5 Old-Timey General Stores In Louisiana
General stores are a call back to an old era on the frontier, where the only place to get goods was from one central store in town. Many of these old-timey general stores are still in business, however, especially in Louisiana. This state, initially a part of New France, is a unique place that mixes Southern culture with Cajun charm. Here, one can find original freight elevators, a 19th-century skeleton, massive hamburgers, and more. Learn more about five old-time general stores to visit in Louisiana.
Cecil Lapeyrouse Grocery
It's only fitting when discussing Louisiana general stores to discuss a Cajun one first. The Cecil Laperyrouse Grocery, located in Chauvin, has been in business for a long time. Gustave Lapeyrouse started the grocery in 1914, nearly 111 years ago. Today, their grandson Cecil keeps this general store in operation. It has a charming cypress wooden structure and is filled with antiques. It has such a large collection of antiques that Universal Studios has rented some of it for films.
Within the store, one can find all the trappings, such as groceries, bait, ice, gas pumps for boats on the bayou, and more. Some antiques are for sale as well, so it is definitely worth a visit for antique hunters.
Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
The Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store is the oldest store in Natchitoches, being founded in 1863 during the height of the American Civil War. The Frederick family was a group of Jewish Prussian immigrants who kept this business in the family since its founding. They initially made money going door to door and selling household items to women living on plantations.
Today, this store has a vintage freight elevator and a 1910 cash register that it still uses for sales. It sells a variety of goods, such as tools and hardware for yardwork or projects, classic children's toys, and gifts like Raggedy Ann dolls, and kitchen goods. The store is two stories and has a gift shop on the second floor.
Longwood General Store and Casino
Nestled in Mooringsport is the classic Longwood General Store. This spot gives the vibe of a Cracker Barrel without the corporate visage. Here, visitors can sit back in a small dining room decorated with a wild boar head and enjoy a big meal. Longwood is known locally for its huge burgers, chicken-fried steaks, and steaks, which come with a cheese plate as well. The steaks go up in size from 9 ounces to 48 ounces! Local reviewers have noted that the store has a large number of food choices, including Philly cheesesteaks.
The store includes a bar and casino, so visitors can enjoy drinks and games after filling up on a larger meal. Longwood also offers breakfast meals for those who like to get out and about early in the morning. Some of its employees have been there for up to 30 years, making this a staple of the Mooringsport community.
The General Store
This simply named store is highly unassuming. The General Store, located in Castor, Louisiana, greets guests with simple black letters of its name on its brick structure. However, this store acts as a one-stop shop for almost anything one could need. These include groceries ranging from chicken nuggets to seed potatoes and sandwiches, along with food for animals, such as hay for horses.
The General Store is also known for its extensive hardware and tools for sale, which include tools, electrical supplies, metal roofings, and much more. For hunters and fishers, the General Store has hunting and fishing supplies. It also carries fertilizer and lawn and garden equipment. Why visit a big box retailer when you can support a local business like The General Store?
H.J. Smith & Sons General Store & Museum
Located in Covington, H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum is the oldest operating business in the town. It opened in 1876 by H.J. Smith himself, and it has stayed in the family to this day. As the name suggests, the store doubles as a museum of Louisiana history. These include odd things like a petrified rat or a cast iron coffin from the Yellow Federal Epidemic. There is even a human skeleton on display from 1882, along with a 1920s gas pump and wooden washing machine. As for goods to purchase, it has plenty of hardware for any projects you want to do around the house. Reviewers have also noted the store sells yard decorations, cast iron ovens, crawfish cooking equipment, and more.
These old-timey general stores are time capsules of the days when folks would go to one place to get all of their goods. Dedicated family members keep these stores afloat by adding museums and more modern goods or by giving them a fresh makeover. The museum in H.J. Smith & Sons, in particular, keeps the past alive in a truly compelling way. However, these stores can only stay open through support from locals and visitors. The next time you are in Louisiana, consider visiting a family-owned general store.
