7 Old-Timey General Stores In New Hampshire

Tucked away in New Hampshire’s craggy mountains and sleepy villages, old-timey general stores are like stepping into a cozy slice of New England’s past. These gems, some creaking along since the 1700s, dish out penny candy, local maple syrup, and heaps of small-town charm. They’re the heartbeat of their communities, where folks swap stories over coffee. Surrounded by Vermont’s green hills, Maine’s wild coastline, and Massachusetts’ old colonial towns, New Hampshire’s stores capture the region’s grit and warmth. From Moultonborough’s ancient counters to Danbury’s rustic shelves, they’re a love letter to a simpler time, begging you to stop by.

Calef's Country Store

Located in Barrington, Calef's General Store first opened its doors in 1869. Created and owned by Mary Chesley Calef, the store stayed in the family for five generations until the 1990s. Nowadays, the store still maintains its deep roots in community involvement. Inside, the shelves are lined with baking items, apothecary, honey, gift boxes, candy, and of course, maple syrup. They also have a cheese and deli counter and offer catering. Visitors can sit and snap photos on the adorable front patio or take some picnic items to go on their journey to nearby spots like the Winnie the Pooh Trail.

The Old Country Store and Museum

Established in 1781, this general store might just be one of the oldest in the country. Situated in Moultonborough, the building has gone through several different uses, including serving as the town hall, library, post office, and even a stage shop before officially becoming the shop it is today. The shelves are filled with cheeses, maple syrup, jams and jellies, molasses, and a wide assortment of old-fashioned candy. Shoppers can also purchase home essentials, souvenirs, and toys while checking out the antiques plastered to the walls and set up throughout the store.

Fadden's General Store

Fadden's started as a small family-owned and operated maple syrup business in the early 1800s. The current business was established in 1896 and can be found in North Woodstock. While originally serving as a maple sugarhouse, it has evolved into a general store that sells everything from pancake mixes and candy to souvenirs, clothing, and the usual necessities. There is, of course, still a wide selection of maple syrup products as well, from little take-home jars you can bring on the plane to massive jugs of the classic New England favorite.

The Robie Store

Nestled in Hooksett, the Robie Store is an extension of the Robie Farm, which has been operating since 1870, and raises both beef and dairy cows as well as chickens. The farm operates under the acronym HGAL, which stands for humanely raised, growth hormone free, all natural, locally grown. The store was first opened in 1887, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Nowadays, shoppers can purchase meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, and syrup as well as locally sourced items such as Lucas Roasting Company Coffee and creations crafted by local artisans.

Harrisville General Store

Established in 1838, the Harrisville General Store is located just off Main Street and a short walk from the Harrisville Pond. It has gone through several owners over its centuries of existence, but has been operated by Historic Harrisville since 2008. It has become a community staple, offering breakfast and lunch as well as a wide selection of to-go sandwiches, desserts, fresh breads, and wine. There are also plenty of knick-knacks for purchasing, including postcards, candy, pantry items, and local craft beers. Its brick construction also makes for a perfect photo backdrop, and history buffs can walk across the street to check out the Harrisville Historic District.

Mont Vernon General Store

First opened in 1840, the Mont Vernon General Store has served as the tiny town's only store since. Once an old hat box factory, it was converted into a retail shop and has remained ever since, except for a short closure in 2011. Now, it operates as a restaurant, general store, and community hub, hosting various events throughout the year. Visitors can indulge in their delicious breakfast and lunch options, as well as browse the selection of groceries, liquor, tobacco, maple syrup, honey, coffee, and gift baskets. In the summer, there is also an ice cream window for those hot days.

Danbury Country Store

The Danbury Country Store came to be shortly after the railroad made its way into town, opening its doors in 1875. Since then, it has gone through numerous owners and currently operates under the Phelps family name. The store has a little bit of everything, from its restaurant side offering fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches from its deli as well as pizza and ice cream, to its storefront. Shelves carry everything from home decor, toys, apothecary, and candy to locally sourced coffee, honey, hot sauce, jam, mustard, and sauces. There are also coolers stocked with craft beer, fresh produce, and baked goods like cookies and muffins.

These adorable little shops serve as a blast from the past for anyone visiting or living in New Hampshire. From faded brick storefronts to Victorian-era houses, these stores bring together the community, as well as provide the perfect place to pick up some essentials, stop for lunch, or just enjoy the state's history. In an era of online shopping and mega corporations, sometimes browsing the aisles of a small town's best-kept secret while supporting local can make all the difference and make sure these historic businesses keep operating for years to come.