very sweet people and the ice cream is so good i bike there everyday with my cousins I don't understand why people hate it

An amazing historical local gem. This place is probably one of the coolest places I've been as someone who loves history and roadside oddities/attractions. It has been open for 187 years! The inside feels like stepping back in time to the 1800s. I loved looking at all the old things throughout and admiring everything. The woman working was one of the friendliest people I've ever encountered too. They mostly sell little snacks, drinks, and candies, but they also sell actual food and whole pickles. I got a bag of chips and a soda. There's some seating inside to sit and eat your food and there's also outdoor tables. It was a nice stop to grab a quick snack before we made our way to a vineyard. read more

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The food was great, I had the beef brisket French dip. My wife had the seafood salad. It's a great little place, wood floors that are uneven, antiques for sale. Old-fashioned candies, homemade jams, jellies, pastries. Also, a selection of old-time sodas like Faygo. The people here are husband and wife combo, very friendly, lots of stories I've seen other reviews that said Jim, the owner, is a jerk, but that is not the case. Take a picture of sandwiches read more

It isn't worth the stop. I didn't take any photos. It is crowded with stuff and things to buy but no prices on anything. The jam from keweenaw looked good but I didn't know the price and didn't want to go to the counter to find out. We thought maybe they make up the prices after they look at you. Another couple that went in just before us,left empty handed too. read more

I realize this is a historic marvel in an unusual location where you come for the character and the experience and not because you specifically want some hard candy, a can of black beans, or the experience of grabbing swedish fish out of a large jar with a plastic glove and putting them into a small white paper bag. But the hours are unreliable; the welcome was un-; the set of things inside are largely inexplicable, undesirable, and hard to navigate; and the attitude was hard to take. I couldn't shake the feeling that they regarded the influx of customers, and especially customers eager to exchange money for goods, as a nuisance distracting them from ... what? Again, I hate to leave a bad review of a historic gem with such pronounced character, but if you're in this part of northern Michigan you have many options for day trips and local character while driving around, and I'd hate to see you waste your precious vacation time on this one. read more

The lavender Sunday was delicious and generous! James the owner, was a very informative and interesting person. We enjoyed our conversation with him. read more

We had been in search of cheese and were delighted to find it in this little gem! The owner ages cheddar cheese for 12 years, keeping to long tradition for the region. We also tried a couple of the candies - really fun. There is so much to see in this shop. read more

UNBELIEVABLE! A must stop by in Traverse. Owners who care. Imagine that? Fun and then some. Spend some time, you won't regret it! read more

This place is a real destination on the Old Mission Peninsula of Michigan. It's a quirky old fashioned general straight from 1920's but its roots go back to the 1800s. They still serve giant scoops of Michigan made ice cream and have a varied selection of baked goods including out of this world cherry pie and giant cookies, pasties and sometimes other baked goods. If you want something in particular, it's best to call ahead (it's not Target) and sometimes, they are closed (pretty old school) but still worth a visit. You will likely never find a place so historic and unique. read more

Wonderful atmosphere. Marcy is a sweetheart. The chocolate chip cookies she bakes are amazing! The drive out there from Traverse City is beautiful. read more

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Funky little old fashion store. Lots of old/antique items interspersed with everyday food items. There is a cooler with drinks. On the opposite side of aisle are small canned/bottle food items. No prices on anything. They have deli food items. I tried the cherry chicken sandwich and my husband had the Italian sandwich. They were very big. My husband liked his but mine had so much pepper on it, it burned my tongue. I'm sensitive to spicy ingredients but this was beyond normal. Even my husband said it was spicy. No mention on menu that it was spicy. I couldn't eat it. I imagine that it would taste really good if they decreased the pepper by 3/4. read more

Interesting, old store, fun to look around, ordered chicken cherry salad sandwich which came with two large pickles and chips on great bread, yes it was a long wait but we were in vacation mode and enjoyed the food and scenery very much. we would return if we came back to the area. we also found the employees to be friendly and interesting. read more

This is our favorite place to revisit often! Delicious food, cheese, deli selection and old fashioned treats and canned goods. read more

Old Mission General Store - Grocery Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

