Last week while the HH and I were on our driving tour along the Kancamagus Highway, one of the towns we stopped to look around in was Bath, New Hampshire. There are an abundance of covered bridges here in New England and the Bath covered bridge in it’s idyllic setting, did not disappoint.
Built in 1832 by an unknown builder, the Bath covered bridge is the longest covered bridge in New Hampshire and one of the oldest bridges in America.
Restored in 1988 by Milton S. Graton Associates, the bridge is still in use today for both foot traffic and cars. Pretty cool if you ask me! Walking along the wooden planks of covered bridges is one of my new favorite things about living here in New England. Covered bridges and country stores, does it getting any better than that?
The Brick Store in Bath, New Hampshire claims to be the oldest continuously operating general store in the United States {since the early 1790’s!} so we decided to check it out while we were in town as well. We happened to arrive at the store just as a tour bus operator was rounding up a crowd {apparently fall foliage tours are HUGE in this neck of the woods} but once the tourists cleared out, we had a chance to go inside for a look around.
Rocking chairs on the front porch…. How inviting.
The store pretty much has everything you’d need, including a grind your own peanut butter station! Which for some reason I thought was mildly amusing… because really, doesn’t everyone grind their own peanut butter these days? 😉
Sundries… Including the best brushed flannel shirts on the planet. Do you see that metal grate in the floor? I LOVE seeing those in old homes and buildings. Most of the time it means there is a wood stove on the floor below and the grate helps the warm air float up to the next level. I don’t know why, but they make my hearth happy every time I see one.
Free smoked sausage and cheese samples {the HH said they were OVER THE TOP delicious} and purchased a mini sampler tray for his lunch.
Oh, and pelts {squirrel, rabbit and coon}. You know, in case you need to make a hat or something? It’s right next to the beer case in the back, if you can’t find them, just ask. 😉
There is also a homemade fudge counter, and an entire wall behind the register with shelves filled spices with mixes, country jams and local maple syrup.
Seriously, what more could you want from a country store? Plus the staff was super friendly. We give this place two thumbs up! So if you ever find yourself near Bath, New Hampshire, stop on by.
Have a great day everyone, enjoy the sunshine.
~Mavis
The Brick Store
21 Lisbon Rd, Bath, NH 03740
Rosaleen says
S-o-o cool! Thanks, Mavis!
Bec B. says
Smoked rat trap cheese? Did I read that correctly?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, yes you did. 🙂
Margo Miller says
I miss the fall foliage on the east coast. I grew up there. In southern California the closest we come is around December a few trees turn colors. I shouldn’t complain, though, we don’t shovel snow either!
Gina says
Lovely.
Heather says
Doesn’t get much better than FRESHLY GROUND honey roasted peanut butter!
Cheryl says
We were in Vermont last week and bought my dh two of those shirts and my son one also. Very nice shirts.