Cottonwood General Store — Attraction in Manuel Benavides

Terrible experience in May 2017. I was camping in big bend and had patronized this store multiple times before coming in contact with two of the rudest clerks. While discussing personal matters behind the register (discussing ones pregnancy) an older clerk aggressively questioned me for holding my miniature dachshund while I ran in to grab fixings for supper. She asked if he was a service dog to which I answered no, she demanded he left before I even had the opportunity to apologize. I politely exited the store while my friend finished shopping when he heard them gossiping loudly about MY nerve to bring a dog into the store.

I did not see any immediate signs of NO PETS at the store front. Nor did I see any where I could tie him up with some water. When I was told I was in the wrong I immediately exited the store.

I went back into the store, this time with out my dog, to grab something we forgot. The two women watched me wander around and not once offered to help me find what I was looking for (salsa.) when I got to the register there was no greeting or questions if I had found what I was looking for. When I asked if they did cash back from a debit purchase I received a sharp NO.

If you want to be treated with respect, I suggest you go elsewhere. Who knew carrying a tame 10lb dog was such...

Went there in the morning on the way into Big Bend National Park. Picked up snacks and drinks from their large and varied selection of organic and vegetarian friendly foods. Came back to grab a quick bite for dinner and Joan showed us where we could find vegetarian frozen but healthy meal options and kindly allowed us to use their microwave. We ate outside at the edge of the parking lot before heading down to the town for the night. While this place may be a bit more expensive than larger cities, they are quite out of the way and despite that they cater to various tastes, have a wide selection of foods, drinks, fresh produce, frozen foods, medical supplies, etc. A very well thought out selection from the owner or buyer. Put out a few tables and umbrellas and folks driving the large distances will be quite thrilled to rest and snack/eat. Kudos to Joan for being super polite and helpful with all...

Pre-pandemic, Cottonwood would have gotten a 5-star review from me. We have been going for years and it is a great store with practically everything you would want, lots of organic food choices, and quality produce. Today, however, they get two stars. If you take the pandemic at all seriously then avoid this place right now! Two of the three women working there were wearing their masks around their necks and less than half of the shoppers were wearing masks at all despite the clear face-covering requirement. It was crowded and no one was social distancing. This is so irresponsible! I'm very disappointed in the owners and managers for allowing...