The Original Mast General Store is located in Valle Crucis, NC. It was opened by Henry Taylor back in 1883 as the Taylor General Store and has been operating ever since, so they are definitely doing something right! The landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places and is quite a popular place. While you won't be able to park right out front as they did in the past, there is plenty of parking located conveniently behind the store. W.W. Mast bought a half stake of the business in 1897, then bought the other half in 1913, changing the name to Mast General Store It was truly the Amazon of its day, offering everything you could possibly need with the motto, "goods for the living, coffins and caskets for the dead," which prompted the local phrase, "If you can't buy it here, you don't need it ." When the economy changed and the original store closed in 1977, it was thankfully saved and reopened in 1980 by preservationists John and Faye Cooper The front corner of the store features an active town post office The store spans two levels with beautifully creaking floorboards that instantly let you know you are in a nostalgic place filled with history. A lot of the original advertising posters from Mr. Mast are still mounted on the walls alongside the vintage counters and fixtures The original cast iron potbellied wood stove is still used to heat the store, the functional wooden trap doors in the floorboards still remain from where chickens historically were traded for store credit, and you can even get a cup of coffee for just 5 cents. You will find a massive variety of cast-iron cookware, old-fashioned candy in barrels, postcards, books, high-quality clothing, footwear, toys, and traditional mercantile goods. I even bought a delicious fried apple pie! The historic Little Red Schoolhouse sits right behind the main building and offers clearance merchandise, though I just enjoyed looking at the older architecture and reading about the school. read more

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Been coming here for a few years now, we love visiting the area and stopping in for a moon pie and a spicy ginger ale or cream soda!!!! There's so much to look at here, the property itself is stunning and surrounded by amazing nature, the staff are all warm and friendly, and you could spend literally hours here perusing the shelves. There's good old fashioned candy, popcorn, snacks, there's Valle Crucis souvenirs to bring home. It's never felt like a tourist trap, it's always felt very warm, country, and welcoming. The building itself is so old and stunning! The creamy floors and woodsy smells, it's always a treat to come here and there's so much to look at and buy. There's even a Christmas shop upstairs year round, where you can stock up on goodies ahead of time for Christmas. I'd say the value is pretty good, depending on what you're buying. Snacks, drinks, candy are all very affordable, but the souvenir and brand name products of course are higher up in price, which is to be expected. All in all, a wonderful place to stop by to grab a treat or bring home some gifts for family and friends. Highly recommend!!! read more

This is a don't miss stop. Take yourself back in time. Great merchandise, friendly service and wonderful nostalgia!! Just to make it even better they have great prices. read more

We have been to several Mast General Stores in various locations and knew the original store was located on our weekend travels. We like Mast and always enjoy the products and atmosphere. We drove on our road trip to Johnson City, Tennessee from our home near Winston-Salem. It was getting late so we noted the location and decided to stop on our return trip home when we anticipated we would have more time. We arrived in the early afternoon of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and after following the line of cars to the back parking lot, we were amazed to see how many people were there! The small front parking area was full and the much larger rear parking lot was almost full. We did not think it was possible that everyone was visiting the general store, partly because it looks much smaller from the outside. As we walked toward the rear porch entrance, there was a Boy Scout Troop making kettle corn with a large kettle, butter, sugar, salt and corn and stirring it with a big paddle. It smelled delicious and we knew we needed to buy some on our way back to the car. After entering the building, we could see the entire parking lot contained all those people inside the general store, it was very busy but it appeared they had an adequate amount of employees. Mast features outdoor gear, home decor, knives, shoes, clothing, gift related items and food. They also have a large barrel candy area. We picked up a few things we felt we could not live without. On our way out, we purchased a bag of the kettle corn from the Boy Scouts and enjoyed munching on it while also supporting a good cause. It was so delicious with the combination of butter and sugar. A definite treat that we hadn't eaten in a long time. The original store is a must stop if you are driving through the area. We also recommend stopping at any of their other locations as well. They have many items you may not find elsewhere. read more

