One of the most nostalgic places in a town is the general store, especially in small towns. Decades ago, we’d find things like candy sticks, ice cream, homemade goods, and occasionally even a few VHS tapes for rent or sale. Friendly people were always behind the counter, or out stocking shelves with cans of chicken noodle or tomato soup. However, they never fail to give a friendly hello when the door jingles, letting them know someone just walked in.
These wonderful community stores are nothing like your average Thortons, Speedway, Chevron, etc… they’re an almost extinct place where locals stop by, not just to purchase goods, but to chat a moment. Some still have neighbors that sit a spell on the porch, a few even break out a banjo or guitar for fun.
Here are 10 General Stores that project that nostalgic feeling:
- Custer General Store
Custer Lives This little store at 6058 KY 86 in Custer has been called “just like Sunday School” in reference to the kindness of employees and the friendly atmosphere.
- Mc Quady General Store
Mc Quady FB The friendly community store at 6762 KY 261 in Hardinsburg has been serving up deli specials since 1995. They also take custom orders for beautiful cakes, pastries, and other delicious treats for outside celebrations.
- Peter Cave General Store
Loopnet This general store at 1359 KY 259 in McDaniels still has a down home environment inside with friendly people. It’s presently up for sale and could make a great nostalgic business for the right person.
- Augusta General Store
Augusta FB This amazing little General Store on 109 Main in Augusta has been a part of the community since 1850, and serves some of the best plate lunches you’ll ever eat.
- Goshen General Store
Erica Minton One of Goshen’s greatest places is at 11940 W Hwy 42, serving up delicious home cooked meals for locals and visitors. It’s a favorite spot for lunch, offering a friendly, peaceful environment and a nice view.
- Horse Branch General Store
Horse Branch General FB This down home store at 10621 US Hwy 62 in Horse Branch even welcomes the neighbors chickens to their parking lot.
- Dam General Store
Dam General Store FB No one is cursing about this local treasure at 14005 Falls of the Rough. They offer visitors and locals a delicious array of home cooked breakfast and lunches, including biscuits and gravy and beans and cornbread. The specials change daily, but they’re always great.
- Rabbit Hash General Store
Wiki This General Store at 10021 Lower River Road in Rabbit Hash is a place people tend to gather daily, just like the ones in the image. The town itself is tiny. The mayor is a dog, as have been several previous mayors. However, this is one of those places where you feel right at home.
- Rooster Run General Store
Rooster Rum FB This Nelson County store at 6516 New Shepherdsville Road in Cox’s Creek was rated as one of the best General Stores in the country by the University Press of Kentucky years ago. It was opened in 1967 under a different name, but became known for the giant rooster statue out front. They sell hats and shirts with the logo, but it has become run down a bit over the years.
Penn’s General Store
Custer Lives
This little store at 6058 KY 86 in Custer has been called “just like Sunday School” in reference to the kindness of employees and the friendly atmosphere.
Mc Quady FB
The friendly community store at 6762 KY 261 in Hardinsburg has been serving up deli specials since 1995. They also take custom orders for beautiful cakes, pastries, and other delicious treats for outside celebrations.
Loopnet
This general store at 1359 KY 259 in McDaniels still has a down home environment inside with friendly people. It’s presently up for sale and could make a great nostalgic business for the right person.
Augusta FB
This amazing little General Store on 109 Main in Augusta has been a part of the community since 1850, and serves some of the best plate lunches you’ll ever eat.
Erica Minton
One of Goshen’s greatest places is at 11940 W Hwy 42, serving up delicious home cooked meals for locals and visitors. It’s a favorite spot for lunch, offering a friendly, peaceful environment and a nice view.
Horse Branch General FB
This down home store at 10621 US Hwy 62 in Horse Branch even welcomes the neighbors chickens to their parking lot.
Dam General Store FB
No one is cursing about this local treasure at 14005 Falls of the Rough. They offer visitors and locals a delicious array of home cooked breakfast and lunches, including biscuits and gravy and beans and cornbread. The specials change daily, but they’re always great.
Wiki
This General Store at 10021 Lower River Road in Rabbit Hash is a place people tend to gather daily, just like the ones in the image. The town itself is tiny. The mayor is a dog, as have been several previous mayors. However, this is one of those places where you feel right at home.
Rooster Rum FB
This Nelson County store at 6516 New Shepherdsville Road in Cox’s Creek was rated as one of the best General Stores in the country by the University Press of Kentucky years ago. It was opened in 1967 under a different name, but became known for the giant rooster statue out front. They sell hats and shirts with the logo, but it has become run down a bit over the years.
This Gravel Switch store at 257 Penn Store Road has existed since 1844, and has been owned by the Penn family since 1845. This is the oldest General Store in the United States still owned and operated by the same family. The video provides a brief, but interesting history lesson. They not only have unique, handcrafted items, but also host a yearly outhouse race and writer celebration.
Old time general stores are becoming extinct due to having to compete with corporate entities like Walmart. The few that are left occasionally have slightly inflated prices on some items due to that struggle. We have to keep in mind that they’re keeping a part of history alive, but in order to do so, they have to pay the bills. It’s worth it to spend an extra 70 cents for soup or to buy homemade breakfast, or lunch. In doing so, we all aid in helping these endangered stores survival. Please share your memories of general stores, or your current favorite one to visit in comments.
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