A landmark that has outlasted wars, generations, and the relentless march of modern retail, the End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia, Ohio has been open for business since 1840 — making it the oldest continually operating general store in the entire state. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is also recognized as one of the oldest operating general stores in the United States. That’s not a marketing slogan — that’s nearly two centuries of history behind a single front door.
Located about 45 minutes east of Cleveland, the store sits in the scenic Amish community of Mesopotamia, Ohio, right where Geauga, Ashtabula, and Trumbull counties meet. Today, Ken and Margaret Schaden, along with their 11 children, proudly own and operate this historic destination at the intersection of State Routes 87 and 534. It’s a full-on family affair — and that warmth comes through the moment you walk in.
What’s Inside (Hint: Everything)
The store boasts over 15,000 unique items, including Amish-made goods, old-fashioned candy, hard-to-find kitchenware, and distinctive gifts. Wandering through the aisles feels genuinely exploratory — you’ll keep stumbling onto something unexpected around every corner, from decorative baking sprinkles to white cheddar cheese powder to handmade candles and soaps.
Inside the store, shelves are lined with penny candy that truly costs a penny, over 150 varieties of glass bottle soda, Amish meats and cheeses, homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, and hard-to-find kitchen gadgets. The soda wall alone is worth the trip — there’s an entire wall devoted to bottled sodas, stocked with all sorts of fun varieties you’ve likely never heard of.
The store’s most legendary edible item, though, is the fry pie. The store is home to its famous fry pies, coming in over 12 different flavors — and they attract people from all over the world who want a taste of their sugary goodness. From classic fruit fillings to chocolate and cream cheese varieties, these hand-held pastries are a must-try before you leave.
In addition to the original store, a small-batch gourmet chocolate and popcorn shop called Clarksville Sweets has also opened, offering over 25 flavors of popcorn, 30 different types of chocolates, and over 10 different flavors of cotton candy. It’s a sweet bonus that makes an already full visit feel even more indulgent.
From soaps and candles, to kitchen gadgets, to toys, candy, jellies, dips, and cheeses — the sheer variety is staggering. Bakery, cheese, bottled sodas, ice cream, fudge, knife sets, candy, bulk goods, trinkets, and gadgets are all here — and a small hardware store is even attached. It truly earns its “general store” title.
Beyond the Store: Outdoor Attractions
Outside, there’s a little petting zoo where you can visit goats, and a 30-foot gem mining sluice for a fun hands-on activity. Kids absolutely love these additions, and they elevate the stop from a simple shopping trip into a full-on outing.
On sunny afternoons, guests can also admire the Schaden family’s antique car collection outside, which features gems like a 1916 Depot Hack and a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere. It’s an unexpected and delightful bonus that adds another layer of nostalgia to the whole experience.
Atmosphere & Décor
The store’s charming interior features rustic wooden floors, vintage décor, and shelves brimming with nostalgic items. Visitors are treated to a nostalgic journey through time — the store is filled with historic memorabilia, including a barber chair, a player piano, old clothes, shoes, and even a post office setup.
While clearing out the store’s back rooms in recent years, the owners discovered an incredible collection of historic items, including vintage cash registers, scales, dry goods, needle boxes, and even canned goods dating back to the 19th century. Many of these pieces are now on display, making the store feel as much like a living museum as a place to shop.
Located in the heart of Mesopotamia, the store serves as a gateway to the beauty and culture of Amish Country. The surrounding area is dotted with picturesque farms, horse-drawn buggies, and rolling countryside — a serene setting that invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life. There’s also a big front porch to sit on and watch the Amish buggies pass.
Other Considerations
What’s the pricing like? Prices are generally reasonable for most of the dry goods, bulk foods, and penny candy — but a few things to note: the store can be inexpensive at times and pricier at others, as it does lean toward catering to tourists. The ice cream, while very good, is noted by some as a little pricey. Think of it less as a bargain hunting trip and more as a fun experience where you’re paying for the atmosphere as much as the products.
Is it good for families and kids? Absolutely. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or solo, the store genuinely offers something for everyone. The penny candy, petting zoo, gem mining sluice, and novelty sodas keep kids entertained for a good chunk of time, while parents enjoy browsing the kitchen gadgets, bulk foods, and deli. It’s the kind of place that becomes a multi-generational tradition — some families have been visiting for three or four generations, bringing kids to take photos in the Amish buggy, and then returning years later with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
What about parking? The store is quite large, but parking is limited and must be shared with local horse and buggy customers. Plan ahead, especially on weekends or during local events, and arrive a bit early to snag a good spot.
When is the best time to visit? The store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded. The annual Mespo ox roast held during the 4th of July is a great family event, and a trip to the general store pairs perfectly with the festivities.
Can I order online? Yes! The store also serves as a convenient online retailer that ships curated selections of popular items like their legendary fry pies directly to customers’ doors. So even if you can’t make the drive, you can still get a taste of what makes this place so special.
End of the Commons General Store
📍 8719 State Route 534 N, Mesopotamia, OH 44439
Website: https://endofthecommons.com
