Driving up a down New England these past few months for our weekly date days… Whether it’s visiting old estates, checking out local bakeries, clam shacks or general stores, just getting out and exploring a different part of the country, has been an absolute blast.
Last week the HH and I went to Peru.
Peru, Vermont that is… for lunch at J.J. Hapgood’s General Store and Eatery. Built in 1808 as a small home and later operating as a general store, “J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery, which first opened in 1827, was the longest continuously-run general store in Vermont until closing in disrepair in 2009.”
The original building was torn down in 2013 and Juliette {who was originally from Peru, VT} and her husband Tim Britton rebuilt the store. The Britton’s were able to recycle many items from the old building, including the cash register, glass cheese case, the bell from the old door and many of the original beams. There are also wood shelves and cases sprinkled throughout the store and honestly, the store does have that old timey feel to it.
Penny candy, local cheese, maple syrup, wine, chocolates, picnic lunch supplies on the go and milk to grab on the way home from work. What more could you ask for in a New England general store these days?
Oh wait… a sit down eatery within the walls of the store {or on the patio if you prefer} also seems to be a requirement for a New England general store. 😉 Gaaa! Living here sometimes feels like I’m on a movie set! I just love it.
Fun fact: Before the building was torn down, the movie Baby Boom was filmed at the J.J. Hapgood General Store. {One of my favorite movies of all time!}
JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery, I’m giving it a 5 out of 5 stars. So, if you ever find yourself in Peru, Vermont, or you’re just looking for a bite to eat in that neck of the woods, be sure and stop by. It’s totally worth the drive.
~Mavis
JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery
305 Main St, Peru, VT 05152
Pam says
The general store looks great! I was surprised to see Peru in the title. I grew up in Peru, Indiana. I didn’t know Vermont had a Peru. When I got married I moved away to Denver. Which is about 15 minutes away and also in Indiana. 😉
Julia says
Yum! How fun! Looks like a great place to eat, browse and do some specialty shopping!
Lauralli says
Looks like a fun date day! What kind of pie is that? Their menus do not show any desserts.
Mavis Butterfield says
Caramel apple pie. 🙂
Leslie says
I came here to ask “are we going to talk about that pie?!”
Deborah says
Love the history, and the store. Wish we had more like this store here.
Mavis Butterfield says
Me too!
debbie in alaska says
Yes to Baby Boom! I often wondered if you had seen that movie because it is so quintessential New England. Love it.
Mavis Butterfield says
I love the movie… it’s one of my favorites. I still don’t think I’ll get cabin fever though. 😉
Cheryl says
First Baby Boom is a riot. I think being stuck that long, anyone would go stir crazy. We are headed to Vermont in October and I can’t wait.
Barbara Gantt says
You will have to check out the Newfane Country Store and the store and Deli that is next door. Not that far from Peru. Beautiful are with the county Courthouse and an old Church nearby.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Barbara!!! Ill add it to our list.