Pennsylvania’s Massive General Store Is One Of The Most Unique Shopping Destinations Around
A yellow brick road runs through this general store, and talking Wizard of Oz characters line the way. Yes, inside a store.
Somewhere between the fudge and the hammers, a tree might start chatting with you.
The place started back in 1983 as an insulation business. Customers kept asking for other items, so the owners kept adding them.
I love that a lobby slowly grew into something this enormous.
Today you can shop for candy, garden supplies, pet supplies, and home decor under one roof. Then you can head to an arcade, laser tag, or a free petting zoo outside.
I can’t imagine a better rainy-day stop in Pennsylvania.
The real question is simple. How do you leave with only what you came for?
I honestly believe nobody has managed it yet.
Follow The Yellow Brick Road Right Through The Aisles
Dorothy had to walk all the way to the Emerald City. At Country Junction-World’s Largest General Store, the yellow brick road simply guides you past the candy and candles.
The painted path winds through the departments of this giant Pennsylvania store. It gives shoppers an easy way to explore without missing a corner.
Along the route, animated Wizard of Oz displays pop up between the shelves. Some characters talk, and some move, and a few might startle you a little.
Red buttons sit at many of the displays, and pressing them brings the scenes to life. Kids tend to treat each button like a tiny treasure hunt prize.
The Oz theme isn’t the only show in town, though. Animated farm animals and talking trees also join the cast throughout the building.
My advice is to slow down and enjoy the path. Rushing through defeats the whole purpose of a store built for wandering.
Bring a phone with plenty of battery for photos. Plenty of quirky corners practically beg for a family picture with a talking tree.
Honestly, where else can you buy wrenches while a scarecrow keeps you company? That alone makes the trip feel worth it.
A Sweet Tooth Will Have A Very Hard Day Here
Old-fashioned candy fills a big part of this store, and it’s dangerous in the best way. Nostalgic treats sit in bright rows that remind grownups of their childhood.
A fudge counter adds even more temptation to the mix. It offers sweets from Asher’s, a well-known Pennsylvania chocolate maker.
Shelves also hold jams, jellies, pies, and plenty of snack foods. Many of these make easy souvenirs for friends back home.
Here’s a helpful tip for families. Set a candy budget before anyone enters the aisle, or the bag might get heavy fast.
Candy also makes a great gift for people who are hard to shop for. A box of retro sweets usually earns a smile from almost anyone.
The fun part is spotting brands you forgot existed. Every aisle seems to hold a flashback to some long-ago road trip or corner shop.
Grab a few treats for the drive home too. You’ll probably thank yourself later when the snack craving hits on the highway.
Just remember that dentists exist for a reason. Still, one more piece of fudge won’t hurt, right?
Hammers, Sofas, And Garden Hoses All In One Trip
Most candy shops don’t sell lumber. Country Junction does things differently: an Ace Hardware store sits right inside the complex.
That means you can grab tools, paint, or garden supplies on the same trip as your fudge. It feels a little silly, and also very practical.
Furniture is part of the mix too. Shoppers can browse furniture alongside decor and outdoor pieces, so a new chair can ride home with your fudge.
Seasonal goods and garden items round out the selection nicely. Spring shoppers can find yard supplies, while fall brings its own festive touches.
Building materials are part of the story too, and the store even rents out construction equipment. Few general stores anywhere can claim that range under one sprawling roof.
My practical tip is to bring a list for your home projects. Otherwise, the decor aisles might distract you from the very thing you came to buy.
Measure your car trunk before buying anything big. Getting a new chair home is easier when you know it fits.
A store this wide-ranging saves a lot of driving around town. One stop can honestly handle several errands at once.
Goats And Chickens Run The Welcome Committee Outside
Free fun is the best kind of fun. Outside the store, a petting zoo lets families meet farm animals without paying a dime to get in.
Goats and chickens are the stars of the show. Other farm critters may make appearances depending on the season and the weather.
Small cups of animal feed are available for purchase. The goats seem to understand exactly what those little cups mean.
Kids love this spot for a simple reason. Feeding a hungry goat feels like a big adventure when you’re only five years old.
Bring hand wipes or plan a stop to wash up afterward. Farm animals are adorable, but they aren’t exactly tidy.
Cold months may bring fewer animals outdoors. Warmer days usually make for a livelier visit with the barnyard crowd.
The petting zoo makes a great break between shopping trips. Little ones can burn off energy while the grownups recharge before the next aisle.
Wear shoes that can handle a bit of dirt too. Fancy sneakers and goat pens don’t mix well.
