thompson’s store

Location

24 East Main Street, Saluda, NC, 28773

Phone Number

828) 769-9051

website

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056730954702

social media

Sign on a store window advertising a historic store that sells meats, groceries, beer, wine, produce, and deli items, established in 1890.

Thompson’s store - Visitor FAQs

What is Thompson’s Store?
Thompson’s Store is a historic Main Street landmark and the oldest continuously operating grocery store in North Carolina. Open since 1890, it’s a must-visit stop for anyone exploring downtown Saluda.

Why should visitors stop at Thompson’s Store?
Thompson’s offers an authentic small-town experience, combining local history with practical and specialty shopping. It’s a great place to grab snacks, picnic supplies, local goods, or souvenirs while soaking in Saluda’s charm.

What kinds of items can visitors find here?
You’ll find fresh produce, specialty foods, a full-service meat market, deli items, wine and craft beer, and a selection of locally made products and Saluda-themed merchandise.

Is Thompson’s Store a good stop while exploring downtown?
Yes. Located right on Main Street, Thompson’s is easily walkable from shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions, making it a convenient stop during a day in Saluda.

Can I pick up food for a day trip or hike?
Definitely. Thompson’s is a popular stop for visitors heading out to hike, picnic, or explore the surrounding area, with plenty of grab-and-go and grocery options.

Is there somewhere to eat nearby?
Yes. Ward’s Grill, a classic diner located next door, serves comfort food and pairs perfectly with a visit to Thompson’s Store.

Is Thompson’s Store family-friendly?
Absolutely. Thompson’s welcomes visitors of all ages and is a relaxed, friendly stop for families, couples, and solo travelers.

What makes Thompson’s Store special?
Beyond its products, Thompson’s is a living piece of Saluda’s history—a place where locals and visitors alike come together, making it an essential part of the downtown experience.

The exterior of Thompson's Store & Ward's Grocery on a sunny day, with a red awning and signs indicating it has been in operation since 1890 and is the oldest grocery in North Carolina. The building is brick with windows and greenery from nearby tree
Interior of a grocery or general store with wooden floors, shelves filled with canned goods, snacks, and other products, a red shopping cart, ceiling fans, hanging lights, and framed photos on the wall.
Interior of a store or market with a wooden table displaying various bottles of wine, canned goods, and snacks. Hanging lights and a red wall with signs, including one that says "Let the Good Times Roll" and another partially visible sign that says "
Interior view of a grocery or convenience store with shelves of food items, a display of canned goods, and a red shelf with baskets of baked goods. There are pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and a large decorative sign on the wall with a quote
Storefront with black brick exterior, red awning, hanging sign with 'Thompsons', and a wooden bench outside.
Front facade of Thompson's Store & Wards, a historic grocery store established in 1890 in North Carolina, with a red awning, a bench, and surrounding storefront signs.
A brick building with a Coca-Cola sign and a red awning. The building has white-framed windows and a sign for Thompson's Store, which offers a butcher shop, deli, and grill. A bare tree and a utility pole with wires are also visible against a clear b
Shelves filled with jars of jam and preserves, including blackberry jam, blueberry jam, raspberry jam, and triple berry jam, with jars labeled and some topped with metal lids, in a store or market setting.
Interior of a grocery or retail store with shelves of products, Christmas-themed displays, a red shopping cart, and ceiling fans and lighting.
Storefront window with red and white sign that reads "Historic Thompson's Meat Groceries" established 1890, with a listing of products including beer, wine, produce, and deli. Outside reflections visible.
The image shows a brick building with a red and white awning. The sign on the building reads 'Thompson's Store & Ward's Grill.' There are several windows above the storefront, and a street lamp is in the center foreground. Two trees flank the buildin
Glass refrigerated display case with cuts of raw red meat, including steaks and roasts, on white styrofoam trays in a grocery store or butcher shop.
Interior view of a store with shelves of bottled wine, canned drinks, and other grocery items, featuring signs for a meat market and frozen foods. The ceiling has green hanging lights, and the floor is wooden.
Various bottles of wine displayed on a wooden shelf, including red and white wine bottles with different labels and caps.
Inside a grocery store or deli with a glass display case full of meats and cheeses, overhead lighting, and a red wall in the background.
A colorful sign promoting Saluda, North Carolina. It features a train illustration and mentions the town's historic significance, including its steep railroad grade and status as a national register of historic places.
The storefront of Thompson's Store & W in North Carolina, established in 1890, featuring a red and white striped awning, brick facade, and windows. The entrance is open, with signs advertising groceries, meats, and other products. There is a sidewalk
A storefront window for Thompson's, a grocery store established in 1890, displaying signs for groceries, meats, beer, wine, produce, and deli. There are also vending machines in front of the window offering free items.