I stayed in Monson for a month-long artists' residency in October and I frequented this store at least twice-a-day--it's been hard for me, tbh, now that I'm back in Brooklyn because I miss this sweet little spot so much!
Monson sits quietly at the end (or the beginning) of the Appalachian Trail. As you might imagine, during the trail season, this place is hopping. Kim, deli manager extraordinaire, told me that it's not unusual to break close to 100 eggs on a Saturday morning during warmer months, for breakfast orders. During colder months the number of eggs used decrease but breakfast deliciousness stays exactly the same! For example: everything sandwiches on freshly made croissants sprinkled with "everything" topping (you know, like an everything bagel) and plain ones too; English muffin sandwiches with ALL the fixins; and deluxe breakfast bowls where home fries manifest. Did I mention sausage and bacon? Lots of sausage. Lots of bacon. You're welcome!
My go-to was an order of breakfast tacos made with soft scrambled eggs, fresh baby spinach, onions, and pepper jack cheese nestled in warm corn tortillas. When I didn't order that, I chose a garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, diced tri-color peppers, cucumbers, celery, and an avocado. Sometimes I'd buy a bunch of arugula (farm fresh and local), if it was available because it was truly gorgeous, and added the right perfect sharpness to whatever I happened to eat for breakfast. Without fail, I'd always get a large organic coffee. And I made sure to buy plenty of heritage apples, by the bag or handful, for a mid-morning or late afternoon snack. Maine's heritage apples should be a national treasure, if they aren't already, so definitely eat as many as you can if you visit during apple season.
By the way, gluten-free friends, whether you be hikers or holiday makers this place has got you covered! The aforementioned corn tortillas can materialize as burritos and wraps AND Udi's gluten-free bread lets you custom-sammie your heart out! Additionally, there are often fresh, hot gluten-free soups for lunch and some of their takeaway "hot dishes" are gluten-free too. Non gluten-free friends, please feel free to go nuts as you order Italian hoagies or The Early Thanksgiving Sammie or tuna melts or tuck into a bowl of American Chop Suey, also known as God's comfort food.
For those who enjoy baked goods (and who doesn't?), the General Store has theirs made locally by a few makers. Expect peanut butter, chocolate chip, molasses ginger, sugar, and oatmeal raisin cookies, other treats made out of chocolate and shortbread or Rice Krispies or cinnamon sugar, sweet rolls, buns, scones and muffins as well and savory breads like wheat and sourdough, everyday of the week. The General will help you fulfill your carb needs, friends, have no doubt.
As the sun sets, thoughts turn to libations. Look no further. For a little store in the middle of north, central Maine where "main street" spans 3-4 NYC blocks, this place has a solid section of biodynamic and organic wines, from $10-17 bucks, all quite good. Conventionally produced wines and beer, too. And what's a raised glass without a few nibbles, amirite? Locally made cheeses such as a super tasty chèvre, pimento, port wine, and horseradish cheddar spreads, a variety of crackers, and other snacky things abound.
The General also stocks an excellent selection of locally produced soaps and toiletries--handmade with goat milk and scented with cedar, spruce, orange, lavender, and eucalyptus essences, knick knacks made out of granite (Monson is famous for its old granite quarries), select regular and fancy spices and pharmacopeia, kitchen and tech aids, old-fashioned hard candies, socks and vintage oddities like a clutch of tiny, caper berry-sized porcelain puppies or a band-aid-sized marmalade-colored cat (I bought all of these things, FYI, because obviously I needed them :).
Lisa is the store manager and she runs this place like I fantasize that Ruth Bader Ginsburg might when she retires (BUT PLEASE DON'T RETIRE RBG OUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU), calmly, with jurisprudence and great warmth, concerned about the well-being of every single one of her people--customers and employees alike--as if we were all members of a giant family called America. In these partisan times such inclusivity, warmth and coziness matter. A lot. And that is why it's great to know that a place like The Monson General Store exists. read more
