Marilla Country Store — Local services in Town of Marilla

Marilla: Not a family name. Definitely a state of mind.

Let me be clear: I had never heard of Marilla, NY before stumbling across this absolute treasure. I thought "Marilla" was someone's great-aunt who made potato salad and wore sensible shoes. Turns out, it's an actual town, smack dab in the middle of no-damn-where--and completely worth the trip.

Walking into Marilla Country Store feels like stepping onto the set of The Andy Griffith Show. I halfway expected Aunt Bea to offer me a slice of pie and for Opie to come whistling past with a fishing pole. This place has been around for 170 years (yes, one-seven-zero), and it oozes homespun charm from every square inch.

The front room is your classic general store--full of candies, curiosities, and items you didn't know you needed until you're standing there thinking, "Well shoot, I do need a hand-stitched potholder shaped like a chicken." Venture deeper and you'll find a boutique full of modern clothes (no shade to Helen Crump, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't rockin' Judy Blue jeans), plus beautiful Amish-made furniture and a cozy little museum tucked into the back. Every visit, I make a beeline for the exhibits like it's my first time--because it's that charming.

Staff-wise, I haven't needed much help beyond checking out, but they've always been warm and friendly.

Whether you're looking for gifts, home goods, old-school candy, or just a dose of nostalgia with a side of "oh wow, I didn't know I needed that," Marilla Country Store is absolutely worth the trip. Even if the only thing you leave with is a smile and the scent of wood floors and...

How am I the first to review this absolute treasure in WNY? I've lived in Marilla for 42 years, and I have known the Marilla Country Store since it was the Marilla GENERAL store. Locals will still refer to it as the General, but it is much changed since my childhood.

After purchase many years ago, the store changed from a dry goods and grocers into a sort of wonderland of Americana and knick knacks. This is not a bad thing, as it has allowed the family running it to expand and brighten the store.

There is a local museum upstairs, an expansive candy selection with local favorites, an unbeatable selection of pickled items, a great freezer section, deli counter, ice cream shop, sandwich shop, and many locally made treats all around. My favorite part of the whole glorious package, however, is the perfectly stocked, clean and neat bulk food section near the back of the store. The prices are INCREDIBLE, which means a lot to the locals.

I'm no writer, so I'll end my little review here. I'd give 6 stars out of 5 if I could. Go there, you will not be disappointed.

EDIT: Since I last posted this years ago, things have only gotten better. All the old favorites are still there, with expanded selection in the bulk and candy sections, as well as tons of new and exciting canned goods like pickles, sauces, and meal kits. The largely expanded hard goods selection includes vintage items, rustic and modern, a little bit of everything. Still every bit as much of a gem as it has ever been, still very much...

This store is so cool and different. It has very unique items and something for everyone in the family. There are several sections, including an old time candy store. There’s an area for toys and small trinkets for kids. Some nice Amish made furniture is displayed as well as some jewelry. Pottery, candles, baby clothes, essential oils, decor, and weighted stuffed animals are in the second floor. When you think you’ve seen the whole store, you find additional rooms to explore. You can even pick up a cold drink and some frozen foods also. And yes, they take credit cards.

Some of the items are hand made and pricey but there are plenty of lower cost items items if your on a budget.

I’ve been to the store a few times because we have friends that moved to the area, but I highly recommend it as a tourist stop. The store is well worth the drive. There’s a walking trail and park down the road (creation park and trail), so you can make a half-day or full day of it. Beautiful drive and you’ll see a lot of farmland and old...