10 General Stores Still Running Today Across America

General stores were a one-stop staple for many people back in the day to save money on essentials . Sadly, they’ve disappeared from most places and been replaced by large retail chains that don’t have the same character or nostalgia.

Fortunately, there are still a few out there that can bring back happy memories. Add these general stores to your next trip itinerary for a nostalgic dose of Americana.

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1. The Station

Lewes, Delaware

The town of Lewes on the Delaware Bay has the quaint general store The Station, which is perfect for a cup of coffee before looking around for home goods or to find a gift for a friend.

The store is also known for its bakery, or you can check out its home and garden section for a fresh bouquet or some houseplants.

2. Wilson General Store

Clear Spring, Maryland

Wilson General Store, which originally opened in 1847, has been lovingly restored to give shoppers the chance to step back in time.

The store stocks more than 100 jars of penny candy as well as cheese, sausage, and homemade potato chips for a nostalgic kick for customers.

3. Marshfield Hills General Store

Marshfield Hills, Massachusetts

The Marshfield Hills General Store first opened its doors in 1853 and has been brought to life in recent years by actor Steve Carell who bought it in 2009.

The store features special finds from local vendors as well as unique treats you would expect in a general store. Carell told a reporter in 2018 that one of the benefits of owning the store is being able to stop by and get candy for free.

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4. End of the Commons General Store

Mesopotamia, Ohio

Outside of Cleveland is the End of the Commons General Store which is the oldest operating general store in the state.

The End of the Commons General Store opened in 1840 and features Amish handmade fry pies with a variety of fruit fillings, candy, and other thoughtful gift items.

5. Pearl River Mart

New York City

Pearl River Mart is an institution in the Asian community in New York City with unique items imported from Asia or created by Asian-American artists.

You can find special tea leaves and tea sets, imported candy, or even pick up games like a set of mahjong tiles or specially-themed Yahtzee and Monopoly sets.

6. The Sweet Palace

Philipsburg, Montana

One of the great things about a general store is the different types of candy you can find there, and The Sweet Palace lives up to its name by carrying a wide variety of old-fashioned sweet treats.

Check out the store’s saltwater taffy, homemade fudge, candy sticks and more in a variety of flavors.

7. Elsah General Store

Elsah, Illinois

The Elsah General Store carries the same pantry staples you would normally find in a general store of the past including eggs, sugar, flour, bread, and more.

The store also has some must-sees like a section with 50 different flavors of soda in glass bottles and a Goodies Table filled with locally sourced treats.

8. Good Hart General Store

Good Hart, Michigan

Head to the lakeside town of Good Hart to the quaint Good Hart General Store, which first opened in 1934.

The store carries fresh pot pies and cookies or you can grab Michigan-made products to commemorate your trip. You can also send a postcard from there as the store doubles as the town’s post office.

9. Shaw’s General Store

Stowe, Vermont

Get out of the cold and into Shaw’s General Store to stock up on some seasonal apparel, or grab some games and toys to pass the time while you’re visiting.

You can also check out the shelves for items made in Vermont including a wide selection of the famous maple syrup the area is known for.

10. Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios

Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you’re planning on a nostalgic trip on Route 66, remember to add Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios to your list of stops. You can’t miss it as the store features a 21-foot-tall Buck Atom space cowboy statue and a 19-foot-tall Stella Atom as a space cowgirl.

Grab some souvenirs inside to mark your trip along Route 66.

Bottom line

General stores can fill your need for nostalgia or give you a local practical option if you’re trying to save money and stop living paycheck to paycheck .

However, it’s always a good idea to compare prices between your local general store and a larger retail outlet to see which one can save you more money before purchasing.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).