The Oldest General Store In North Carolina Has A Fascinating History

Washburn's General Store was established in 1831. It originally housed a tavern, inn and mercantile store that served travelers between Rutherford and Lincoln Counties.

The most fascinating thing is that, even if you pop in this little general store in Bostic - you're sure to have a great conversation with Edward himself. On my visit, he sat quietly reading a newspaper, the store dog, Archie, snored quietly behind a counter. He immediately started talking to us and told us everything about the history of the store, specific goods, and he told me about his grandchildren and we talked about just about anything.

You can find just about anything here, from a wood stove, overalls to tending the farm (even oversized ones), kitchenware, local vegetables, pickled vegetables, to a classic washboard that you might've thought no longer existed.

One signature aspect of Washburn's is the train, it traverses around the main section of the store and has been that way for years. Children love it and adults find simple nostalgia in the joy of simplistic touches.

The store dog Archie is always there to greet you with a wagging tail, but sometimes, he just prefers to snooze behind the counter.

There's ceramics for the home, brooms for the kitchen, even a sandwich station to make lunch to-go. The quirky store hasn't changed much since first opening, if anything, just adapting to the modern times a bit more while still keeping the old-fashioned alive and well.

Washburn's General Store is one of the most unique experiences you'll have in North Carolina. I have a postcard from here hanging on my fridge and always remember my visit fondly. From having a long chat with Ed, to browsing unique finds, even just experiencing some history - there's really nothing else like it in North Carolina. On your visit, you might notice the gorgeous house across the street that could've been plucked straight from an antebellum novel or even Gone with the Wind, that's where Ed Washburn lives with his wife, the house his grandfather built in 1915- another unique aspect to this amazing place. The family estate, store, a barn, and 10 other buildings are all recognized as a historic district by the National Department of Interior.