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When in this area, you "just gotta" stop here and wander through. My wife ended up with $24.99 Teva flip flops, well made, supportive, and cushioned with the toe/foot strap a geometric pattern, so yes we bought them. Away from that small shoe building, half each for men and women, we went to the main building a seemingly turn of the century wooden floored building where there is a candy section and, yes, I bought some old time candy, which was $5.99 a pound as I recall. Lots of old time kitchen utensils, ceramic cookware, kid's toys, hunting and outdoor wear. Then to the main hiking and hiking shoes for men where they had some which were 25% off. Jim, a clerk, came up as I was looking around and politely asked if he could help me find something in the Keen shoes I was poking through. Told that I was looking for an 11 1/2 size, but there were no half sizes. As sometimes shoes can run a bit large he asked if I wanted to try on an 11 and he would go look for an 11 1/2 if the 11 would not fit. I had just determined that the 11 wasn't for me, and Jim came back. Now you know how I came to purchase my Keen Targee IV WP MEN, size 11.5 at 25% off. Checking us out was another friendly, chatty and efficient employee (as all of their folks are) named Rhonda. Like I said, you "just gotta" visit, and maybe spend a few bucks. We did! read more

This is a wonderful store for hikers and tourists alike. Everything is here....in an old time way. Lots of hiking supplies and hard to find items are here. Tourists were loving it. Several rooms and an upstairs have shoes, clothes, nice toys, candy by the 1/2 pound, gifts, kitchen items, vintage posters, maps, hunting knives, etc., and so much more. This is a definite stop for anyone in the area. Lots of parking. If you live or hike in the area there's a post office in the store, too. read more

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My coworker told me to stop here after Oz. I didn't know what to expect so when we arrived I was so excited! This place is by far cute!! We got a few souvenirs to bring home and enjoyed working through. Bonus we stopped in on a day where they donate a % of the proceeds. Service was very friendly and we felt the prices were comparable to other places! A must stop when you are in the area. I did notice there's another one in Boone but this one looks more vintage and older which I liked. Even a working post office!! A neat store! read more

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We've been to the original Mast store and to the one in Greenville, South Carolina, both were awesome. If you haven't been, you should go. I'm sure all their stores are friendly and educational. A slice of real America. read more

There are so many different items here for purchase. You could find a gift for anyone and yourself here. It's dog friendly but as we entered it was slammed with people it was overwhelming for us all so we took turns waiting outside with the dog as one of us shopped. There is an upstairs area with more clothing and seasonal items. I've been here twice now and always find great things. read more

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It was so fun we went twice! The main store has an amazing shoe selection. The annex has more shirts and a huge throwback candy selection. Our crew enjoyed some ice cold bottled cheerwine, a litttle candy treat, and had a lot of fun poking around the shops. If you like canned jams, funky popcorn (the apple butter is A++), and some good old southern hospitality, it's worth a stop by. read more

Love this place! This general store definitely has an old-timey feel to it. They offer a wide range of things to choose from. Lots of unique items, plus many familiar name-brand goods. Everything from sodas in the old ice coolers, to toys, knives, boots, clothing and t-shirts, candy, cookware, and more! There's even a working Post Office for local residents. They offer a cup of coffee for only 5 cents! (Near the check out) This a neat place to visit. Make sure to also see the additional building about a third of a mile away. read more

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It is always a pleasant experience there at the mast general store I love the little red school house

Visit a piece of history right here! There's something for everyone and you can spend an hour or more easily as you browse through the aisles and step back in time! read more

The Original Mast General Store - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

There's a lot of history (and candy) inside of the original Mast store! I've been going here since I was a child, and 20 years later I'm taking my own child. It's kind of become a family tradition to go and get the old school candy! You can find Jams, Jellies, dried foods, candies and chocolate that are all local, as well as retro candy that's hard to find elsewhere! Aside from the candy side, they also have an entire clothing and houseware section as well, but I believe the candy area is the highlight of the entire business! You grab a bucket, pick what you want, and pay per pound. Yes, you can get chocolate "ice cubes" here too! I highly recommend trying their Cheerwine chocolate bar if you like cherry flavors, because it's really unique. I thought it was simply delicious! The prices can be a bit steep, but the experience is always unforgettable. Especially for children- as the saying goes "Happy as a kid in a candy store!" Is that right? Or "Happier than a kid in a candy store?" Either way, this place is fun for people of all ages, and they carry/make some amazing products! read more

