13 Kentucky Country Stores That Still Sell Old-Fashioned Penny Candy And Cold Soda

There was a time when a fistful of coins and a glass jar of penny candy could make a kid’s entire week. The clink of the lid, the agonizing choice, the cold soda pulled from a humming old cooler in the corner.

Kentucky has a stubborn habit of holding onto exactly that kind of magic. Scattered from the rolling Bluegrass hills to the quiet backroads of Appalachia, old country stores still line their counters with candy jars and keep their sodas icy the old-fashioned way.

Walking in feels like slipping a few decades into the past, and that is precisely the appeal. These places have fed locals and charmed wanderers for generations now.

Maybe you grew up stopping at one. Maybe you are about to discover your first.

Either way, here is your guide to the sweetest old-fashioned shopping the state still keeps alive.

1. Rabbit Hash General Store

Some stores have a story, and Rabbit Hash General Store has one of the best. Located at 10021 Lower River Rd, Burlington, KY 41005, this landmark has been serving the Ohio River community since 1831, making it one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in Kentucky.

The store is famous not just for its candy and cold drinks but also for its quirky local tradition of electing a dog as town mayor. Inside, wooden floors creak underfoot as you browse glass jars filled with old-fashioned penny candy, local goods, and handmade souvenirs.

Weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, so a weekday visit gives you more time to browse at a relaxed pace. Parking is available along the road nearby.

The whole experience feels genuinely rooted in Kentucky history, and the friendly staff make every visitor feel like a regular from day one.

2. Penn’s Store

Penn’s Store holds a record that is hard to beat: it has been run by the same family for over 170 years. Situated at 257 Penns Store Rd, Gravel Switch, KY 40328, this beloved Kentucky landmark sits on a quiet country road in Marion County and feels almost frozen in the best possible way.

Walking through the door, visitors are greeted by the scent of aged wood and the sight of old candy jars, cold drinks in a vintage cooler, and walls lined with antiques and memorabilia. The store also hosts outdoor events throughout the year, including popular outhouse races that draw visitors from across the state.

Hours can vary by season, so calling ahead before making the trip is always a smart move. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially in spring and fall, making Penn’s Store a perfect stop on a Kentucky backroads drive.

3. The Hitching Post And Old Country Store

Right along the shores of Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post and Old Country Store brings together fishing culture and old-fashioned retail in a way that feels completely natural.

Found at 16474 US-68, Hardin, KY 42048, this store is a favorite stop for boaters, campers, and anyone passing through Marshall County on the way to the lake.

The shelves stock a satisfying mix of fishing supplies, local snacks, cold sodas pulled straight from a classic cooler, and bins of nostalgic penny candy that kids and adults both reach for. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to linger a little longer than planned.

Morning visits are generally quieter, while summer afternoons can get lively with lake traffic. The staff tend to be chatty and welcoming, which adds to the overall charm.

This is the kind of stop that turns a regular road trip through western Kentucky into something genuinely memorable.

4. Newby Country Store

Country stores do not always need to be flashy to leave a lasting impression, and Newby Country Store in Richmond is proof of that.

Located at 435 Newby Rd, Richmond, KY 40475, this quiet gem sits just outside the city in Madison County, offering a peaceful retreat from busier commercial strips.

The store carries a solid selection of old-fashioned candy, locally sourced goods, and cold drinks that hit differently when you grab one on a warm Kentucky afternoon. The interior has a lived-in, comfortable feel with simple wooden shelving and a no-fuss layout that puts the products front and center.

Families with kids tend to love the candy selection, and the relaxed pace makes it easy to chat with the owners. Parking is simple and accessible.

For anyone exploring the Richmond area or passing through on a drive toward the Appalachian foothills, Newby Country Store is a worthy and refreshing detour.

5. Troutt Old Time General Store And Market

Paducah is known for its arts scene and river history, but Troutt Old Time General Store And Market adds a delightfully old-school layer to the city’s character.

Sitting at 433 N 4th St, Paducah, KY 42001, this store blends the feel of a classic Kentucky general store with a curated selection of local products and nostalgic treats.

Candy lovers will find a wide variety of old-fashioned sweets, while cold sodas in glass bottles give the whole experience an extra vintage touch. The store also stocks local jams, honey, and specialty items that make excellent gifts or souvenirs from western Kentucky.

The downtown Paducah location makes it easy to combine a visit here with a walk through the nearby floodwall murals or a stop at the National Quilt Museum. Weekday mornings tend to be the calmest time to visit.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to point out local favorites.

6. The Olde General Store

Visiting Mammoth Cave is already a bucket-list experience, and stopping at The Olde General Store nearby makes the trip even sweeter.

Located at 802 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, this store has positioned itself as a go-to spot for travelers exploring one of Kentucky’s most iconic natural landmarks.

The selection of old-fashioned penny candy is genuinely impressive, with dozens of varieties filling glass jars and bulk bins that practically beg you to fill a paper bag. Cold sodas, local honey, and Kentucky-made preserves round out the offerings nicely.

Cave City can get busy during peak tourist season in summer, so arriving early in the day helps avoid the crowds. The store has a warm, welcoming layout that feels approachable for all ages.

Families especially tend to enjoy browsing here after a cave tour, making it a natural and satisfying end to a full day of Kentucky exploration.

7. Olde Delaney’s Country Ham Store

Bardstown is already famous as the Bourbon Capital of the World, but Olde Delaney’s Country Ham Store adds another layer of Kentucky tradition to this charming town.

