I have been visiting this area since my grandparents moved here in 1989. For years, if you needed…read moresomething, a trip into Hemphill, or even to Jasper, would be necessary. This could make a grocery run or a simple replacement a pain.
This location opened in July 2016 and it is a true game changer! Locals, seasonal folks and day trippers visiting the lake all benefit from the development in this area and this mini shopping center with small town charm is the start of all that.
The only thing I found confusing was the address on the receipt listed this place in Hemphill, which is nearly 20 miles away from the actual location in Fairmont. This is somehow related to the closest post office, however, the location really is on Fairdale road, so once that's accepted, no need to be concerned.
I am very impressed to find a general store, fuel stop, hardware store, tackle shop, liquor store and an in progress car wash and laundromat in one spot. I was surprised that the sign on the side of the road was large, electronic and easy to read!
I found it very useful that it flashed local information, temperature, store hours, café hours, local hiring information and new products that came in that week. This is smart and allows people to stop in when the new inventory is in.
I felt like I was in a mini travel center from the great selection and the reasonable prices! The café includes a mix of items including pizza, sandwiches, seafood and more. I found prices for the breakfast platter and the lunch baskets to be the same or cheaper than similar cafes across the state. This is very convenient for those that are spending an afternoon on the lake and didn't feel like packing supplies or someone needing a ready made lunch to pick up on the way to work.
The tackle shop inside includes life jackets, float noodles, bait and an array of tackle. They even had a fishing pole for $29.99, talk about saving a trip!
There were also touristy items like shirts, pocket knives, sling shots and plenty of items to keep a visitor busy. In keeping with the convenience of the location, they have items for grilling like charcoal, automotive items like oil and there is even an ATM on site!
The selection of grocery items may be small, but the name brands are represented. You'll find toiletries, cleaning supplies, picnic items, canned food, a small refrigerated and frozen section and be able to get your staples of bread, milk, lunch meat, creamer, butter etc. met. Your non essentials (depending on your priorities, haha) of frozen pizza, dinners, snacks and ice cream are also met!
I felt like it was too difficult to do this place justice in description alone so the pictures I took will hopefully help you to see everything from an actual produce section (I was impressed!) to tobacco products. It's a true mix of grocery store, gas station and travel center.
You may only have three or four brands to choose from on lunch meat, bread, laundry detergent and shampoo, yet they still have all your spices, almond milk and avocados!
Let's talk price! I live in a small city with a huge selection of grocery stores and gas stations. Did I find some of the items to be overpriced by $1-2? Well, sure. However, when looking at the selection in the area, that is what actually matters.
The gas at the fuel center is the cheapest in the area- sounds like a life saver to me! Let's use milk as an example. You can go into town and spend over $5 at the Brookshire Brothers, or you can come here and spend $3.69! Sure, you could find cheaper milk, but you would have to drive over an hour to do so. See what I mean?
I was just thrilled to find them here and this really allowed me to spend more time with my family as no one had to venture more than a mile for a necessity, instead of spending several hours travelling and purchasing items.
Due to the nature of the trip, I didn't really check out the hardware store or liquor store, nor did I even notice the laundromat until I was leaving the area to return home, so I have more to explore when I return.
I know the area is being developed and may soon have things I've never dreamed of seeing in this area like a post office, police station, hotel and restaurant. I'm already glad to see a clinic in the area, but this general store and everything that comes with it is a huge win for their customers! You must check it out!