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This place is really cool! I've been to most of all the other mast generals and this one is definitely the coolest, from the outside it's an 1900s building but in the inside it's a modern shop with a classical style! But I do wish they had a bigger candy section that's the only con. read more

I've been to the Mast store in Boone and this one is definitely more "rustic". They have an actual wood burning stove in the middle of the store and it's great on a chilly day. Well, that and the 5 cent coffee. I was impressed with the variety of merchandise here from honey to knives to pjs to an actual post office. If you are driving along and see a sign for the store please stop by. It's a bit out of the way but worth the detour. read more

The Original Mast General Store - Wood burning stove - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

Been on my bucket list forever and finally got here. Why did I wait so long? Mast General Store is a bit like LL Beam in Maine in that it has a reputation that precedes it and like LL Beam, it lives up to it. Have wanted to visit and shop the store all the way back to the 1970's, and even though I have explored much of the area, never got around to visiting it till last week end. Even then, I did not do it justice and I will be back. The Mast General Store is actually two stores separated by 0.2 mile. One is the original and the other is the annex. We spent most of our time in the newer annex because we were running out of time to do justice to the original store. Another trip for another day in the near future. Walked into front door and were in the section with clothing and jewelry. Moved to the right into a room that was filled with barrel after open barrel of bulk candy. They advertise 50 varieties but I thing the actual numbers are somewhat greater. They sell in bulk by the pound so great place to stock up for Halloween. Also a large selection of games and toys that I have not seen since my childhood. For those of us who grew up the the 50's and 60's, when was the last time you saw a slinky god or an Ant Farm. They have them plus a lot more. Went back to the main room which was largely apparel and jewelry. I rarely buy anything for myself but I found a hat I liked so I bought it for myself. Will be comfortable for my upcoming trip to Israel next spring. Interesting in that they also sell tee shirts by the pound as well at great prices. Only downside to this visit was we did not have enough time there. You could easily spend a half a day or longer here and for the most part, remembering the simpler days of your childhood. Just outside by the parking lot in a separate building is Dutch Creek Ice Cream which has great ice cream as well. Still part of the Mast General Store experience. Bottom line is I love this place read more

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Wow they have EVERYTHING!!! note, it's 'out there' & the 10-15 minute drive will have you wondering if you took the right road! It's very windy & some spots are treacherous, go slow!! Lots of parking BEHIND the store, so don't try to park in 'front' on the main road!! Love the candy bins up front, I'm in my 50's & it has all the neat candy we used to get at 7-11 on the bottom shelf when I was a kid (bit-o-honey's, chick-o-sticks, fireballs & more!). Also, just about every toy & game I recall from my childhood...like speak & spell, so many I can't recall now! Very neat novelty shop with tons of little things to choose from! Great local jams, syrups, ciders, etc. Huge shoe store section with all kinds of high-quality shoes....sneakers (like brooks) & hiking shoes, sandals & flip flops (the highest quality & leather kind you find at expensive beach shops) these types of shoes last & last! Lots of t-shirts. Be sure you go 'out' of the Mast Shop & enter the next-door shop that has local woodwork items, jewelry, pottery, unique hand made games and much more! read more

A wonderful experience with friends and family! Roaming through the candy store is a wonderful experience!

