5 Old-Timey General Stores In The Adirondack Mountains
Located in New York and covering 5,000 square miles are the Adirondack Mountains. With over 200 formal lakes and 46 peaks over 4,000 feet, the Adirondack Mountains are a popular tourist destination for hikers and adventurers. Before heading into the mountains, travelers need to be well prepared. And in the event they are short on supplies or missing a key item, there is one crucial establishment they can count on. The classic general store. Providing essentials and even a souvenir from the mountains, these five old-timey general stores in the Adirondack Mountains are not to be missed.
Old Forge Hardware
During a time when only 15 buildings populated Main Street in Old Forge, New York, Moses Cohen came to town with the intent to peddle hardware goods. He visited in 1900 and returned in 1901 with the intent of opening a general store in the small village. The store has been through a fire, a rebuild, an expansion, and multiple owners, but still stands tall in its original location on the corner of Crosby Boulevard, Fulton Street, and Route 28. The establishment that started out as a hardware and furnishings store has expanded to include gourmet foods, a bookstore, trinkets of the Adirondacks, clothing, souvenirs, and unique treasures.
Adirondack General Store
Nestled away, on Schroon Lake, since 1855, the Adirondack General Store has stood and been providing local crafts, syrups, and foods to its patrons. Souvenirs, home goods, groceries, and supplies are staples in the market, as well as a deli and a restaurant that serve breakfast and dinner. The mercantile has been providing food and essentials to the community for over a century and also offers catering services to that same community. If you’re planning a visit, just look for the red door and “Groceries, Meats & Cold Beer” sign to know you’re in the right place.
Charlie John’s Store
Opened in 1939 by Charles H. Johns, Charlie John’s Store was sold in 1971 to Dean Lane and since then has been family-owned and operated. After 15 years, the popularity of the store required an upgrade in location, and the store moved to a larger building that could accommodate a deli and bakery. Since then, they’ve never looked back. However, modern updates still retain the old-time feel and look. The mercantile not only provides groceries, but also books, apparel, souvenirs, lawn and garden equipment, and camping supplies.
Hoss’s Country Corner
In 1972, the Hosley family founded Hoss’s Country Corner, and since then, it has been a landmark in the small town of Long Lake. Retaining the rustic charm, but adapting to the modern conveniences, Hoss’s has remained a community gathering place for over 50 years. Be sure to stop in and peruse their expansive selection of books, many pertaining to Adirondack adventures, history, and wildlife. As well as their syrups, honeys, vintage signs, gifts, sporting goods, tackle, souvenirs, and so much more.
Black Brook General Store
Although the Black Brook General Store might not have the history and years under its belt that other general stores in the area have, it has one truly unique feature that makes visitors stop and take note. In 2020, a local couple decided to open a general store, and they wanted to find a perfect location to do it. They found that. In an old church! The original stained-glass windows are still featured on the building, and the steeple still stands tall, but inside, instead of pews, visitors will find a full-service deli serving meats, cheese, and homemade soups. Additionally, shoppers can also pick up hardware, fishing tackle, seasonal items, gifts, and crafts made by local artists.
The Adirondack Mountains are a place of beauty, history, and depth. And the general stores that service visitors to those mountains are no different. The beauty can be found in the craftsmanship of the building and the dedication to retaining the original details of the hardware. The history can be found in the stories of the families who started the businesses before some of their visitors were even born. And the depth can be found in the rich community heritage that these stores strive to create. The Adirondack Mountains might be the coming attraction, but don’t skip over the old-timey general stores on the way.
