6 Old-Timey General Stores In The Poconos

The Pocono Mountains are one of the most divine and natural regions of "the Keystone State." The location is filled with immaculate natural beauty, small communities, and rich history. One kind of store that is the hallmark of the Poconos’ historic charm is the old-timey general store. For those unfamiliar with a general store, it is a retail establishment typically found in rural communities, offering groceries, clothing, hardware (including tools and power equipment), and household goods, also known as a mercantile. General stores were essential during the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the rise of major retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco crippled many small general stores. However, there are general stores still operating to this day in the Poconos and are worth a visit whenever someone wants to enjoy a step back into a bygone era.

Shawnee General Store - Shawnee on Delaware

Just near the state line separating Pennsylvania from New Jersey is the Shawnee General Store in Shawnee on Delaware. The Shawnee General Store has been open since 1859 and has served the community with incredible sandwiches and other meals to choose from, catering to those on the go or looking to enjoy a bite to eat in the community. Shawnee also has a wine tasting room called Renegade Wine Tasting, allowing people to try local beer and wine and purchase them for home. The Shawnee General Store is worth a visit for those who are from out of town and on a road trip exploring the region.

Country Junction - World's Largest General Store (Lehighton)

The Country Junction store, also called the World's Largest General Store, is in the borough of Lehighton. Country Junction sells a wide range of products, including hardware supplies, pet supplies, pets, flowers, jewelry, alcohol, building materials, fudge, and prepared food. Country Junction first opened its doors in 1983 by Jim and Jan Everett with the motto "People equal the company," paying homage to all the small-town general stores of the past.

There was a fire that destroyed the original Country Junction in 2006, and a new Country Junction store was built in 2010. Country Junction offers a fun center for families and tourists to enjoy, featuring mini bowling, arcade games, and bumper cars, making it an excellent spot for a fun weekend. Country Junction also hosts parties and events, and has a petting farm and zoo for families to enjoy. Country Junction has something for everyone and is a must-visit for anyone driving through the Poconos.

Kunkletown General Store - Kunkletown

In the southern part of the Poconos region is the Kunkletown General Store in Kunkletown. The store has been selling groceries, ice cream, and deli meat since 1997. The store is very community-driven and will remain open for an extra hour for little leaguers craving ice cream after a game. Kunkletown also has a flower shop for those looking for some beautiful plants to make their homes or businesses more lively, and has some of the friendliest staff people you will meet when stopping by the store. The Kunkletown General Store is a must-visit for those about to enter the Poconos for some incredible ice cream on a hot summer day.

Milanville General Store - Milanville

Just near the Delaware River is the Milanville General Store in Milanville. The store has been family-owned and operated since it opened its doors in 1979, even though the building in which the store is located was built in 1850. This gives its customers a charming and local feel, reminiscent of other general stores of the past. Milanville serves freshly made orders of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, freshly prepared treats, freshly baked bread, sells groceries and camping items, and sells personal momentos people won't find in larger chain stores. Milanville also serves gasoline for customers who are always on the go when visiting the area.

Pocono Peddler's Village Antique Mall - Tannersville

Adjacent to Interstate 80 is the Pocono Peddler's Village Antique Mall, an old-school antique store located in Tannersville. The store is known for selling historic antiques that people won't find in major retailers, along with exquisite artwork, vintage toys, signs, books, and even vinyl records that have been forgotten about and would look fabulous in someone's home. The antique collection is diverse and consistently delivers high quality at a low price, depending on the item purchased, making it a fun and thrilling treasure hunt for vintage items to enhance a home. That said, it closes at 5 PM on most days and is closed on Tuesday, so plan your trip in the first half of the day.

Olde Engine Works Market Place - Stroudsburg

About eight to nine miles east of Pocono Peddler's is the Olde Engine Works Market Place in Stroudsburg. Olde Engine Works is an antique market located in a restored historic building that was built in 1903 as a machine shop. The market sells a wide variety of amazing antiques, including furniture, books, glassware, lamps, and other old treasures that are worthy of new life in someone's home, much like the Pocono Peddler. Olde Engine opened its doors in 1993 and has become a staple in the Stroudsburg community, where customers can always find unique items not found in major retailers, as well as items they need or want, at better prices than those sold at chain stores.

A Blast To The Past With These Poconos General Stores

Overall, each of these general stores has its own unique welcoming charm and contributes to the local economies of its respective communities. The local general stores offer a stand-alone, exceptional experience and harken to an almost lost tradition, largely due to the proliferation of chain stores, but that's part of their charm and the beauty of local businesses. This makes the general stores exciting to visit in each of their charming communities.