Living

See where Georgia’s 3 most charming country stores are, according to Southern Living

Country stores are a staple of the South.

They are nostalgic, warm and have all the essentials: from your favorite soda to a gallon of milk or pet supplies. Some even have fresh baked goods, fruits or vegetables.

If you’re on the go and looking for a quick stop, these stores are the best way to do it. But where are the best ones located? Well, Southern Living wondered the same thing and asked their readers.

Country stores in North Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee were some of the ones named the best, but the Peach State was also a huge contender. In fact, Southern Living readers named three country stores in Georgia some of the most charming in the South. Here’s where they can be found:

Helen, Georgia - Betty’s Country Store

Betty’s Country Store in Helen, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south.
Betty’s Country Store in Helen, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south. courtesy of Betty's Facebook


At Betty’s Country Store in Helen, Georgia, you’ll find what you need and then some. Betty’s has candy, fresh produce and meats, bakery items and a great selection of beer and wine. Southern Living readers also praised the store’s “Adirondack chairs and walk-up bar out front.”

Bogart and Cordele, Georgia - Stripling’s General Store

Stripling’s General Store in Bogart and Cordele, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south.
Stripling’s General Store in Bogart and Cordele, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south. courtesy of Stripling's General Store Facebook

Stripling’s has your hot coffee, snacks, sausages, sauces and jerky. Heck, their motto is “You Never Sausage A Place,” and that certainly rings true because this country store has it all. Southern Living readers especially love Stripling’s butcher shop, gift sets and t-shirts.

Blairsville, Georgia - Sunrise Grocery

Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south.
Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville, Georgia is one of Southern Living’s most charming country stores in the south. courtesy of Sunrise Grocery Facebook

As Southern Living says, this country store is “a sight for sore eyes—especially after a long day of hiking in the woods.” It’s located in the beautiful North Georgia mountains and has everything from homemade candles, soaps, local honey and apparel. You can even fill up your tank while you’re there.

Which country store is your favorite in Georgia? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

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Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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