Discover Mast General Store's Old-Timey Appeal in Waynesville NC

Waynesville, NC - October 26, 2010

On the National Register of Historic Places, Mast General Store has been around since 1883.  There are 8 stores in the area, but the one in Waynesville is a must see! 

At the Gateway to the Smokies, this 1930s mountain mercantile, with its antique cabinetry, well-oiled floors and original mezzanine, is packed with provisions for the entire family. 

Look downstairs for old-fashioned candy and timeless toys.

Charles Kuralt once said, "All general stores are satisfying to visit, but one of them, the Mast Store, is a destination."

The Mast General Store opened in 1883 and quickly grew in reputation for carrying everything from "cradles to caskets."  Even today, you'll still find shelves packed with all you might need for life in the 19th century and most of this one.

Entering this landmark, the first Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC, you'll notice advertising posters untouched since Mr. Mast hung them decades ago, stand at a counter where locals once bartered their goods or mail a letter at the community's corner post office.  You might even discover a few old-timey bargains along the way.

So, what will you find at the Mast General Store?  How about some vittles from years gone by.  Stone ground corn meal & grits, wildflower honey, jams, maple syrup, Moravian cookies, Bar-B-Q sauces, bacon & country ham, pickled vegetables, cookbooks, traditional house wares, and more.  Purchase some oil lamps, wind chimes, Amish furniture, birdhouses, folk toys, goat's milk, old-timey soaps, or puzzles and books.

Looking for traditional clothing?  Then, look no further.  There are flannel PJs, wool shirts, red union suits, men's clothing by Carhartt, Woolrich, Royal Robbins, Columbia, and North River.  The ladies can shop for Casuals by Woolrich, Carhartt, Columbia, Erika, Lemongrass and several others.  Look over the leather and cloth handbags, leather belts, jewelry, sleepwear, and more.

You can also find travel & trail items and rugged & casual footwear at any Mast General Store.

The bottom line is you can't come to Waynesville, NC and not drop in to visit a store who's founder coined, "Quality goods for the living, coffins & caskets for the dead."

See you there!