On October 23, 2019, I had to make a "History" stop before wine tasting based on a positive referral from Kim at the Days Inn Hotel in Traverse City. It is located as #29 on the Old Mission Peninsula map. (photo attached). This is the Original General Store and Trading Post since 1839. The inside and outside is like going back in time from an old TV show called "The Waltons." While I was walking around inside from isle to isle viewing shelf areas of merchandise, my steps could be heard on the creaky noises from the Wood floors! Eat in or carry out from the Cafe & Bakery with speciality sandwiches, pizza, ice cream; coffee drinks, candy and even Pickles from barrels. Shop for items for a picnic such as wine, beer and "booze" or spirits. Walking through the whole store is wonderful to see "Antiques" of all kinds from the years of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. A few female employees working were even dressed in the attire from the era with aprons, hats and boots. I bought some penny candy from glass jars that were sold by the pound. (Photo attached ). What a "Back In Time", store called Old Mission General Store which is part of the Peninsula located at 18250 Mission Road. I highly recommend this tourist stop on the Mission Peninsula map before, during or after Wine Tasting. It's has a true unique part of history in Traverse City. "Bookmark" this business to stop here and see all the cool items inside, that will take you back in time with many fond memories of all! This store is Open Year Round ! read more

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Great pizza, Wonderful customer service, Old fashion store ambiance, Anyone rolling through town should stop here. read more

Was in there recently, and the experience was nothing short of surreal...in the worst possible way. The first few seconds are OK then it goes downhill quickly. There's a feeling that you're visiting a hoarder, and it's cluttered. There is a quiet older lady who seems very nice and will attempt a conversation. Then the owner, her husband arrived. The aura of the place changes immediately to a vibe of tense hostility, and any unfortunate customer caught in line attempting to buy an item can expect to be barked at. That's only after said customers had already heard him barking rudely to his wife many times. Does this guy think no one hears him, or does he even care? Obviously not. (Her demeanor changed from pleasant and smiling, to silent the minute he appeared.) Then he begins to make his way (finally) to the cash register and musters a fake and borderline sinister smile, loudly addressing the customers with impatience and making everyone Instantly Wishing They Were Elsewhere. This particular day was one I'll never forget. This man was literally SCREAMING at a female employee just around the corner for all to hear. It was surreal! Like he had gone from grumpy (as everyone heard) to that of vicious insanity. If he hadn't finally stopped the police would have been called by someone. If that was my daughter being screamed at by this vile man, I'd have gladly stepped back there in her defense- he'd be still picking up his teeth off the floor. Only cowards and psychopaths abuse women and children. If you read the many other 1 star reviews, you'll understand. Sadly, one has to at least give 1 star to leave a review. Not deserving. Don't be tempted to go in there for even a minute, folks!! The best part of being there was walking out the door. read more

The food is amazing. The owners are great and the store is full of interesting things.

pretty awesome place. the owners were a hoot and very nice.. the ambiance was really authwntic read more

Old Mission General Store - Grocery Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Wow! What a huge souvenir shop. 3 floors you can find everything you are looking for here.

A gem of a store. They have everything from cast iron skillets to penny candy to local wine. Storekeepers were so personable and helpful.

Had a nice little time here back in november of 2023 that I'll remember. Just lunch but it was delicious. Felt like we opened a door to a past time in history that can never be reclaimed but is somehow here. Like time stopped. The owner and his wife were extra nice and won't forget them. This place could be a movie set for old hollywood but you can actually buy things here. The best maple sugar candy I have had. Brands you just can't find anymore combined with the new. Antiques abound with a few showcases to walk around and basic needs articles too. BTW the door is on a tight spring so close it easily as to not disturb the peace there like I did. They sell liquor and wine by the bottle and have a little deli counter. If I could create my perfect world this place would be within two country blocks. read more

Wow. Perhaps the most trauma-filled visit to a store ever. The owner (must have been the owner as no mere employee would get away with it) has a violent temper. Screamed at me for coming in to check on the progress of my sandwich being made. Mind you, I hadn't said anything yet! His demeanor was so deranged (and I don't think that is an exaggeration) that I understood right away that it wasn't me. It was him. The sandwich was good, the store itself is very interesting, but I will not subject myself such abuse ever again. read more

Iconic! Such an amazing experience. Great place to bring visitors and had a blast hanging out with the owners!

