Few road trips from NYC feel as refreshingly simple and sweet as a detour into the Finger Lakes — and here’s one you might not expect: a visit to a general store that’s been around since 1849.
WorldAtlas recently rounded up together some of the Finger Lakes’ most nostalgic old-timey general stores, and let’s just say we’re dying to go shopping here.
Just over four hours from Manhattan lies a store that has quietly served local farmers and travelers for 170+ years — the Olde Country Store and More – 1849 in North Cohocton, NY.
Originally a mercantile on the crossroads of the Finger Lakes region, the shop has preserved its white-clapboard exterior, wraparound porch, and vintage signage to deliver full-on 19th-century charm.
Inside, you’ll find more than a store — you’ll find an experience.
Wooden floors, original counters, and antique shelving set the stage.
Rows of glass jars hold more than 350 varieties of candy — from taffy and licorice to handmade chocolates.
Nearby you’ll spot German glass ornaments, regional souvenirs celebrating Finger Lakes heritage, and locally crafted items tucked into seemingly every corner of the space.
Friendly staff even often share stories of the store’s past if you ask— while seasonal decorations and pop-up local events keep the nostalgia feeling alive!
Just one gem in the quaint town of North Cohocton, NY
While the Olde Country Store and More 1849 is the main draw, the town of North Cohocton itself is worth a detour!
Formally established in 1812 from Bath and Dansville, the town’s roots stretch back to late-18th-century settlements.
Its rolling uplands, river valleys, and historic rail-connected roads shaped early agriculture, trade, and small-town life — providing the backdrop for a Main Street that still exudes charm today.
Walking through North Cohocton, you’ll spot preserved architecture, local churches, historic schools, and marker sites that tell stories of resilience and continuity.
The town’s past as a railroad hub made shops like the Olde Country Store central to community life — today they remain social and economic anchors, curating “memory-lane” shopping experiences that echo earlier decades.
North Cohocton’s location makes it especially appealing for travelers exploring the Finger Lakes as well.
Situated just 5 miles south of popular Finger Lakes spot Naples, at the crossroads to Naples, Wayland, and Cohocton, it’s an easy stop for scenic drives, leaf-peeping in the fall, or pairing a shopping stop with nearby harvest festivals!
📍 Olde Country Store and More - 1849 — 2 University Ave, North Cohocton, NY