5 Old-Timey General Stores In The Southern United States

There's nothing better on a long road trip than a pitstop in a classic general store, where all your needs can be met, whether you're hungering for some snacks, want to fill up on gas, or simply have to use a restroom.

The South is an old place, and with that, several establishments have survived many generations, from the Hill Country of Texas to the swampy interior of Florida and the mountainside communities of the Appalachians. Let's take a look at some of the best old-timey country stores you can find and appreciate today in this historic corner of the country.

Mast General Store - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

Opened in 1883 in the Appalachian Mountain community of Valle Crucis, Mast General Store served as a one-stop supply hub for farmers and homesteaders throughout the North Carolina High Country. Its slogan, “If you can’t buy it here, you don’t need it,” rang true, and by the early 20th century, it had been offering local residents everything from seeds and tools to clothing and mail services.

Shoppers today can still pour themselves a five-cent cup of coffee on the honor system while browsing shelves lined with dry goods, old-fashioned candy, cast iron cookware, and outdoor gear, perfect if you are embarking on an adventure to nearby parks like Grandfather Mountain State Park and Julian Price Memorial Park. A nearby annex, once a rival store, now extends the space while preserving the historic vibe of the area.

Betty’s Country Store - Helen, Georgia

Founded in 1973, Betty’s Country Store started as a small grocery in Helen, a town better known for its Bavarian-themed architecture and position along the gorgeous Chattahooche River. Over time, it expanded into a full-service supermarket, selling staples like fresh produce, meats, seafood, wine, beer, and a very well-regarded bakery known for homemade pies and cakes. Furthermore, the deli serves a range of sandwiches and prepared meals popular with both locals and visitors in need of a quick roadside meal.

Betty's notably features a candy shop, a unique live beehive, and a pet-friendly outdoor seating area, giving you a scenic place to sit while eating. It is also conveniently located within walking distance from a number of hotels and inns, providing an easy way to pick up food/supplies if staying in town overnight.

Jefferson General Store - Jefferson, Texas

Housed in an 1860s-era brick building once used as a hardware and supply store for the steamboat industry, the Jefferson General Store has long served as a cornerstone of this iconic East Texas town. Its early role was tied directly to the local riverport economy, outfitting traders, settlers, and locals with tools, dry goods, and household staples needed on America's frontier. The current iteration has preserved many of those original features, including its original wood floors, high tin ceilings, and a working safe that predates modern banking in the region.

Now, you can pick up bulk candy, canned preserves, soaps, toys, and general sundries. Moreover, a soda fountain still serves root beer floats, hand-dipped ice cream, and five-cent coffee, so you can enjoy the atmosphere even on a budget.

Rabbit Hash General Store - Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

The Rabbit Hash General Store began as a supply depot for farmers along the Ohio River who traded via steamboat. Anchored by iron rods to survive historic floods, this destination has truly endured throughout the generations against both the forces of nature and changing economies.

Still, at one point, floods destroyed most of Rabbit Hash’s records, but its important spot in Southern culture led it to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. In February 2016, a fire nearly wiped it out yet again, but the community rallied to rebuild. The store reopened in April 2017, keeping its vintage layout and iconic front porch in the process.

More than a place to buy supplies and groceries, the store acts as one of Rabbit Hash’s main meeting places, hosting gatherings and events like Old Timers’ Day, a celebration featuring traditional live music and food.

Richloam General Store - Webster, Florida

Originally established in 1922, Richloam General Store began as a combined general store, post office, and railroad depot serving the turpentine and lumber industries in rural central Florida. After a fire and suspected robbery in 1928, it was rebuilt with metal siding to prevent future damage. The store closed in 1936 during the Great Depression, but was later restored in the 1970s by the original owner’s family.

Today, it stands as one of the last remaining structures in the remote Richloam community, holding onto its original post office boxes, cash register, and classic early-20th-century design. Stored in its inventory are traditional goods like honey, jams, canned treats, and penny candy. Be sure to also enjoy some refreshing homemade root beer on the porch, all while experiencing a genuine piece of Florida’s rural history.

Stop Off at These Iconic Stores on Your Next Southern Adventure

These old-time general stores preserve vital pieces of American history and culture. Beyond selling goods, they connect you to the region’s past through authentic settings, merchandise, and traditions. For travelers seeking more than typical shopping, these iconic locales provide a meaningful, but better yet, convenient experience to make a journey through the Southern United States even more memorable.