Finding Country Stores in Your Travels

Cuntry Store image: sxc.hu

Whenever I encounter the old-fashioned country stores in my travels, whether they’re restored ones to appeal to tourists or those still existing in a small village to supply the residents, I’m reminded of my mom’s experiences as a country store owner.

Country stores are becoming rather unique in these days of shopping malls, super stores and online shopping.  However, a few still exist throughout the country.

During my childhood and teen years, the country general store was a necessary fixture of the community, along with the mail order catalogs. In my early years, Mr. Knapp’s store in the village, about a mile from home, furnished our needs for food we didn’t grow to supplies for home and farm.

You’ll find today’s country stores in small villages and historic restorations. Check out tourism guides and chambers of commerce to discover where you might find some to visit and shop. See if they have penny candy, pickle barrels, dipped ice cream, sewing notions, post cards, hardware, and a store keeper who’s knowledgeable about what’s going on in town.

Years later, after Mother sold her Town & Country Store, her customers sought her out to visit and reminisce. They’ve also told me that the friendliness and personal concern she showed drew them back when they could have shopped at larger stores in the next town. I realized she left a country store legacy and played an important role in the lives of many customers.

As you travel the country and discover country stores, you’ll often encounter this friendliness, too.