Original Mast General Store

Shawn Hill

2023-11

Cool place to visit. They have a lot of older tools and toys. Prices are a bit high for some goods. I was surprised to learn that there was not as much food items as I thought there would be there.

David Story

2023-07

I'd never heard of this place before visiting Banner Elk and looking for local things to do. It's a very unique operating general store. It very much reminds me of the old stores I visited as a kid in the 70's which have mostly been torn down now. Is it a tourist trap? Slightly. There's plenty of stuff for tourists and it's definitely set up to sell to them. That being said, there's a lot of history there. There's plenty of unique local items like cheese and such that can be purchased. Overall it's a really cool store that I'd take someone to if I were visiting again. Plan on spending about 30 minutes looking for the normal person. My wife would've probably spent an hour there.

April Williams

2023-09

This is such a neat store to visit. There are a number of mast stores around but this was the first. There is an entrance and exit and signs directing you thru the parking area which is gravel. Pay attention to the signs. The main store has lots of candy, gift items, household stuff, some clothing. You can get quite a few items with their logo on it. This time when I visited, I shopped in the school house. Everything there is discounted. Lots of shoes, clothing, and socks. There are always some other items and this time it was sheets and towels. I always find a great pair of shoes! A new feature was the Garden Shed. Everything in here would be used outside. Wind chimes, bird feeders, gardening items, etc. If you get the chance visit.

John Price

2024-01

I stopped here after I saw a TV commercial one day. Some might say tourist trap, which may be accurate, but they had all things that fall under kryptonite weaknesses for me. Friendly staff. And supposedly the longest functioning post office. Cool place overall.

J Trump

2023-12

Great little store love the old feel and classic charm lots of treats love to see the Boy Scouts out there selling popcorn to everybody if you love history this is a must for you

scott morrison

2023-11

If you're on vacation in the Boone NC area, this is a fun store for the entire family. From the great assortment of high-quality t-shirts with laughter and smile causing captions to the entire isle of retro toys that had me thinking of my big wheel Era childhood, this store is literally jam packed with wonder. If you like shopping at Cracker Barrel, you will especially enjoy this old-fashioned general store as it appeals to similar themes but is much more unique. I noticed they have a good selection of tasty individual pastry pies at the front counter for sale, I'm told they are made locall, and the Apple pie is so tasty that it sells out rapidly each week. This is a great 30-minute stop and stretch... and shop stop.

Kristina Hernandez

2023-10

What a cool store! It's large with lots of neat stuff, including an actual working post office. The Annex down the road has more candy barrels and clothing. Definitely a good stop in this area.

Brett Skipper

2023-05

The Original Mast General Store located in Valle Crucis North Carolina is a true gem, and worth a visit! It has been in operation since 1883 and still has the look and feel of a general store from over a century also. Some of the features include candy barrels, old Coca Cola ice chests with cold glass bottled soda, jerky, a shoe store, a toy store, and many more items. The surrounding area by the parking lot is also beautiful! The drive there is through some windy back country roads that are also worth seeing. Do yourself a favor and check this place out if you are in the area!

Daniel Burleson

2024-04

Just wanted to say how much I appreciated Seth’s help with locating/shipping a particular item after having to leave abruptly. We’ve been going up there since I was a child, and everyone working there are truly genuine in their good natured spirit. Thanks again so much!

David Holycross

2023-05

Very kind individuals and warm atmosphere. There might even be some seasonal holiday magic hiding in here. The General Store is a great place to stop and take a moment to enjoy a simpler time. The area surrounding it is also very accommodating for some relaxation.

Ethan Johnson

2023-11

I will never pass through Boone without stopping by the Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis! Amazing old historic store with something for everyone.

Erik Michaels

2023-05

What a lovely place to spend a few hours! This is a trip down memory lane for many people, and I hope anybody reading this takes the time to visit this historical place. You won't be disappointed, as the store carries everyday goods that we are all familiar with along with many different historical items as well as lots of explanatory plaques and signs about times gone by.

