some candies, or buy hardware products for your next home project. This little store is a total hidden gem.

What are your favorite general stores in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments below! And for a hefty dose of nostalgia, be sure to check out this old-fashioned candy and ice cream shop in North Carolina.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

General Stores in North Carolina

Sarah | February 07, 2021

What's the oldest general store in North Carolina?

That title would go to Washburn's General Store (#4 on our list). Established in 1831, the store is recognized as the longest, continually-run family business in North Carolina. Washburn's is a fifth-generation family retail operation.

Does North Carolina have any old-fashioned candy stores?

If you enjoyed visiting these general stores in North Carolina, you'll love Opie's Candy Store (yep -- like Ron Howard's character from The Andy Griffith Show! More on that below). This old-fashioned candy store in North Carolina is as charming as it gets, and sells everything from ice-cold bottled pop in an old cooler, endless candies to choose from, and even has an ice cream counter where you can order a variety of hand-dipped flavors. It's a delightful dose of nostalgia, and you'll find it in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.

What's a fun day trip in North Carolina?

If the old general stores in this list are up your alley, then you'll delight in a day trip to Mt. Airy, North Carolina -- AKA, Mayberry, USA. Yes, this town is the real-life inspiration for The Andy Griffith Show! In this postcard-perfect small town, you'll find Floyd's Barber Shop (where you can get your hair cut, too), check out vintage police cars and automobiles (like those used in the iconic television series), and even visit Andy's childhood home. (In fact, you can stay overnight at this attraction, and even sleep in Andy's room.) There's also The Andy Griffith Museum, complete with the iconic jail cell and sheriff desk. All in all, it's a charming little day trip in North Carolina.

 

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
2918 Broadstone Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Rockford General Store, 5174 Rockford Rd, Dobson, NC 27017, USA
2121 Sheppard Mill Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
Washburn's General Store, 2426 Bostic Sunshine Hwy, Bostic, NC 28018, USA
Trust General Store & Café, 14535 NC-209, Hot Springs, NC 28743, USA
Saxapahaw General Store, 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Graham, NC 27253, USA
9440 NC-226A, Marion, NC 28752, USA
Shiloh General Store, 5520 St Paul Church Rd, Hamptonville, NC 27020, USA
Fred's General Mercantile, 501 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, USA
103 W State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA
8940 Old Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269, USA
60 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773, USA