SHOP LOCAL White Birch General Store • Bennington, New Hampshire

Bennington, New Hampshire's White Birch General Store, with its birch décor and named after the state tree, opened just over a year ago and receives rave reviews from locals and vacationers, whether visiting or traveling through. &emsp;Store Manager April Apple says the store recently celebrated its first birthday and hosted a celebration with free samples from local vendors, live music by Tyler Allgood, and one-dollar specials all day to thank customers for their support. &emsp;The store was closed by the previous owner for more than two years during the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns and did not reopen. Locals really wanted a general store and were eager to have the newly managed and renovated store open, she says. &emsp;The process of gutting the 100-year-old building and repairing and remodeling the store was a lengthy one. &emsp;"We worked very hard to update it while maintaining its history," Apple notes, pointing out the historic pictures decorating the walls. &emsp;The result is a warm, charming atmosphere offering a variety of grocery items, prepared foods, and extensive selections of wine, beer, and cheese, all curated to provide appealing choices, many of which are made locally or within New Hampshire. &emsp;"We definitely want to support local vendors," Apple says. &emsp;An appealing gift section features kitchenware, artisan-made candles and soaps, as well as items for children and pets. This fits their family-friendly image, she shares. &emsp;Cheerful staff members welcome people when they arrive, recognizing customers who come in regularly. Barista Wynter Tremlett makes their favorite specialty lattes, and Sarah "Sassy" Laraway cooks and prepares sandwiches with clever names. &emsp;The "Cowboy Cheesesteak" is their number one seller, notes April, and others include the "Viva Las Vegan!," the "Garden Party," and "Gone Fishin'." The grab-and-go take-home meals are another popular choice. And they offer catering services. &emsp;Hearty breakfasts and homemade muffins are served daily until 11 a.m., followed by lunch. &emsp;Seating includes two high-top tables up front, four lower tables in the back, and two tables with umbrellas outside. Plans for a front deck are a goal, along with bands entertaining, maybe even a movie night with a big outdoor screen. &emsp;Past events featured chocolate and wine tastings, Fourth of July festivities, and, for Halloween, trick-or-treating and costume contests. &emsp;White Birch General Store is the latest iteration of the store, which opened in 1908 as Smith's Drug Store. Owner Charles Smith moved the store to its current Main Street location, adding a soda fountain in 1925. &emsp;Donald Powers bought the business next, running it as a general store but renaming it "The Village Spa." In 1988, a new owner changed the name to "The Bennington Country Store." which served as the town's post office throughout the 90s before closing down. &emsp;One important thing remained the same amidst the changes over the years. It has continued to serve as a hub in the center of town, where people gather and are nourished by its offerings. &emsp;"Work hard, laugh harder" is an employee motto at this rewarding place, Apple says, where staff members feel like family. BOX with store logo White Birch General Store6 Main Street, Bennington, NH603-588-2889hello@whitebirchgeneral.comwhitebirchgeneral.com