One of the greatest things about living in New England is being surrounded by so many wonderful reminders of what life was once like. Most historians would agree that Rhode Island has a particularly fascinating past and historically significant places are found all over. Not only does the state have the oldest tavern in the country, stunning Gilded Age mansions, the textile mill that brought the Industrial Revolution into fruition, and charming colonial homes, we also have the nation’s oldest general store. This place has been gaining much attention in recent years and you’ll understand why once you learn of its epic history.
Gray’s General Store is located at 4 Main Street in Adamsville. This historic village dates back to the late 1600s and is found in Little Compton.
Wikipedia
Announcing itself as the oldest general store in continual operation in the entire country, Gray’s has been open since 1788!
Yelp/Amy H.
That’s more than 250 years of business.
Yelp/Amy H.
The store features everything from vintage cigar and cigarette cases, an old fashioned soda fountain, and more.
Yelp/Stephanie P.
It even sells Rhode Island classics like Johnny Cakes.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Though Gray’s closed temporarily in 2012 and has changed ownership over the years, it reopened in 2013 and has been going strong since.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Click here to learn about another old fashioned general store found in Rhode Island.
Wikipedia
Yelp/Amy H.
Yelp/Stephanie P.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
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