This North Carolina General Store Sells Some Of The Tastiest Food You’ll Ever Try
Step into a place where wooden floors creak beneath your feet and the smell of old-fashioned candy fills the air. The Original Mast General Store has been welcoming visitors since 1883, making it one of North Carolina’s most treasured landmarks.
Beyond the vintage charm and nostalgic atmosphere, this historic general store offers some of the most delicious food items you can find in the region. From locally made jams and jellies to stone-ground cornmeal and real maple syrup, the shelves are stocked with culinary treasures that reflect the rich heritage of the Appalachian region.
Located at 3565 Hwy 194 S in Sugar Grove, this beloved destination combines history with incredible taste. Each visit feels like stepping back in time while discovering flavors that have been perfected over generations.
The store’s commitment to quality local products and traditional foods makes it a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates authentic regional cuisine.
1. Old-Fashioned Candy Collection
Walking past rows of glass jars filled with colorful sweets brings back memories of simpler times. The candy selection at this historic store includes over 500 varieties of old-fashioned treats sold by the pound.
Customers can fill bags with Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honey, Moon Pies, and countless other nostalgic favorites that are hard to find elsewhere.
The experience of choosing candy piece by piece creates a connection to the past that modern packaging cannot replicate. Children and adults alike spend time deciding which treats to take home.
The variety ranges from hard candies to chewy favorites, with something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Prices are reasonable considering the specialty nature of these items and the unique shopping experience. Staff members are happy to help locate specific candies or suggest new favorites.
This collection represents one of the most extensive vintage candy selections in North Carolina, making it a destination for candy enthusiasts from across the region.
2. Locally Made Jams And Jellies
Shelves lined with colorful jars showcase the work of regional artisans who craft preserves using traditional methods. These jams and jellies feature fruits grown in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Each jar represents hours of careful preparation and recipes passed down through generations.
Flavors range from classic strawberry and blackberry to unique combinations like apple butter with cinnamon and peach preserves with bourbon vanilla. The taste quality reflects the use of real fruit and minimal processing.
Many visitors purchase multiple jars to take home or give as gifts that capture the essence of Appalachian cuisine.
Labels often include information about the maker and the ingredients used. Sampling is sometimes available during busy seasons, allowing customers to find their perfect match.
The store’s commitment to supporting local producers means the selection changes with the seasons, offering fresh options throughout the year that celebrate regional agriculture.
3. Real Maple Syrup Selection
Pure maple syrup bottles stand as testament to a tradition that requires patience and skill. The store carries authentic syrup tapped from trees in the surrounding mountains.
Unlike mass-produced alternatives, these bottles contain nothing but concentrated sap that has been carefully boiled down to perfection.
The amber liquid inside ranges from light golden to dark brown, each shade indicating different flavor profiles and harvest times. Light syrup tends to have a more delicate taste, while darker varieties offer robust, complex flavors.
Pouring this syrup over pancakes or waffles transforms breakfast into something special.
Local producers often use methods that have remained unchanged for decades. The price reflects the labor-intensive process of collecting and processing sap.
Customers appreciate knowing exactly where their syrup comes from and supporting families who maintain this traditional craft in the mountains of North Carolina.
4. Stone-Ground Cornmeal
Bags of stone-ground cornmeal represent a staple of Southern cooking that has fed families for centuries. The milling process uses traditional stone wheels that grind corn kernels slowly, preserving natural oils and nutrients.
This method produces cornmeal with superior texture and flavor compared to modern steel-roller alternatives.
The resulting product makes cornbread that is tender and flavorful with a slightly coarse texture. Many customers swear they can taste the difference in every bite.
The cornmeal also works beautifully for hush puppies, corn muffins, and traditional dishes that define Appalachian home cooking.
Mills that produce this cornmeal often operate in nearby communities, maintaining equipment and techniques from generations past. The store offers different grinds to suit various recipes and preferences.
Purchasing stone-ground cornmeal supports the preservation of agricultural heritage while bringing authentic taste to modern kitchens across the region.
5. Local Honey Varieties
Golden jars of honey capture the essence of mountain wildflowers and forests. Beekeepers from surrounding areas bring their harvest to the store, offering honey that reflects the unique flora of different elevations and seasons.
Each jar tells a story of where bees foraged and what blooms were available during collection.
Flavors vary from light and floral to dark and robust, depending on the nectar sources. Sourwood honey, prized for its delicate taste, comes from trees that bloom in summer at higher elevations.
Wildflower varieties offer complexity that changes with each batch, making every jar a unique culinary experience.
The honey serves multiple purposes beyond sweetening tea or spreading on toast. Many people use local honey for its potential health benefits and connection to the regional environment.
The store’s selection allows customers to support small-scale beekeepers while enjoying one of nature’s most perfect foods in its purest form.
6. Artisan Cheese Selection
Cheese made by regional craftspeople offers flavors that reflect the character of mountain pastures. The selection includes both aged and fresh varieties produced by small dairies committed to quality over quantity.
Each cheese represents careful attention to traditional methods and the unique qualities of local milk.
Sharp cheddars aged in caves develop complex flavors that pair perfectly with crackers or fruit. Softer cheeses like chevre showcase the fresh taste of goat milk from nearby farms.
The variety allows customers to create cheese boards that celebrate regional producers while enjoying exceptional taste.
