This general store in Hope Valley dates back to 1888, but I only just found out about it yesterday from someone who lives in the vicinity. (Thx Trisha K.!)

Hack & Livery is also unlike anything I’ve ever seen around these parts.

As you might expect, their inventory includes classics such as penny candy and houseware type items.

This old time-y department store, however, takes things to a whole other level, with over 100 different kinds of (glass jarred) candy that they weigh and sell by the pound, not to mention an eye popping assortment of home goods like coffee or tea mugs, place mats, dish towels, napkins, and the like. (I bought my momma a few packs of their colorful, printed napkins which she adored.)

But that’s only a very small portion of what they have to offer.

My friend Karen and I explored the first floor on Wednesday and we couldn’t believe the treasures we kept discovering.

Karen left with a bag the goodies that included crystals, stationary, and engraved decorative stones.

Last night I was trying to make a list of all the merch we saw and came up with: toys, books, Christmas ornaments and greeting cards, totes and handbags, sun hats, women’s clothing, scarves, wooden signs, arts & crafts, wallets, wind chimes, Hope Valley t-shirts (I want to go back & get one), novelty socks and slippers, lotions and soaps, costume jewelry, candles, stuffed animals and dollies, beverages (yes, we spied Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea, a local Rhody fave), planters, cocktail and dinner napkins, cookie cutters, and garden flags.

(And I know this list is, believe it or not, incomplete.)

Also, while we were there, people from out of state were pulling up, which says a lot. I mean, folks are driving from Connecticut and Massachusetts to shop.

So, text that friend or relative who loves browsing, and would appreciate exploring a retail setting rooted in 19th century Rhode Island life and history, and make a plan.

Hack & Livery is located at 1006 Main Street in Hope Valley, Rhode Island.

As always, if you motor over after reading this, please do let them know you found out about them via Patty J and PattyJ.com.