Grey County’s General Stores
Written by Kate Murakami for Grey County Tourism Dept (www.visitgrey.ca)
Grab your county map and your biggest tote bag, and come experience the charm of a small-town general store. We have several of these little gems right here in Grey County that are worth a detour.
space
The dog days of summer are finally here, which means road trips and long drives towards the cottage or campground. Grab your map and plan for your route to include the charming experience of a small-town general store! We have several of these little gems right here in Grey County that are worth a detour.
space
In additional to the essentials, most general stores offer fresh baked goods as well as local produce, homemade preserves, to-go snacks…even small frozen meals to cook later. Some also carry local paintings and pottery, antiques, heirlooms, unique gifts, hand-crafted items, and so much more. This makes any Grey County general store the perfect place to stop, no matter the time of year.
space
Desboro General Store
space
The Desboro General store is our newest addition, having just opened their doors this summer. The tiny village of Desboro may be slightly removed from busier summer traffic but it’s definitely worth the 10-minute detour. The building’s exterior has had a wonderful facelift. The interior is lined with local art and an assortment of treasures. The store carries hardware and cleaning supplies, snacks, fresh produce, preserves and everything else you need for a true Grey County summer of simplicity and convenience. Stop by to pick up everything you need for your weekend in the country.
space
Kimberley General Store
space
Originally built in 1905, this red brick beauty has stood in the center of the Beaver Valley for more than a century. The village of Kimberley along Grey Road 13 is home to this historic general store and its variety of treasures. Store owners prides themselves on providing fresh baked goods including sourdough bread, made-in-house pies, and homegrown seasonal produce. They also carry an array of frozen dinners made by Justin’s Oven which is right next door. Assortments of handmade art and curiosities fill the rest of the store’s shelves. With a beautiful shaded patio and selection of goodies, Kimberley General Store is the perfect pitstop on your road trip or cycling route.
space
Holstein General Store
space
The Holstein General Store has one goal: to bring the feeling of a small-town community to everyone who stops in, while remaining convenient and efficient. The Plume family has been serving the community of Holstein since 1962, and the store itself dates back to 1890! They offer everything from groceries to local specialty products, camping and BBQ supplies to trademark sweets and treats. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, it’s no wonder Holstein General Store has become an institution for the customers they’re so pleased to serve.
space
Granny’s General Store
space
Nobody does a classic general store quite like Granny’s in the picturesque village of Neustadt. Complete with the forest green striped awning and bay window lined with flowers and fresh produce, Granny’s General Store is a location you must see for yourself. Inside you’ll find an assortment of premade meals including sandwiches and baked goods in addition to an astonishing assortment of locally sourced preserves and giftware. It’s also stocked with all the grocery items you need for your weekend getaway.
space
Ravenna Country Market
space
Hidden away in the scenic Blue Mountains, the Ravenna Country Market is the ideal pitstop for the foodies. The focus here is on their iconic homemade goods. This includes butter tarts, a wide selection of fudges, gourmet entrees, soups, and sandwiches to fuel your journey. Ravenna Country Market also does its fair share of catering, providing services for locations and events throughout the County.
space
Allan’s Mercantile General Store
space
The small brick building nestled in downtown Shallow Lake has a reputation for being a one-stop shop. A wide selection of snacks line the old shelves along with beautiful antiques, charming crafts and gifts of all sorts. Allan’s Mercantile also doubles as the local post office which brings Shallow Lake’s small-town quaintness to light. The store also has a selection of delicious Kawartha Dairy ice cream. Allan’s Mercantile is a go-to destination for anyone stocking their home or cottage this summer. It continues to win over the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its small-town charm.
space
General stores are an important part of our history here in Grey County. These stores often began as a room located within the merchant’s house, but they weren’t just places to buy goods. They were where people gathered to exchange stories, share news, and build connections. Sometimes called mercantiles, emporiums or even general dealers, these stores were especially crucial in rural centers like Grey County. They played – and continue to play – a key role in fostering our sense of community.
space
Arnott General Store
The best place to see an original general store is at Grey Roots Museum & Archives. They have just added a historically accurate general store to Moreston Heritage Village. You can visit the Arnott General Store in the heritage village 7 days/ week from 11 am – 4:30 pm. They’re open from Canada Day to Labour Day weekend. Please note that you cannot shop at this general store.
space
This post gives you just a taste of what life is like in Grey County. If you like what you’ve seen, Grey County could be an ideal place for you to live, work and stay!
space