Staff members can offer suggestions for pairing cheeses with other products available in the store. Many visitors discover new favorites they cannot find in typical grocery stores.
The cheese selection changes based on seasonal availability and what local producers are crafting, ensuring fresh options throughout the year that highlight North Carolina’s growing artisan food movement.
7. Freshly Popped Popcorn
The aroma of freshly popped corn greets visitors as they enter the store. This simple snack, prepared on-site, offers immediate satisfaction and nostalgia.
Kernels are popped using traditional methods that create light, fluffy pieces perfect for snacking while browsing the aisles.
Butter and salt are applied with just the right touch to enhance rather than overpower the natural corn flavor. The popcorn comes in bags that customers can enjoy immediately or save for later.
Some people purchase it as a treat for the drive home through the winding mountain roads.
The practice of offering fresh popcorn connects to the store’s history as a community gathering place. It represents hospitality and the simple pleasures that general stores have provided for generations.
The affordable price makes it accessible to everyone, and the taste reminds visitors why basic foods prepared well never go out of style in North Carolina or anywhere else.
8. Gourmet Sauces And Condiments
Bottles of specialty sauces line the shelves with labels promising bold flavors and unique combinations. Local producers create hot sauces, barbecue sauces, and condiments that reflect regional tastes and ingredients.
The selection ranges from mild and tangy to fiery hot, offering options for every palate and tolerance level.
Many sauces incorporate regional ingredients like apple cider, mountain peppers, or locally grown tomatoes. The recipes often come from family traditions or creative experimentation by small-batch makers.
Tasting these sauces reveals the creativity and passion of people who take condiments seriously.
Customers looking to add excitement to home cooking find plenty of inspiration here. The sauces work well with grilled meats, vegetables, eggs, and countless other dishes.
Gift sets allow visitors to share Appalachian flavors with friends and family far from the mountains. The variety ensures that even frequent shoppers discover new favorites during each visit to this historic North Carolina destination.
9. Traditional Baked Goods
Baked goods prepared using traditional recipes offer comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The store at 3565 Hwy 194 S in Sugar Grove features items like biscuits, cornbread, and pastries that reflect Southern baking traditions.
These treats are made with quality ingredients and methods that prioritize flavor over speed or convenience.
The texture of properly made biscuits demonstrates the difference between homemade quality and mass production. Cornbread baked in cast iron develops a golden crust that adds texture and flavor.
Pastries filled with local fruit preserves combine multiple elements of regional cuisine into a single delicious package.
Many visitors purchase baked goods to enjoy with coffee or as snacks for their journey. The items also make excellent gifts for people who appreciate authentic regional food.
Availability may vary based on the day and season, as small-batch baking follows a different rhythm than industrial production. The quality justifies any wait or planning required to enjoy these traditional treats from the mountains of North Carolina.
10. Specialty Coffee Blends
Coffee blends selected for quality and regional appeal sit ready to fuel mountain mornings. The store carries beans and ground coffee from roasters who understand that good coffee requires careful sourcing and preparation.
Each blend offers distinct characteristics that appeal to different taste preferences and brewing methods.
Some blends feature beans from single origins, while others combine varieties to create balanced flavor profiles. Roast levels range from light and bright to dark and bold.
The packaging often includes information about the beans and suggested brewing techniques to help customers achieve the best results at home.
Coffee enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to purchase quality beans in a setting that values tradition and authenticity. The selection includes options suitable for drip brewing, French press, and other preparation methods.
Taking home coffee from the store allows visitors to extend their mountain experience into their daily routines, starting each day with flavors that recall their time in North Carolina’s beautiful high country.
11. Regional Cookbook Collection
Cookbooks filled with Appalachian and Southern recipes offer pathways to recreating regional flavors at home. The collection includes volumes by local authors and established food writers who understand mountain cuisine.
These books contain more than recipes; they preserve culinary traditions and stories that define the region’s food culture.
Instructions range from simple everyday dishes to special occasion preparations that require more time and skill. Photographs and anecdotes add context and inspiration for readers.
Many recipes use ingredients available in the store, making it possible to start cooking immediately after purchase.
The cookbooks serve as souvenirs that continue providing value long after a visit ends. They help spread appreciation for regional cuisine beyond the mountains.
Home cooks who follow these recipes connect with traditions that have sustained families for generations. The books represent an investment in culinary knowledge and a way to share North Carolina’s rich food heritage with future generations who will keep these traditions alive.
12. Bottled Beverages And Sodas
Glass bottles of regional sodas and beverages evoke memories of a time before plastic dominated store shelves. The selection includes brands like Blenheim’s ginger ale, available in both hot and mild varieties, and classic Coca-Cola in small glass bottles.
These drinks taste better from glass and offer a more satisfying experience than modern alternatives.
The ginger ale carries a serious kick that surprises first-time drinkers, while the mild version provides spicy refreshment without overwhelming heat. Other regional bottled drinks showcase flavors and brands that have loyal followings.
Enjoying these beverages cold while sitting outside the store on a warm day creates simple pleasure.
The bottles themselves become collectibles or decorative items after the drinks are consumed. Purchasing these beverages supports companies that maintain traditional production methods and recipes.
The experience of drinking from glass bottles connects current visitors to countless customers who have refreshed themselves at this historic North Carolina general store over more than a century of operation.
