8 Old-Timey General Stores In Maryland

Old-timey general stores are some of the greatest ways to experience a glimpse of Maryland’s expansive heritage and history as one of the original thirteen states. Whether visiting a general store museum, a still-active historic shop, or a modern general store with old-fashioned character, each showcases a different side of the Mid-Atlantic state.

Surpassing the usual shopping experience, patrons can travel back to a time when general stores were social centers and town hubs as much as they were one-stop shops. Ultimately, however, each of these Maryland general stores shares the same goal: preserving history, fostering connection, and celebrating Maryland’s vast and spirited culture.

McCourtney’s General Store Museum, Kingsville

Historic preservation is also ingrained in the unincorporated town of Kingsville, where the Jerusalem Mill Village showcases rural life from the 1770s to 1950s. Through restored buildings, storytelling, and reenactments, the living museum depicts various perspectives of life in the Maryland village. Visitors can stroll the grounds, explore the buildings, and interact with museum reenactors to step back in time to eras like Maryland’s Colonial past.

After exploring buildings and exhibits like the Grist Mill, Blacksmith Shop, and Miller's House, McCourtney’s General Store Museum and Gift Shop is the perfect finale for your visit. Open Saturdays in January and February, then Saturdays and Sundays starting in March, the 1930s general store is a treat to explore. Along with displays about the store’s ties to the Civil War, visitors can browse a collection of original and replica items to see what locals were buying back then. The gift shop portion also sells a range of souvenirs, including goods crafted by the village blacksmiths.

John Brown General And Butchery, Cockeysville

Specializing in “fine meats and tasty treats,” the John Brown General And Butchery is a modern twist on the traditional country store it replaced. Located in Cockeysville, the historic store has served the area as a mercantile and food venue since the 1930s.

It has since undergone an urban revamp, however, the restaurant and butcher shop still honor the region’s history and agricultural roots. By restoring the structure’s old-fashioned stone exterior and preserving its passion for selling homemade goods, the result is a charming balance of old and new.

The building’s interior, once both a business and residence, was remodeled to recapture the charms of the old store while adding modern flair. Patrons can browse various displays, from liquor cabinets to meat cases, with fireplaces and rustic decor peppered throughout. Whether dining in or ordering to-go, the meat is house-made, from dry-aged beef to hand-cased sausages. The store also offers classic pantry items, fresh produce, local eggs, and house-baked breads.

Cecil's Country Store, Callaway

Cecil's Country Store, a staple of St. Mary's County for over 100 years, is another rural gem blending old and new.

Located in Cecil's Mill Historic District, the store first opened in 1906 along with the local Post Office. After clerking at the general store since its founding year, J. Allan Cecil and his wife closed the store in 1976. Since then, it has undergone several ownerships, at one point serving as a Country Christmas Store.

In 1996, Cecil's Country Store was renamed again, to its current title, and has been owned and operated by SOMD Antiques & Gifts since 2024. Today, it is an eclectic antique shop with charming remnants of its general store past, selling antique furniture and home decor, along with locally sourced honey and handmade soaps. After browsing the quirky shop, make sure to check out the rest of Cecil's Mill Historic District, including sites like Cecil's Old Mill.

P.J. Gilligan Dry Goods & Mercantile Co., Burkittsville

Much like the village it resides in, P.J. Gilligan Dry Goods & Mercantile Co. is frozen in the 19th century. Open Saturdays and Sundays, the store is owned and run by former Burkittsville mayor Paul Gilligan, whose passion for historic preservation is palpable.

Fewer than 200 people lived in the historic village as of 2023, the rural community still welcomes its fair share of visitors due to its remarkable preservation. History buffs are especially drawn to its Civil War Walking Tour. The self-guided excursion offers a glimpse at Burkittsville’s Main Street homes, many used as field hospitals and for cover during the war.

Also on Main Street, P.J. Gilligan Dry Goods & Mercantile Co. is a living time capsule, intriguing passersby with its faded brick facade. The Mercantile has been around since about 1820, making it one of the oldest operating stores in the state. Inside, visitors can find the charms of a 19th-century general store, its rustic shelves lined with handcrafted goods like balms, soaps, and candles. Amidst these simple luxuries, visitors will also find some extraordinary relics, from antique sewing machines to box clocks.

