6 Old-Timey General Stores In Kentucky
Tucked away in the rolling bluegrass hills of Kentucky are the businesses that thrive in any situation and provide essentials and knick-knacks to their loyal patrons. The business? The classic general store. Most of these general stores not only have a grocery selection but assorted items that you didn’t think you needed, from jams, to sauces, and t-shirts to keychains. These six old-timey general stores have random miscellaneous items that continue to keep people coming back.
The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing
Owned and operated by the Scott family, The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing is passionate about developing community engagement and cultivating local and regional partnerships. Currently the general store employs over 20 local residents passionate about honoring the rich heritage and beauty of Central Appalachia. The dining room serves salads, sandwiches and sides and additionally has a bakery display filled with fudge, Strudel Sticks, Honeybuns and more. Come for the sweets and stay for the community festivals the mercantile puts on throughout the year.
Red River Gorge General Store
If you need it, chances are the Red River Gorge General Store has it. Located in Slade, the establishment has everything one could think of buying. From essentials like toothbrushes and diapers to souvenirs and collectables, the selection doesn’t stop there. Outdoor gear for camping and hiking, homemade fudge, and soft serve ice cream are just a few other delicacies to indulge in. But they don’t just provide items, they also provide entertainment. Throughout the year, the general store hosts events that offer music, vendors, and games. The Red River Gorge General Store is part of the Red River Gorge Vacations company that strives for the same goal: to serve up the highest level of customer satisfaction.
The Olde General Store
Hailed as the most unusual store in Cave Country, The Olde General Store has had its roots in Wax, Kentucky, since the 1920s. Formerly known as Alvey’s General Store, The Olde General Store has been run by four generations of the Alvey family. Stop in for something new or old. Browse the antiques to find something one of a kind or pick up a new souvenir, a handmade basket, or a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins. The general store also sells jams, classic hard candies, Ale-8-One soda, and turquoise jewelry.
Rabbit Hash General Store
The Rabbit Hash General Store, located in the town of the same name, has quite a tale of resilience behind it. In 1937, a flood raged through the town, completely submerging the building, and had it not been secured down by iron rods, the raging river waters would have washed it away. There is still mud caked across the floor of the store’s attic crawl space from the historic flood. However, the store prevailed, and today, it has its brick-and-mortar location as well as an online store. The shop has a grocery selection and also sells apparel, drinkware, souvenirs, and other odds and ends.
Penn’s Store
Penn’s Store has a deeply rooted history in Gravel Switch, Kentucky. Jeanne Penn, a poet, lyricist, and contract songwriter, left for Nashville to pursue her passions. Eventually, she returned home to involve herself in the family business, Penn’s Store. She was an integral part of the operations and preservation of the business, as well as a literary and musical talent. She did it by showcasing her talents at events at Penn’s. Although Jeanne has passed, the store still puts on events and has an events page on their website. If you’re stopping by to shop, check out their apparel, knick-knacks, home decor, snacks, and more.
Lenoxburg General Store
In 1938, Sam Lenoxburg opened his general store, Lenoxburg General Store, during the height of the Great Depression. Local farmers and tradesmen alike gathered for home-cooked meals and butchering services provided by the business. It became a staple in the community where all could gather. The owners today still strive for that kind of community togetherness. They still offer general services and provide deli options, but have expanded into catering and delivering their food as well. The owners also host multiple events such as fish fry contests and holiday celebrations. Stop in The Lenoxburg General Store, located in Foster, for grocery shopping, dining, or food pickup.
The classic general store has expanded and rebranded itself so much over the years. They strive to serve their community, so they will accommodate their business to the local needs. And over time, those needs might change. But the root and heart of the general store remain the same. A local gathering place where one can feel a sense of belonging, pick up a home-cooked meal and jar of jam, or listen to local musicians play some bluegrass.
