end of the commons general store

Located in the heart of Amish country, this unique general store has a lot to offer. The store is quite large, but parking is limited, and must be shared with the local horse and buggy customers. Numerous articles are offered from bakery, cheese, bottled sodas, ice cream, fudge, knife sets, candy, bulk goods, trinkets, gadgets, you-name-it, it's all here. Even a small hardware store is attached. Very unique, sometime inexpensive, sometimes pricy, but seems geared for the tourist. When in this area, make sure to stop. Like going back in time to an "old-fashioned" store. Easily spend an hour looking at everything or having a bite to eat. Note, be careful of the buggies.

We've been here a few times now. The uniquiness hasn't worn of yet. There are so many things to look at, so many gadgets to explore, and lots of throwback items to reminisce over. If you had a favorite soda from years ago, I'd be surprised if you couldn't find it here. Not to mention all the kitchen items that are very handy, but you've probably never seen or thought of. They also have bulk goods, and soaps, and jewlery, and candles, and, and, and ... well, go see for yourself! Great for all ages.

I shop there...I eat there and I relax on the porch...the setting is so beautiful with the gazebo right downstreet...I JUST LOVE THIS PLACE.....

This was a fun little place to putz around, try some sample foods and look at all kinds of stuff, from soaps and candles, to kitchen gadgets, to toys, candy, jellies, dips, cheeses, etc. felt like going back in time. this is within the Amish community so there are Amish stopping by in their horse and buggies, and Amish girls work in the store. A fun way to spend an hour or two if you are in the area.

This is an interesting place to visit. This shop sells everything from gas to ice cream, cheese to washing powder. I had several meals in the café and the food was tasty and hot, just what I wanted. The ice cream is very nice if a little pricey.

Yes this General store has all the making of a Tourist Trap, but it is a fun place to stop. It has recently been expanded and modernized and is bigger than ever. There is an assortment of something for everyone. Everything here is NOT local, but there is a lot of local stuff. There is a dizzying assortment of everything, candy, tools, cooking items, deli case, cheese, ice cream , toys, maple syrup, seasonal offerings, cookies, baked goods, fried pies, candles, amish goods, homemade items,.lots and lots of bulk items. There are cold cases of every kind of imaginable cold bottled soda pop... penny candy, cookbooks, wearing apparel, hats , lunch items. snacks, fudge, odd trinkets. There are a small amount of tables inside, and other seating in the square if you want to find a bench . There is also a nice clean restroom. Note - However when there are large events on the square, they close off the restrooms (not nice !). So if you are passing by in a car, bike, motorcycle, truck, or camper, stop for a bit. For sure you will find SOMETHING of interest to you. NOT opened on Sunday

This is a fun place to visit. My daughter loves the assortment of bottled soda. There's an entire wall devoted to it and they stock all sorts of fun stuff you have never heard of. It really is a tourist trap but it's still fun. The penny candy is fun for kids (and adults) and there's a nice selection of kitchen items and some bulk foods. It's a little expensive but not much more than other places. I wouldn't call this an Amish place, there are many more authentic places with better prices but most people just visiting never know about them as much. It's a fun little stop if you know what to expect but if I were Amish I would be offended going in there. They sell t-shirts that say "Got Amish? We do".

The Mespo ox roast held during the 4th of July is great family fun. A trip to the general store adds to the fun. The ice cream tastes great. The penny candy is always a hit even with my adult kids. Many hard to find items are here - decorative baking sprinkles and white cheddar cheese powder. The negative review wrote "Amish girls" when they probably were Mennonite.

This little tourist spot has been around for a long time. They have great ice cream and have started serving food as well. In the middle of Amish country, it's worth visiting.

Based on the other reviews, I was very excited about bringing my family here when we came to visit during maple sugar season. However, I regret to report that we were shocked at the high prices and the indifferent attitudes of the staff. Not at all what we expected. There is nothing "authentic Amish" anywhere in the store, and even the food deli admitted nothing is prepared on site at all. Serving sizes were small and ridiculously overpriced. We felt completely ripped off, even though we come from Los Angeles where things are generally very expensive. Yes, there are a million interesting things to look at here, but everything is insanely overpriced..... the kind of prices you'll pay for popcorn and soda at a theater. The complete indifference and fake attitudes of the "Amish girls" is an insult to the Amish community. It was obvious they were used to dealing with large volumes of tourists and are only interested in how much of your money they can get from you. My whole family felt completely let down, and after taking another look at some of these reviews, I have to wonder if many of them are locals just trying to drum up business for the place. Seriously, this was a huge disappointment after getting excited about the place after reading other reviews. Yes, it's a cool place to visit, but be prepared for sticker shock and complete indifference. Do NOT come here with an appetite. You'll only get ripped off. There are other eating establishments nearby that will feed you great food in generous quantities for a low price.

I could spend a couple hours here looking around at all the cute things - there is a really nice kitchen section with lots of little gadgets, an awesome bulk food section with lots of alternative flours and sprinkles and jimmies in so many colors (I stock up for all of my holiday baking), an old fashioned candy section and more! My friends and I make an outing of coming here once a summer and have so much fun each time we do.

This is a really unique general store with a lot of interesting items and a great selection of soda's in glass bottles.

I wish I had had more time the day that my daughter and I stopped here. We were in between Geneva on the Lake Ohio and heading to Sharon PA and unfortunately only had about 30 minutes to look around in this store. Having grown up in Amish country area I am all too familar with how New Wilmington PA has literally turned into a tourist trap with the Amish paying the emotional price. (I am sure they do get financial compensation but it still feels wrong...) At any rate this is a real store in the middle of Ohio countryside which does not feel touristy and has all the advantage of being able to gain some quick insight into their lifestyle without feeling voyeuristic. The store itself is huge with the old fashioned candy counter, deli, and incredible selection of spices, flours, pasta, breads, and mixes on the shelves. Particularly delicious were no less than 30 different jellies and sauces which were available to sample. I bought the barbecue sauce and the raspberry jelly which were so very good. I am sure I will have to go back to get more even if it means travelling from Pittsburgh where I live! I believe they had an ice cream counter and even a toy area. Be prepared to spend as much or more for the items as in the grocery store; there really are no bargains here, just quality food.

Walking into this store will make you feel like you took a trip in a time machine! This is one of the oldest continuously opened general stores in the country. From penny candy to kitchen utensils this place has something for everyone. You will be transported back to childhood when you look around and see hard to find items that most stores don't carry anymore (skybars, necco wafers, big league chew to name a few). Don't pass up the chance to try a free sample of fudge it is worth it! The store can get pretty crowded so get there early. Also, be mindful that parking is scarce in front of the store and those fill up quickly. They have spillover parking across the way so a bit of walking is required. The store being located in Amish country means it is closed on Sunday. Check it out for a unique back in time experience.

This store has lots of items in it from gag gifts to area souvenirs to Amish food products to cheese...I think you get the drift. There are lots of items to sample; cheese, snacks, jams, BBQ sauce. And if you want to find that odd gift for someone back home it isn't a problem.