Maine is a wonderful place for quintessential general stores. From penny candy to homemade whoopie pies, these small community shops are the first place a traveler should visit when in search of a town’s true flavor. This general store in Saco is off the beaten path, but once you find it you’ll wonder how you missed it!
The Way Way Store in Saco opened in the 1920s and was owned and operated by the Cousens family.
Way Way Store / Facebook
The store was constructed out of handmade concrete blocks, which later earned the building a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Way Way Store / Facebook With its gas station, clothing, bathrooms (then they were outhouses!), and food, the Way Way Store was an essential stop for travelers throughout the 1940s.
For more than 100 years, this building has been sitting a bit out of the way, at the side of Buxton Road.
Way Way Store / Facebook
In fact, it got its name from being “way way” out there. Although, today it’s just a few minutes from Main Street.
Way Way Store / Facebook
The store is family oriented and was owned by the Cousens family until it closed in 2003.
Way Way Store / Facebook
In 2011, the store was reopened by a retired historian and schoolteacher — Peter Scontras and his wife Bridget.
Way Way Store / Facebook
Today they sell the same penny candy that has made the store so popular throughout the years.
Way Way Store / Facebook
And there’s a great selection of local Maine products.
jakesmum1988 / TripAdvisor
You’ll also find homemade baked goods.
Way Way Store / Facebook
And if you love fresh produce, be sure to come in the summer!
waywaystore.com
There’s a wide array of produce to take home.
Way Way Store / Facebook
The summer is also a great time to grab some Gifford’s ice cream and sit outside.
jakesmum1988 / TripAdvisor
The Way Way Store is truly a gem, beloved by locals who remember it from their younger days.
Way Way Store / Facebook
You can’t miss the store while driving down Buxton Road. You’ll know it by the unique exterior!
Way Way Store / Facebook
The Way Way Store can be found at 93 Buxton Rd., Saco, Maine. You can call them on 207-286-6990. The store is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and, in the summer they’re open EVERY DAY from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! Check them out online here. Or visit them on Facebook. And while you’re in the area, consider visiting Horton Woods which is just down the road from The Way Way Store. Click here to learn more about it, including how to get there and which trails to take.
Way Way Store / Facebook
With its gas station, clothing, bathrooms (then they were outhouses!), and food, the Way Way Store was an essential stop for travelers throughout the 1940s.
jakesmum1988 / TripAdvisor
waywaystore.com
If you’re on the hunt for more small-town Maine general stores be sure to include these 7 options on your list!
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