Put It on My Tab

In this modern era of drive-thru dinners and jam-packed schedules, it's refreshing to stumble upon vestiges of a simpler time such as Philomont General Store.

Situated at the crossroads of Jeb Stuart Road and Snickersville Turnpike, Philomont General Store, established in 1913, is a delightful anachronism worthy of exploration. The weathered white building features red doors and front-porch benches that beckon you to sit and stay awhile.

Unlike a stuffy museum, the store, with its old-fashioned character and old-wood aroma, offers an honest and inviting portrait of the old general store. This local slice of Americana features original shelving, ceiling and wooden flooring.

"It really brings me back to my childhood in Pennsylvania where I went to a little country general store for our mail, candy and all sorts of other goodies," said Barbara Maistros of Ashburn who was perusing the store's wares recently.

Philomont General Store's interesting history includes serving as host to the Masonic Lodge and operating as a Red Cross volunteer site during WWII. The store also has the distinction of being the only country store in the county to have a U.S. Post Office located within. The current postmaster Laura Pearson has been serving in her position since 1964.

Philomont General Store has more than 200 post office boxes. But customers can get more than their mail here. Maybe they need a can of soup for a casserole or coffee for the next morning. The store has shelves stocked with grocery staples that customers can turn to instead of the supermarket. On my recent outing, I saw everything from pickles and ketchup to canned vegetables and tuna.

But the word "general" is in the store's name for a reason. Not only can you snap up some canned goods, but you can find a variety of eclectic merchandise ranging from fine cigars and old-fashioned stick candy to fishing poles and automotive items. Need a stocking stuffer for your kids? Consider old-fashioned jacks or tiddlywinks packaged like they would have been years ago. Other gift items include candles and hand-painted Christmas ornaments featuring scenes from Philomont. It's no surprise that the store's motto is, "a little something for everyone."

That also includes something for the foodie or wine connoisseur. Gourmet items such as pastas, peanuts, honey and jams are available as are more than 100 fine wines, including a wide array of Virginia labels. Store owner Madeline Skinner, who also owns Seven Oaks Vineyard with her husband Mark, creates gift baskets from the products in her store.

Skinner's intent is to promote the local economy, as many of the store's products are made by local residents. You can also warm up with some fresh brewed coffee and stick-to-your-ribs sandwiches. I recommend the tangy pulled pork barbecue sandwich topped with coleslaw. Snacks and drinks are available too.

And yes, Philomont General Store still runs tabs. Imagine that at your local grocery store.

"We still do tabs for about 60 of our neighbors," said Skinner, who purchased the store in 2003. She and Mark are the eighth owners.

Skinner, a former suburbanite who had lived in Cascades for seven years, clearly enjoys owning this special piece of history and "preserving the tradition of the country store." She added, "It remains the hub of the community." And, I would offer, a venerable fixture on western Loudoun's landscape.

Philomont General Store is located at 36550 Jeb Stuart Rd. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 540-338-5792 or go to www.philomontgeneralstore.com.