An absolute must visit spot when in the western NC mountains. It's like stepping back in time - and the creaky floors alone are worth a visit! They have everything from candy to clothing to games to Christmas ornaments to jellies and jams. Staff is always friendly and there's tons of parking in the back. read more

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There are other Mast General Stores but none like the OG!! It's worth the drive down winding roads to feel and hear the original floors creak at your every step. The apple butter, whipped butter, homemade Jams and salsas. Lodge cookware cute shirts and games for the kids. I bought my favorite pair of hiking boots here a year or so ago and love the selection they have. Upstairs they have seasonal items on sale. My latest visit they had left over Christmas upstairs and a few things from previous spring. There is parking in the back (plenty as we've been during extremely busy times). Make sure to check out the building in the back for second hand clothes shoes etc. They have another Mast Gen Store in Boone but this one will always be my favorite!! read more

Omg! If you are anywhere near Valle Crucis NC you need to go here! They have everything! Shoes, clothes, candy and other edibles, knives, bird feeders, linens, cookware, crafts, toys. I'm sure I've missed something. The folks who work here are awesome too. I spent way too much time looking at the shoes. Wonderful selection. I wish I lived closer! read more

The Original Mast General Store - Original Mast Store - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

Very cool historical spot. Great store with many many old knick knacks and whimsical things. Wish I had more time to explore but only had 30 minutes. Not nearly enough time to see everything. read more

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If you've never visited a Mast Store, this is the one to see. I've been to most of their NC locations, but this one is, by far, the best. Of course, it's where the Mast name began. The Valle Crucis Mast isn't too far from the Boone location, and it's an easy drive from either Boone or Blowing Rock. They have several buildings, including a half-price store in an old schoolhouse, and a separate annex 0.2 miles away with clothing and shoes. They have a great selection of discounted shoes in the schoolhouse, and I was able to find two pairs of Ahnu shoes at 50% off. They have all of the high-end clothing and shoe brands, and while most are sold at retail in the annex, they have a few sale racks. Their staff clearly enjoy working here, making for a very pleasant shopping experience. I ended up buying quite a few items in each of their buildings, leaving with jellies, pickles, clothing, and shoes. Ah, the candy was so tempting, but I held out. I challenge you to shop here and leave with nothing! read more

We passed this store a year ago on vacation after they had closed and my fiancé made it a point to go when we were back in the area. It is what I remember as a general store as a child going to small towns. This is an actual working post office for the area along with being a HUGE country store. All of the staff is super friendly and helpful. The guys in the outdoor area are very knowledgeable about knives and boots. You can find everything here from bolts and nails to soda, candy, clothes, pickles and jelly. It is truly a one stop shop and a amazing one at that. The country around it is beautiful and worth the short drive from Boone and Banner Elk. The best part about this place is if you can't find it, just ask and they will find it for you read more

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What's not to like about Mast General Store? Awesome outdoor gear, shoes, clothes and more. Plus a full candy store and ice cream shop. Good times and a must stop when in the area. read more

This place is awesome! It gives the feeling of stepping back in time. My mother and I seriously love the shoes here! We always spend way too much on shoes here. It's not their fault we are addicts. I didn't actually get past the shoe department at Mast in Waynesville, so all I can really review honestly would be the shoes. LARGE variety of manufacturers and types of shoe. Hiking boots, sneakers, flip flops, socks for hiking or for staying warm at home in the winter. Very nice brands and selection for shoes, socks, and bags. Check them out next time you are in Waynesville. Be prepared to park around the corner and walk a little bit, but that's not a Mast General Store problem, the city is very busy with lots of shops around the Mast store location. read more

This place is crazy. In a good way. Such a big general store, with so many different levels and floors for browsing. Honestly, don't come in here if you have no self control and a credit card with an available balance. I don't even know where to start describing this place. It's really old and is on the register of historic places, and it also looks to be an operating post office. Parking is limited here and there, so try no to kill each other looking for a spot. Just be patient. It's worth the wait. read more

A must see! I mean, where else can you go and get a RC Cola and Moon Pie combo pack! This place has everything and has live music on the back porch at times. read more

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As a kid, we'd come to this place after the Candy Barrel (located up the street) and not have any interest in it (we'd be too busy eating candy). As an adult, I made sure to walk through the place while eating my candy. The store has been open forever and I highly suggest you stop by if you are in this part of NC just for the history of the area. They have a huge wood burning stove in the center that really heats the place up in the winter. read more

