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    Speculator Department Store

    5.0 (2 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    6 years ago

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    Charlie Johns Store - Deli!

    Charlie Johns Store

    4.7(12 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    This review is not for the grocery store part (which is decent, and the best bet for 30 miles…read morearound), or the camping supplies (which are excellent, really comprehensive for the basic set of things you may need but have forgotten, or the general hardware and goods (better than the Department Store -- see also -- for most things). I'm reviewing Charlie John's as a Bookstore-Café. Because there's one little table in the back by the deli, and we had (seriously) a delightful time there after a few dozen banal visits for groceries and supplies. First off, the made to order sandwiches -- we got egg salad and tuna salad -- are quite good. The Broccoli salad was as good a one as I've ever had, although I suspect that was because there were little bits of ham in it we didn't notice until after we started eating it (we are not dogmatic vegetarians, and occasionally fall off the wagon anyway). The deli staff were extremely pleasant, and I don't mean this as a knock on any particular establishment, but during the busy summer season that really stands out among other more harried employees of some businesses I shan't mention. And then we had the added pleasure of being able to talk directly to a half dozen patrons, as we were blocking the access to pork roll, ground turkey, and littleneck clams from our perch at the sole table. Second: the bookstore. CJ's has a half a row of books in the camping section, plus another stub for maps and guidebooks, and honestly, I think I've been in every bookstore in the ADK, I think this has the best-curated books of local interest. They have some truly small-press low-print-run titles here, from a biography of Nick Stoner to a history of the Moose Plains Wilderness. It's fun just to browse and while you can't buy everything, we always make it a point to buy something. That's when it occurred to me: we were having as enjoyable a time as we have at bookstore cafés. I mean, this sure beats Barnes and Noble. So having not bothered to review Charlie John's before -- what else is there to say about the best small grocery store in the ADK that hasn't been said in other reviews -- and convey to you that you now have a secret rainy day destination. That is the Charlie John's Bookstore Café.

    A great market with food, drinks of all kinds, souvenirs, and hardware! Truly a one-stop shop. The…read morecashiers are all very kind.

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    Charlie Johns Store
    Charlie Johns Store
    Charlie Johns Store - Hardware section

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    Hardware section

    Northville 5 & 10 - Northville 5-10-25 cent Store (oldest one)

    Northville 5 & 10

    4.8(4 reviews)
    21.4 mi

    This historic shop on Main Street claims to be the oldest five and dime in the entire country,…read morehaving been in business since 1907. I don't know if that's true, or if it's been this busy for 114 years, but it was definitely packed full of people last Saturday perusing the wide array of merchandise they have for sale. Despite its proximity to the Great Sacandaga Lake, Northville is usually a sleepy little town. Last Saturday though, the Five and Dime was literally the busiest place I've been since COVID hit...maybe it was a combination of the 4th of July parade happening soon and the impending rain...but I like to think it's just because it's an awesome shop. Five and dimes seem to be dying out across the country, but if you've never been to one it's like a mini-department and/or general store. They've got all kinds of fun stuff to check out from toys (bubbles for my daughter), camping supplies, hardware, stationary, seasonal decorations (we found some needed graduation stuff, birthday candles, etc.) crafts, housewares, and more. Don't forget to check out the second floor which has a surprisingly nice selection of lake-appropriate clothing (Lakegirl must be a popular brand these days), and a whole room for baby stuff...books, clothes, toys, and more. Most importantly, they've got homemade fudge. I'm not a huge fudge guy, but I'll happily get down with the sea salt caramels anytime, and the army of teenage girls that seem to staff this place will be happy to help you out.

    This is a cute location. It is filled with a lot of older type of products that you saw when you…read morewere a kid, but it also has a lot of new things as well so the selection is vast. They have cute knickknacks and things. That can be purchased, and it is a great little shop and they're really not overpriced. All the clothing is upstairs so they do sell clothes too, and although they are not exactly the cheapest things in the world, they also not the most expensive things in the world. We're always greeted with friendliness and you know it's a great atmosphere so it is a nice place to visit overall and they have a lot of fresh fudge there that looks absolutely delicious. My folks get a fudge there all the time when they are in the area. I definitely recommend this place if you're ever in Northville,, give it a shot.

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    Northville 5 & 10
    Northville 5 & 10
    Northville 5 & 10

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    Speculator Department Store - deptstores - Updated August 2026

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