A popular feature inside almost all of our favorite small towns, general stores are an exciting way to take a step into the past. Before the days of big-box stores that are found on every corner, our residents would take trips to these quaint shopping locations that offered everything they wanted! Ready to see what life was like before we had self-check out lines and football field sized parking lots? Then take a look at these 12 charming general stores that are guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic.
1. Adirondack General Store - Adirondack
Giving guests of the Adirondacks all they need since 1855, visiting this general store is a charming way to take a step back in time. Right near the shores of Schroon Lake, this remote area is gorgeous to visit and a trip to this store puts the cherry on top! Stocked with all of your classic Adirondack gifts and goodies, you'll never walk out of this place empty handed.
To find out more information about the Adirondack General Store, click here.
How to get here: 899 East Shore Drive Adirondack, NY 12808
2. Vidler's 5 & 10 - East Aurora
One of our favorite shops to visit, Vidler's is unlike any other store in New York. You may be familiar with other 5 & 10 stores in our state (some of which you'll see on this list), but Vidler's is said to be the largest 5 & 10 variety store in the world. Inside you'll find over 75,000 items spanned across 16,000 square feet, some of which are unique to the area!
To find out more information on what you can find inside of Vidler's, click here.
How to get here: 676-694 Main Street East Aurora, NY 14052
3. Cold Spring General Store - Cold Spring
Located inside of an historic building that dates back to 1897, this particular location finds the perfect balance of having a modern take on a general store all while managing to make the setting feel nostalgic. The Cold Spring General Store features a variety of handmade items that are made in America, helping to keep small business life alive in the Hudson Valley.
To find out more information and to see what items this general store carries, click here.
How to get here: 61 Main Street Cold Spring, New York
4. Ellicottville Country Store & Antiques - Ellicottville
If you're looking to visit an old-timey general store that really makes you feel like you've jumped back in time, then the Ellicottville Country Store is a place you'll want to keep in mind! As soon as you arrive you'll understand why everyone loves this place. From the perfect gifts like candles and jewelry to savory sweets like chocolates and jams, you won't want to leave here!
To find out when this store is open and any other information, click here.
How to get here: 5364 Route 242 Ellicottville, NY 14731
5. St. James General Store - St. James
New York's oldest general store, it doesn't get much more nostalgic than this! Operating since 1857, the charming general store is now on the National Register of Historic Places. With a rich history and inventory that will keep you wandering throughout the store for longer than you realized, you'll love finding items that explore Long Island's roots.
To find out more information about this historic general store, click here.
How to get here: 516 Moriches Road St. James, NY 11780
6. Northville 5 & 10 - Northville
Told you you'd see another 5 & 10 store on this list! Northville's variety store has been here since 1914. While the shop offers a ton of different items, its the fudge and sponge candy that always has us coming back for more! Prepare your sweet tooth. If you can make it out of this general store without some sort of chocolate in your bag, you're a superhero walking amongst average men.
To look at more pictures of dreamy chocolate and fudge (and to find out more information), click here.
How to get here: 122 S Main Street Northville, NY 12134
7. Catskill Mountain Country Store - Tannersville
One of two locations, the Catskill Mountain Country Store in Tannersville stands out a bit more than it's other location in Windham. Right on Main Street, the eye-catching outward appearance features beautiful blue shutters and a warm colored trim. Featuring gourmet food, locally made products and more, you'll love checking out all the different unique items in this quaint store.
To find out more information about the Catskill Mountain Country Store and its products, click here.
How to get here: 6014 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485
8. Catskill Mountain Country Store - Windham
The second Catskill Mountain Country Store, this location won't outwardly grab your attention as much. So be sure to keep an eye out for it if you're not familiar with the area! Offering a different style of charm, the country store features a restaurant and will make you feel like you're right at home.
To see all that this incredible location has to offer, be sure to click here.
How to get here: 5510 Route 23 Windham, NY 12496
9. Marilla Country Store - Marilla
Celebrating over 160 years of operating, Marilla's is one of the last authentic general stores still standing out in Western New York! The general store, like all the good ones, features an endless variety of sweets alongside plenty of other items that are perfect for filling your home. From furniture to kitchenware and clothes to toys, if you need someplace new to shop... you'll want to pay this general store a visit!
To find out more information and to learn about the history of this outstanding store, click here.
How to get here: 1673 Two Rod Road Marilla, NY 14102
10. Hoss's Country Corner - Long Lake
A favorite landmark inside one of the Adirondack's most charming towns, Hoss's is one of the more quirky locations on this list. With a vibrant paint job and a tree growing through the middle of the store, once you pay a visit to this general store you'll be itching to come back again! For over 40 years this general store has been a family favorite and we have no doubt will continue to be for many more years to come. From DEC licenses to maple syrup and other Adirondack treats, this place is a must-see.
To find out more information about this spectacular store, click here.
How to get here: 1142 Main Street Long Lake, NY 12847
11. Russell's - Bovina Center
Another historic general store of New York, Russell's has been operating in the small town of Bovina Center since before you were even thought of. From the outside this store may look small, but once you make your way inside you'll realize that there's so much to love.
How to get here: 2099 County Road 6 Bovina Center, NY 13740
12. General Store at The Milleridge Inn - Jericho
If you're unfamiliar with The Milleridge Inn, then it's time you get yourself acquainted! Located on the other side of the parking lot from this extraordinary restaurant is an entire shopping village that will charm the money right out of your pockets. But we promise you'll love it! The General Store is one of the many great shops here that's wonderful to check out during the holidays for gifts and seasonal knickknacks, making you feel like you've walked into a page out of a storybook!
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To find out more information about The Shops at Milleridge Inn, click here.
How to get here: 585 North Broadway Jericho, NY 11753
What's your favorite general store to visit time and time again? If you love locations like these, then you'll want to check out This Restaurant That's On A Remote Maple Farm In New York!
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