Old General Store

We stopped here on our way home from Pittsburgh. We had stopped before with better luck. There is a bakery and a general store. While all the baked goods looked and tasted really good, there was no greeting by the lady running the bakery, not even a smile. She just looked at us like «What do you want». On the other side, the side with the candy and retro gifts, the woman running that side wearing the Lockhaven sweatshirt also didn’t seem happy to have customers either (on an early Monday afternoon). It felt like I was in an episode of X files. They had some good soaps (Zum) and necco wafers. I am not a fan of artificially scented candles or potpourri though.

The Old General Store brings back lots of childhood memories. This place is stock full in every nook and cranny, of retro blasts from the past. They have loads of candy from the past, old fashioned replica toys, and they also carry lots of items from today (kitchen items, candles, country/​primitive décor, jewelry, etc). There’s literally something for everyone at this store. This is one of my son’s favorite stores. He could spend all day just looking at all of the neat little quirky items. It is a bit pricey, usually we end up leaving with a bag of candy, or a little toy or two.

I liked the overall experience, it definitely felt like it was trying to be old timey. There were tons of knick knacks there, which are probably useless but fun to look at (good for children, perhaps?). They had lots of interesting food and things that might be hard to find in this area, especially the more upscale and gourmet items. There were a few local things, including postcards, but most of the items you could purchase at a big grocery or department store. Interestingly, they had a room in the back devoted to kitchen stuff– mostly impractical or kitsch gagets (a banana slicer, really?) but it was fun to look through. In fact, I found stuff there that I’d seen on
for double the price. There were also items available by eco friendly brands like Blue-​Q, which makes coin purses and bags out of recycled materials. Overall, I definitely think its worth a look, especially if you’re vacationing in the area and looking for certain items you’re used to finding at bigger supermarkets like Whole Foods or Wegmans. Bonus: It’s right next to the Country Pie Shoppe, so you can pick up a freshly baked doughnut or muffin while you shop.

The Old General Store is just one of those places that reeks of quaint. It looks old timey enough, but face it folks – this place is so contrived! Heck, even its website says «Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Mountains, the Old General Store opened its doors on May 1, 1997.» It’s just so faux!
And yet I like it. This place is kinda cool. I stopped in here after hiking with my girlfriends and I fell in love with the place. I could have spent the entire afternoon here. Any place that sells Steelers’ purses – not that I’d want one – can’t be all bad.
Besides, they’ve got a whole bunch of other stuff here too including American made toys (and not that cheap Chinese-​made knock off crap), tinware, jams & jellies, candies, soaps, candles, etc. Need a good cup of Joe? They’ve got some great coffees by the pound. Got a sweet tooth? Indulge yourself in some fudge or vintage candies. I found some candy cigarettes, Bottle Caps, Mary Janes, Bit-​O-​Honeys, and the hotdog gums. Great stuff here!