We happened upon this gem while visiting the peninsula. Was given a recommendation by a server at Brys Winery. Everything is made from scratch. The pasty, hot dog, and burgers were delicious according to my family. I ordered the vegetarian sandwich and made it vegan by requesting no cheese. Do not sleep on this veggie sandwich! It has hummus, dried cherries, cashews, pickles, apples, lettuce and tomato on a homemade ciabiatta bread. One of my favorite veggie sandwiches I've ever had! This is a small spot that usually had visitors. Our meal took quite a lot longer than estimated. But we are on vacation and had the time. It was worth the wait! read more

My parents drove out here on a sunny winter day. They were enjoying viewing ice on the lake. They brought me a spinach pie and a baklava. Dinner of champions. I ate half of the spinach pie before I considered warming it up. Mmm. read more

Very cool place to stop for 12 year cheese and other oddities and deliciousness. Lots of history here, and the nice lady behind the counter is very welcoming. Hot lunch is usually available, as well as some booze and other supplies. If you're up here, you might as well go! read more

Old Mission General Store - Old Mission General Store front - Grocery Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Must-visit on your trip to TC and/or Old Mission! My family has been coming to TC for years and we always stop in to enjoy a piece of history, the kind employees, and delicious food. Remember that this is an small, old general store that emulates a slow-paced life, so be prepared to wait a bit for sandwiches or for your order to be gathered- enjoy the shop, chatting with employees, and take a breath from rushing around! It's worth the wait! I visited this past weekend and unfortunately due to Covid, they are understaffed and some of my favorites (cream cheese stuffed pretzel) are not available. HOWEVER, sandwiches are still being prepared and the coolers and shelves are stocked. We bought a massive chocolate chip cookie and the infamous horseradish cheddar dip with crackers- both were fantastic and a great snack for our pre-winery scenic drive to the lighthouse. I hope this place is around for years to come. read more

While at the County Store my friend went in to get an ice cream. When paying the past middle aged man $5.00 for the ice cream he looked at my friends hat that he wears proudly supporting the 45th President of the United States Donald Trump and asks him, "where do you work"? My friend, retired from the Government tells him I worked for the Government. This man begins to tell him he can not wear the hat and proceeds to tell him he was going to call the authorities. You can't make this up! A man goes into your establishment to purchase an item from you and you have the audacity to tell him he can't wear the hat and your calling the authorities? So WRONG on SO many levels. GROW UP! I will share this information on Facebook also to reach hopefully thousands of people because what you did sir is pathetic! read more

We did not experience any of the negatives mentioned by other yelpers, except the long wait. When we got our lunch, we understood why. They were gigantic and delicious. During the wait, we interacted with the owner and enjoyed his history lessons. We are not city folks any longer, since retiring to the country life, so the wait was not a big deal. I can't help but wonder if some people are just to impatient and expect places such as this to perform to "city" standards. If so, these could be the same folks who lock onto your bumper and tailgate no matter how fast you go. Could be! Perhaps if we all were a bit more tolerant of others and less me me me, we could all get along better. Not defending the owners actions, but haven't heard his side or walked in his shoes. read more

We cannot find the kind of Pinconning Cheese anywhere else but at the OMGS. This place is a hidden gem. Good food. The Cherry Pie was still warm when we got it home. Needless to say half of it did not last the hour after getting home. God bless this place! read more

Love love love this store! Such a unique experience and packed with one in a lifetime goodies. The staff is so sweet and the atmosphere is one of a kind. A must have experience if visiting the peninsula:). read more

Best pizza with homemade sauce in all of Traverse Cityfound at the top of the peninsula. Give Marcy a call and order. It is all of my visitor's favorite read more

