6 Old-Timey General Stores In Northern California

In Northern California, old general stores aren’t just places to grab snacks or supplies. Some, like the Stewarts Point Store, started as lifelines for coastal ranchers and travelers. Others, like the general store in Knights Ferry, served miners heading east during the Gold Rush. In Modoc County, the Likely General Store continues to support a remote ranching region, while Strawberry Station near Tahoe is a familiar roadside stop. In Felton, the Roaring Camp General Store anchors a recreated 1880s logging camp, and in Ferndale, the Red Front Store remains a fixture on the town’s Victorian main street. These places don’t just recall the past—they’re still part of everyday life.

Stewarts Point Store

Just off Highway 1 along the Sonoma Coast in Stewarts Point sits the Stewarts Point Store, a weathered wooden building that has been in continuous operation since 1868. Started by the Richardson family, who have been local land and business owners in the Stewarts Point area for generations, it once served coastal ranchers, loggers, and travelers navigating the remote stretches of Northern California’s coastline.

Step inside today and you’ll find fresh bread and pastries, from French baguettes to sticky buns, courtesy of the beloved Twofish Baking Company, along with gourmet sandwiches, salads, calzones, craft beer, and wine. Beyond that, explore the store’s history through vintage displays or by conversing with staff. With sweeping views of the rugged Pacific just outside the door, Stewarts Point Store is an ideal stop when passing through this coastal town.

Knights Ferry General Store

Founded in 1852 at the height of the Gold Rush, the Knights Ferry General Store in Knights Ferry is among the oldest still operating in the state. The town grew around a key river crossing used by miners on their way to the Sierra foothills, hence the name.

Today, the store sells cold drinks, local produce, and other necessities, and is also part grill and part saloon, with occasional live music. Its creaky wooden floors, potbelly stove, and vintage signage preserve the charm of a 19th-century outpost. Just beyond the front door of Knights Ferry General Store, you’ll find California’s longest covered bridge and the scenic Stanislaus River, which both add to the area’s historic appeal.

Likely General Store

Nestled in California’s far northeastern corner, Likely General Store remains a beloved staple, faithfully serving the ranching communities of Modoc County. Originally opened as Harry Flournoy General Merchandise in the mid-20th century, it’s long been a go-to spot for supplies, tools, and road trip essentials for those living or traveling through Likely.

If you visit there today, you'll find everything from fencing materials to auto parts, and there’s even a quaint thrift shop tucked into the basement. With its worn wood floors and familiar layout, Likely General Store feels much the same as it always has since it opened its doors.

Strawberry Station General Store

Right off Highway 50 in Twin Bridges is where you'll find the Strawberry Station General Store. The old-timey general store has been welcoming Tahoe-bound travelers since it was built in the 1940s, but it's location as a hub and pit-stop goes all the way back to the days of the Pony Express. Over the years, the building has evolved, but its role remains the same: a convenient stop for skiers, hikers, and families heading through the Sierra Nevadas.

Today, you’ll find a selection of gear for camping, skiing, and snowboard, as well as snacks and souvenirs that will pique your interest. Beyond the store, its inviting front porch allows you to sit a minute, breathe in the mountain air, and imagine the days when Pony Express riders passed through the same woods.

Roaring Camp General Store

At the entrance to Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, the Roaring Camp General Store offers a charming step back in time. Built to match the 1880s logging camp it sits beside, the general store is styled like a vintage train depot and sells themed souvenirs, snacks, and locally made goods. Kids and families often stop in before hopping aboard a steam train along the 1875 Santa Cruz & Felton route that winds through towering redwoods. In addition to toys and snacks, the Roaring Camp General Store features items that reflect the area’s logging and railroad history, making it both a gift shop and a lesson in local heritage.

Red Front Store

Ferndale, a town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, is home to the Red Front Store, located right in the heart of downtown on Main Street. The store has served both locals and visitors for decades, offering groceries, hot dogs and other snacks, and information for tourists about the town of Ferndale's history and attractions. The Red Front Store also acts as the check-in location for the four-room Francis Creek Inn, which occupies part of the same building. Its historic location and longstanding presence contribute to its recognized “old-timey” character in Northern California.

Discover Northern California's Historic General Stores

There’s a sense of nostalgia in walking into a general store that’s been part of a town for generations. In places like Ferndale, Likely, and Twin Bridges, these historic stores offer everyday goods, local flavor, and a place to pause and connect. Fresh bread behind the counter, shelves lined with old-school candy, and conversations with locals all reflect the character of the communities they serve. These old-timey stores are a reminder of the past but also remain an active part of daily life in Northern California.