Old Sautee Store — Local services in Cornelia

This place is AMAZING! When you walk in the front door of the store, it's really like going back in time. I've never seen such a well-preserved general store as the front of this store--a modern, real store part is in the back.

Make sure to check out all the old machines because THEY ALL WORK! There's an orchestrion to one side that if you put in a quarter, a piano roll spins and it makes music (kind of like an orchestra in a box.) Next to it is a "love meter" that for a dime will forecast your hotness level (I'm "burnin'"!) In the middle of the room is a stereoscope with old-timey naughty pictures that will flip by for a nickel. There's a "get your weight and fortune" towards the back where you put a penny in the slot of your birth month, but the penny just fell out the back so that one doesn't work.

Inside the actual shop is a very nice lady and lots of fun things to buy. We realized that a lot of stuff from our cabin rental must have come from here, like the Sautee and Nachoochee printed legend and the guest notebook. There's also lots of fun old-fashioned bulk candy, jams and sauces, and down in the back, even some clothes. It was a really great selection! I was totally taken with the place. And the sweet vidalia steak sauce is really good!

Now, next door, I also got a sandwich at the deli and that wasn't nearly so magical. Inside, I didn't wait long even though they were only taking one person at a time at the counter but the woman who took my order was a bit rude and ushered me out the door to wait with the masses and sweat bees for my order to be ready. I guess I hadn't really thought ahead to how the process would work! I found a bench away from the crowd to the side and waited for my number to be called, which it was in due course, then I took it to the other side of the building where there weren't as many people. (Still plenty of sweat bees, however.) And the chicken salad just wasn't...

Once a lunch spot staple in Sautee, the new pre-made deli menu at the Old Sautee Store Market is a major disappointment for area regulars and visitors. Formerly, patrons enjoyed farmer’s cheese, quality Boar’s Head meats on made-to-order, customized sandwiches on a variety of breads baked fresh daily, soups and creative grilled daily sandwich specials. All of that has been eliminated and now replaced with “stock” sandwiches pre-made every morning on white bread, wrapped in Saran Wrap, sitting all day and handed to customers without any customization options. The pre-made options are few—bologna, turkey, chicken salad and pimento cheese. Kids can “enjoy” packaged Uncrustable “sandwiches”. The changes are shocking and we have heard from many that they had the same reaction as us—viewed the new menu and turned around and walked out.

We were regulars at this deli for 12 years and unfortunately feel the changes are so poorly incorporated that we won’t be venturing there as a family or with friends any longer—an end of an era. We hope after a few months, the Old Sautee Market re-analyzes and maybe makes a change. We'd certainly head back, if so. It was such a unique and fun place to eat lunch as a family or with friends.

For those visiting Sautee Thursday-Saturday, head across the street to Sheilah’s Market and Deli where delicious homemade sandwiches on artisan breads, homemade sides such as potato salad, pasta salad, broccoli salad, a large variety of homemade desserts and soups have won her accolades locally and state-wide as she was recently named a hot spot for lunch in a state-wide publication. Trust me, her food...

We found a true gem! A local told us to check it out and I am so grateful we took her advice. We almost missed it and let me tell you, this is a MUST SEE!!! It is the oldest store in GA!

Built in the 1800’s with its original storefront (signs and all). Walk inside and continue your step back in time with antique cash register, pharmacy bar, crank telephone, etc. The ambiance is sure to delight your spirit. They even have nostalgic penny candy and it brought me back to my childhood.

If Bill is there, he’s likely telling old stories, entertaining shoppers as he pours them tastes of various ciders. My two favorites were the Muscadine and the black cherry. YUM!!! My mom loved the peach.

Back in the day, the original owners sold the place to a couple from Norway so the middle of the store has an entire section of Scandinavian delicacies.

The entire staff was as delightful as the rest of the store. If Linda is there, say hello and tell her how beautiful she is. She is the sweetest soul!

To sum it up, I will forever hold a special place in my heart from my visit to this treasure. Hope you...