The Oldest Continuously-Running Country Store in the United States

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Vermont gets much of the press when it comes to old, country stores, but tiny Rhode Island actually features the oldest continuously running country store in the United States.

Brown and Hopkins Country Store, located in equally ancient Chepachet, RI, was established in 1809, and looks every bit the part. With 3,000 square feet of old wooden floors, beamed ceilings, a pot bellied stove, and creaky architectural nooks and crannies, Brown and Hopkins resonates with an old fashioned New England presence that seems to becoming few and far between in an increasingly modern southern New England. Brown and Hopkins is actually small compared to other New England country stores like the Vermont Country Store in Weston, VT, and the Old Country Store and Emporium in Mansfield, MA, but the owners pack a lot of heartwarming merchandise into this charming building. Penny candy, Vermont cheddar cheese, candles, furnishings, quilts, framed prints, and a significant variety of antiques are just a few of the items you will find within the historical building. Brown and Hopkins even takes a step into more modern times by featuring York, Maine-based Stonewall Kitchen gourmet specialties.

The feeling of visiting a historical landmark might quite possibly be more significant than the merchandise sold. That's not to slight the quintessentially country store items here, but knowing you're in a building that existed when the causes of the War of 1812 began to emerge means that you've certainly visited one of New England's true historical landmarks.

Brown and Hopkins Country Store
1179 Putnam Pike (Route 44)
Chepachet, RI 02814
Tel. 401-568-4830

Comments

Unknown said…
Brown & Hopkins is always a must see and shop no matter what time of year. The penny candy and treats to the Primitives and country collections. The clothing too. I always find something special to make my visit from New Mexico a memorable one!~ JP Santa Fe, New Mexico
August 25, 2010 at 6:33 PM
Liz said…
Hello! I just discovered your blog...Thank You for writing about our old country store!
Liz
Brown & Hopkins
August 26, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Liz said…
There seems to be a little glitch with your comment process....anywho......Thank you for the nice write-up on our old country store! I just stumbled upon it...
Liz
Brown & Hopkins Country Store
www.brownandhopkins.blogspot.com
August 26, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d
Read more