This 1793 Massachusetts General Store Is Part Grocery Store Part Independent Bookshop

Most grocery stores do not tempt you to abandon your shopping list for a stack of novels. This one absolutely might.

Inside this Massachusetts general store, pantry staples, baking supplies, coffee, candy, and local goods share space with shelves of books that can turn a five minute errand into an hour of browsing. That alone would make it unusual.

The fact that the store dates back to 1793 makes the whole experience even better.

You can pick up something for dinner, browse a cookbook, spot a children’s title for someone at home, then remember you still need eggs before you leave.

It is practical, a little quirky, and much more fun than a normal grocery stop. The only real challenge is remembering what you originally came in to buy.

A Building That Remembers 1793

Some buildings have stories, and some have entire history books. Davoll’s General Store started serving its neighbors in 1793.

That makes it one of the oldest general stores still running in Massachusetts, and maybe the whole country.

Think about that for a second. When this store first opened, there were no cars, no phones, and no light bulbs. Customers likely arrived on foot, on horseback, or by wagon to pick up supplies.

The store has also done more than sell goods. Over the years it worked as a trading post. It even served as the local post office until 2014, so folks came by for letters as well as flour.

Plenty of families have looked after the place across the centuries. Names like the Howlands, the Davolls, the Morrisons, and the Glennons all took their turn behind the counter.

The Davoll family left the name that still hangs over the door today.

Its long life has earned real recognition. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That honor is given to sites that matter to American history.

So when you step up to the porch, you are joining a very long line of shoppers. Some of them came by over two hundred years ago. Not many grocery runs can claim that kind of company.

A Village Setting Straight Out Of A Postcard

Good scenery is free, and the drive here delivers plenty of it. The store sits at 1228 Russells Mills Road in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

It belongs to the Russells Mills Historic District, a small village area full of old charm.

Country roads lead the way through farmland and woods. Long lines of stone walls run beside the pavement like gray ribbons. You may even spot a full-size Dutch windmill in the area.

The village feels calm and unhurried. Old homes, open fields, and tall trees surround the store. It is the kind of place where people slow down without being asked.

Nature lovers get a bonus too. Walking trails are close by, so a hike and a snack make an easy pair. Many people grab a sandwich here before or after a stroll outdoors.

Beaches are also within reach. Horseneck Beach in nearby Westport is about a twenty minute drive away. That makes the store a handy stop during a summer day at the shore.

Here is a smart tip for planning. Pack comfortable shoes and leave extra time in your schedule. Between the trails, the coast, and the shelves inside, you will want to wander. A rushed trip would miss half the fun.

Brothers Who Came Home To Run It

Every old store needs new caretakers sooner or later. In 2021, brothers Will and Ben Shattuck bought Davoll’s. Both grew up right here in Dartmouth, so they knew the store long before they owned it.

Their goal was clear from the start. They wanted to honor the old traditions while adding fresh ideas. That balance is not easy, but they have handled it with care.

The brothers led renovations that kept the building’s true character. The work even earned awards for preserving the store’s history. Centuries-old floorboards still creak under your feet as you shop.

One big change made the store much roomier. Davoll’s joined with the space next door to add a cafe. Longtime shoppers who had not stopped by in years were pleasantly surprised.

Ben brings a creative streak to the project. He is a writer and an artist, which helps explain the love of books inside. His touch shows up in the shelves, the events, and the friendly mood.

Having local owners matters in a small town. They know the farmers, the families, and the history of the area.

That connection helps keep Davoll’s feeling like it belongs to the whole community. It is less a business and more a shared front porch.

Grocery Shelves Packed With Local Flavor

Forget giant supermarket aisles with fifty kinds of cereal. The grocery side here keeps things simple, local, and delicious. Shelves hold just what a neighbor might need for the week.

Fresh produce often comes from nearby farms. You can also find local honey, fresh milk, and eggs. Raw honey is a favorite, and the jars are generously sized.

Meat lovers are covered too. The store carries local red meat, including beef raised right in Dartmouth.

Knowing where your dinner came from makes it taste a little better.

Pantry basics fill the rest of the space. Look for dry goods, baking supplies, coffee, and tinned fish. Artisan cheeses, breads, and even garden seeds show up on the shelves as well.

