5 Rhode Island General Stores That Have Stood the Test of Time
Before there was the department store, there was the general store: A local place stocked with food, hardware, knick knacks and everything in between.
Photo from Watch Hill General Store Facebook Page
This article was created in collaboration with Rhode Island Commerce.
Before there was the department store, there was the general store: A local place stocked with food, hardware, knick knacks and everything in between. Here are five general stores that have stood the test of time.
Brown and Hopkins Country Store
Brown and Hopkins has offered country home accessories since 1809. It’s one of America’s oldest country stores filled with gifts of all sorts and lots of old fashioned hospitality. Plus, they have an old-fashioned candy bar, too!
The details: 1179 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, 401-658-4830, brownandhopkins.com
Summit General Store
This general store has everything ranging from food necessities to pet essentials. They also have a deli serving fresh meats and cheese, as well as a post office for outgoing mail.
The details: 25 Old Summit Rd., Greene, 401-397-3366, summitgeneralstore.com
Hack and Livery General Store and Emporium
This is not your father’s general store! Hack and Livery is two floors of Rhode Island hidden treasures, including toys, cards, jewelry and candles. They also sell more than 100 types of candy to pick from.
The details: 1006 Main St., Hope Valley, 401-539-7033
Watch Hill General Store
There’s a little bit of everything at Watch Hill General Store. Part of the Watch Hill Harbour House Inn, this general store serves its customers with items like household needs, snacks and ice cold drinks.
The details: 5 Bay St., Westerly, 401-596-7500, watchhillharbourhouse.com/the-general-store.html
Wilbur’s General Store
Wilbur’s General Store has been a staple in the community of Little Compton for more than 100 years. Although small from the outside, there are eight rooms to get lost in when shopping for things including fresh groceries and deli meats, to fine gifts and baked goods
The details: 50 Commons, Little Compton, 401-635-2356, wilbursgeneralstore.com
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in June of 2020.