Franklins' Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store, Hyattsville

Franklins Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store, affectionately called “Franklin's” by locals, has been a cornerstone attraction in historic Hyattsville since 2002.

The large “Hyattsville Hardware Co” print atop the brick frontage tells a different story. The turn-of-the-century building is one of Hyattsville’s oldest still-intact structures, with records showing it operated as a hardware store for around 80 years before closing in 1992. Before that, the main block served as a carriage factory and temporary firehouse; so, if walls could talk, Franklins would no doubt have some extraordinary stories to tell.

Today, the “Hyattsville Hardware Co” lettering remains intact, honoring the building’s history and roots. The interior, however, features a blend of timeless and contemporary charms, like old-fashioned wood shelves stocked with modern souvenirs: toys, hot sauces, kitchen gadgets, and everything under the sun. The restaurant and brewery also give the place a more authentic general store atmosphere, replicating the social element the old-fashioned stores once provided.

Penn Place, Garrett Park

A historic general store, turned post office and restaurant, anchors the town in the tiny town of Garrett Park.

The late 19th-century structure was one of the first buildings built in town, serving as Garrett Park’s general store for many years. Around 1930, the local post office also relocated into the building, with Postmaster Lina Penn using the western wing as her home. In 1976, the building was purchased by the town and renamed Penn Place in honor of her service.

While the beloved general store closed in the 1980s, the Post Office continues to flourish here in 2025. Since closing, the general store has served as a restaurant, now the locally-adored Black Market Bistro. Other building additions include the Art At Penn Place, a second-floor gallery showcasing local artists with free admission. In 2002, the building’s exterior also underwent a renovation, reviving its Victorian charm in honor of its origins. While no longer a general store, its legacy is fondly remembered and its essence remains the same: serving the community and encouraging connection.

Hoopers Island General Store, Church Creek

Community and connection are also at the heart of Hoopers Island General Store, a modern shop with an old-fashioned feel.

The shop, located in the historic village of Church Creek, is located on Upper Hoopers Island, one of the three that make up Hoopers Island. Overlooking the Little Choptank River, a tidal river flowing into Chesapeake Bay, Church Creek boasts a vibrant maritime heritage that dates back centuries. While the town’s main claim to fame is its role as a shipbuilding hub in the 1830s, the Hoopers Island region is also known for its rich tradition of fishing and crabbing.

Today, Church Creek’s maritime heritage and culture are still the town’s pride and joy. Although the area is connected to the mainland by arched bridges, many prefer to shop local at Hoopers Island General Store for all their needs, from fishing supplies and hunting gear to groceries and liquor. The shop also embodies the social element of an old-timey general store with its self-service café, inviting locals and visitors to mingle over crab cakes, cheesesteak subs, and homemade desserts. Ultimately, while modern in age, the Hoopers Island General Store is old-fashioned in spirit.

Bucktown General Store, Bucktown

The Bucktown General Store, now a museum, is a significant landmark on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.

Located in the unincorporated community of Bucktown, this 19th-century village store once stood alongside a blacksmith shop and shopkeeper’s home, serving the area’s farmers.

In 2025, the historic store stands alone, aside from the surrounding rural residences, but its legacy remains intact. It was here that renowned abolitionist Harriet Tubman displayed her first public act of resistance, attempting to help a fellow enslaved man.

Today, by reservation, visitors can tour the store’s interior, which features period-authentic general store displays and African American artifacts.

Step Back in Time With These Old-Timey Maryland General Stores

While a passion for preservation has allowed many of these historic general stores to live on in 2025, there is always the lingering risk of losing them to time. In towns like Garrett Park and Callaway, we saw that keeping a general store open is not always feasible, with new businesses replacing the long-running community anchors.

Despite once being the backbone of their community, Maryland general stores have become largely obsolete, overshadowed by big-box stores and online shopping. While some are beautifully commemorated through museums, those that remain open to this day need your support more than ever. In 2025, consider visiting and supporting these Maryland general stores; by shopping locally, you can help keep these remarkable time capsules alive for years to come.