One of the things I love most about living in New England, is all the small businesses and Mom and Pop type general stores in the area. Unless you’re in a large city, you really don’t see too many big box stores or chain restaurants when you’re out and about. And that feels good.
It makes me feel like my dollar matters when I shop at the hometown places, much more so than if I were to buy the same thing at a chain store, that’s for sure.
Last weekend while the HH were out running errands, we stopped by the Washington General Store in Washington, Maine for the first time. We were out for longer than we had expected so we stopped in and picked up something to drink and a few of their molasses cookies {which were outstanding!} and sat down on the barstools at the front window and watched the traffic roll by.
While we were there, I snapped a few pictures of the place.
I have yet to stop at a general store here in Maine where there is only 1 variety of coffee. 😉
Take and bake pies are a big deal here in Maine, and I have no idea why. Maybe the consumption of pies per person here in Maine is higher than most states?
Homemade prepared frozen meals must also be big sellers here too because I see them all the time at the various general stores in the area.
I wonder if it’s because there are a lot of single guys with no one to cook for them at home? Or maybe the take and bake meals are a big hit with the summer people?
It does make you wonder a bit.
The shelves, cases and aisles at the Washington General Store are filled with anything you could possibly need. They sell everything from motor oil and rat traps, to bread and homemade soup.
Small town living, I think it’s pretty awesome.
The Washington General Store, it’s just another reason to visit the great state of Maine. 🙂
~Mavis
Washington General Store
7 Waldoboro Rd,
Washington, Maine 04574
J in OH-IO says
Thank you for showing us these wonderful small town places that are the heart and soul of various Maine communities. I appreciate going along for the visit virtually to see these treasured general stores!
Pam F. says
Now that you’ve refinished your floors do you notice floors when you go out? I only noticed due to following your blog. Wide pine planks must be popular in Maine.
Gwyn says
Our first time visiting Maine our oldest was 1 year old. I remember getting a lot of meals from roadside stands but knowing these homemade meals are ready to put in the oven I think I would look for places with kitchens and have a homemade casserole for dinner. On vacation I don’t want to cook.
Jill says
Maybe making some homemade meals to sell can be your side hustle for making money for groceries Mavis?