8 Old-Timey General Stores In Arkansas

Long before big-box retailers and online shopping, general stores were the place to rely on for communities—serving not only as places to purchase supplies but also as vital social hubs where neighbors caught up on local news, shared stories, and supported one another through good times and bad. Although many have faded away, several old general stores in Arkansas still welcome visitors today. Some of the Bear State's general stores have evolved into museums, other specialty stores, or cafés, yet some still operate as they did when they first opened for business. Entering one of these general stores in Arkansas allows visitors to experience the Natural State's ageless appeal with each bite of pie, antique discovery, or amiable conversation.

Oark General Store

Located near the picturesque Highways 103 and 215, the town of Oark is home to a company that is unique. In order to supply the small, rural community with necessities and supplies, the Oark General Store initially opened its doors in 1890. It is still open today, more than a century later, and is believed to be the oldest store in Arkansas to remain open continuously. Today, the Oark General Store is more than just a place to pick up supplies—it’s a destination steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places, locals say the old building seamlessly blends into the surrounding Ozark National Forest.

The store is a popular stop for motorcycle riders traveling through the Ozark backwoods because of the difficult roads that lead to it. As more tourists started learning about the region in the early 1900s, the store's emphasis changed to include filling meals and goods. Now, the menu sells breakfast platters, sandwiches, crisp salads, and burgers, along with handcrafted pies that are created fresh every day.

The C.E. Thompson General Store and House

This 1936 Craftsman-style structure, located at 3100 Hollywood Road in Arkadelphia, has a unique role in the community's history. When first built, the Thompson family utilized it for residential use and as a general shop until the middle of the 20th century. It served as a focal point for locals to congregate for decades. After the business closed in the 1980s, the structure underwent significant renovations.

The Thompson family revitalized the historic building while preserving its original charm by converting the space into a restaurant rather than letting it fade into obscurity. Its historical and communal landmark status was cemented in 2001 when its cultural and architectural significance was officially acknowledged with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mays General Store

Mays General Store is situated on Frost Street in Gilbert, Arkansas. The construction was initially made up of two distinct structures and was constructed in two stages, first in 1901 and later in 1906. The current arrangement was produced by combining them into a single area when the dividing wall was taken down. This one-story vernacular brick building has two separate storefronts with transom windows on top and recessed entrances situated in slanted openings. The store's interior still has a lot of its original elements, such as display cases, wainscoting, wooden shelves, and other antique fixtures.

The building's character changed in the 1930s when the porch was replaced. The Mays General Store is very noteworthy as Gilbert's last remaining business building. This store has a special and permanent connection to the town's past because Gilbert's business activity slowed down once train transportation terminated in the 1940s. The structure was acknowledged for its architectural integrity and historical significance to the area when it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Hollis Country Store

The Hollis Country Store has long been a beloved stop for travelers exploring the Ouachita Mountains along Arkansas’s Scenic Byway 7. Whether in need of gas, fishing, or camping gear, or simply craving one of their famous bologna sandwiches, Hollis Country Store remains a “must-stop” for anyone passing through the area. It’s roughly the halfway point between Hot Springs and Russellville, making it an ideal rest stop for road-trippers. Still owned and operated by the Crain family—now in its fourth generation—the Hollis Country Store continues to uphold its legacy of warm hospitality and local flavor.

Current owners Donnie and Melissa Crain maintain the store’s nostalgic charm with shelves of old-fashioned candies, glass-bottled sodas, and handmade goods. Its renowned bologna sandwiches have become a rite of passage for many visitors. The iconic store has a diverse taste of Arkansas history, whether you are a history buff, an avid traveler, or just someone who enjoys taking a trip back in time.

Stamps Store

The Stamps Store is a historic business building located in Osage, a small community nestled on Arkansas Highway 103 between Alpena and Huntsville along U.S. Route 412. The two-and-a-half-story stone building constructed by Willie and Millie Sneed between 1899 and 1902 has a vernacular Romanesque Revival architecture. Originally, the second floor was the owner's residence, while the first floor was a big, open retail area utilized as a general store. A meeting room was set up in the upper half-story.

The business was run by the Stamps family from 1912 until 1990, which added to its historical significance in the tiny town. The building's architectural and cultural value led to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Osage Clayworks is a pottery workshop and gallery located in the Stamps Store building, which remains a significant feature of the town as of 2025. This new chapter not only preserves the building's history but also offers visitors artisan pottery and functions as a cultural destination.

Mellon's Country Store

Mellon's Country Store is a vintage treasure at 19735 Highway 5 North in Mountain View, Arkansas, that evokes the vibe of a country store from the 1940s. Don "Pappy" Mellon and his wife, Suzy, opened the store in the late 1980s as a modest business selling their handmade wooden train whistles and toys. Over time, what began as a straightforward exhibition of handcrafted objects transformed into a cherished community icon. The store's historic appeal is immediately apparent to guests. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, filled with local Arkansas products such as handmade crafts, old-fashioned candies, unique sodas, and various souvenirs.

A pleasant and unique shopping experience is created by the store's tie-dye clothing and fanciful "hippie" items, which further contribute to its character. Music has long been a major part of this place, with roots dating back to Pappy Mellon's days playing with legendary banjo musician Grandpa Jones of Hee Haw and Grand Ole Opry fame. Live performances have become a cherished tradition, drawing both local talent and visiting musicians. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the store’s theater comes to life with the sounds of folk, bluegrass, country, and gospel.

C.L. Smith & Son General Store

In the heart of Mountain View, Arkansas, directly across from the courthouse square, stands the C.L. Smith & Son General Store, a historic stone commercial building. Constructed in 1905, this one-story building features vernacular Romanesque architectural characteristics, such as round arched windows and a corresponding arched entryway. The distinctive stepped parapet that hides the flat roof atop the front façade adds to its antique look. As one of Mountain View's earliest stone buildings, it represents a shift toward the stone architecture that would eventually define the city center. In recognition of its architectural and historical value in the area, the C.L. Smith & Son General Store was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Walton's Five and Dime

Sam and Helen Walton relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 1950 in order to set up a five-and-dime shop on the town square in Bentonville. A small-scale retail endeavor quickly gave rise to a retail revolution, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of Walmart. By 1987, Walmart was celebrating its 25th anniversary. In the same year, Sam and Helen founded the Walton Family Foundation. As they sought meaningful solutions to some of the most important issues confronting society, they aimed to build a solid bond that would unite their children, grandchildren, and future generations.

The Walton family, which consists of the descendants of Sam and Helen and their spouses, collaborates across multiple generations to oversee the foundation and continue its activities today. The museum includes a world-class exhibit gallery, a re-creation of Walton’s 5&10, and The Spark Café, offering visitors a glimpse into the humble beginnings of the world’s largest retailer—and the values that continue to guide it.

Final Thoughts

Arkansas's selection of general stores grants visitors much more than just a regular shopping experience. Every store, whether in a small, rural town or in the hills of the Ouachitas, has a unique tale to tell. These shops allow visitors to slow down, mingle with amiable locals, and savor the comforts of homemade food, handcrafted items, and a warm environment, in addition to paying homage to bygone eras. These general stores are the ideal way to truly experience the essence of Arkansas for anyone looking for a way to learn about the state.