Found at 1467 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, the store specializes in Kentucky country ham while also keeping a wonderful selection of old-fashioned candy and cold drinks on hand.

The combination of cured meats, sweet treats, and icy sodas makes this a uniquely satisfying stop where you can pick up something savory and something sweet in the same visit. The staff are knowledgeable about their products and happy to help with selections or gift packaging.

Bardstown itself is walkable and full of things to do, so pairing a visit here with a bourbon distillery tour or a stroll through the historic downtown makes for a well-rounded Kentucky day trip. Parking near the store is generally easy to find throughout the week.

8. Muth’s Candies

Few candy shops in Kentucky carry the kind of history that Muth’s Candies does. Established in 1921, this Louisville institution is located at 630 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, right in the heart of the NuLu neighborhood, and it has been hand-dipping chocolates and crafting old-fashioned sweets for over a century.

The glass cases are filled with bourbon balls, cream-filled chocolates, and seasonal specialties that change throughout the year. Cold sodas and vintage-style drinks are also available, rounding out the nostalgic shopping experience beautifully.

The shop tends to get busy around holidays, so visiting on a quiet weekday gives you more time to browse and chat with the staff about their signature pieces. Muth’s is an easy walk from many popular Louisville attractions, making it a natural stop on any city itinerary.

For anyone who loves the intersection of Kentucky history and handmade sweets, this place is absolutely worth the visit.

9. The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe

Bright colors, bins overflowing with nostalgic candy, and the kind of sugar-fueled excitement that is hard to fake, The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe on Bardstown Road is a Louisville favorite.

Situated at 1583 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, this shop sits in the lively Highlands neighborhood and draws a steady mix of locals and curious visitors.

The selection of penny candy and bulk sweets is genuinely extensive, covering everything from classic wax bottles and candy buttons to more obscure retro finds that will spark serious childhood memories. Cold sodas, including hard-to-find regional brands, are stocked in a cooler near the entrance.

Bardstown Road is one of Louisville’s most walkable and vibrant commercial strips, so combining a visit here with dinner or a browse through nearby shops makes for a fun evening out. Weekend afternoons tend to be the liveliest time to stop in, though the store handles the foot traffic well.

10. Sharp’s Candies

Sharp’s Candies has been quietly delighting Lexington sweet-tooths for decades, earning a loyal following among Kentucky candy lovers.

Located at 2021 Regency Rd, Lexington, KY 40503, this neighborhood candy shop carries a well-curated mix of handmade chocolates, old-fashioned penny candy, and seasonal specialties that keep regulars coming back throughout the year.

The shop has a cozy, unpretentious feel with glass cases showcasing hand-dipped pieces and shelves lined with nostalgic favorites. Cold sodas are available as well, making it easy to grab a sweet snack and a drink in one stop.

Lexington’s Regency Road area is easy to navigate by car, and parking near the shop is generally straightforward. Sharp’s tends to be especially popular around Valentine’s Day and Easter, so visiting outside of major holidays means a more relaxed experience.

For anyone exploring central Kentucky or looking for a genuine local alternative to chain candy stores, Sharp’s Candies is a satisfying and reliable choice.

11. Ruth Hunt Candy

Ruth Hunt Candy is practically a Kentucky institution, and the Lexington location brings that legacy right into the heart of the Bluegrass region.

Sitting at 213 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, this shop is celebrated across the state for its cream pull candy and bourbon balls, both of which have been made using original recipes for generations.

The store atmosphere is warm and inviting, with glass display cases showcasing meticulously crafted pieces that make excellent gifts or personal indulgences. Old-fashioned candy varieties and cold drinks round out the selection, giving the shop a broad appeal beyond just specialty chocolates.

Walton Avenue is centrally located and accessible, with parking available nearby. Ruth Hunt is a particularly popular destination around Derby season, when Kentucky pride runs high and gift-giving is in full swing.

Visiting on a calm weekday morning gives you the best chance to browse without rushing and maybe even catch a staff member willing to share a little candy history.

12. Berea Fudge Shoppe

Berea is already known as Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital, and the Berea Fudge Shoppe fits right into that handmade, artisan spirit.

Located at 207 Short St, Berea, KY 40403, this sweet little shop sits in the heart of Berea’s walkable Old Town district, drawing visitors who come for the crafts and stay for the fudge.

Handmade fudge comes in a rotating lineup of flavors, while old-fashioned penny candy, cold sodas, and other nostalgic treats fill out the rest of the shop’s cheerful inventory. The small-batch approach means quality tends to be consistently high, and flavors can vary by season.

Berea’s Old Town is one of the most pleasant walking areas in central Kentucky, with craft galleries, local restaurants, and artisan shops all within easy reach. Visiting on a weekday morning offers the most relaxed experience.

The Berea Fudge Shoppe is the kind of place that earns a return visit every single time you pass through town.

13. Old Country Store

Deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, the Old Country Store in Girdler is the kind of place that feels like it exists outside of time in the most comforting way possible.

Situated at 7820 KY-11, Girdler, KY 40943, this Appalachian general store serves the Knox County community with a straightforward, no-frills selection of everyday goods and beloved old-fashioned treats.

Glass jars of penny candy line the counter, cold sodas wait in a classic cooler, and the wooden shelves carry a mix of local products and practical staples that reflect genuine mountain store tradition. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, which feels like a genuine luxury compared to busier commercial stops.

The drive to Girdler through the Daniel Boone National Forest region is scenic and worth the effort on its own. This is not a tourist destination so much as a real, living piece of Kentucky Appalachian culture, and that authenticity is exactly what makes it special.