10 old-fashioned general stores to peruse in Pennsylvania
Stop by Pennsylvania’s old-fashioned general stores for a dose of nostalgia alongside everyday essentials and unique gifts.
General stores were once the center of community life in small rural towns when folks didn’t have or need cars in order to pick up their provisions for the week. Though general stores are certainly less common nowadays, Pennsylvania is still home to dozens of general stores that sell a variety of items, depending on the town—one store might specialize in bait and tackle in addition to basic goods, while another sells specialty gifts alongside groceries. But all of these shops, many operating in historic buildings, carry on the long tradition of general stores. Plan a visit to an old-fashioned general store near you to learn more about the history of the store and to support a small local business!
1. Lumberville General Store – Lumberville (Bucks County)
Lumberville General Store is the oldest general store that’s still operating in Pennsylvania, having first opened in 1770—meaning the store is even older than the United States! Lumberville General Store sells a small selection of gifts, but the focus of the spot now is on its homemade food. The store now operates primarily as a restaurant and café, where you can connect with friends and new acquaintances over coffee, seasonal food, and sweet treats.
2. Cable’s General Store – Union Dale (Susquehanna County)
Cable’s General Store is a popular pit stop for hikers and cyclists enjoying the D&H Rail Trail, located right next to the shop. Cable’s sells everyday essentials as well as specialty items but also slings delicious, homemade breakfast, pizza, and deli sandwiches. With its refurbished train caboose in the comfy backyard seating area, Cable’s mimics the general stores of yesteryear by serving as a community hub.
3. Wanamakers General Store – Kempton (Berks County)
You can find the family-owned Wanamakers General Store within the rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where it has served local shoppers since 1886. The store sells basic and specialty grocery items—with produce sourced from local farmers—handmade crafts, toys, fishing supplies, as well as made-to-order sandwiches from its deli. Plus, you can chat with your neighbors in Wanamakers’ indoor seating area or at a picnic table outside (if it’s warm enough!) when enjoying your lunch.
4. Whitehall General Store – Belleville (Mifflin County)
Whitehall General Store has been a part of the Belleville community for more than 200 years, ever since the store’s doors first opened in 1822. Today, the general store is renowned for its specialty hoagies, in addition to its stock of basic goods, locally made items, and specialty gifts.
5. Eby’s General Store – Martindale (Lancaster County) and Honey Brook (Chester County)
Eby’s General Store opened in 1954, when—as was typical of the time—the family owners would gather items for customers by request, rather than guests coming inside to shop themselves. More than 70 years later, Eby’s remains in the same family. As the decades have passed, the store focuses more on groceries and freshly prepared food than items like dry goods. But you can still find basic home products in the shop, as well as a post office! Because of the longtime success of the Martindale location, Eby’s added a second location in nearby Honey Brook in 2015.
6. Baumunk’s General Store – Shunk (Sullivan County)
The history of Baumunk’s General Store begins in 1934 when the original Baumunks bought it and began selling goods to the people of Shunk. Nearly a century later, the general store cheekily advertises itself as “conveniently located in the middle of nowhere.” Today, Baumunk’s sits among the Endless Mountains, where it serves visitors and locals breakfast and lunch while offering charming gifts, souvenirs, general merchandise, and even gas.
7. Kings Gap Store – Carlisle (Cumberland County)
Kings Gap Store originally opened in 1894 as Kings Gap General Store, and today, its new name reflects the fact that while the general store remains for essential items and quick buys, the shop’s real specialty is sandwiches and other homemade comfort food. The Reuben sandwich is especially popular at this town gem. Check the Facebook page for daily specials!
8. Ella C. Ehrhardt General Store – Newfoundland (Wayne County)
Northeastern Pa.’s Ella C. Ehrhardt General Store has its roots in the 1860 opening of the original store by Ella C. Ehrhardt’s father. The general store still remains in the family today and inspires nostalgia for the past with penny candy as well as modern homemade gifts. Plus, the gorgeous white and orange Greek Revival building is almost entirely original. Visiting the general store is made even more special by its limited hours—the store is only open on summer weekends!
9. Graysville General Store – Graysville (Greene County)
Graysville General Store – Graysville
The Graysville General Store and its original hardwood floors welcome folks from across southwestern Pa. for quick shopping trips, lunch plans, and casual browsing of the store’s antiques. The store first opened in 1817 as Hayes General Store and is still going strong today. The Graysville store is actually one of several general stores in Greene County. Learn more about Greene County’s general stores via your own self-guided driving tour of them.
10. Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe – Bethlehem (Northampton County)
Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe is more than a general store—it’s also something of a museum! Dreamed up by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites with an interior designed by a local architecture firm, Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe recreates the experience of shopping at a nineteenth-century dry goods store (the original Schropp’s) for modern customers. Extensive historical research went into choosing the items on offer, which include groceries, tools, soaps, and more. What a great way to learn about local history—by shopping!
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