Several New Mexico general stores have been doing business for many decades. These shops are loaded with character and small town charm. However, one appears to have been in operation for longer than the rest.
Bode’s General Store in Abiquiu first opened in 1890, albeit under a different name. Grants Mercantile, as it was then known, was located on the eastern end of the Old Spanish Trail. This historic trading route connected New Mexico first to Utah and later all the way to Los Angeles.
When the Grant Brothers opened their mercantile, it served various purposes. In addition to being a store, it also functioned as a post office, a stagecoach stop, and even as a jail!
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Nowadays Bode’s is still a multipurpose place. Instead of being a stagecoach stop, there is now a Philips 66 gas station to help travelers on their way.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Since the store is close to Abiquiu Lake, you can also pick up fishing supplies here, along with other outdoorsy gear…
Flickr/Bryan Ungard
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
…And Bode’s own merchandise.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Inside the general store, you’ll find aisles of food items. But this isn’t your standard corner shop fare.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Bode’s inventory includes organic frozen meats, gelato…
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
…And a surprisingly good alcohol selection.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Tables are clustered in one section of the space, where you’ll find a small but mighty restaurant.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store Bode’s Kitchen is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day.
The breakfast burritos are always popular and diners rave about the huge green chile cheeseburgers accompanied by tater tots. Other lunch offerings include red chile cheese fries, Frito pie, soups, and sandwiches.
Yelp/Jon T.
Bode’s recently began serving dinner (tables fill up fast, so arrive early). The menu features dishes like Scottish salmon paired with blue corn cakes, and grilled sirloin steak with mashed potatoes.
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There’s also a seasonal ice cream stand in the parking lot - The Frosty Cow.
Facebook/The Frosty Cow
If you’re in the vicinity of Abiquiu, definitely visit Bode’s. It seems like everyone in the area stops in at one time or another…
Yelp/Delaine Z.
…Even Santa!
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Bode’s is located at 21196 US-84 in Abiquiu.
Facebook/Bode’s General Store
Flickr/Bryan Ungard
Bode’s Kitchen is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day.
Yelp/Jon T.
Facebook/The Frosty Cow
Yelp/Delaine Z.
Have you stopped in at this general store that’s been running (under different names) for more than 120 years?
While you’re in a nostalgic mood, check out these 10 retro places in New Mexico that will take you back in time.
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