It's been a while since I popped in to the Smith River Store up near Reedsport. It really feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, so it is a welcome sanctuary for roadtrippers like myself who occasionally get detoured by overturned eighteen-wheelers during my trek northward.
Standard convenience store items are available including Gatorade, chips, and beef jerky. About once a year I break down and eat one of those pickled hot sausages (the "Tijuana Mama") and feel disgusted with myself as it repeats on me the rest of the day with indescribable deep down body burps. Yeah, I had one of those here too.
But there's a tavern connected to the convenience store for washing down that junk food. And it's a sure-fire way to meet some of the locals. The bar stools are old tractor seats that (kind of) contour to your butt. The cooler behind the bar hosts an impressive bottled beer selection. And last I checked, they cook and serve pub grub there.
So the Smith River Store has been a welcome respite during an otherwise harried journey for me. And they have ancient but functional gas pumps outside to get you on your way. Say "hi" to Troy (often your checkout guy or bartender) 'cause he's hella cool and seems to know these backwoods areas pretty darn good. read more