10 Best General Stores on Cape Cod

When it comes to classic shopping institutions, nothing beats a general store. General stores can be found all around New England and several right here on Cape Cod. These stores offer a variety of goods from clothing and toys to homemade food and beverages. Many of these stores have been around for over 100 years, with several being founded way back in the early and mid-1800s. While they all started as true general stores, they each have offered different things over the years and continue to embrace changing demands. 

This blog post covers the 10 Best General Stores on Cape Cod.

 

1. The Brewster General Store

When thinking of a quintessential New England general store, The Brewster General Store is sure to fill that vision. The Brewster Store was founded in 1866 and it has been the “Heart of Brewster” ever since. At one time it was even home to the town post office. Walking through the store today, visitors feel like they are walking back in time as it is home to countless antiques such as old advertising signs, a 1800s coffee grinder, a vintage cash register, and much much more. 

When it comes to shopping, the store offers pretty much anything you could want. There are fresh baked pastries and coffee each morning for locals and visiting beachgoers. A great selection of clothing, toys, accessories, and home goods can be found throughout as well. No trip to the Brewster Store is complete without sampling some homemade fudge and saltwater taffy. Grab a bag of penny candy too!

2. 1856 Country Store

The 1856 Country Store in the Centerville village of Barnstable, Massachusetts is another historic Cape Cod General Store. This general store is open year-round and is a beloved spot by locals and visitors. The store has a little bit of everything and is famous for its penny candy and toy selections. There are also jams, shirts, candles, books, home accessories, and much more. Outside the store on the porch are two classic benches, one labeled “Democrats” and the other labeled “Republicans.” Sit wherever you like, all are welcome!

3. Coop (Cotuit Fresh Market)

The Coop, officially known as the Cotuit Fresh Market, is another iconic Cape Cod General Store. Cotuit is one of the quieter towns on the Cape and the Coop is where everyone from town connects and it is a savior for visitors who don’t realize just how under-commercialized the town is. The Coop has been serving the community for over 160 years!

The Coop operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is most known for its homemade meals, sandwiches, salads, soups, fresh produce, and meats. There are also good selections of snacks, drinks, condiments, beer, wine, and liquor. This is a great spot to get a breakfast sandwich and hot coffee in the morning, a sandwich for lunch, and a homemade meal for dinner.  

4. Fancy's Market

Fancy’s Market in Osterville, Massachusetts is yet another Cape Cod General Store that has been operating since the 1800s. Fancy’s Market opened in 1839 as a store and post office. It changed hands many times over the years and the offering changed as well. Nowadays, it operates as a cozy, gourmet market. The market is known for its butcher department, fresh produce, homemade baked goods, fine cheeses, sandwiches, salads, and much more. Open from 7am-7pm most days, Fancy’s Market is the perfect place to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

5. The Mayflower Shop

The Mayflower Shop is a beloved institution right on Main Street in Chatham, Massachusetts. When it opened in 1885, it quickly became the go-to place in town for newspapers/magazines, gifts, souvenirs, and stationery. Over the years, The Mayflower has continually updated its offerings to satisfy demands. Today, the store offers one-of-a-kind art pieces made by locals, books, candles, toys, homeware, and one of the best card selections anywhere. Chatham Main Street is known for its shops and The Mayflower is the crown jewel!

6. The Old Village Store

The Old Village Store in Barnstable is another beloved Cape Cod institution. When you walk in the store, you will feel like you have stepped back in time to a simpler time. Licenses plates line the walls, there’s a handwritten menu board, and an old school cash register. This no-frills country store specializes in grocery supplies, sandwiches, and gifts. Some Cape Codders will tell you The Old Village Store has the best breakfast sandwiches on Cape Cod!

7. Bass River Mercantile

Bass River Mercantile is one of the landmarks of Yarmouth, Massachusetts. It is located just west of the Bass River Bridge along popular Route 28. The historic building has stood for over 230 years. It has been a rope factory in the 1790s, a general store, a post office, a gather place, and nowadays it is a spot for stocking up on local goods, crafts, and treats. 

8. Murphy's General Store

Murphy’s General Store on Main Street in Harwich, Massachusetts is a relatively new general store. The shop opened in 2019, but you likely wouldn’t know that by looking at it considering it is housed in a 175 year old building. This exciting new shop has all the goodies you could want including t-shirts, candy, books, jewelry, art, toys, games, puzzles, much more. It is a must-stop shop for anyone walking down Main Street. There is truly something for everyone at Murphy’s!

9. Bird Watchers' General Store

Cape Cod is not just beloved by beachgoers, it is also a favorite spot for birds! The unique geography and diverse habitats make it the perfect place for birds to live and stop at. Many varieties of shorebirds and there are also snowy owls, hawks, songbirds, osprey, and other rare species that pass through each year. If you are looking to grab a pair of binoculars, a field guide, bird feed, bird clothing, and basically anything else related to birds… consider heading to Bird Watchers’ General Store in Orleans! This unique general store was opened in 1983 and it has become a fixture of the town. 

10. Kandy Korner

The Kandy Korner is a one of the favorite shops in Hyannis, Massachusetts and it is one of the sweetest places on Cape Cod. While the Kandy Korner is a general store that offers tons of toys, souvenirs, and clothing, it is most famous for candy! The shop has a huge selection of penny candy along with plenty of homemade options including their legendary salt water taffy and fudge. The Kandy Korner has tons of original chocolate creations as well including sea shells, turtles, truffles, and more!