The General Store

Jul 12, 2023

A few years back, I made a list of spots I wanted to visit while vacationing on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

"You wanna visit the hardware store?" my husband questioned me.

"Yes! Trust me on this!" I smiled back.

After extensive research, testing, and what-not, I've come up with a no-fail way to learn about the town you're visiting.

Ready?!

farmers market
library
general store

The farmers market makes sense, right? And I know my library buddies like to geek out with me and visit out of town libraries. But did you know about the secrets held at the general store?

Some places refer to it as a hardware store, some a supply company, or even a feed 'n' seed (depending how far in the sticks you're travelin').

All I know is I want in.

You need fishing lures? Check.

Steamer pots to have a boil? Done.

Candy for that sweet tooth? Oh yeah.

A Spartina handbag? Yes please!

The spring on your screen door broke? They've got you.

It's a wonderland of old and new. Tourist t-shirts, pretty gifts, much needed home supplies, and always the friendliest folks.

Some of these spots are as old as their furniture fixtures. And some are designed to look that way. I don't mind it's true age because all I notice is the feel of the place.

I stroll through the general store, and it's nostalgia for me. It's Americana.

I don't know what it's like to live without big box stores. But when I'm visiting one of these places, I can certainly imagine.

The old and new. Preserving what was, while appreciating where we are today.

And I know I'm not the only one that loves this kind of stuff.

I was brunching with some gal pals a few months back (hi B gals!) And someone mentioned that the local hardware store was having a sale on flower seeds. That turned into the fact that they hosted ladies night, and we all needed to go.

Ladies night at the hardware store!

I'm telling you - it's more than nails and light bulbs. In my humble opinion, it's genius marketing. They've broadened their audience reach, and keep relevant.

And most times they have a sweet dog or kitty greeting you at the door.

Like Coligny Hardware in Hilton Head Island.

Local or tourist, the general store is a place to connect. You can shop small, feel the warmth of the community, and get what you need.

Trust me - it's that good.

I'd love to hear your top stops when visiting a new town.

*** Above photos were recently taken in Chimney Rock, North Carolina at the sweetest General Store known as Bubba O'Leary's***

All this nostalgia got me wanting to bake something sweet in my cast iron skillet. So I made a Dutch Baby Pancake! It was my first attempt, and we really enjoyed it! My daughter and I just picked wineberries from our land, and I thought they made a great addition.