More than a stop
In Hamilton County, a general store is rarely just a place to shop. It’s a taste of Adirondack small‑town living, where an authentic mountain feel comes to life. Weathered wooden floors, shelves stocked with an improbable mix of fishing lures and dish soap, and the bell that jingles when you push through the door. These are working stores in working communities, places where you can grab what you forgot before hitting the trailhead and overhear local hikers discussing trail conditions.
What makes these places worth seeking out isn’t nostalgia or quaintness, it’s that they’re still genuinely themselves. Each one carries the particular fingerprint of its hamlet: inside jokes, bulletin board chaos, and the local who’s always holding court by the coffee pot. You come in for bug spray or a sandwich. You leave knowing something about the place you couldn’t have learned any other way. It’s not about slowing down so much as syncing up, briefly matching the rhythm of somewhere that has no reason to move at your speed.
Hoss’s Country Corner
Hoss’s Country Corner, established in 1972 in Long Lake, NY, is a true Adirondack icon. Just steps from the lake, it’s the perfect stop to grab trail snacks, fishing gear, groceries, or anything else you might have forgotten. The store’s quirky charm is unforgettable, with a massive live tree growing right through the roof. The building was literally built around it, giving Hoss’s a personality all its own.
Known for carrying just about everything, Martha Stewart once described it as a place where “you probably don’t need something if you can’t find it at Hoss’s.” In the summer, the store’s campground makes it a hub for visitors exploring the Long Lake area. More than a general store, Hoss’s is a place to soak up the character of the community, linger over a coffee, and marvel at that tree growing through the roof.
Adirondack Trading Post
Adirondack Trading Post, located in Long Lake, NY, is a versatile 500-square-foot, year-round hub on Route 30. It offers gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, paninis, pies, and its famous Friday lobster rolls, served fresh from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A convenient stop near Lake Eaton, the store also offers curbside pickup, making it easy for locals and visitors to grab a quick meal or groceries on the go.
Inside, the welcoming “Community Table” encourages visitors to chat, eat, or wait while doing laundry at the nearby laundromat, giving the store a true small-town gathering spot feel. Situated between a liquor store and the laundromat, Adirondack Trading Post combines convenience, good food, and a sense of community in one compact, inviting space.
Pines Country Store
Pines Country Store, located in Indian Lake, NY, is a quintessential Adirondack general store that has served the community for three generations. Operating under the motto “A Little Bit of Everything,” it functions as a hardware store while also stocking everything from high-tech hiking boots to live bait and Christmas trees. The second floor of the century-old building was once a youth hostel and is now divided into small, specialized rooms dedicated to footwear, toys, or holiday decorations.
In 2025, Pines Country Store made headlines locally by hosting a giveaway for “The World’s Largest Christmas Stocking,” highlighting its playful spirit and strong community ties. The store reflects the town of Indian Lake and the Adirondacks, offering a mix of practicality and curiosity for residents and visitors alike.
Speculator Department Store
Speculator Department Store, established in 1949 in Speculator, NY, is a historic staple in the Adirondacks. Known for its old-time country feel, the store welcomes visitors with the unmistakable scent of balsam and a warm, inviting atmosphere. You’ll see why Speculator Department Store is “The Most Talked About Store in the Adirondacks.” It carries a diverse inventory, from premium clothing brands like Pendleton, Carhartt, and Patagonia to fishing gear, home goods, local maple syrup, and Adirondack-themed toys and plush animals including bears, moose, and foxes. The store even features an ice cream shop, adding a sweet touch to the shopping experience.
The store has only had two ownership families since it opened, with the Lane family taking over in 2003 and continuing to operate it today. Often described as a step back in time, Speculator Department Store maintains an old-fashioned department store charm, making it a must-visit destination.
Charlie Johns
Charlie Johns, founded in 1939 in Speculator, NY, is an iconic Adirondack institution and the town’s primary year-round grocery and general store. It operates as a true one-stop shop, featuring a deli, bakery, walk-in beer cooler, hardware, camping supplies, and a selection of Adirondack books, gifts, and apparel. Often described as a modern-day, 12,000-square-foot “five-and-dime,” the store blends small-town charm with everything you might need for life in the Adirondacks.
Founded by Charles H. Johns, the store was purchased by Dean Lane in 1971 and has been operated by the Lane family ever since, the same family that owns the nearby Speculator Department Store. Charlie Johns is especially known for its walk-in beer cooler, a favorite among locals and visitors, and for its full deli and bakery, making it a central hub for shopping, gathering, and stocking up before hitting the outdoors.
Raquette Lake Supply Company
Raquette Lake Supply Company, established in 1908 in Raquette Lake, NY, is a historic cornerstone of the village. After a 1927 fire wiped out much of the area, the current, more durable structure was built, giving the store a fortress-like appearance. More than just a grocery store, it functions as a central hub for locals and visitors alike, supplying everything from fishing tackle, propane, and fresh produce to souvenirs like t-shirts and hats.
During the peak of summer, Raquette Lake Supply Company becomes a bustling destination, particularly for visitors from the nearby Golden Beach State Campground. Situated in the heart of the village, the store also offers a wide, scenic view of the lake’s inlets and Blue Mountain, making it not just a stop for supplies but a place to take in the character and beauty of Raquette Lake itself.
Inlet Department Store
Inlet Department Store, located in Inlet, NY, is a go-to destination for locals and visitors looking for just about anything. For nearly 30 years, this locally owned, year-round store has been a one-stop shop for clothing, housewares, fishing gear, and more. As a local Ace Hardware, it also carries paint, RV supplies, and everything you might need for life in the Adirondacks, famously operating under the motto “We’ve Got What You Forgot!”
More than a place to pick up essentials, Inlet Department Store reflects the character of its community. Whether you’re gearing up for a hike, stocking a cabin, or just stopping by to grab a few items, the store offers a glimpse into the rhythm of Adirondack life, where practicality meets small-town friendliness.
The Hamilton Mercantile
Hamilton Mercantile, located in Wells, NY, is a modern, bright, and clean general store that replaced the former Lakeside General Store. The store was purchased by husband-and-wife team Dan and Amber in November 2022 and officially opened as The Hamilton Mercantile on Christmas Eve that same year. Serving as a key local hub, it offers essential groceries, Boar’s Head meats, fresh sandwiches, pizza, camping supplies, gasoline, and licenses for hunting and fishing, bringing a refreshed, modern feel to the town. During hunting season, the tradition continues with a Big Buck Contest, complete with deer weighed out front like the good old days. Hamilton Mercantile also carries fishing gear, beach floaties, and other essentials for enjoying nearby Lake Algonquin.
Each holiday season, the Mercantile adds a touch of magic for local families by hosting Letters to Santa, beginning the day after Thanksgiving and running until just a few days before Christmas, continuing its role as a true community gathering place.
Stories in every aisle
Hamilton County’s general stores offer more than goods on shelves; they offer a glimpse into the rhythm of Adirondack life. Each one carries the personality of its hamlet, from the playful spirit of Pines Country Store to the modern convenience of Hamilton Mercantile. Stock up for a hike, grab a lobster roll, or wander the aisles to see what treasures await. These stores invite visitors to slow down, connect, and experience the small-town character that makes this corner of the Adirondacks so unforgettable.
