7 Old-Timey General Stores In New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s general stores often sit right on village main roads (and sometimes beside rivers and ponds), offering many locally produced items. In Barrington, Calef’s Country Store has been a Route 9 stop since 1869, known for homemade molasses, honey, candy, and deli sandwiches. In Hooksett, Robie’s Country Store sits along the Merrimack River and draws visitors with breakfast sandwiches and local artisan goods. For a fun exploration of New Hampshire's artisanal goods and culture, these seven destinations show how the state’s old-fashioned stores still anchor their communities.

Calef's Country Store - Barrington

On State Route Nine is Calef's Country Store in the town of Barrington, a gift shop that's been in business since 1869, selling the essentials that members of the community need, like groceries, general merchandise, and original goods. Calef's currently sells gifts, homemade molasses, honey, cheese, tasty deli sandwiches, candy, and custom apparel. Calef's also sells homemade non-alcoholic beer, and people can also place orders online. Calef's specializes in homemade goods, which separates it from places like Zeb's, which is a larger store and more of an emporium.

The Old Country Store - Moultonborough

Near the Berry Pond on State Route 25 is the Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough. The store is considered one of the oldest general stores in the country, with its establishment dating back to 1781 and the early 1800s. The Old Country Store was the main library, post office, stage stop, and museum, unlike Calef's Country Store, which offers traditional old-fashioned specialty meals. The store has been owned by a family since 1973, and that ownership has been maintained to this day. The Old Country Store sells aged Cabot cheddar cheese, homemade maple syrup made in the state, jellies and jams, molasses, and old-fashioned candies. The store welcomes visitors from all over with its antique-decorated interior, yellow exterior with red shutters, and rustic charm not found in major chain stores.

Zeb's General Store - North Conway

On the eastern end of the state, on U.S. Route 302, is Zeb's General Store in North Conway. The store opened its doors in 1991 and is named after Zebulon Northrop Tilton, a sailor from the late 1800s to the 1940s. Zeb's sells locally made New England products to shoppers from around town and all over the country. The store currently sells bath bombs, bulk soap, books, glassware and mugs, apparel, gift baskets, homemade maple syrup, specialty goods such as local hot sauce and honey, and personal care items. Zeb's has something for everyone, with the largest collection of New England specialty foods not found at places like Costco, Walmart, or Aldi.

The Robie's Store - Hooksett

Just nine miles north of Manchester is Robies Country Store, located in the town of Hooksett and right on the banks of the Merrimack River. The store opened its doors in 1822, the same year the town was incorporated, and served the community as its post office, grocery store, and was vital in the town's history. The store currently serves breakfast sandwiches, soups, side meals, homemade maple syrup, homemade honey, apple cider vinegar, wine, craft beers, local artisan products, and local apparel. The store has also been registered in the National Register of Historic Places since 2000 and in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places since 2002, and welcomes people with picturesque views of the community, the adjacent river, and a wonderful spot to enjoy breakfast to begin the day. The store is also very different from Zeb's, as it prioritizes farm-made goods, compared to being a tourist hub specializing in New England-made goods.

Harrisville General Store - Harrisville

Between the Harrisville Pond and the Skatutakee Lake is the Harrisville General Store in the town of Harrisville. The store was established in 1838 and is open from Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The store continues to serve the community as an integral part of the community, offering homemade breakfast sandwiches, burgers, baked goods, and apparel in a brick building. The store is currently owned and operated by Historic Harrisville, Inc., dedicated to preserving the town's history and that classic New England feel when visitors arrive, unlike touristy stores like Zeb's General Store.

Drewsville General Store - Walpole

Deep in the southwestern region of the state is the Drewsville General Store in Walpole. The store has been around since the 1800s, when it was a farmhouse serving multiple communities. In 2024, the store was acquired by Matt Benoit, who wanted to preserve its more traditional, local roots for current and future generations. The store sells local wines from the Summit Winery, farm products, homemade baked goods, honeys, jams, deli meats, deli sandwiches, and produce, in a store that takes customers back in time to an era when things were much simpler, with its rustic decor in a 19th-century farmhouse.

Newfields Country Store - Newfields

In the southern end of the state, and just west of Portsmouth, is the Newfields Country Store of Newfields. The store opened its doors in 1884 and was owned by the same family until the 1980s, when it was sold. Newfields Country Store stood the test of time, as other general stores closed their doors throughout the decades. The store once sold bikes, screwdrivers, hammers, and other tools. The store currently sells more local and homemade meals, such as chicken bacon ranch clubhouse sandwiches, homemade cranberry sauce, salads, baked goods, and local potato chips. Newfields is an incredible general store to visit for a bite to eat on a road trip, as it's conveniently located near Interstate 95.

Each of these seven local general stores in the state offers its own appeal and a diverse selection of goods, including homemade sandwiches, locally produced goods from nearby farms, crafted gifts made in the New England region, and specialty foods available only at these stores. Shops like Harrisville General Store and the Old Country Store preserve their nostalgia with their unique history, while Zeb's embraces local charm and pays homage to the past within its doors. With their traditional creaky floors and authentic shopping experiences, these buildings have stood the test of time, serving their communities and those passing through.