The Country Store in Petersham, a Timeless New England Landmark
Since 1843, Makes a Comeback
Petersham Country Store.
by Eric J. Hurwitz. Article updated on Dec. 31, 2016.
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The Country Store in Petersham in Petersham, Mass., might not
be one of those country stores offering everything under the sun, but
it does radiate an authenticity and welcoming nature that few other
stores of this kind can match.
The location certainly helps -- right across from one of New England's
most beautiful Massachusetts
town greens -- but this north central Massachusetts country store
stands quite nicely on its own with a grocery store featuring foods
mostly made or sourced locally, baked goods and frozen treats, a
restaurant, Vermont cheese and a modest selection of nice gifts.
Discovering this local treasure with the exterior Greek Revival
architecture and interior classic country store appearance surely
satiates the quest for a classic New England county store travel
experience, but what makes it even more heartwarming is what happened
the past few years. After serving the community since 1843, the
Petersham Country Store sadly closed in 2012. A strong community
resolve, however, stopped this landmark from becoming a faded memory as
the East Quabbin Landtrust purchased the building in 2013 and reopened
it in 2014 under the management of Ari and Jeanneane Pugliese.
The Country Store in Petersham
has come back to life mightily with a steady customer base, a clear
pride of ownership and an innate spirit that not only originates from
its storied history but through a community that holds tradition and
local businesses in the highest regard.
It's not just another cute country store, however, with wood floors,
tin tiles and antiques strategically placed for ambiance. Management
clearly know that just getting by on the past is well, a thing of the
past, and thus, has also committed itself to 21st century preferences.
They know that lunch meats with no nitrates, healthy-looking local
produce and gluten free sandwiches will please the health conscious
crowds while baked hoods, frozen treats, huge burritos and homemade
pizza attract comfort food fans.
While customers come and go at a leisurely pace to shop for groceries,
other wisely prefer to further delay leaving this charming spot by
dining in one of the two cozy dining rooms towards the back. It's the
perfect place for conversation or reading the paper over a cup of
coffee or to dine on a hearty sandwich like this delicious ham panini
with just about everything locally sourced...
The staff is super helpful, and shows a certain humbleness with a heavy
dose of authentic gratitude that is rare in today's "me first" world.
Even by country store standards -- where ownership tend to generally
focus more on the customer -- The Country Store at Petersham seems even
that more welcoming.
So, welcome back to the other "anchor" of the Petersham central
district where the return of a revered country store goes hand-in-hand
with the stunningly scenic town common. Sunny days are here again in
downtown Petersham!
Petersham Town Common with the Country Store right behind it.
The Country Store in Petersham is located at 2 North Main St. in
Petersham MA. Tel. (978) 724-2000
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