Joe Caccioppo

2022-05

I'm going to see everybody's positive comments and raise you ten times what they said! We love this store and the Annex. Brings a wonderful feeling of nostalgia. I can just walk around and feel the good old days. You look up and see lots of items from the past. The staff might be new to this era but they still show the kindness and consideration from back then. We have never missed going to The Mast General Store every time we visit the area. Can't say enough about this place.

Julia I

2024-03

If you enjoy a scenic drive and good conversation, it's worth the short drive from Boone to visit the original Mast General Store and Annex. I've been here many times over the years and have always enjoyed the history as well as the friendly service. I keep coming back!

Woodard Holland

2024-02

Great stop along the way for the kids. Enjoyed old time soda, fresh popcorn and they all candy from yesteryear you could imagine. Also has a huge selection of knives and offers free knife sharpening.Very knowledgeable staff

Jack Bunce

2023-06

Floors and floors of nostalgia along with some kitschy stuff too that adds to the fun of being there. Everything from knives to hiking and walking stuff for the trekkers on the Appalachian Trail to kids toys and candy.

Luke13

2024-04

Really cool old store that had lots of interesting old things on display and good items for sale. As a root beer connoisseur, I especially enjoyed finding two root beers that I haven't seen or tried before.

kathleen watters

2023-12

great old time store, especially many barrels filled with candy. a unique place with old creaky wooden floors that had a pull up door in the floor.

Stacy

2023-05

Absolutely love visiting the Original Mast General Store. The employees are so nice and friendly. Mast has so many great treasures and treats just waiting to go home with you. There are other Mast General Stores closer to me, but I love driving the almost 3 hours to come to the Annex and the Original Store. Something about walking into the old store that takes you back in time to a simpler life. On a side note: All their butters/jams/jellies are the absolute BEST!! We always buy jars for our clients and give them for Christmas.

Zachary Hottel

2023-05

This is the original Mast General Store and the one all others try to emulate.Mast is known for its variety of unique items. Here you will find all of those. A combination of new, old, local, international, unique, and wonderful items that you will love.Inside the original you will find a post office, store stove, hardware, and much more that takes you back decades as you purchase your latest camping gear or barrel of candy.

Sally Smith

2022-05

How fun stepping back in time, walking through this historical building and hearing the floors creek! Take your time and enjoy browsing through isles of many products to purchase and reminisce of what it must have been like when this store first opened. They literally sold everything from cradles to caskets back in the day! Be sure to look up near the ceiling where shelves of antiques are placed. I was happy to find my souvenir Deneen Pottery mug while we were there! Yayyy!!! If you are in the area, this is a must see!

Keith Phelan

2024-03

We've always been a huge fan of the local Mast Store in Greenville, SC so it was great to see the original. It was cool to see all of the history while at the same time having the fun and charm of any Mast location.

Calli

2023-05

Such a cool place! The whole property is stunning and the history behind it is fascinating! They even use the old mail service for the community! The fried apple pies are legendary!!!

David Carpenter

2023-09

Nice old store. Hugh inventory. Surprised how unfriendly the employees were. No one greeted you even though there about 6 employees walking through the store. Not one word. The only person who was nice was the man who checked us out. Not too impressed.

Chris Harmon

2024-03

This place has real salespeople. I went to purchase a pair of good walking shoes First they measured my foot using the dremmal device. Next they brought out pair after pair until we found a pair that was right. Emma helped me the mostHowever everyone was very helpful. You don't find customer service everyday 4

Tommy Palmer

2023-06

It was a wonderful place to stop at. An original general store that has everything you need. If they don't have it, you don't need it!

Alyssa, waywardblog

2024-02

The OG! I mean, you just have to visit, right?

Bill

2024-04

It's really old but never gets old!! Ha!Family favorite for decades.No need to add too many comments as I'm sure if you're heading there, you know what to expect.A little pricey on outdoor gear and clothing but that's to be expected.

Jay Owen

2024-01

Friendly, clean, nostalgic, and large selection of clothing and outdoor gear. Candy store was too tempting. Items are pricey though. Loved the original, Original Mast Store, too.

Kimberly Herriott

2023-08

This is a must stop!! Go back in time from an old time working post office to sitting on the porch sipping soda out of a glass bottle. Great treasures to be found!