Davoll’s General Store

This was my childhood. But really. Everything about this store. We grew up in a summer community exactly 5 miles from here. i remember the day when our parents let us ride our bikes here by ourselves, it felt like we were officially adults when in reality we were probably only 11. The windy roads, the wind in our hair, coca cola falls. all for the luxury of pure sugar. Not only sugar, but sugar in the form of penny candy. They had sour straws of all colors, bubble tape, tootsies, sixlets, smarties, neccos. you name it, they had it. All for some sort of cheap cents.
The lure of the candy is no longer there. I went last week and they had about 4 types of candies and all were over $ 1. Maybe it’s a part of growing up, maybe its the economy. Either way it was a painful 10 miles for expensive candy.
However, besides many cavities and cherished memories, Davoll’s offers South Dartmouth something for everyone. They have nooks and crannies of books, shirts, clothing, collectibles of all kinds, dolls, houses, quilts, Christmas decorations. If you like collecting random things, they will have it for you. Especially the Christmas villages, my mother comes here every year to get a new «Dept. 56» house for our village.
The floors creak, they probably haven’t been washed since the store was built many many years ago, the windows are dusty, the cashiers probably are lifetimers. But the atmosphere is simply priceless. Step in, and step back in time. By far the best general store I have ever been into.

You feel like you have stepped back in time when you go to Davoll’s. That’s normally a great thing when you are talking about ambience, but not necessarily a great thing when you are talking about the wares that this store sells. I felt like if I was 20 years older I would appreciate what they have to sell more than I did. Fabric bolts, quilts and Christmas ornaments are a few of the millions of things that they selling at this deceivingly large store. If you are really into collecting those really expensive Caroler statues or Christmas village statues this is your place. But otherwise the clothes are outdated (although probably handmade) the Tchotchkes are nothing I really have to have and although I love Christmas ornaments I’m not in the market for them right now. Also, I don’t know if the deli is still in operation, but I would have liked to see the cooler stock some kind of prepared foods or something, instead they use it for storing… stuff. What I really loved were a couple of things: The staff was super duper nice. Also, they have a «gift shop» in the back that was actually Mr. Davolls’ house at one time, and it still had that feel when you walk in. In terms of other stores like this in the area, I think this is my least favorite, however, if you have never been to a store like this, you really should stop in. Unfortunately, these stores are closing all around the area, and they truly are a gem!

Davoll’s General Store is one of the oldest general stores in the US.
These days the general store is more of a gift shop than a candy store. But they still have some candy.
There’s parking in the front and the back of the building. Interesting area. It’s in southern Dartmouth (not to be confused with South Dartmouth, which is actually east of Dartmouth) along the road to Demarest Lloyd State Park. (The park/​beach is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day).
There’s a farm stand nearby (Alderbrook Farm). It’s open year round. Up the road (Russell Mills road) there’s a pottery store. Further down the road (Horseneck Road) there’s another gift shop.
I saw a lot of old colonial houses. And lots of farmland by the ocean. This part of the state is kind of unique. I guess it hasn’t changed much since the 1950’s.

When you enter into Davoll’s Country Store, you definitely feel like you have been transported to a time long past. At first I thought it was just a little variety store, then I stepped into the collectibles room. I had never see such an array of Byers Choice Carolers, Possible Dreams Santas, Radko ornaments and much much more. The staff is very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. They know their products and help you in deciding on your purchase. It’s a quaint out of the way place, stop by and visit them, have a hot chocolate on your way out. Love this place.

I’m so in love with Davoll’s General Store! If you’re a city or suburban dweller, the concept of a «general» store might be quite lost to you. (As it is with me.) When I go to Davoll’s I feel like I’ve stepped back in time; in a good way of course!
They offer candies that you can only find in specialty candy stores or online! They include candy cigarettes, bubble gum cigars, candy buttons, wax bottles, bit’o honey, only to name a few.
They also sell books, clothing, and knick-​knacks.