General stores are no longer the staple of town life that they once were. However, if you know where to look, you can still find these quaint shops – and some of them are within easy traveling distance of the city. One such spot is the Harvard General Store, located 35 miles northwest of Boston in the town of Harvard.
Address: 1 Still River Road, Harvard, MA 01451
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A general store was first established here in 1896, however, this one has served other uses – for a brief time, it was a women’s clothing store.
Flickr/Bart Hanlon
A key attribute of general stores is their all-purpose nature. In that sense, the current incarnation of this general store very much lives up to its name.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
The Harvard General Store consists of a bakery, café, package shop, and - on weekends - a bike shop!
Facebook/Harvard General Store
You can pick up random household items ranging from granola to t-shirts and soaps. As you’d expect with a general store, much of the inventory is local or artisan.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
When you factor in ongoing and special events, the Harvard General Store is also a farmers market (on Saturdays during the season)…
Facebook/Harvard General Store
…a private event space, and site for one-time events.
Facebook/Harvard General Store Want to learn about wine, attend a beer tasting, or try a Pure Barre pop-up exercise class? Time it right and you may be able to enjoy those activities at the general store!
When it comes to food, the Harvard General Store has earned a reputation for scrumptious breakfast sandwiches featuring homemade sausage.
Facebook/Harvard General Store But you don’t need to get breakfast to-go.
Settle in with an aromatic cup of coffee and dine on hearty fare like omelets or pancakes.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
At lunch, the menu features salads, sandwiches, and wraps. You can also pick up quiche or soup to take home from the prepared foods selection.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
As for the bakery, this is the place to load up on chocolate croissants, Kolache, sticky buns, cookies, and more.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
It’s unusual for a general store to be licensed to sell alcohol, but the Harvard General Store contains well-curated shelves of wine and beer.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
With the store’s occasional pub nights, which include a small food menu, you could literally spend all day here without actually needing to leave! It’s a hub for the whole community.
Facebook/Harvard General Store
You owe it to yourself to venture out to this charming general store, at least for a little while. Coming from the city, you can combine it with a visit to Concord, which is en-route, to create a day trip full of picturesque appeal.
Google Maps
Flickr/Bart Hanlon
Facebook/Harvard General Store
Want to learn about wine, attend a beer tasting, or try a Pure Barre pop-up exercise class? Time it right and you may be able to enjoy those activities at the general store!
But you don’t need to get breakfast to-go.
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Address: 1 Still River Road, Harvard, MA 01451
