What’s not to like about a good, old-fashioned general store? In older times the general store would sell everything from coffins to cough drops. It was the one-stop shop for outlying areas - a place to get what you needed and a space to socialize and trade news with your neighbors.

A recent trip to Seattle’s newest general store, The Field House in Ballard, reminded us of how much we love visiting a town’s general store whenever we travel. Not only does it reflect what that community needs or wants, it can give you an instant connection to the people who frequent the store. At the Field House, for example, you can purchase blankets form Pendleton, bags from Filson and classic work attire as well as local groceries like fresh farm eggs. Additionally, the store is planning on hosting free weekly classes on lost skills like “How to Debone a Chicken” and “Lawnmower Repair.” This winter season look for Christmas trees and coffee. This old-is-new-again idea with a nod towards slowing down and appreciating the essentials is hopefully a trend we’ll see more of.

Here are just a few of other general stores we’ve found. Some are very old and some are quite new but they are all very unique. Enjoy!

The Field House, Seattle, WA

Brook Farm General Store, Brooklyn, NY

Tortoise General Store, Los Angeles, CA

End of the Commons General Store, Mesopotamia, OH

FH Gillingham & Sons General Store, Woodstock, VT

The Vermont Country Store, Weston, VT

Swain’s General Store, Port Angeles, WA

Beeker’s General Store, Pemberville, OH

The Merchant General Store, Black River Falls, Wisconsin

For those of you in or around Vermont (a state with an incredible tradition of general stores) you may want to view this list from the Alliance of Vermont Country Stores.

Image credits: Blackbird