Trading Places: America’s most iconic mercantiles

In the age of Amazon, there’s something extra special about an old-fashioned trading post, mercantile, and general store. The traditional role of these shops was purely utilitarian—to sell dry goods, groceries, and often double as a post office. They were a mainstay of life in rural American communities. Fast-forward, and they’ve evolved into true community hubs, where locals can gather over fresh-from-the-oven baked goods and coffee, pick up modern provisions, and even attend concerts and book readings. For travelers, they’re a dose of nostalgia, a showcase of local crafts, and a glimpse into small-town living. Here are six that are worth the detour.

Polebridge Mercantile, Polebridge, Montana

Polebridge Mercantile (Credit: Steven Gnam)

The tiny off-grid community of Polebridge has no cell service or electricity from the grid, but it does have its namesake mercantile, which serves the tastiest huckleberry bear claws in the West. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Polebridge Mercantile was built in 1914, four years after Glacier National Park was christened. Located one mile from the park’s northwest entrance, it’s the last stop for essentials like propane and ice, and indulgences like Montana-made souvenirs, deli sandwiches, ice cream, and new and used books. Since the bakery was added in 1994, tourists detour just for the homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit fritters, and signature bearclaws.

Aladdin General, Aladdin, Wyoming

Credit: Aladdin General Store

Wyoming’s oldest continuously operating general store has served as a post office, train depot, gas station, barbershop, freight station and sundries and dry goods store since opening in 1896. It remains the heart of this 15-resident community, and a tourist stop for travelers enroute to Devils Tower National Monument, located 38 miles to the east. While the shelves now stock craft beer and vintage cowboy boots, little else has changed. Everything from the peeling wallpaper and woodwork to the roll-top storage bins behind the counter are all original.

F.H. Gillingham & Sons, Woodstock, Vermont

Credit: F.H. Gillingham & Sons

Of Vermont’s approximately 70 remaining general stores, F.H. Gillingham & Sons in Woodstock owns bragging rights as being the oldest family-owned operation. Today, Frank and Jireh Billings carry on the business their great-grandfather started 140 years ago. A visit is like stepping back in time. Inside, you’ll find antiques like the old manual power Otis freight elevator and 1890s cash register, aisles of retro toys and penny candy (now priced a bit higher), plus utilitarian supplies like Carhartt work pants and gardening tools. Maple items are a specialty, from Grade A syrups to the signature shortbread.

Rabbit Hash General Store, Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

Credit: Rabbit Hash General Store

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this white-washed general store appears untouched by time, with its sign still touting tobacco, sundries, potions, notions. Surviving floods and fires since opening circa 1831, its large front porch has served as the unincorporated town’s social hub and remains so today. Road trippers enroute to nearby Big Bone Lick State Historic Site drop in to purchase six-packs of the general store’s namesake lager, snacks, and Sunday concerts. It’s such an institution its facade has been recreated as a float for the local 4th of July parade. 

Two Grey Hills Trading Post, Newcomb, New Mexico 

Credit: MPSharwood

A must-stop when visiting the Four Corners, Two Grey Hills in northeast New Mexico is one of the last remaining historic trading posts on the Navajo Indian Reservation. The humble stone-and-adobe store dates to 1897 and is renowned for its one-of-a-kind, earth-toned rugs and tapestries made from hand-spun yarn from the fleet of local sheep. Members of the local Dine community still stop in weekly to sell their arts and crafts and purchase staples like fresh mutton and weaving tools.

Davoll’s General Store, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Credit: Davoll’s General Store

Davoll’s lays claim to being the oldest general store in America, operating since 1793. Some 14 different local families have run this landmark. Its recent stewards, brothers Ben and Will Shattuck, kept nostalgic touches, like the penny candy corner, but added a bookstore, pub, and a cafe that serves made-from-scratch clam chowder and grilled cheese. Trivia nights, author readings, plus a knitting club and book club have revived it as a gathering spot for the community.