Here is a helpful idea before you go. Bring a cooler bag if you plan to buy milk, eggs, or meat. That way your fresh finds stay cold on the drive home.

Shopping like this connects you to the land around you. Small farms in Massachusetts depend on stores that carry their goods.

Every jar of honey you buy helps keep that local food chain buzzing. Pun fully intended, of course.

Bookshelves Waiting Around Every Corner

Bread for the body, books for the brain. The independent bookshop is what makes this general store truly special. Readers of every age can find something worth taking home.

The shelves cover a lot of ground. You will see fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and cookbooks. There are also children’s books and young adult titles for growing readers.

Field guides are a clever addition. Since the store sits near trails, fields, and the coast, they make a lot of sense. Buy a bird guide, then go spot the real thing outside.

The collection is chosen with care. Instead of endless rows, you get a thoughtful mix that is fun to browse. It feels a bit like a friend handing you their favorite picks.

Can’t find the book you want? Just ask the staff. They are happy to help you track down a title. That personal service is one big reason people love independent bookshops.

A quick tip for families is worth sharing. Let kids pick one book each as a treat.

Pair it with a piece of penny candy, and you have built a memory. A good book from a 1793 store makes a great story to tell later.

Cafe Lunches And Friday Night Dinners

Shopping builds an appetite, and the cafe in the back is ready for it. Coffee, pastries, and sandwiches keep the place busy. Many people come for a bite and stay to browse.

The coffee drinks get creative. Past specials have included a blueberry coffee cake latte. Steamed milk with homemade banana syrup tastes a bit like banana bread in a mug.

Breakfast sandwiches are a popular way to start the day. One standout is a warm croissant filled with ham, Swiss cheese, arugula, fig jam, and Dijon. The sweet potato panini and bacon grilled cheese are also favorites.

Lunch is served daily from 11 AM to 2 PM. Remember that the store is closed on Mondays. Soup and a sandwich make a cozy midday combo on a chilly day.

Friday evenings bring something extra. The space turns into a dinner spot with a changing menu. Dishes have ranged from vegan pad Thai to meatloaf made with Dartmouth-raised beef.

Save room for something sweet. The double chocolate chip cookies have a loyal fan club. Hot cocoa is another treat worth ordering, especially when the weather turns cold.

A Pub Built For Lingering And Laughing

Some rooms are made for rushing, and this one is made for staying. Ben Shattuck took inspiration from the cozy brown bars of the Netherlands.

Those spots are famous for warm wood, friendly faces, and long conversations.

The idea is simple. Give people a comfortable place to sit, talk, and connect. In a busy world, that feels like a real gift.

Events fill the calendar here. Irish music sessions bring fiddles and lively tunes. Trivia nights let friends test how much random knowledge they own.

Crafty folks have a home too. A knitting club meets in the space, so bring your yarn and needles. Even beginners can pick up tips from more skilled knitters.

Book lovers gather here as well. The store’s book club meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the pub. Author readings also pop up, giving fans a chance to hear writers share their work.

Check the store’s website before you go. Event dates can change, and some nights fill up quickly.

Planning ahead helps you catch the music, games, or readings you want most. Davoll’s turns an ordinary evening into a small town celebration.

Quirky Surprises Like A Talking Telephone

Ring, ring. Who could possibly be calling a store from 1793? Outside Davoll’s, an antique telephone still works, and anyone can pick it up.

Instead of a live person, you hear prerecorded messages. Some of them come from actress Jenny Slate, who is married to Ben Shattuck. It is a funny little surprise that makes people grin.

Inside, the fun keeps going. Penny candy fills the shop, just like in old-time general stores. Kids and grown-ups alike love picking out a sweet handful.

Gift hunters will be busy too. The store sells locally made soaps, eco-friendly housewares, art, and handcrafted pieces. There are antiques and unique kitchen tools that are hard to find elsewhere.

Every winter brings a special celebration called Burns Night. It honors Robert Burns, the famous poet from Scotland. Poetry and community spirit make it a cheerful night.

Timing your trip is easy. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sunday hours run from 7 AM to 5 PM, and Mondays are closed.

For any trip to Massachusetts, put this stop on your list. Come ready to shop, read, eat, and maybe answer a very old phone.