Arcade Games And Bumper Cars Beside The Fudge Counter
Shopping bags in one hand, arcade tokens in the other. The fun center here turns a store visit into a full day out.
The arcade, called Let’s Play, sits near the snack bar and entrance area. With more than 40 games, it keeps kids busy while parents finish browsing.
Mini bowling offers a quick and easy game for all ages. When the weather cooperates, laser tag and paintball add a burst of action for anyone with energy to spare.
Ask about escape rooms and other puzzle games when you visit, since the lineup of activities can change.
Bumper cars have become a family favorite. They’re a goofy way to shake off the drive.
Private party rooms are available for birthdays too. Planning is smart if you want a celebration with games built in.
My tip is to check activity hours before arriving. Different attractions can keep slightly different schedules than the main store.
Rainy days are prime time for this area. When the Pocono weather turns gray, indoor fun becomes pure gold.
Hungry Shoppers Have Two Very Good Reasons To Pause
All that browsing builds an appetite. Thankfully, the Barn Door Restaurant sits right on site with simple, hearty food.
It serves meals most days of the week but closes on Wednesdays. Plan around that if your trip lands midweek.
Friday and Saturday bring longer evening hours for diners. That’s handy for families who shop late and want dinner before heading home.
A little cafe area also serves quick bites like pizza. It’s a fast option when the kids can’t wait for a sit-down meal.
Dessert lovers should head to Hen Feathers Creamery. A scoop of ice cream pairs perfectly with a lap around the yellow brick road.
The creamery opens late morning and stays open into the evening. Weekends give you an extra hour to grab a cone.
My smart move is eating first, then shopping. Hungry shoppers tend to fill carts with snacks they didn’t plan to buy.
Either way, nobody leaves this place on an empty stomach. The food simply keeps the adventure rolling.
Summer Rides Turn The Parking Lot Into A Mini Carnival
Warm weather brings a bonus to this shopping trip. Outdoor amusement rides open from about Memorial Day through the end of October.
Weather plays a role, so rides may close on stormy days. Checking conditions before you go can save some disappointment.
The rides add a carnival feel to the grounds. Kids get a little thrill, and parents get a few minutes to sit down.
An outdoor play area gives little ones another spot to run around. Picnic options make it easy to enjoy a relaxed afternoon outside.
Special events and festivals also happen on the grounds throughout the year. These are often when the property feels most lively.
Summer weekends are a great time for an all-day visit. Shopping, rides, and food can easily fill several hours.
Sunscreen and water bottles belong in your bag. Pennsylvania summers can get surprisingly warm on open pavement.
Off-season visitors still have plenty to enjoy indoors. But warm months add that extra spark of fun.
A Fire Couldn’t Keep This Store Down For Long
October 2006 brought terrible news for this beloved store. A fire destroyed the original main building.
Instead of closing up, the business moved its operations into a large all-weather tent and other temporary structures. That kind of grit says a lot about the family behind it.
A new store opened in 2010, and a major addition later grew it to nearly the size of the original. It’s the building shoppers explore today, packed with departments and surprises.
The whole story began in 1983 as The Service Team, an insulation company. Founders Jim and Jan Everett added products when customers kept asking for them.
Bit by bit, a modest lobby turned into a multi-acre destination. Few stores can say their customers literally built the shopping list.
Their daughter, Diane Sander, has helped manage the store, keeping Country Junction-World’s Largest General Store a true family business.
Knowing the history visits feel more personal. Every quirky aisle comes from years of listening to shoppers.
Next time you push a red button, remember the comeback story. This Pennsylvania landmark earned its spot the hard way.
Plan Your Road Trip Stop Like A Seasoned Pro
Getting here is the easy part. Country Junction-World’s Largest General Store sits at 6565 Interchange Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235.
The location makes it a natural pit stop for Pocono travelers. Many people swing by on the way to nearby Jim Thorpe.
Store hours run every day of the week, opening at 8 AM on weekdays and Saturdays. Sundays start a bit later, at 9 AM, with an earlier close.
Hours can shift by season or holiday. A quick check before leaving home keeps surprises to a minimum.
Leashed dogs are welcome in many areas of the store. That’s great news for anyone traveling with a furry co-pilot.
Plan at least an hour or two for a basic visit. Summer days with rides and games can easily stretch into an entire afternoon.
Wear comfy shoes, because this store is truly enormous. Your feet will notice by the third department.
Leave a little room in the car too. Something unexpected always seems to come home with you.