7 Old-Timey General Stores In Chesapeake Bay

The largest estuary in the United States (and the third-largest in the world), Chesapeake Bay is a fascinating region spanning roughly 200 miles from Maryland to Virginia. As a travel destination, many explore this area for its engaging waterfront activities, breathtaking natural scenery, and abundant wildlife. However, you can also discover rich history and hidden gems if you dive deeper into the unique cultures of these small towns. From California to Burkittsville, here are 7 old-timey general stores in the Chesapeake Bay region you have to visit. You never know what treasures you will find and the incredible stories you will uncover!

Cecil's Country Store — California, Maryland

While Maryland is undeniably beautiful, this stunning small town has its own special charm. From abundant boating and freshwater fishing opportunities to picture-perfect parks and extraordinary views of the Patuxent River, the natural scenery here is spectacular. In Cecil's Mill Historic District, you will find Cecil's Country Store. What originally operated as a post office and supermarket, selling sundries, household items, and groceries for 70 years since 1906, was later transformed into a modern-day gift shop. Now, you can find fragrant candles, one-of-a-kind books, lush bath products, designer jewelry, linens, art pieces, and children's items in this quaint shop. The remains of the original post office and former store are still visible to this day.

Penn Place — Garrett Park, Maryland

In Garrett Park’s Historic District, you will find Penn Place, one of the most noted old-timey general stores in Chesapeake Bay. This captivating building operated as a general store until the 1980s, and was actually one of the first buildings constructed in town, many of which were built in the 1890s. Nowadays, Penn Place is home to several significant sites, including the Town Office, a Post Office, and Black Market Bistro. This is also the spot for many gatherings and events, including concerts, seasonal festivities, and public celebrations. Creatives can find awe-inspiring art exhibitions on the ground floor gallery, while the third floor features a lovely garden library. Much like the general stores of yore, Penn Place remains an essential community hub.

Hoopers Island General Store — Church Creek, Maryland

Hoopers Island General Store is a landmark in Church Creek, a captivating town that served as a shipbuilding center on the waterfront during the 1830s. Today, it continues to be one of the historic gems of Hoopers Island, named after the Hooper family who settled here in 1669, and perfectly captures the essence of community. From fresh seafood to gas, fishing supplies, beer, souvenirs, liquor, deli, and wines, locals enjoy the convenience of finding all their items in one place, while travelers on Route 16 or Route 335 can get everything they need and more. While you are here, try their delicious cheesesteak sub, crab cakes, and fresh-cut fries as you stock up on items that support local businesses.

Bucktown General Store — Cambridge, Maryland

Discover Bucktown General Store, one of the most important landmarks in the state. This 19th-century site in Dorchester County offers a rich past as part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Bucktown is where the American abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman is known to have displayed her first act of public defiance in 1835, when she suffered a severe head injury while defending an enslaved man against his owner. Today, you can book a historic tour of the store, which has been restored exactly as it would have been in 1835, led by certified guides, covering Tubman's early days here. The store is also recognized by the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Franklins Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store — Hyattsville, Maryland

Welcome to Hyattsville, a fascinating city with a rich archaeological record depicting nearly 8,000 years of human activity. Algonquin and Iroquois-speaking Indigenous peoples are known to have resided here before European settlers arrived in 1608. Today, if you head to Baltimore Avenue, you will find one of the most unique old-timey general stores in Chesapeake Bay.

Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store seamlessly combines quality dining with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, award-winning craft beers, one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, and even ice cream in a century-old structure. While the building once served as a hardware store operating for 80 years until 1992, nowadays, you can purchase nearly anything, from memorable gifts to children’s toys, jewelry, wine, souvenirs, hot sauces, candies, lotions, teas, magnets, and kitchen gadgets.

A. L. Goodies — Annapolis, Maryland

Originally settled in 1649, Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland and a destination you will not want to miss. Home to incredible restaurants, beautiful boutiques, lovely galleries, and intriguing specialty shops set in 300-year-old buildings, you can discover plenty of treasures, including A. L. Goodies. From sportswear to fudge, souvenirs, and gag gifts, prepare to discover gems in this iconic landmark, self-proclaimed as the oldest gift and souvenir shop in Annapolis. With four floors of retail space, as well as three stores in the historic district, this is truly one of the best general stores in Chesapeake Bay.

P.J. Gilligan Dry Goods & Mercantile Co. — Burkittsville, Maryland

A well-preserved village established in 1824, Burkittsville has a long, storied past, especially with respect to the American Civil War. This is where the Battle of Crampton’s Gap occurred in 1862 - the bloodiest single-day battle in American military history - leading to the Battle of Antietam. Burkittsville is also the town where the cult-classic horror movie The Blair Witch Project took place, following the fictional journey of three students as they disappear in the Black Hills Forest.

In town, general store P.J. Gilligan Dry Goods & Mercantile Co. has its own tales. A sewing machine dating back to the 1860s was found inside, along with wooden box clocks made in the 1840s by American Clockmaker Seth Thomas. The site is run by former town Mayor Paul Gilligan and is one of the oldest continuously operating stores in Maryland. Today, a variety of items are sold here, from some Civil War antiques to soaps, candles, and balms.

Old-Timey General Stores Still Deliver

Chesapeake Bay, a stunning area spanning from Virginia to Maryland, is home to fascinating small towns distinct in beauty, history, and culture. From the modern-day treasures of California, Maryland, to the historical artifacts and guided tours of Cambridge and the antique Civil War treasures of Burkittsville, these old-timey general stores each tell their own unique stories. Get ready for a blast into the past as you shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs in unforgettable places.