The Original Mast General Store - Storefront from main street. - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

My sister and I visited Banner Elk, NC for a skiing trip to Sugar Mountain. A local at the ski rental place told us about it. It was a little ways outside of Banner Elk. It took us about 20-30 minutes to get there but the back country mountain roads were very scenic and we enjoyed the drive. First you pass the Annex (the newer store) but that is not the original store. Go about a mile and you will see the Original General Store. The outside is a little confusing because the sign is very small but if you get to a building that looks old with a oval shaped ESSO sign, you know you've arrived. The outside of the store will look a little like a Post Office. There is parking in front of the store as well as in the back. I really like the recycle bins on the outside of the store! They may be old but are environmentally aware, which I think is great! Once you enter the store you are transported back 200 years! It's crazy how old this place is. You can imagine what it must of felt to live back in the 1800s where you would come to get your mail & also pick up some nails for whatever you were building. They have literally everything at this store. Anything from Swiss army knives to shoes to housewares to grocery and more. It's kind of a one stop shop for everything you need. This place is great! Everyone is so friendly as well. I highly recommend visiting this store if you are in the area. read more

The Original Mast General Store - An old general store in NC - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

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I came around a corner just driving aimlessly and there was an interesting old building with an original ESSO sign. I stopped to take a picture and had the best time in the Original Mast General store -- complete with original fixtures, drawers, bins, PO Boxes --- and all the wonderful merchandise they are so well known for. Nehi grape & RC Colas, porch rockers, hiking gear, boating shoes and a Moon Pie! I was in heaven. read more

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A great way to spend a few hours. Old fashioned general store with lots of candy, toys, outdoor apparel, kitchenware, and more! Staff were kind and atmosphere was fun. Worth the drive from Sugar Mountain. read more

I love that Mast General Store (not to mention the candy side) have weathered the times, the economy & corporate retail. As others have mentioned, yes, there's candy! & off beat brands you may not find in mainstream retail. Boone natives, tourists & ASU students / families frequent this store, so it doesn't have that "tourist trap" feel to it. read more

Really great customer service. Ask for Rainey (sp?) if you need hiking boots; she really knows hiking and how different boots work for different people well. read more

OMG I love this store! Such an eclectic variety of merchandise. They have everything from penny candy(not that it's a penny anymore) to menswear and ladies apparel. Even kids stuff. Carry brands i.e. northface, outdoor gear etc. all kinds of camping gear, knives, maps. Definitely Just go check out this place . read more

The Original Mast General Store - My big purchase lol - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

Always like coming here when in the Smokey Mountains. Absolutely LOVE the T-shirts they sell here! This is the only place in the Smokey's I've been able to find SUGAR-FREE ice cream, and it's really GOOD! read more

The Original Mast General Store - Department Stores Near Me - Valle Crucis, North Carolina

This is a must every trip to Boone. We have been coming here for over 20 years. What a great place to shop. In the warmer months there is sometimes live music on the back porch or the Boy Scouts making fresh kettle corn! A must visit if in the area! read more

I've been on the hunt for Birkenstocks in the right size/width, and I needed someone to help fit me (I was between sizes, and was literally buying Birkenstocks all over town trying to find the right size). I thought the Valle Crucis Mast General might be able to help AND they were open at 7am (instead of 10am in Boone), so I headed over (almost all of their shoes are in the regular store and not in the Annex). I could not say enough good things about Rainey, the friendly woman who helped measure my feet, look at my stance, watch me walk in various sizes, and give me SUCH helpful advice. I ended up with a pair, and if they'd had others in my size, I would've bought more! THANK YOU, Rainey--it's hard to find excellent, personalized customer service, and she more than did the job. read more

Mast General has a few locations. They're all good but the original is the best! A huge variety of merchandise at a reasonable, and sometimes surprisingly inexpensive price point. You can spend hours in this place just browsing. Some things are nostalgic, some quirky, some practical. I love it! read more