I tried to keep an open mind about this place. I visited in the height of summer (during Traverse City Film Fest). Me and my family were staying out on Old Mission and i was looking for lunch (we had no food in our accommodations). I showed up before noon and strangely there were people waiting outside, quiet and waiting for something. The notice on the door said they would not be opening until noon. It was 10 minutes to noon, so I decided to wait. At about 5 after a gentleman came out and started speaking to nobody in particular. "Thank you for your patience, this is what happens when you can't hire enough people to run a business. There are only 2 of us, there is too much to do and not enough people to do it. This business has been in my family for generations. I am using vinegar and water to clean the tables, natural and non-toxic. Please wait until we are ready to open." He went inside, more people arrived (we were up to over 20 people waiting), the doors didn't open until 12:15 or later. Once they did, those who had been waiting patiently filed inside in the order they had arrived. But once I got inside, I noticed the other employee (the man's wife?) was there doing her own thing and certainly did not appear ready to help customers. I quickly surmised that I would not be getting sandwiches here for a very long time. I didn't see a menu and didn't even know where to order. Reaching this realization, and feeling more than a little claustrophobic, I quickly made my way out, empty handed and sure no one notice my arrival, or departure. I was patient and polite. I do not blame the owners for anything. It is never a nice experience when a customer is lectured to (or whatever that was), but it didn't have much to do with me being able to buy sandwiches for lunch. read more

Few places in this country share the attributes of this gem at the end of Old Mission Peninsula - great food, conversation, and history. I took my boys hiking at the nearby Lighthouse and warmed up with hot cocoa and hot dogs (Sicilian pizza for me) and a homemade cherry pie for later. The only thing better than the pie are the owners. They love to talk to their patrons about anything from the history of the store to current happenings of the area. I highly recommend anyone planning on coming down the peninsula to stop by the Old General Store before heading to the beach or lighthouse! read more

Old Mission General Store - Warming up with hot cocoa and hot dogs! - Grocery Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

This is a quaint place to stop at. Takes you back in time. It's small so it's not good for big groups of people or kids to roam around inside. There's a lot to look at around the store, from souvenirs to things you've never seen to food/drink. If you order food there's places to sit inside the old post office area or outside. The staff is alright... slight attitude. If you do order food prepare to wait an hour for food. The sandwiches are good but not an hour wait good. read more

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Let's just say 1 hour to get some burgers and hotdogs for lunch. My kids were done by the time food got there. On that note do not ever take kids there for food. Not a kid friendly place at all. Just grab drinks from coolers and snacks from bins. But not worth time ordering food. read more

The subs here are delicious and filling--not mention well priced. Perfect to grab for a picnic at the beach! The store is filled with fun candies, local wines, ice creams, and more! The store owner was warm and friendly; giving tips about the area and even a wine tasting of local wines! read more

We had ice cream and it was really good according to my grandson. We ordered a large pizza with everything and I mean everything. It was ready on time and I took it home to enjoy. The large pizza was enough for four of us adults with some left over. As an addition I added their 1/2 pound chocolate chip cookie. This is one of the richest cookies I have ever had. I decided to pass on the largest cinnamon bun I have ever encountered. The portions here are always very large. The cherry chicken sandwich can feed you for two days. read more

DO NOT STOP HERE unless you don't mind getting yelled at and mocked by the owner for asking a simple question about the food. The other employees were actually quite courteous. It was disheartening to see my sweet and kind mother, who's favorite stop on the peninsula has always been this place, turn to tears for asking a question about the food as it concerns her dietary restrictions. She told me that he's usually very chatty and kind, but has never been so outright rude to her or his employees (the words he used were completely unacceptable!!). I was enraged in the moment, of course, but looking back in hindsight, there has got to be some sort of mental health disorder at play. I do hope he is getting help in that regard. I do want to add that the store is charming and eclectic and could be a great place to go. But if you decide to stop here, consider yourself warned. read more

If "Petticoat Junction's" store owner Sam Drucker had a grandson who dropped the brown acid in the Haight, then came home to take over the family enterprise...well, it might look something like the Old Mission General Store. The first thing you have to remember is that this is primarily a store for tourists. It's also a kind of love letter to historic Old Mission, before the peninsula became home to trendy vineyards and plutocrats' bayside mansions. So, walking inside, you find yourself in a sort of half-business, half-museum. The place sells a little bit of everything -- food, booze, basic tourist provisions, antiques, retro toys and other fun stuff. It has a small, eclectic selection of deli items, and an ice cream/breakfast/lunch counter. My suggestion: Arrive with an open mind, and with time to spare so you can truly explore the place. Don't worry about outcomes. And have some ice cream. If you're a goal-oriented shopper, then you'd probably be happier driving back into Traverse City. read more